The Drive

If you’ve got a BMW in the garage and you don’t give it a bit of a boot every now and then, you’re missing the point. And you’ll have BMW chassis engineers weeping into their schnäpse if they hear about it.

You have to go all the way back to 1957 and the Isetta to find a BMW that is not a driver’s car. A BMW is to be driven; to be pointed at a mountain road and hustled enthusiastically through the curves. To drive it is to appreciate one of the finer road machines.

This is the 320d.

Forget any prejudices or pre-conceived notions you may have about diesel-engined cars, because, as we mentioned earlier, the diesel in this one is a cracker.

And while it makes the typical diesel clatter outside (“it sounds like a tractor”, a neighbour called out), from behind the wheel you can barely discern it.

Importantly, putting 130 kW @ 4000rpm and 350 Nm of torque @ 1750rpm under the toe, it pulls like a train.

That torque figure gives it, as BMW asserts, “the most torque of any four-cylinder 3 Series model, and second only to the twin-turbo petrol 335i model in the entire 3 Series family”.

It is also happy to rev, and, combined with the standard fit tip-tronic style six-speed automatic transmission (no steering wheel paddles though), can knock out surprisingly quick point-to-point times.

We didn’t put it under the stop watch, but BMW claims a 0-100kmh dash in 8.2 seconds. That would accord with our gut feel; the 320d is no slouch. More importantly, when on the move, it goes like a shower in that critical overtaking band from 80-140kmh.

Point it at a winding road, and you will have great fun exploring the performance of that willing diesel and the innate chassis balance below.

Few cars provide the balance, the accuracy at the wheel or the razor-edge turn-in of the sporting BMWs. The 320d is simply a thoroughly sorted drive with confidence-inspiring grip and predictability.

There is little that the road surface can throw up that can unsettle this chassis, even when extending things at the upper-end of the car’s performance.

Some perhaps will find things below too well-connected. You feel rougher secondary roads and bridge joins through the wheel and backside. But, don’t be deterred, it’s not harsh nor jarring, it’s just a price you pay for being in touch with the road and what’s happening at the wheels.

The rule here is this: don’t buy a sporting BMW if your preference leans to the isolated ‘magic carpet ride’ of a US-style limo.

The run-flat tyres have copped some criticism in the past, but those fitted to the 320d are simply transparent. Few would pick them, it’s as simple as that.

Lastly, being a diesel, BMW’s 320d returns a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of just 6.0 l/100km. Even when under the whip, fuel consumption barely varies, such are the characteristics and efficiencies of a modern diesel.

The Verdict

So that’s our take on things. There is little not to like about the 320d, especially for drivers who enjoy the experience at the wheel. If that’s you, put the 320d on your list.

Now we know there are some things about buying a BMW that will irritate. Your chances of getting the model you want straight off the showroom floor can be slim. You’ll more likely have a wait of a month or two, or more.

Caring for it correctly is not inexpensive, neither are parts. We’re talking a premium car here, and ownership comes at a premium.

But, at the risk of sounding a little wet, the 320d is simply a super car and a joy to drive. Importantly, thanks to that smooth free-revving diesel (never thought I’d say those words), it balances performance with frugality at the pump – something to please both the keen driver and the conscience.

Lastly, if you’re spending a lot of money on a car, it’s important it looks like you’re spending a lot of money. The 320d cuts the mustard here; it reeks of style both inside and out.

This Beemer has lost nothing for being a diesel. If anything, a brilliant car has been made the better for it.

Tim Likes:

• Smooth, torquey diesel engine
• Marvelous chassis and on-road balance
• Surprisingly swift (a joy to drive)
• Style and interior refinement
• Genuine good-value premium package

Tim Dislikes:

• Wood trim is ok, metal is better
• Diesel clatter from outside the car
• Would love a manual option
• Seat squab needs firmer padding (for my liking)