Test drove a BMW today...

[SeanyK]

...And im not a fan :(

Been a while folks, i've been back and forth with lots of different cars (Ibiza Cupra's, MK5 GTI, Ford Focus Y Reg(!), Mk4 Golf GTI (hated it) & finally now, the Seat Leon FSI (2L non turbo).

Anyway, im bored again, and decided to look, ashamingly so, for the badge...So test drove an 07 plate 320d it was an M-Sport version, but I just couldn't get on that much with it, don't get me wrong, the engine is silent at speed, and is so refined, but I just felt the car was heavy, and the handling heavy, not to mention I HATED the gearbox, BMW gearboxes to me, seem like stirring porridge, I just don't like them.

So now im starting to look at the MK6 Golf, something like a 2L TDI 140 or 1.4 TSI, I can't quite justify or spend the money for a MK6 GTI

I did glance at Audi's but IMO the Golf looks so much nicer than the A3 when compared in 5 door guises.

So, am I insane for saying that about a BMW? The ultimate driving machine?!

[gti yorks]

I had a mk5 Gti and wanted something else and test drove a BMW 320d auto, yes your right, they are a lot heavier, i looked at it the same way you did,but they are also 2 very different cars. In the end the 320d wasn't for me, so I test drove a 330d m sport auto, WOW, it blew me away and I had to have one. It took me weeks to find the right one, I got a 2007 330d m sport auto, full bmw history, sat nav, idrive, xenons, leather, sun protective glass,  I picked it up last Thursday.

Take a test drive in a 330d m sport, I reckon it will change your mind

[Rocket]

I know what you mean about the heaviness, I'm currently in an e46 320ci M Sport, and its only meant as a stop gap car, it's heavy and not much torque, but the handling is great, very predictable with the back end out! But, I to am looking to get back in to something quick and nimble. If i'd gone for a 330 in the first place, it may have been a different story as they have pace, but I think there's something in me that likes hot hatches too much (Mk5 Golf GT TDI with 190bhp/400lb torque, Clio 197, Megane R26, Mini Cooper S (Supercharged))

[simonp]

I had a passenger ride in an Alpina D3, which is essentially a 320d and it was brilliant. Superb ride and proper quick. If one of these is in budget you should give it a spin, I reckon...

[rich83]

I had a passenger ride in an Alpina D3, which is essentially a 320d and it was brilliant. Superb ride and proper quick. If one of these is in budget you should give it a spin, I reckon...

Was that the twin turbo one?

[MAT ED30]

Been thinking of getting an e46 330d as a cheapish run around but need to test drive a 320d too as I do fancy one

[Beddie]

I had a passenger ride in an Alpina D3, which is essentially a 320d and it was brilliant. Superb ride and proper quick. If one of these is in budget you should give it a spin, I reckon...

I've test drove one of these and loved it, great car! 

[SeanyK]

Budget really is around the 10k mark, I think the 330 might just be out of my league   but I know what you mean, it was a great car, I just felt, well, underwhelmed by it.

My MK5 GTI relationship ended with me despising DSG, it took the pleasure from my driving, I wonder if i'd have had a manual would I still own one now... Who knows...

But a bit like Rocket, I seem to think hatchbacks are for me, as long as they are 5 door, as I just think the BMW and saloon shape cars are too 'big' for me, stupid considering I am in my thirties! But that's probably as i've only ever driven hatchback cars, the Leon is the biggest car I have owned.

[jhtrophy]

I had a passenger ride in an Alpina D3, which is essentially a 320d and it was brilliant. Superb ride and proper quick. If one of these is in budget you should give it a spin, I reckon...

I've test drove one of these and loved it, great car! 

Its pretty much the 123d engine in that I'm told, I like them too

[Saintsteve]

What are BMW like for repair / parts costs?

[rich83]

I had a passenger ride in an Alpina D3, which is essentially a 320d and it was brilliant. Superb ride and proper quick. If one of these is in budget you should give it a spin, I reckon...

I've test drove one of these and loved it, great car!  

Its pretty much the 123d engine in that I'm told, I like them too

If its anything like that 123d engine it will be as dead as the bullfrog that peter griffin stabbed in the back.

[jhtrophy]

Any 4 pot turbo engine is pretty much soulless, but it does a job, it does take a while to get used to it, mainly due to the gearing tbh.

[Mk5 GTian]

I just don't like the styling of modern Bimmers. The last great shape for me was the E46 3 series. Now I've been looking at these today, and 8-9K is all you need for a 04 plate with 50-60K on the clock, FBMWSH! Very tempting! 

[rich83]

I love the E92 coupe.... stunning car (an im not a BWM fan boy)

[MAT ED30]

Would have one tomorrow but it's only a 2 seater in the rear