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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jan 2005
    Location
    Derby, England
    Posts
    2,192

    Finally, a real car.

    Replacing the Corsa, here's our latest acquisition. It's a late 2003 BMW 320i Sport (E46, manual).

    Firstly, the obligatory:

    Is it practical?

    Yes. It's a 4-door saloon with good space all round for the size of the car. The only slight downside is that the rear seats don't fold, so bulky items won't fit...but my C4's like a van anyway.

    Is it economical?

    No. Urban consumption is circa 25 MPG (UK), on mixed journeys you might nudge 30 but driven as it wants to be driven you'll get 20 MPG.

    Is it fun to drive?

    I wouldn't put-up with the fuel economy if it wasn't. Underneath the saloon body, the car's like a traditional sports car with the inline 6 engine, manual 'box and rear wheel drive.

    If you blindfolded someone as they entered the car, and didn't permit them to look behind when moving, they may not know they were driving something with rear seats.

    Will it break down all the time?

    Hopefully not, although I'm not under any illusions and German cars in reality aren't any more reliable than any other.

    Is it easy to park?

    It's average, although rear parking sensors are a big bonus. I just need to replace one of the sensors to get them working!

    What if I go to a Shopping Centre and get chased by baddies in a Corvette?

    In that case, I hope you've left an assault rifle on the rear seats!

    Is it green?

    Compared to other six-cylinder petrols of the same age, yes. Compared to no diesels? don't be silly.

    Can I afford it?

    Probably. Used prices are now at levels that make them affordable for the majority. There's a 3'er for almost everyone, too.

    What If I'm asked to take part in a beach assault with the Royal Marines?

    Leave the car on the landing craft.

    It's Metallic Mystic Blue with a black alcantara interior. It's in great condition with low mileage and I'm loving it so far, although there are a couple of things that need addressing, namely the airbag light is on and there's a fault with the rear parking sensors. Some TLC should bring this car to near perfect, and we got it cheap compared to some of the others we saw.

    The engine is an absolute delight. Yes, it's not the fastest with 0-60 in circa 8 seconds and 140mph flat out, but it's how a car feels, not numbers, that make you want to take the long route home after a busy day at work.

    The steering feel is excellent and certainly amongst the best out of any car I've sampled and the RWD drivetrain gives the car great balance and poise. It wants to be driven, but not over potholes - the sports suspension and 18" wheels with low profile tyres mean that big bumps can jolt the car around.

    That's not to say it doesn't cruise well, a comfortable motorway companion. The engine is very smooth and refined and the seats are supportive, with good adjustability and extending thigh supports. Front and rear armrests are a nice bonus, whilst cruise control and a generous space to rest your left foot help.

    The only fly in the ointment is that the stereo shows the car's age. - It packs a tape deck, with a 6 CD autochanger in the boot. I will be replacing this with a similar head unit to what I have in the C4, giving full iPod functionality.

    Overall though, a bargain for not a lot of money. You could spend multiples of the cost of this car and get a lot worse.
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    Last edited by Clivey; 02-25-2012 at 12:07 PM.
    "This is hardcore." - Evo's John Barker on the TVR Tuscan S

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