2010 BMW 3 Series 320d 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Brilliant and amazing!!!

Faults:

Nothing really, just normal wear and tear stuff. But I had to replace a light control module, which I basically broke with DIY sound fitment removal.

General Comments:

Absolutely amazing car, the reliability and performance is almost bullet proof. I do about 5000km+ every month and the car just keeps begging for more. Long trip are a joy with 4.7 litres per 100km; better than my previous car, which was a 1.3 liter Toyota Yaris, which I found most shocking.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th August, 2015

5th Jun 2016, 13:42

Brilliant review. I'm also in SA, I have always wanted a 320d and I finally got mine 3 weeks ago. 2010 M Sport 6 speed manual, full house, with 17 inch runflats and full HID kit. Ride quality is good given the sports suspension compared to my other sedan car, but the performance on the diesel is something else. BMW got the diesels right all in one (power, handling, and economy and looks).

I'll tell you this much, this one is decat, running a 76mm performance pipe, and gives out the sweetest sound I've heard from a turbo. She pulls like a train, very quick car, revs easily up to 5000 RPM and before you know it you have to worry about the speed traps. Fuel economy is even lighter, even when driven hard.

In reply to 5th Jun 2016, 13:42

31st Aug 2022, 15:29

They are good cars, even petrol models are OK on fuel, and performance is also fine.

2003 BMW 3 Series E46 Touring 325i

Summary:

Only buy this car if you are willing to spend a lot

Faults:

Gearbox had to be replaced.

Alternator had to be replaced.

Rear bulb had to be replaced.

Knock on the spark plug.

Water system had to be replaced, because the car was overheating. Replaced the radiator as well, plus pump, clutch fan, thermostat.

Petrol pump replaced 2 times already.

The clutch fan blade lost control due to the dying water pump. Then the blade hit the radiator, water container and lot of things in the bonnet, including the bonnet itself. It has a crack on top, so I must replace it as well.

General Comments:

It's a nice and comfortable car, but the Steptronic gearbox is nonsense in these cars. I've been fixing it until I realized I'm wasting a lot of money. My mechanic decided we should convert it to manual. Limp safe mode on the Steptronic has been pain. Now better since I have the 6 speed manual.

I've only put 40k km on the car, but I've spent heavily, with 2 years of ownership already. I hope everything will be back to normal. Every time I begin to enjoy it, I experience some fault. Now that I've invested in this car, let me see the next coming 2 years.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 2nd October, 2013

2003 BMW 3 Series Individual 330i

Summary:

Great all-rounder

Faults:

The FSU of the aircon went at +- 140 000. This is a common fault, and was very cheap to repair.

General Comments:

Amazing motorway cruiser.

Great driving position.

Great noise. Had it for 3 years now, and still love driving at night (or whenever it's quiet) with the windows down and the radio off.

Linear power delivery with great chassis. Great everyday torque as I usually pull off in 2nd, unless on a hill or having fun.

Great fun to drive with exceptional steering feel.

Surprisingly frugal when not stuck in traffic.

Great build quality.

Suspension bit firm at times - I love it, but passengers have commented.

Gearbox slightly sticky going into 5th when cold - maybe mine's just wearing. 3rd also slightly vague sometimes.

Definitely a car for driving fans, not people that just want to 'get there'.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th June, 2012

21st Jan 2014, 04:03

Steptronic can give problems anytime from 100 000 km.

2003 BMW 3 Series 320D 2.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Fairly reliable and economical car

Faults:

Intermittent indicator failure at 110,000km.

Front and rear brakes and rotors replaced at 120,000km. According to the dealer service history, the rotors only last 60,000km.

Leather seats wear too quickly, even with meticulous care.

General Comments:

Strange noise coming from the differential when driving the car hard, especially when changing to 2nd gear.

Great handling, and it stops as well as it goes.

Interior cabin is functional, and all buttons and levers work.

Economy is average when driven in traffic - approximately 7.8 litres per 100km, except when driving hard, then 9 litres per 100km. Long distance driving using the cruise control is exceptional - 3 to 4 litres per 100km, and easily does over 1200km per tank.

Seats uncomfortable for a tall person, especially on a long journey.

Rear leg room non-existent, except for small children.

The boot is very small, and to make matters worse, the back seats do not fold down.

Overall, a good car, which could do with more interior space.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 21st December, 2011

17th Nov 2012, 13:24

I am the reviewer of this car. It is now on 135000km and going well. Oil filter housing 'exploded' upon oil service! Replaced oil housing (which included a new BMW OEM oil filter). BMW dealer agreed that the E46 models have a weak housing due to cost cutting measures after the E36 models (which have an aluminium housing). The E46 diesels have a PLASTIC oil housing, which does not last, especially in the hot Africa sun! The car is otherwise very frugal, and requires little maintenance, albeit expensive.

19th Nov 2013, 02:17

The car has failed! Turbo blew at 148,500 km and luckily no engine damage. This in spite of an oil service every 10,000 km (engine has no oil after 12,000 km) and the BMW 15,000 km service is simply a joke. Upon further inspection, this vehicle already had its turbo replaced once before (NOT indicated on BMW service history!). Waiting for the next expensive part to break on the car. Will probably trade it in for something Japanese...