Faults:

I had a warning light on the dashboard, which after some research, looked like a traction control issue. It was raining heavily at the time. The fault disappeared and hasn't been back since, leading me to think that it may have been a damp sensor.

General Comments:

Quick and smooth engine mated to a good gear change and sublime chassis. The car handles like a smaller hot hatch. There's loads of grip, but when the back end steps out on wet roundabouts, it's so easy to get back. It's fun without being scary for drivers who are not professional racers!

The ride isn't great (coming from a Honda Accord exec) but it's the mSport version with hard suspension and run flats. Saying that, it's not as bad as some people make out.

Seats are superb, with plenty of support and adjustment options.

I love some of the features like the door handles lighting up, button press folding mirrors, near side mirror automatically points to the curb when in reverse, and overall, the interior quality is just better than the alternatives from Japan and France.

Things I don't like: The radio isn't great for a prestige car, the sound is average at best. The computer is not the most intuitive. I can reset the average MPG from the stalk, but I'm yet to discover how to reset the trip computer!

Overall, I love this car. It's the RWD handling, smooth engine, and sporty feel. I couldn't go back to an executive type car unless I had the money for a toy as well as.

Faults:

Turbo fault.

Pistons replaced.

New head.

General Comments:

Faulty Turbo 320d.

I have been driving BMWs for 20 years, and never again. BMW UK know that there is a fault with the Turbos on 2005 - 2010 models.

My 320d 2006 96k miles had full service history with a BMW dealer. Six weeks after its last service, the turbo failed, resulting in lost power. I took the car to BMW to be told it was the turbo (cost £1560). After fitting the new turbo, the car then blew two pistons in the garage, resulting in a final bill of £3300. No help from BMW UK. I was told I should have taken an extended warranty.

Faults:

Remote locking failed due to faulty seal on receiver letting in water. New clutch and flywheel due to distorted flywheel. (both faults known to BMW and fixed under warranty.)

New driver door latch (rattles) New throttle pedal assembly (rattles)

General Comments:

Build quality is inferior to the previous E46 320d Touring.

No water temperature gauge.

Plastics are hard and feel cheap.

No storage for rear seat passengers (seat nets/door pockets)

Run flat tyres expensive to replace, cannot be repaired and make for a hard ride. No spare or jack supplied.

Radio/CD, poor sound quality.

Poor quality leather seats/trim.

Silly cheap cover over brake fluid reservoir.

Cruise control stalk too close to indicator stalk.

Don, t forget that with metallic paint, panoramic sunroof, xenon lights and leather this car cost over £30,000 new. Not good enough BMW.