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3
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By Glen Waddington
First Drives
03 July 2009 09:21
Okay, so it’s a bit niche, but combining the lower-powered 3-series diesel with the ES trim pack and auto transmission makes for a brisk yet restful saloon. Could it be the perfect choice for motorway-bound user-choosers?
No, this is certainly no 335i on the cheap. But look at what you do get under the bonnet. With 141bhp and an impressive 221lb ft, the baby Three is hardly lacking in oomph.
And it mostly feels that way too. Just like its 175bhp big brother 320d, this engine is a bit thrummy under acceleration but it delivers its power in an even flow, only gradually tailing off from that initial low-rev turbo punch. Yes, the 320d is noticeably quicker, but the 318d never feels underpowered.
The six-speed auto compliments the turbodiesel surprisingly well. Leave it to its own devices and it’ll maintain progress with decorum, changing up smoothly before you’ve had chance to register much racket from under the bonnet. Flick it across to 'Sport' and it will hold onto revs and kickdown exactly when you want it to. It’s just as responsive if you bat the stick for manual changes. Just don’t go searching for paddleshifters.
>> Click 'Next' below to read more of our BMW 318d first drive
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BMW 318d (2009) CAR review
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ronwhite says
RE: BMW 318d 4dr (2009) CAR review
Apart from the prestige of the badge, what makes this better than, say, a Honda Accord auto diesel? Performance looks similar, and neither is noted for the finesse of its steering. And, visually, I find the Accord more appealing than the BMW. Plus it doesn't have Wallmart upholstery. BMW makes some fine cars, but I feel that the lower down the BMW hierarchy, the less justification there is for opting for a prestige badge at the expense of a better choice elsewhere.
31 July 2009 17:53
Basically, without the BMW badge, would this really hack it over many another very competent diesel saloon? I can't help but feel that, as in other areas, BMW are simply trading on brand allure and charging a premium for it.
08 July 2009 14:11
JohnnyBimmer says
This would be a fine if slightly underpowered BMW 3 were it not for Bangles tragic surface influence inside aand out on this quality saloon. Apart from the new bonnet louvres, badge and kidney grill the rest is just a bloody mess with a mentally destabilising rear end that looks like a 5 year old Mitsubishi Charisma or 'lost in Asia' saloon. Bungles cheap, crass influence cannot slink away down a drain quick enough. 5/10
08 July 2009 02:08
kkirkou says
The interior is so much more classy and unfussed without the demon that is the iDrive. And the steering is not just numb, it is dissapointing so for a sporting saloon with rear wheel drive and a claimed 50:50 wheight distribution. I guess the blame is to the energy saving run flats and the electro assistance for the steering. I hope BMW will improve on this aspect on their future models.
07 July 2009 08:16
Archibold says
Nice car, but the textiles are horrible, reminds me of Wallmart socks or perhaps an'80s Fosters suit surely at this price they could upholster it in somethnig a bit more uplifting.
06 July 2009 09:46
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