E90 330d SE Auto

The best car in its class by far

So you've seen a few negative reviews on this site, but don't let them fool you completely. I respect their opinions but I do not share them.

So the 330d is just so much fun to drive. Lots and lots of power - (6.5s 0-62 in the auto) and the mid range is even faster so overtaking is almost funnily fast. Lots of brakes too, so even if you over cook it, you know you have the power to stop. And the ABS is not too agressive and if the car senses you are doing an emergency stop, then it will help you by providing full braking power automatically.

Ride comfort in the SE is reasonably good with the runflats but much better if you replace them with normal tyres as I have done. I just carry a tyre weld kit and a good pump in case of a tyre problem.
Space in the BMW is good, 2 six foot guys can easily sit behind eachother and there will still be legroom to spare. Of course if you are very overweight you may want to have a bigger car but its roomier than most of its rivals - only the Passat and Mondeo beat it for space but they are significantly bigger cars on the outside and they don't drive as well especially the Passat. The boot is large enough but access can be a little awkward. And I would say is an area for improvement in the next generation.

My car is nearly 5 years old and is very reliable. Yes a few things were done under warranty but the car has always been very dependable and I would be genuinely shocked if it ever broke down. Servicing is cheap and very infrequent. Repairs are not so cheap but as there are not many things that will go wrong, over a longer period this is acceptable. Specialists are cheaper than dealers but may not give you the true BMW service experience. Spend the difference on a weekend away instead !

Overall, even though I regularly drive quite a few other cars, without a doubt a real star of a car. Yes - it doesn't have light steering (BMW's don't because they want you to know what the steering is doing) and the runflats are not the best feature (but they can be replaced) but it doesn't get amazing reviews from the motoring press for nothing. Oh and if you want the feeling of power, then you will need to buy a 320d manual upwards. The 320i is a bit underpowered as you might expect (although still actually faster than its competitors). If you can stretch to it, but a six cylinder and experience one of the best engines that BMW make or is available anywhere.

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