Motoring
Efficient Dynamics – the BMW 320 ed. by Ian Beasant, Business First motoring correspondent
The 3 series BMW is no stranger to our roads, whether as saloon, estate or coupe. There are actually more BMW3 series on our roads than Ford Mondeoʼs – hard to believe, but true.
In the last five or so years the body on the BMW3 series has changed little ‑ just a few subtle touches here and there, and it still is a good looking car. The badges' pulling power has the same affect as an open pot of honey for bees. Driving a BMW still holds a big appeal for a lot of people The 2010 BMW3 Series has in it's line‑up an efficient dynamic (ed) model or model which boasts 160hp from its 1997cc turbo diesel engine; a 0‑60 time of 8.2 seconds; a top speed of 137 MPH; average combined fuel consumption of shade below 70 miles per gallon; sports suspension as standard; stop and go economy system as standard and even CO2 emissions 109 g/km, delivering a road tax bill of only £35.00. So far, so good.
BMW identified that a lot of their cars are used by fleet companies and this new 320ed fits perfectly into the type of car in which the fleet companies and drivers are interested.
The only thing I really noticed from the outside was that the car sat quite low due to the sports suspension. This actually makes the car more economical as it sits closer to the road and is more aerodynamic. The funny thing I noticed was that the car was on 15‑inch alloy rims and a reasonably high tyre profile. This, I was told, made the rolling resistance of the car easier and again added to increased fuel efficiency. Inside the BMW is more or less exactly the same as any 3 Series I have driven. A well put together cabin but one that, in my opinion, could be helped if it was updated a bit. The seats are great and the driving position leaves you in no doubt that you are in behind the wheel of a drivers car. The steering is perfectly weighted and precision sharp and the sports suspension works extremely well. The only thing that did cause me a little concern when driving was that, although the tyres offered a silk rolling resistance, I was not convinced of the ability in wet conditions. Saying that I am sure you can have a choice of wheels and tyres from BMW. The 1997cc turbo engine, which is connected to a six‑speed gear box, has seen BMW de‑tune it by about 20 BHP again to get maximum fuel efficiency. It still is no slouch and to me felt more smooth than the normal
www.businessfirstonline.co.uk 68 BMW diesel engines I have driven in the past.
The gearbox also has had a little work done to it. The sixth gear is a very high ratio, which keeps the revs down and the speed up. I noticed on the motorway at about the 70mph the car is very quiet and for anybody doing a lot of miles,which is really where BMW have pitched this car, it is more or less perfect.
The rest of the car is a BMW3 series that handles and steers with aplomb. The sports suspension may be a little low for some drivers, but I found it really gave the car a good feel. The engine is probably the best on the market and the only time you notice it is if you push it really hard –and with the superb torque band there is no need to do this as this car will pull from 30mph in sixth gear quite happily.
The BMW3 series is certainly a quality car built using quality material and clever engineering solutions. The 3 series has been the benchmark saloon for quite a while now. It may be getting a little long in the tooth, but it still tops my list.
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