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BMW 320d SE - Fleet News
01.03.2001 |
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The 320d's balance of handling, roadholding and brakes is so finely judged that it makes for a great driver's car.
State-of-the-art direct injection diesel power for the BMW 3-series has produced one of the best oil burners around in the 320d. It is also a great driver's car, as Paul Clark reports.
With the 2002 CO2-based BIK tax regime expected to pave the way for a resurgence in the popularity of diesel, and new emissions-based Vehicle Excise Duty already with us, you might expect BMW to be at the top of the learning curve with regard to a tax-friendly product. And true to form, it is.
The 320d's 2-litre direct injection turbodiesel develops 136bhp and returns 49.6mpg on the combined cycle, making it one of the most efficient units on the market.
Available in both four-door saloon and five-door Touring estate guises, the 320d starts at £20,570 on the road for the standard saloon, and rises to £22,660 for the 320d SE Touring. Tested here is the 320d SE saloon, at £21,800 on the road.
Fleet appeal
The BMW 3-series' residual values are legendary in fleet circles, and the 320d's appear to uphold the tradition. Retaining £10,225/47% of cost new after three years/60,000 miles, it's ahead of most rivals, including the £25,160 Mercedes-Benz C220 CDi Elegance which retains £11,525/46% according to CAP Monitor.
On total running costs, however, the BMW's 27.6p/mile significantly undercutting the Mercedes' 32.2p/mile over 3years/60,000 miles - a difference of a massive £2760. Service intervals vary according to how the car is driven: BMW's service interval indicator can push the interval to as much as 14,750 miles on average, meaning the 320d requires just four services 60,000 miles.
In economy and CO2 emissions terms, the BMW's 49.6mpg/ 152g/km is among the best in class, and beats the Mercedes' 45.6mpg/164g/km.
Tax position
Because of its low CO2 emissions, which fall below the 165g/km qualifying level for 2002, the 320d attracts a tax bill based on the minimum 18% of the car's P11D value. In practice, for a 40% tax payer that means liability of £1557 in 2002, which compares with £2162 today for the same driver covering between 2500 and 18,000 miles.
By comparison, the Mercedes driver will face a tax bill of £2500 today, reducing to £1800 per annum under the new legislation
Driver appeal
The 320d's balance of handling, roadholding and brakes is so finely judged that it makes for a great driver's car. So strong is the low-down pull - with a healthy 207lb ft of torque produced from just 1750rpm, the 320d is almost as torquey as the 330i petrol model (221lb ft) - that there's no real need to rev the engine hard to extract maximum performance.
Top speed is a creditable 129mph, with 0-60mph covered in just 9.9secs - among the best of our chosen rivals.
BMW has worked hard to eliminate diesel 'clatter', and with heavy underbonnet insulation and engine shrouding plus the benefits of a two-stage cam, which 'softens' the burning process to reduce noise, the result is impressively quiet and smoke-free, even after a cold start.
Comfort and interior
With plenty of rear travel on the front seats, height adjustment as standard and a steering wheel adjustable for rake and reach, the optimum driving position is easily achieved in the 320d. The instruments are clear and everything works in a beautifully measured, precise manner. The plastics used in the facia are all top class, and the impression is one of lasting solidity and good design.
Safety and security
Every 3-series comes with six airbags as standard - driver and passenger, front side and front ITS head bags. Rear side airbags are a £250 option. ABS, front belt pretensioners, five three-point harnesses and comprehensive side-impact protection is also standard. A major dynamic safety boost is provided by anti-slip control and traction control (ASC+T).
To keep it all yours, there's remote central locking with deadlocks and an alarm, while the standard fit radio cassette is integral with the dash.
Equipment and value
Standard equipment on the 320d includes the airbag package detailed above, a rake/reach adjustable steering column, ABS, electric front windows, traction control, an integrated stereo and remote central locking with deadlocks and an alarm.
The SE adds alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning, front foglamps, heated door mirrors, rear parking distance sensor, cruise control, sports multi-function steering wheel, rear electric windows and a self-dipping rear-view mirror - extras worth no less than £3245 more, despite a price increment of just £1230 for the SE over base, meaning there is no contest on value for money - and, ultimately, resale value.
Verdict
The new 3-series has established an enviable lead in the premium upper medium sector, its strengths including rock-solid residual values, low running costs, great driver appeal and unrivalled badge kudos for the price.
The 320d furthers this excellence with a state-of-the-art diesel engine that, quite simply, shows its rivals the way home.
It's the most powerful unit on a bhp per litre basis in its class, and adds superb low-speed pull with a decent turn of outright speed into the bargain.
More importantly, the 320d is one of the most economical cars in the sector with CO2 emissions among the lowest which will hold it in good stead for the new company car tax legislation in 2002 - on balance a superb diesel that also happens to be a great BMW.