BMW 325I M SPORT TOURING AUTO For Sale

LOGIN REGISTER NEWSLETTER Home NEWS REVIEWS PRODUCTS COMPARE CARS VIDEOS BUYING USED CARS NEW CARS MOTORSHOWS COMPETITIONS 6 ISSUES FOR £1 Search Car Reviews: You're in - Car Reviews: Car Group Tests BMW 325i M Sport Touring Just as the 3-Series saloon defines the compact executive sector, the Touring is the archetypal small premium load-lugger. January 2008 That summary is only fair, since the BMW can claim to have launched the whole lifestyle estate market back in 1989. Today’s fourth-generation model may not be the most dynamic or attractive car in the class, but it must be said that M Sport trim with blue paintwork does wonders for its visual appeal.It’s 76mm shorter and 41mm lower than the Merc, which has restricted the amount of space BMW’s packaging experts have been able to create inside. Open the boot, and if the load cover is pulled across, it slides up the D-pillars automatically. However, this neat trick can’t hide the fact that whether you’re using litres or millimetres to measure the boot, it’s not as big as the C-Class’s. Moreover, the load sill is 60mm higher and has a lip to it as well.After that, things improve. There’s a large well under the boot floor, created by the fact the run-flat tyre-equipped 3-Series no longer has a spare wheel. Whether you think this is a good thing or not, there’s no denying that the BMW also has more useful hooks, straps and nets than its rival. More impressively, although both cars share an identical 2,760mm wheelbase, it’s the 325i’s rear occupants who enjoy an extra 20mm of legroom – which helps explain why the boot is smaller. There’s no mystery as to why the driving environment is more cramped, either. The slabby centre console, lack of stowage and small steering wheel all serve to make the driver feel restricted – particularly those with larger frames, who will struggle to get comfortable in the narrow, if supportive, seats. Compared to the C-Class, it’s not an elegant cockpit, but the BMW is well constructed and easy to get on with. It also has a wonderfully smooth engine that, thanks to Efficient Dynamics stop-start technology and brake energy regeneration, gives the diesel C220 a run for its money in terms of economy. But you don’t buy a 3.0-litre petrol model with fuel saving in mind – you choose it for its power. There’s no denying the straight-six sounds great, but on first impressions it’s hard to believe the engine is as big and beefy as the statistics suggest. Why? Because it simply doesn’t have that much torque, so on motorways you frequently find yourself changing down. This isn’t a problem for two reasons. Firstly, the gearchange is great, and secondly the engine is so smooth, refined and free from vibration that using high revs is no hardship – quite the opposite, in fact. At the limit, the 325i is swift, but as the in-gear figures show, in most day-to-day driving situations, there’s less to choose between these two. The BMW’s brakes are more responsive, too, and on a favourite road the 3-Series remains the more satisfying and enjoyable car to drive, changing direction immaculately well and exhibiting excellent body control. The penalty for this is a fidgety ride. It’s not hard, but unlike the Merc, it fails to be relaxing and was a little louder at speed, too. Nor was it as good around town. The clutch can be slightly awkward, the steering is heavier and rear visibility is poorer. And although it’s £500 cheaper than the C-Class, the BMW’s standard kit is equally thin on the ground. So could the 3-Series lose its crown? For an alternative review of the latest BMW 3-Series visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk BACK TO TOP What Next COMPARE CAR LOANS COMPARE CAR INSURANCE For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift! < Previous 0 Comment Be the first to comment on this article You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join. Email: Password: Sponsored Results Social Bookmarks Link to this article: For more details about purchasing this feature and/or images for editorial usage, please contact the Dennis Syndication team on pictures@dennis.co.uk Email a Friend Print this Full Car Reviews Photography - Advertisement - Sponsored Results Facts and Figures Open Table DETAILS Price:£30,295 Model tested:BMW 325i M Sport Touring Chart position:2nd WHY? Our current class leader is tested here in petrol guise, which should give it a performance edge. AT A GLANCE: The BMW is at its best in 325i guise. Its straight-six is smooth and good to use, and it feels more special than the equivalent 320d. But the Touring focuses on driving ability rather than versatility or refinement, and so doesn’t cover all the bases as well as its rival. SCORES Styling/image: Interior/quality: Space/versatility: Driving experience: Ownership costs: Green rating: ECONOMY Here’s a surprise for diesel fans. Drive the petrol 325i for 12,000 miles, and it will cost only £109 more in fuel than the C-Class CDI – partly thanks to Efficient Dynamics. RESIDUALS While a figure of 48.6 per cent over three years and 36,000 miles is good, it means the 325i falls short of its rival. Owners should expect to lose about £5,000 in value annually. SERVICING As with most BMWs, the Service Inclusive deal is tempting. You get 36,000 miles of cover – likely to be two services – for less than £500. Yet add maintenance and it tops £1,000. TAX Before Efficient Dynamics arrived last year, the 325i put out 208g/km of CO2. But now, it emits 35g/km less. So tax costs have tumbled – higher-rate users pay £2,548 a year. Verdict Excellent driving position and great rear accommodation, plus sharpest handling, keenest steering and best chassis composure in the class. Boot is smaller than C-Class's, while around town the clutch is slightly awkward, the steering is heavier and rear visibility is poorer. The ride is more fidgety, too. Find Used Cars Find your BMW 3-Series with our new used car search. £36460 - £21145 £21145 - £17145 Less than £17145 - Advertisement - Company Website | Media Information | Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Subs Info | Voucher Codes | SitemapOur Other Websites: The First Post | Custom PC | Evo | IT Pro | IT Pro India | MacUser | Men's Fitness | Micro Mart | PC Pro | bit-tech | Know Your Mobile | Octane | Expert Reviews | Channel Pro | Know Your Cell | Know Your Mobile India | iGizmo | Digital SLR Photography | Den of Geek | The Week | Computer Shopper | Dennis Communications | Magazines | Mobile Phone Deals | Competitions | Health & Fitness | CarBuyer © 2010 Dennis Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.Licensed by Felden || LOGIN REGISTER NEWSLETTER Home NEWS REVIEWS PRODUCTS COMPARE CARS VIDEOS BUYING USED CARS NEW CARS MOTORSHOWS COMPETITIONS 6 ISSUES FOR £1 Search Car Reviews: You're in - Car Reviews: New Reviews BMW 3-Series Standard-setting premium saloon. Styling and pricing don't suit all but the drive and choice on offer from the 3-Series should. Auto Express Car Reviews Rating: For : Superb handling, strong engines, cabin quality, all-round talent Against : Plain rear of saloon, small saloon boot opening, complex iDrive Driving: Here, the BMW 3-Series is unbeaten by any rival. The rear-driven chassis is wonderfully well-balanced, incisive and packed full of feel. It responds to the weighty steering immediately and involves you in the action - but without tiring you out. The ride is firm but it's never harsh; the trade-off is spot-on and proves BMW's cracked run-flat tyres' comfort issues. It's also more stable at speed than older BMWs, while even the 320i will surprise with its vigour so long as you let the ultra-smooth unit rev. Diesels are fine too, with the superb 320d replacing some of the 318i's smoothness with real punch. Six-cylinder units are simply sublime, though the 325i does lack torque. Inside, the driver-focused cabin feels sporty, with firm, low-set seats, and you soon forget the slightly offset pedals and get used to the well-connected gearbox. Firm brakes are a pleasure and, like every other control, work very accurately. Marketplace: The 3-Series is a premium saloon (and Touring estate) that sells in mainstream numbers - such is its considerable appeal. As with Audi A4, Mercedes C-Class and Saab 9-3 rivals, that there's a model for everyone helps; company drivers pile into 318i, 318d and 320d variants, leaving more affluent buyers to take six-cylinder 330i and 330d versions. Trims follow BMW logic of standard, SE, Sport and M Sport, with a company-focused ES trim offering alloys and colour-matched exterior detailing over standard, but any model can be specified to a near-bespoke standard using the huge options list. Touring models are more practical than some rivals, offer greater access but no more seats-up space than the itself-commodious saloon. The benefits come when you lower them. Be wary of choosing the sat nav option though; it comes with BMW's controversial iDrive system, which is a love it or hate it set-up. Owning: BMW has given the 3 Series a sporty character with low running costs - fuel consumption is low (diesels are capable of nearly 50mpg) and variable servicing helps keep costs down. The company's popular all-inclusive servicing for a one-off fee has also proven a very popular way to save money. Depreciation levels are extremely low and will always remain so, especially if you choose a diesel in well liked ES trim. But equipment levels of every model feature all the essentials, such as CD player and air con. Be warned though; M Sport trim is a styling exercise that includes large wheels and sporty suspension, skewing the balance towards handling at the expense of ride quality. Those in the back have fewer issues with space than is traditional for the 3-Series; it's roomier than an Audi A4, for example. Quality is extremely high but interior storage space is lacking. For an alternative review of the latest BMW 3-Series visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk What Next COMPARE CAR LOANS COMPARE CAR INSURANCE For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift! < Previous Next > 0 Comment Be the first to comment on this article You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join. Email: Password: Sponsored Results More BMW 3-SERIES articles Car ReviewsCar Group Tests: BMW 3-seriesCar Group Tests: BMW 3-SeriesNew Car Awards: Best Compact ExecutiveNew Car Awards 2009: Best Compact ExecutiveNew Reviews: BMW 3-SeriesUsed Car Tests: BMW 3-Series historyCar Group Tests: BMW 3-SeriesNew Car Honours 2007: Best Compact Executive CarCar Group Tests: BMW 3-SeriesCar Group Tests: BMW 3-SeriesUsed Car Honours 2007: Best Compact Executive CarFirst Drives: Best of 'D' bunchFirst Drives: Sport for haulFirst Drives: BMW 335CiFirst Drives: BMW 3-Series CoupéFirst Drives: BMW 320siFirst Drives: BMW 325i SE TouringNewsSpy Shots: BMW 3-SeriesSpy Shots: BMW 3-SeriesAuto Express News: BMW tops Brit listAuto Express News: Lid is lifted on BMW CC pricesAuto Express News: BMW lifts lid on its 3 CC at last!Auto Express News: Ultimate BMW 3-SeriesAuto Express News: Used choice: BMW 3-Series ConvertibleAuto Express News: BMW 3-Series CC Related Index Pages BMW BMW 3-Series Social Bookmarks Car Tax Calculator: BMW 3-Series Link to this article: For more details about purchasing this feature and/or images for editorial usage, please contact the Dennis Syndication team on pictures@dennis.co.uk Email a Friend Print this Pictures - Advertisement - Sponsored Results Find Used Cars Find your BMW 3-Series with our new used car search. £36460 - £21145 £21145 - £17145 Less than £17145 - Advertisement - Company Website | Media Information | Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Subs Info | Voucher Codes | SitemapOur Other Websites: The First Post | Custom PC | Evo | IT Pro | IT Pro India | MacUser | Men's Fitness | Micro Mart | PC Pro | bit-tech | Know Your Mobile | Octane | Expert Reviews | Channel Pro | Know Your Cell | Know Your Mobile India | iGizmo | Digital SLR Photography | Den of Geek | The Week | Computer Shopper | Dennis Communications | Magazines | Mobile Phone Deals | Competitions | Health & Fitness | CarBuyer © 2010 Dennis Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.Licensed by Felden || LOGIN REGISTER NEWSLETTER Home NEWS REVIEWS PRODUCTS COMPARE CARS VIDEOS BUYING USED CARS NEW CARS MOTORSHOWS COMPETITIONS 6 ISSUES FOR £1 Search Car Reviews: You're in - Car Reviews: First Drives BMW 3-Series BMW 335i M Sport Touring Despite a huge amount of demand, BMW has never built an M3 Tour­ing – until now Auto Express Car Reviews By Oliver MarriageOctober 2006 Rating: Despite a huge amount of demand, BMW has never built an M3 Tour­ing – until now. OK, so the new 335i Touring doesn’t officially wear the fabled M badge, but in terms of performance, it packs an M3-sized punch. Boasting the same twin-turbo 3.0-litre straight-six as the two-door 335i tested in Issue 929, the load-lugger will cover the 0-60mph sprint in less than six seconds and return 28.8mpg on the combined cycle, too. But headline figures fail to tell the whole story. The powerplant has 400Nm of torque on tap from only 1,300rpm, and that gives this lifestyle estate awesome acceleration anywhere in the rev range. There’s no need to change down – simply plant your foot and hang on. All the attributes that have made the standard 3-Series Touring our class favourite remain intact. The 460-litre boot is well thought out and comparatively spacious, the seats fold easily, the driving position is excellent and all the controls work smoothly. The ride on the 18-inch wheels is firm, but if you want to save money and take a more gentle approach, go for the 335i SE at £2,810 less. For an alternative review of the latest BMW 3-Series visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk What Next COMPARE CAR LOANS COMPARE CAR INSURANCE For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift! < Previous Next > 0 Comment Be the first to comment on this article You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join. Email: Password: Sponsored Results More BMW 3-SERIES articles Car ReviewsCar Group Tests: BMW 3-seriesCar Group Tests: BMW 3-SeriesNew Car Awards: Best Compact ExecutiveNew Car Awards 2009: Best Compact ExecutiveNew Reviews: BMW 3-SeriesUsed Car Tests: BMW 3-Series historyCar Group Tests: BMW 3-SeriesNew Car Honours 2007: Best Compact Executive CarCar Group Tests: BMW 3-SeriesCar Group Tests: BMW 3-SeriesUsed Car Honours 2007: Best Compact Executive CarNew Reviews: BMW 3-SeriesFirst Drives: Best of 'D' bunchFirst Drives: BMW 335CiFirst Drives: BMW 3-Series CoupéFirst Drives: BMW 320siFirst Drives: BMW 325i SE TouringNewsSpy Shots: BMW 3-SeriesSpy Shots: BMW 3-SeriesAuto Express News: BMW tops Brit listAuto Express News: Lid is lifted on BMW CC pricesAuto Express News: BMW lifts lid on its 3 CC at last!Auto Express News: Ultimate BMW 3-SeriesAuto Express News: Used choice: BMW 3-Series ConvertibleAuto Express News: BMW 3-Series CC Related Index Pages BMW BMW 3-Series Social Bookmarks Link to this article: For more details about purchasing this feature and/or images for editorial usage, please contact the Dennis Syndication team on pictures@dennis.co.uk Email a Friend Print this Pictures - Advertisement - Sponsored Results FIRST OPINION The new 335i Touring is one of our favourite estates. Effortlessly fast and relatively efficient, thanks to the super-smooth engine, it also boasts great rear-wheel-drive handling and decent practicality. We rate it highly as one of the finest models in BMW’s current line-up. AT A GLANCE Load-lugging 3-Series offers class-leading space and now gets added pace. Engine: 3.0-litre 6cyl, 306bhp Price: £34,920 Find Used Cars Find your BMW 3-Series with our new used car search. £36460 - £21145 £21145 - £17145 Less than £17145 - Advertisement - Company Website | Media Information | Contact Us | Privacy Notice | Subs Info | Voucher Codes | SitemapOur Other Websites: The First Post | Custom PC | Evo | IT Pro | IT Pro India | MacUser | Men's Fitness | Micro Mart | PC Pro | bit-tech | Know Your Mobile | Octane | Expert Reviews | Channel Pro | Know Your Cell | Know Your Mobile India | iGizmo | Digital SLR Photography | Den of Geek | The Week | Computer Shopper | Dennis Communications | Magazines | Mobile Phone Deals | Competitions | Health & Fitness | CarBuyer © 2010 Dennis Publishing Limited. All rights reserved.Licensed by Felden || HOME CLASSIFIEDS BMW E46 3 Series [98-06] Classifieds Search Submit Advert Manage my Ads Help/FAQ Dealer Info Tools Email Notifications My Bookmarks Resources Fraud Warnings HPI Check Car Saving Plan Car Finance Car Insurance Car Servicing Car Warranty Number Plate Search Feeds Report to Administrator Reference #2167613 325i M Sport Touring Auto - Bargain, Quick Sale Needed (2002) 100,000 miles £4,000 2002, '51, 325i M Sport Touring AutoAll usual M Sport extrasMetallic SilverTow Bar, Roof Rails, boot linerSun protection glass to all rear windowsBlack Sports Alcantara / cloth17" M Sport Alloys - as new - fully powder coated - beautiful!Continental Sport Contact 2 tyres all round, front approx 6mm, rear approx 4mm, loads of life leftParrot RKi8400 head unit - full bluetooth phone system and integrated iPod interface in one - brilliant!Just had new replacement windscreenBodywork in great condition, all panels straight and no rust9 months MOT & TaxFull service history, loads of receipts and all previous MOT's3 Previous ownersOnly bad bits:-Only just due an oil service (not Insp 1 or 2, just oil)Front discs are warped - I have brand new discs, pads and sensors, just not had chance to get them fitted, these parts will obviously be included in the sale.Usual stone chips for a car of this age / mileage.An absolutely brilliant all rounder. Drives, sounds and looks fantastic.Brilliant for the family.A truly honest car which deserves another good home.No offers please due to very low price.Thanks for looking. Part Exchange: No Thanks This advert has expired Sign up as a member and use advert bookmarks   Term & Conditions Hosted by Carrenza Copyright © PistonHeads.com ® 1998-2010 || Alex Creasy, Battersea, South London Alex Creasy Ltd www.alexcreasy.co.uk 0207 228 421407736 818 000 Cars for Sale Finance Cars Sourced Alfa Romeo Aston Martin Audi BMW Chrysler Ferrari Ford Honda Jaguar Jeep Land Rover Lexus Mercedes-Benz Mini Mitsubishi Nissan Porsche Range Rover Saab Subaru Toyota Volkswagen Volvo Other Makes Sell Your Car About Us Testimonials About Us Contact Us Hours Purchase Fee Home Alex Creasy Ltd Cars Sourced In Battersea, South London All cars below have been bought for clients to orderBMW X5 35d M Sport 2010/10 2000 miles 1 Owner(2 months old)Purchase date 25/05/2010Purcahse price £46000BMW 520d M Sport Touring Auto 2009/09 7000 miles 1 Owner Purchase date 14/05/2010Purchase Price £25700 BMW 530d M Sport Touring Auto 2008/08 33,000 miles 1 Owner Purchase date 14/05/2010Purchase price £25235BMW 525i SE Touring Auto 2004/04 46,000 miles 2 OwnersPurchase date 08/05/2010Purchase price £9700BMW 325i M Sport Touring Auto 2006/06 16000 miles 1 Owner Purchase date 10/05/2010Purchase price £15,750BMW 525d SE Auto Touring 1 Owner 30,000 miles Purchase date 22/03/2010Purchase price £13500BMW 530d M Sport Touring 2008/57 19000 miles 1 Owner Purchase date 01/02/2010Purchase price £25,000BMW 650i Sport Convertible 2008/57 14,000 miles 1 OwnerPurchase date 15/01/2010Purchase price £33,000BMW 325Ci SE Auto Convertible 2007/57 8,000 miles 1 Owner Purchase date 28/11/08Price £21,000BMW 330i M Sport Touring 2006/56 16,000 miles 1 Owner Purchase date 28/11/08Price £18,500 Prestige Cars for Sale Cars for Sale Finance Sell Your Car About Us Testimonials Contact Us Hours Purchase Fee Home Quality, Prestige Cars Sourced and Sold by Alex Creasy in Battersea, South London UKTel: 0207 228 4214 | Mobile: 07736 818 000