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For The 320d ED has the lowest CO2 emissions of any car in the class, which makes it an attractive company car buy it also means businesses can write off 100% of the cost of the car in the first year.

Against To make the 3 Series handle like it should, you need to add the optional VDC package. The ED's relatively small fuel and road tax savings don't make much sense for private buyers.

BMW 3 Series Saloon

What Car? says

5 out of 5 stars

If you’re a company car driver, then the BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics is the perfect 3 Series for you, but private buyers should stick with the standard 320d and enjoy the 3 Series at its brilliant best.

What Car? readers say

4


Key facts

0–60mph
8 secs
Top speed
143 mph
Average mpg
68.9
Tank range
861 miles
See all running costs

View the whole BMW 3 Series Saloon range

Read in full

The full BMW 3 Series review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

No matter what type of performance, equipment or running costs you want, there’s a 3 Series for you. That means there’s a huge selection of engines, gearboxes and trim levels, but there’s little reason to look beyond the 320d Efficient Dynamics model.

It’s quick and flexible, and the running costs are seriously impressive. If you’re a company car driver, you’ll love the low company car tax bills it commands.

The standard manual gearbox is notchy, so we’d choose the slick automatic, especially because it hardly dents performance and actually makes the car more economical.

We’d also strongly advise adding the optional Adaptive M Sport Suspension. With it, the 3 Series is the best-driving car in the class; without it, the car’s dynamics are a little disappointing.

Reader test team says:

BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Efficient Dynamics 4dr

I bought my well equipped (professional nav, xenon adaptive lights, sports 8 speed auto gearbox, heated leather, privacy glass, comfort pack) 320D…

Ian Laight

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Luxury 4dr

My first BMW and it certainly lives up to the hype. I have the optional adaptive suspension and auto gearbox which results in a creamy smooth drive…

Neil Geddes

4 out of 5 stars

BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d Efficient Dynamics 4dr

I have had the car since April and Having had the previous 3 for a while I must say overall it is a much better car. Space & economy have been…

Earl Mckoy

5 out of 5 stars

BMW 3 Series Saloon 320d SE 4dr

Major problems with my 2006 diesel automatic - latest Turbo charger failure. Also had hydraulic unit replaced last year. Overall finish is poor. Very…

Frances Comerford

1 out of 5 stars
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