USED BMW 3 Series Touring (05 - )

My car

I have owned this car from new, 06/06 and covered 31k miles having driven across Europe a number of times on family holidays. I like this car a lot, but it’s not all good news..

These cars lose big money. After 2yrs it’s worth £13k trade in. That's a £19k drop. Thanks to the BMW manager & Family Purchase scheme from the BMW and Mini plants the market in the midlands is flooded with nearly new cars. This has destroyed the used values. On the plus side, I am looking forward to changing in 12 mnths to a 330i which will have lost at least £10k at under a year old.

If you like to listen to music (most do) upgrade the speakers. I have the Logic7 which is outstanding. The standard hi-fi is a disgrace. Most don’t road test the stereo so take your favourite CD and try it. I would also opt for the USB if you have an iPod. With the aux plug under the arm rest you can’t change tracks when on the move.

I have had no issues with the run flats. I have Michelin Pilot Sports, which lasted 28,000 miles but all 4 need replacing at the same time (perfect balance) to the tune of £900! I have not noticed any tramlining.

I get 30mpg day to day and 34mpg on a run. Check out the opening rear screen, a real benefit when fully loaded with holiday stuff.

I have had a few glitches, but it has never let me down. Service from Sytner Solihull is very good, although charging for cleaning after a service is a rip off.

My car

I have owned the car for 2 months now and I love it ! Typical solid BMW build with those extra little thoughtful additions e.g. small lights under each door handle which come light up enough to see the keys / short out coins etc. I usually buy BMW diesels - but this petrol engine was so economical -v- the cost of the diesel that I opted for the petrol. For the power and engine size the car tax is good too. I usually go for the M model, but the SE is great as they seem to have sorted out the annoying 'tracking' that the wider tyres of the M caused. Also pleased they have sorted out the I-Drive - I am a technophobe and even I can work it ! Its menu driven and very easy to use. A great BMW which is great to drive and own.

My car

Bought this June '08. Lots of extras, bluetooth phone, memory heated seats, comfort (keyless) access, upgraded stereo, xenon cornering lights with auto dipping, rain sensor, auto lights on, headlight wash and auto load adjustment. Full leather, paint, better wheels, M-steering wheel are standard with the edition. And overall cost me only £28.5k. Which I think is really good value. If you are thinking of buying one, now is the time half way through the model's life with the edition offers. I had a Volvo V50 before and this is really in a different league in every respect. It does look a wee bit odd and the rear is a bit boring, it is low slung and access to the rear is low too but I do kind of like it's sleek looks. I like the new Audi A4 outside but never liked their interiors and can't understand comments here about the superiority of the Audi cabin - which has always felt and looked naff to me and targeted at those on the wrong side of 50 - which actually I am too but the BMW makes me feel younger - when I drive it! I have done a couple of thousand miles in the BMW, it drives superbly, is tight, corners very well, great responsive direct steering, smooth, powerful and quiet. Run flat tyres have not been any bother even on some of the rough roads up here in the Highlands. The gear box has loosened up and is now quite slick. Economy is very good - I got nearly 60mpg on a tour to the West Coast of Scotland and about 45mpg on short commutes.

My car

Have owned this car for about 8 months & really like it - comfortable, quick & quite economical - average 38mpg on my normal urban route rising to about 50mpg on the motorway. Accommodates the family with ease although boot space is a bit limited & is slightly awkward in shape.

My only gripe - the standard Michelin Pilot runflats - they are noisy & horribly expensive to replace. Have recently replaced with F1 Assymetrics & a can of tyrefoam just in case ! Better ride, less noise & just as much grip.

I do keep thinking though that I should have gone for the 330 !!!