2004 BMW 320d ES

yashicamat · 15-12-2007, 13:28

Well, I had the chance to drive a friend's one of these the other day. First time behind the wheel of a BMW, I was very intrigued by what I would find!

First thing I noticed getting in was how driver focussed the interior was, all the controls, the steering and even things like the pedal spacing (much closer than my Octy). It did feel a tad cramped though.

The engine has a nice surge of power but runs out of puff where the VAG 2.0TDi keeps on pulling. Furthermore it seems to hit a wall very suddenly, something which the VAG 2.0TDi doesn't do (the power tails off much more progressively).
I would argue that outright acceleration is perhaps a shade less than my Octy, although I suspect off the line traction is better due to it being RWD.
The engine I did find somewhat boomy around crusing rpm (1800-2200) and rather noisy when pressing on. Getting back into my Octy the engine was far far quieter and purred by comparison! Maybe it's worth noting my Octy is quite young at 16000 miles and this BMW is closer to 50,000.

Handling . . . this was what I was most interested in really. The steering is fabulously direct and so much more full of feel than the Octy's, but the car seemed to wallow a bit when turning in initially. Once it's leant over a bit it's stable enough, but transitions of steering result in a bit of a wobble (I put this down to it being on standard suspension while I was driving it, only to be told later on when I took the car back that it was on BMW sports suspension

). Outright cornering grip doesn't appear to be much different than my Octy, but I was much better aware of what was going on thanks to that fantastic steering.

So, overall . . . a dissapointment I think really. The engine was I think the biggest let down, followed by the interior and the slightly unsettled suspension on turn in. However, once taken by the scruff of the neck, that direct steering makes it a pleasure to drive and although the fixtures and fittings appeared to lack refinement, they certainly felt very solid.

Don't think I'll be selling my Octavia in a hurry to get one though.

Johnwg · 15-12-2007, 13:36

God, I hope Welshy dosen't read this !!!

ScoobyChris · 15-12-2007, 16:40

Good review, Rob - I've not driven a BMW diesel but I have driven a couple of E46's and couldn't believe how much fun they were (even the 1.6 on SE-spec suspension

). I guess it helps not having traction control

Agree with the driver focussed-ness of the cabin and everything is very well thought out and logically placed. I think having the bigger transmission tunnel also makes it feel a bit cramped. Which power engine was in the 320d?

Quote:

Originally Posted by yashicamat

Handling . . . this was what I was most interested in really. The steering is fabulously direct and so much more full of feel than the Octy's, but the car seemed to wallow a bit when turning in initially. Once it's leant over a bit it's stable enough, but transitions of steering result in a bit of a wobble (I put this down to it being on standard suspension while I was driving it, only to be told later on when I took the car back that it was on BMW sports suspension

).

I think this is down to the RWD nature. Set the steering at the start of the corner, then get on the power to stabilise the car and push it round the corner. Had exactly this problem with the Senator I drove and was shown how I should be getting it round corners and it was transformed

Chris

redbaron · 15-12-2007, 16:47

i doubt welshy would worry that a review of a car of the last generation with a 2 generations previous engine was not that favourable.....

yashicamat · 15-12-2007, 17:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScoobyChris

Good review, Rob - I've not driven a BMW diesel but I have driven a couple of E46's and couldn't believe how much fun they were (even the 1.6 on SE-spec suspension

). I guess it helps not having traction control

Agree with the driver focussed-ness of the cabin and everything is very well thought out and logically placed. I think having the bigger transmission tunnel also makes it feel a bit cramped. Which power engine was in the 320d?
Chris

This was the 150bhp version Chris. Something I forgot to mention was the gearbox . . . the throw was huge on it! I don't know if this is another characteristic of RWD / front engined cars though?

cheezemonkhai · 16-12-2007, 18:23

150bhp 2.0d engine is pretty old hat now.

The new 2.0 in the 118 puts out 150ish, in the 120 puts out 170ish and in the 123d 204bhp.

I have driven a 320d and didn't find the suspension funny at all, but who can tell what is what on a car. I will say the MSport trimmed cars I have drive have rock solid suspension.

Now a 325d/330d would be a lot quieter as it's a nice 6pot

Welshy · 21-12-2007, 14:38

The new engine is a work of art - really is stunning. In fact in the 1 series the 118d/120d make you need a very good reason to have to have the 123d.

redbaron · 21-12-2007, 14:52

Quote:

Originally Posted by Welshy

The new engine is a work of art - really is stunning. In fact in the 1 series the 118d/120d make you need a very good reason to have to have the 123d.

like it would be rude not too?

15-12-2007, 13:28	#1
yashicamat Ah ah ah . . no Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Macclesfield, Cheshire Posts: 2,626 Thanks: 34 Thanked 31 Times in 28 Posts	2004 BMW 320d ES Well, I had the chance to drive a friend's one of these the other day. First time behind the wheel of a BMW, I was very intrigued by what I would find! First thing I noticed getting in was how driver focussed the interior was, all the controls, the steering and even things like the pedal spacing (much closer than my Octy). It did feel a tad cramped though. The engine has a nice surge of power but runs out of puff where the VAG 2.0TDi keeps on pulling. Furthermore it seems to hit a wall very suddenly, something which the VAG 2.0TDi doesn't do (the power tails off much more progressively). I would argue that outright acceleration is perhaps a shade less than my Octy, although I suspect off the line traction is better due to it being RWD. The engine I did find somewhat boomy around crusing rpm (1800-2200) and rather noisy when pressing on. Getting back into my Octy the engine was far far quieter and purred by comparison! Maybe it's worth noting my Octy is quite young at 16000 miles and this BMW is closer to 50,000. Handling . . . this was what I was most interested in really. The steering is fabulously direct and so much more full of feel than the Octy's, but the car seemed to wallow a bit when turning in initially. Once it's leant over a bit it's stable enough, but transitions of steering result in a bit of a wobble (I put this down to it being on standard suspension while I was driving it, only to be told later on when I took the car back that it was on BMW sports suspension ). Outright cornering grip doesn't appear to be much different than my Octy, but I was much better aware of what was going on thanks to that fantastic steering. So, overall . . . a dissapointment I think really. The engine was I think the biggest let down, followed by the interior and the slightly unsettled suspension on turn in. However, once taken by the scruff of the neck, that direct steering makes it a pleasure to drive and although the fixtures and fittings appeared to lack refinement, they certainly felt very solid. Don't think I'll be selling my Octavia in a hurry to get one though. __________________ Rob Nissan Primera GT in Silver '56 Octy 2 2.0TDi Elegance . . . also gone but not forgotten 2002 Fabia 1.9TDi . . . . gone but not forgotten http://uk.youtube.com/yashicamatonline

15-12-2007, 13:36	#2
Johnwg Turkish Delight Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Wiltshire Posts: 2,008 Thanks: 64 Thanked 47 Times in 46 Posts	Re: 2004 BMW 320d ES God, I hope Welshy dosen't read this !!! __________________ 2006: Silver: Octavia II VRS TFSI ESTATE 2002: Green: Audi A6 SE 1.9 TDI AVANT

15-12-2007, 16:47	#4
redbaron Briskodian Join Date: Jun 2003 Posts: 9,411 Thanks: 13 Thanked 64 Times in 56 Posts	Re: 2004 BMW 320d ES i doubt welshy would worry that a review of a car of the last generation with a 2 generations previous engine was not that favourable..... __________________ ________________________________________ Some times I just feel like smiling.

16-12-2007, 18:23	#6
cheezemonkhai Briskodian Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 14,635 Thanks: 87 Thanked 398 Times in 369 Posts	Re: 2004 BMW 320d ES 150bhp 2.0d engine is pretty old hat now. The new 2.0 in the 118 puts out 150ish, in the 120 puts out 170ish and in the 123d 204bhp. I have driven a 320d and didn't find the suspension funny at all, but who can tell what is what on a car. I will say the MSport trimmed cars I have drive have rock solid suspension. Now a 325d/330d would be a lot quieter as it's a nice 6pot __________________ Cars make CO2 and trees absorb CO2. By driving your car you're feeding a tree and helping the environment.

21-12-2007, 14:38	#7
Welshy Briskodian Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 1,166 Thanks: 3 Thanked 13 Times in 12 Posts	Re: 2004 BMW 320d ES The new engine is a work of art - really is stunning. In fact in the 1 series the 118d/120d make you need a very good reason to have to have the 123d.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode