Should You Buy a BMW 3 SERIES TOURING? (Test Drive & Review F31 320d)
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- čas přidán 6. 07. 2024
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Today I'm in this 2018 BMW 320d Touring. Let's see what it's like...
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#highpeakautos #bmw3series #bmw #F31 - Auta a dopravní prostředky
As a proper German, I am still in love with this beautiful car. I drive a 2013, 184 hp, 8-speed, Sportline model with configurable driving modes. Me and my four-wheeled companion have driven over 278,000 km together across europe, which equals 172741 miles.
My best advice I can give to potential future F31 drivers is to fit 18-inch alloy wheels (preferably M-Perfomance), get rid of run-flat tires, change the springs to lower the car about 2cm, give your sweetheart an annual oil change and your might have found the perfect long-lasting car for a family of four.
Lowering the car will result in better steering and less leaning into curves which in turn fells way more comfortable but it is a matter of taste here so feel free what ever suits you. Getting rid of run-flat tires makes driving tremendously smoother and of course more quiet, you should really go for it.
The only thing I am missing momentarily is a bit more power. Specing in a 330d if possible would be the optimal solution I guess. Not saying that the 320d does not pack a punch, especially with its ~400 nm of torque but it's quite a gap on higher speeds compared to its bigger brother.
However keep an eye on the turbocharger when you get over 190,000 kilometres. I changed it for a completely rebuilt aswell as the diesel particle filter and the exhaust gas recirculation valve. This ensures another 200.000 km. I was able to get the repairs done for roughly 600€ here in germany. This car also synergizes well with fuel containing additives. It runs very smoothly if fueled up with one of them and accellerates better.
I hope you will have a lot of fun with your new 3-series.
I bought 1 month ago 330d F31 M sport, my first BMW and I fucking love it, what a beauty of a car
Sold my f31 330d for couple months ago, miss it EVERY every single day. Best car I ever had, hands down. Drove it from sweden trough the alps in france. Very economical car aswell. Only thing i did was to exchange the run flat tires and lowered it with springs. Drove like my track car.
Bought a 2013 320d touring sprtline with 184hp last week. The first car I’ve ever bought. What a beautiful car and it has plenty power! I’m just hoping it will last because wow, what a cool car.
I have 2014 320d m sport on 19’’ run flats.
I love the car…but find it very noisy. Wind, dampening from engine, agricultural sounding diesel etc
Otherwise its spot on.
How was the reliability of the automatic gearbox? I think it is a good transmission, how was your experience? Considering to buy one
“If you’re thinking of buying a qashqai, sort your head out” excellent advice sir, couldn’t have said it better myself.
The problem you have, is the UK is a wash with German cars, where a lot are owned or rented by people trying to elevate their status in life, they like the idea of owning one of these cars, unfortunately they are not so keen on keeping up with the maintenance, so you need to be careful when looking at a BMW, Merc, Audi because there's a lot of bad ones out there.
fur coat, no nickers as my ex would say 🤣
@@johniksushibar165 😂😂😂👍
@@johniksushibar165 wonderfully Funny…😀😀😀
@@quoman2232 thanks...i,m here all week
And this is how these German cars get bad rep for reliability. Keep the maintenance up on them and they’re bulletproof, but sadly most people don’t get the message.
Brilliant video and I couldn’t agree more. We went to buy a Tiguan but when we got to the dealership, it was sat next to a 520d touring and I just had to have it. A dog and 3 kids it’s literally the best car I could ask for! Drives well good mpg, fast enough , does everything
Having just taken delivery of my 320d Msport I really appreciate this video and some of the common faults to look out for. Mines a once-in-a-lifetime perfect example of an extremely well looked after used vehicle.
It’s a late 2012 with 93k miles Japanese import but I’m blown away that there is not a single sign of use anywhere on the interior of the car, it’s looks and smells like it has just come out the factory. The exterior is beautifully clean too and not a single dent, scratch or scrape. The only thing showing any kind of age or use is 3 tiny stone chips on the front of the vehicle. Even the engine bay is so clean and free from rust and oil marks. The under carriage is even surprisingly clean with no signs of age, I don’t know if the Japanese climate is far less corrosive than the UK but it’s just unbelievable how clean and new everything is. The previous owner hasn’t even taken off the plastic film protection on the door sills and boot scrape plates. The car drives like a dream and runs as expected, definitely wouldn’t think this car is as old as it is. Being a Japanese spec, it has every optional extra including electric seats.
My only worry about this car is of course the ticking time bomb, timing chain. Apparently the chain itself isn’t the problem on this engines. It’s the sprocket that has really aggressive edging on the teeth and causes the stretching and ultimately snapping in some cases. But for £10,900 and the absolute immaculate condition of the car I honestly couldn’t be happier, definitely hit the used car lottery and glad I drove 2 hours to have a look at it in person.
Sounds like a cracking buy Steve 👍🏽
I’ve owned an f31 335d for just over a month now and I love it, for what it is I’d recommend it to anyone looking for a great all rounder! Thanks for this review Mat
I've had two F31's, agree with everything Matt says on here.
The last one I had for 5 years, did over 20k miles a year in it for 3 years, then not a lot over lockdown. The only issue I had was a fault when I updated the satnav that needed a firmware update. Other than that, regular servicing and tyres were all it required for over 5 years! It's a great mile muncher on motorways but also nice to take around the twisties. Drop the box into manual and you get some really snappy changes with the paddle shift.
Matt, I just realized you feed a pre-recorded script to yourself through an earpiece in your right ear. Your dialogue is consistently polished, and I wondered how you were always so on point. Makes total sense now. Nothing wrong with using different tools to get the job done - just an observation on my part.
I’ve had my 2014 320d tourer for a few months and love it. I’m 21, but being a petrol head drummer, it just makes sense. Superb cars for the money.
"If you are thinking about buying a Qashqai, sort your head out! Get yourself a 3 series estate." Could not agree more! A mate went from a - not a Qashqai - but an Audi Q5 to a 3 series Touring, and could not believe how much nicer it is. Every bit as solid feeling as the Audi, but far nicer to drive.
Does that include the nismo version 😉🤣😍
Find one that had the indicators option ticked from new and you’re sorted!
@@ZanderKaneUK yes
@@modmod392 ha ha :|
Qashqai's are great - love mine. Great family car and never let us down 😁
I have a 3.0D 2018 X3, although I previously had a BMW 220D and must admit, the B47 engine is brilliant, can be relatively fast and fuel economy is good if you can tempt yourself to turn sports mode off, the 8 speed gearbox is great too, great review Matt.
I’ve had my 2018 320d Touring Auto from new (pre-Reg bargain) and just can’t fault it, the best all-rounder on the road. Second MOT passed recently with nothing to note whatsoever. It feels like new, drives like new and hasn’t so much as blown a bulb in 4 years. Brilliant car.
Well Matt, yours is one of my favourite YT channels and you have just enhanced your reputation in my eyes by testing a car I actually have. I agree with so much of your comments about this supremely practical car, although my top spec would differ from yours. My main beef with BMWs is their normally gloomy interiors, so my F31 320D auto has light leather upholstery and a panoramic glass sunroof. A point about rear-wheel-drive that you did not mention is the tight turning circle that comes from front wheels able to turn through a greater angle. For such a big car it is very manoeuvrable.
I’m an ageing BMW nut and have had a string of them for the past 15 years. The best (except this one) have had straight six engines - it is such a shame that these are gradually being phased out. I had the previous model E91 330D which went like the wind with complete lack of stress - still probably my favourite. I progressed to an M140i which was terrifyingly fast and with which my ageing reflexes could not cope, so it had to go (my wife was so relieved).
Thanks again for your great channel, long may it continue.
Great, well balanced review as alway Matt 👌 If that F31 had a 3.0d engine it would be near perfection 👌 especially in that speck & colour. Having owned two 2.0d Touring previously (E46 & E91) was enough for me to never again buy a 4 pot BMW. For me at least, they all have to have at least 6 cylinders (petrol or diesel) so currently I'm dailying an E70 X5 Xdrive 30d which replaced an E61 525d 👍
I've got an F30 30d Xdrive and it is the ultimate daily car. Great for crusing around in but got some horses there when you want or need it. Brilliant car! 17 plate with just 22k on the clock and I had it for £25k. I love it. Almost every option on it also in Tanzanite blue. 👍
Thank you, cool review! And big like and much appreciaton for putting all relevant information and appropiate shots into an under ten minutes video. To me, just right. Cheers👍
I had a brand new 2017 plate 335D, in exactly the same colour and a shadow edition. Monster engine, and very quick. One of the best cars I have ever owned. Kept it for 3 years and did 49k miles. 👍👍👍
That was an exquisite episode thx , useful car and presentation
I've driven loads of different cars over 25 years for my job. I can honestly say the car I have now, a 320d X drive m sport f31 on a 64 plate is by far the best car I've ever had!! I've had it nearly 5 years and put over 200k on the clock and it's still as tight as a drum! No squeeks not rattles no knocks. All its had is tyres and brakes done. Oh and one infotainment system update. I agree with you on the back seat, it isn't the roomiest of cars but that would be my only negative comment! It handles like a dream, the grip is fantastic!! It is extremely comfortable and economical to drive. I'll definitely stick with bmw for my next company car!!!
Look forward to your reviews gives you plenty to think about 👍
I have the 335d F31 and I can honestly say it's the complete car you will ever need!
Spot on with the volume knob, was thinking it's in the wrong location when driving my 320d yesterday!
No regrets about avoiding the SUV
Hi Matt, I think the electronic handbrake with auto hold function is the best thing since sliced bread, just stop and go, great for an old'un like me, also had a 630d GT for 20 months best car I've ever had, I think your review was spot on.
We just bought a 18' 330i xDrive full option last october and did already 10k kilometers on it.
Perfect for daily use. My parents had a 520d F11 which was quite bigger and a much more comfortable ride. But i prefer more the petrol engine with the sportiness.
Really love the facelift.
I did look into getting one of these but found an F10 model 5 series msport touring and fell in love with it! So much so I bought it and drove to derby from Liverpool left me van down there and went back a week later to collect me van 🤭🤗 so happy with it now but still like the look of the 3 series too!
Even now the only car anyone would/could need. New one is brilliant. And there is the stunning prospect of the M3 Touring.
Love your work 👍
Great review just about to get one very helpful 👍🏼😘
Thanks for review, been looking at these for my next car 😄
Any time!
Great review and video overall Matt 👌👏
Great video as always Matt,have a 64 plate one of these and got to say,it’s fantastic 👍
Stunning car I think most wagons look really nice great video man
As an f31 owner, I have been waiting for this exact review for the longest time! I was on your channel even yesterday, looking through your reviews, and thinking to myself why you dont have a review video of one of the best selling cars in Europe. And the universe answered my prayers the morning after!
I drive the baby version of this car. A simple 2017 316d with no fancy options. Still the car feels amazing to drive and perfect for my lifestyle of short commutes and occasional road trips. I only wish I had a chance to test drive a 6 cylinder model. But realistically, I do not need all that power. My car does over 22km/l on highways and i really cant complain about that. Thanks for the review!
Just as a note, the same exact engine is in the 316, 318, ,320 and 325d but only thned differently so a simple remap can get you 220-275bhp and the car would feel night and day in terms of performance
That 3 Series Estate is drop dead gorgeous! The estates, hatchbacks and sportsbacks are just as practical as as SUV's and more fun to drive. I wish we weren't so obsessed with SUV's here in the States. It seems like Europeans are starting to like them too.
timeless looks
Drove a late 2014 plate one of these and actually quite impressed with the driving dynamics. Only thing was it was a manual so I would agree with matt and go for the
Auto box.
Matt, I do love it that you slag off the Nissan Qhashimodo as much as I do! Always seen in black or grey and always driven by mums on the school run, usually with the door mirrors still folded in!
You can adjust the volume on the steering wheel as well as the dashboard mate 👍
I was thinking that. Not many cars now that you can't.
I dont like tiny crossovers either, but you need that extra ground clearance in many places during heavy snowfalls that can last days. The only ones getting out from my 25 car parking lot this winter were the Mokkas, Kugas and the Qashqais :) And the same happens when 25cm of compressed snow starts to melt in the spring. The rear wheel drive Germans and the hybrids were left sitting. Luckily the awd is reasonably priced in the 3-series
I had a f31 328i and regret getting rid of it. The ultimate all rounder for me 👍🏻
Really great review, superbly done! Wish I could afford one! :D
Like your advice about premium diesel 👍
That Rishi comment about the fine is superb!
This was already top of the list - pencilled in - but now it's a certainty, great review, ta!
Thanks for watching
Had a 2015 facelifted 335xd Touring and I did 120k km on it over 3 years. Best drivetrain on the market in this segment. A bit old school interior but I liked it that way. Never let me down and the only car I ever owned in a bright red color
I still have my 2015 335xd Touring and will never sell it and keep it in the fleet instead. What a legendary car. Did a 500km+ round trip on the autobahn yesterday, and it’s just so competent, smooth and relaxing drive. Loving it. Will age well. New BMWs tend to suck, sadly.
Good morning Matt I can't believe that the interior is exactly the same as my 2 Series convertible which is also excellent car but that's my opinion excellent videos usual nice one cheers Phil from Newark
As a 30-something who has just bought a '15 F31 and is trying his level best not to give up, I feel very seen by this review. The volume knob thing is spot on, so many times I've reached for the iDrive dial to turn the volume up.
Why don't you use the volume buttons on the steering wheel?
@@GreenStorm01 Your hand is already down on the centre console, navigating between Bluetooth, DAB or whatever, and you decide you want to turn it up or down. Your immediate intuition is to use the dial in your hand, but it’s not there. It’s not a huge issue, it’s just a quirk of design that I noticed too.
@@KristoferFoster You actually can do all that on the steering wheel with the "mode"-button.
Driving that exact car since I took it in P/X back in January, Pano Roof makes all the difference in my opinion, especially if you've got the ubiquitous Charcoal Black Leather interior, mines done 106,000 miles and truly drives like new still, spot on as usual Matt, all the best 👍
pano roof is a must
Ever had any issues with the roof before? Looking at buying a 2013 plate with an opening pano roof, so grateful for any feedback 🙏
@@Godot28 I've lost count of the amount of these I've had with a pano roof over the years, personally never had a problem, and nor are they particularly prone to fault, I suppose you could be unlucky, but not something I'd worry about, good luck, can't really go wrong with a 3 series touring.
@@Broomehall thanks very much for your reply.
I recently bought an f34 320d 2019 m sport- and wow what a car, the first ever automatic car ive owned and the zf-8 speed is fantastic some people say its the best auto ever made and i see why, yes its not lightning quick but for a family of 4 it is amazing and the boot is bigger than the estate version
handsome motor, understated, smart, great car.
Cracking vid Matt.. I have the 330d xdrive touring with pan sun roof heads up display pro nav 360 cams Harmon kardon..I think it's the ultimate car. And you are bang on. That steering wheel is a work of art. Mine is heated lol.
Love my F31 340i xDrive. Great practical car with a good kickback for some spirited driving.
The 3 Series Touring is the definitive "dad car", alongside the defunct Saab 9-5. It's a car that tailors to the need of a family, as all estates do, but still bears the signature focus on the driving experience that BMW's 3 Series line is marketed aggressively through.
More than anything else, I remember an ad campaign for the 3 Series Touring that ran in Italy in the mid-2000s, with music by Giovanni Allevi, and the relaxing piano music paired really well with the looks of the car.
"It's for that mid to late 30's man who's now got a family but hasn't given up on life yet" erm... 🙋🏾♂️
Great review! Nailed all the pros and cons. Zf8 is exceptional. Egr is an ongoing recall. Steering usually suffers from a knock from the rack which is an easy fix. But overall, fantastic car 👏🏽
On my 320d I can hear a knock occasionally when turning left at low speed, is that what you mean? What is the usual fix?
I had a 2014 from new / 335d xdrive touring, manual seats though in a 46k car . I would have got the 5 series but they were only 2 wheel drive . The 335d was very good on diesel .
Great review I like these a lot, practical, sporty, stylish. Love a 335d but 320d would be more than I am used to anyway.
Loved my F31 320d estate. It was a fantastic car.
I've a 2016 320d ED sport. It's now on 180k miles.
It will get over 65mpg if I sit with the wagons in the slow lane and that's with the 19" staggered. More if you turn of the cruise and make the best of the ED coasting modes.
You still get to have fun with the sports mode and traction turned off.
As for reliability 180k 6 years old and only part replaced was a turbo actuator at £200. Other than that service parts only.
Good honest review as always of a nice looking beemer touring as prefer this 3 model rather then the saloon model…much more classy I think.
If the UK police force use them then you know they must be good robust quick n reliable too!!
Perfect video mate
Couldn’t agree more, the perfect family car.
Another great review Matt, I have a 4 series and can wholeheartedly agree with your comments about BMW main dealers. My experiences have been appalling on several occasions so I steer clear of them and use a local BMW independent specialist for half the price and much better service; I wish I'd checked the reviews of my local main dealer before I let them touch my car, it was almost exclusively negative feedback even to the point where people trying to buy a new car had even given up with their sales department. Do you realise there's a volume control on the wheel for the stereo so you don't really need one down near the iDrive controller?
Totally agree with the Cash Cow sentiment. I personally have C250 estate and love it.
Nice car I have a young family so this looks ideal !
Worth a look when I change Cars this year
It's a great looking car. Those tints are nice and subtle. Estates do look better even the A6 avant looks good. Great review, mate.
Thanks! 👍
I had the 335d xdrive version of this. One of the best cars I've owned.
Cabin is so dark without a panoramic roof , friend has the same car with the glass roof and it is a very pleasant place to be as a passenger .
Dream car, hopefully in the next few years
I was pretty nervous when I saw this pop up in my feed, but of course it was a balanced review as always. I got 60.2 mpg on my last run from cork to Dublin and I tend to accelerate hard, incredible engine. Agree that the lack of electric seats is a pain, especially as its our only car so constant adjustment. If you share a car, memory seats are mandatory. Thing I like the least is the tiny arm rest, prefer the 5 series style. So minor, I know, but I’m in my Late 30s and haven’t given up on life.
Love the look of these wagons> Wish we had you alls diesel options in the states. Another great video
Thanks!
Had a 2015 model which I sold about 18 months ago to fund my partner a mk7.5 golf gtd which is a brilliant car but miss the f31 so much and will definitely be going back to one just hopefully next time be able to stretch for a 30d/35d in the near future
Absolutely love these cars
Had a Range Rover and when I got fed up with the cost I got a 330d touring. Now got a L405 Range Rover because missed the luxury. But do miss my Bmw best all rounder you can have. Just does everything well
I couldn't agree with you more! In fact the only reasonable reason I can think of is if you needed to carry something larger then that would be the same set up but the 5 series!
i had a f30 320d m sport and ive done 214k miles in that car and still had plenty of life left and was driving like a dream,i obviously mantained the car and i over serviced it but everyting felt like a sub 50k car when i sold it
Evening Matt, great content as per normal mate 👌👌
Thanks!
Thank you for the introduction of L/100km 👍
Good video. Recent BMW g20 320d owner and its the one thing I've picked up on missing (no volume button on the idrive controls like audi)
Love these and the C class wagon's. Very classy.
I've literally just part exchanged a 2017 tiguan r line for one of these, 335d m sport touring with 12k extras on, what a car. I've had an audi rs4 in the past and this BMW comes bloody close to matching if not beating it for being an all rounder
Nice car, only problem I have is much of the switch gear is the same as the E8x 1 series that is nearing 20 years old now. I had a complete lemon of one.
I've had one since 2018 - bought with 120K miles, 185k now and still feels fresh, very reliable! have wanted a new car for a while but struggle to find anything thats as good all round that doesn't cost 3 or 4 times what its worth
Any timing chain or turbo issues?
@@roverM30ds Nothing, still on original turbo - DPF and EGR went at about 155k miles which is to be expected really
@@scarlets911 normal diesel related engine issues then, not scary at all. You replace dpf or clean?
Buy an EV for your next beast, even a 2014 Tesla Model S. Filthy fossil fuel
burners are so C20th, low fuel costs, negligible service and parts costs even if you have to spend £2K on an MCU over all no oil, no plugs likely brake pads only every few years…
@@roverM30ds All replaced! wasn't too expensive and more reliable that way in my opinion
BMTec in Salford are my independent specialist of choice in the NW. Great guys, fair and very practical if you work in Manchester.
As a Volvo V70 owner, estates are just cool 👌😎
Trouble is with having a 3 series estate, everyone thinks you’re unmarked police! Still a great car though, and love the new model too👍
Police? I would think you were a member of the local gangsters..
I have a white one . Still draws glances. Especially if I sit at a lay-by with the back window open.
I would have thought that was an advantage, not to mention rather entertaining!
@@DerHalbeEuro In Denmark we have a saying: "BMW 3-tyrker", that means something like BMW 3-Turks and is associated to the middle east gangs. Police drives Volvo V90 and VW Passat here.
@@DerHalbeEuro Here it matters which gang you are a member of. Some drive Audi's, some Mercedes but mostly they drive BMW's. Also brand new cars, leased.. They cheat the the taxes on the cars. :)
Was looking at one of these before opting for a golf GTD. Great car though and would definitely consider next time round.
I am loving my F31. It has everything: the fun, looks, practicality, comfort and functionality. I would only wish for a little more responsive engine.
I think to correct you there is a volume control on the steering wheel. I had an F31 320d for 5 1/2 yrs. brilliant car, without any problems. Felt for me it lacked a bit of power, so I have had an F31 330d for 3 yrs. Wow it's amazing. Silky smooth with dollops of power. For me probably the perfect car.
Another great review Matt. A family member has the current 3 series saloon and to be honest it’s a very nice car but I am utterly underwhelmed by it. It’s too low and feels cramped. Stunningly refined though. That’s just my own opinion and would not tell anyone to avoid the Beemer. At least the boot looks as big as my C Class estate. A criticism I have of older 3 series tourers. A fuller comparison between this, the A4 Avant and the C class estate would make a great video. There is no right answer of which to get but what you want in your car. I agree with you. Why do folk buy these ridiculous SUVs? My dog dictated the Merc for me. I opened the boot in an E Niro a colleague at work has and the boot is smaller than a Mk7 Golf, my other car. My Labrador would not have approved.
I had the 330d xdrive msport and loved it it was a rocket ship
Estates are really practical, one of my interests.
Great review. Have you done one for the e93 320d?
Can't wait for the review where you say you have two heated leather ... cup holders
We had a 2015 in mineral grey like this one, looked nice but have to say the interior was not as solid as the previous 2011 3 series or the 2021 330e I have, it was nice but just felt a bit, hollow. Great review as ever. 👍
Had an F31 320d in Estoral blue since Feb 21 & put 22k miles on it since, it has been absolutely faultless & never missed a beat, have got the M sport & the handling is superb, can throw it into bends and power out of them like I never could in my golf TDI. I wouldn't hesitate to buy one if your thinking about it, I go camping a lot with friends & we always end up in the touring, it swallows all our kit without any problem ! would love to try the 330 engine but the 2.0d copes with ease & tax is £30.00 so can't argue !
Have so far stuck with runflats & they are fine, but some people have advised normal tyres, has anybody run one on non runflats, any advice ?......
Stunning car
I'd buy one for my Fam, good choice 👍👍Biggest issue; 2018 BMW 3 series Touring only 236 for sale on AT. 2018 Qashqai = 2,256 for sale on AT. That's a lot of head sorting required Matt 🤣🤣
Always a thumb's up even before the vid starts.
I have owned my 2014 F31 330D 6 years, Has been serviced when due and has never needed anything repairing on it apart from a egr recall currently at 62000 miles.
Bought a 2019 318D touring that had sat in Madrid with 170kms on the clock through the BMW outlet website.Good equipped with 20 grand discount.So cost me less than the Kuga I was going to order.Yes the run out model but excellent machine.5.9 litres per 100km quick enough on sports mode 150 bhp.Just a bit low so tend to drop into the drivers seat.But great machine overall
Great review as always. Great car and do like the bmw from that generation and do offer good value. Don’t think Nissan will be sponsoring your channel in the near future