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      05-04-2005, 06:15 AM   #1
MarkA
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Comparing the new 320d.... My 7 car review!

Now I know many of you on the other-side (of the pond ) won't care two beans about this quick review, but here in Europe, diesel is a big deal.

Of-course the torque makes driving one effortless and there are certain economic and ecological advantages too (Fuel here : Diesel = Euro 0.98 / liter - Super98 Unleaded = Euro1.32 / liter).

[Since 1 US Gallon = 3,7854118 Litres and 1 Euro = $1.29 US.. then we are talking Diesel $4.79 for a Gallon of Diesel versus $6.45 for a Gallon of Super 98 Unleaded! and then factor in the gas-mileage differences etc.. and it all starts to make sense.]

Since it's time to change my car, I've had a look at all the current best diesels on the market.

I've driven the following :

2005 Golf GTI 2.0 FSi Turbo DSG (with loads of toys) [200HP Petrol - 280NM]
2005 Saab 9-3 SS 1.9 TiD 150 Vector [150HP Diesel - 320NM]
2005 Honda Accord Exec 2.2 CDTi [140HP Diesel - 340NM]
2005 Audi A4 (Facelift model) 2.5 V6 TDi Pro Line - S-Line (Interior & Exterior) [163HP Diesel - 350NM]
2005 BMW E90 320D Exec Dynamic (think SE Sport) [163HP Diesel - 340NM]
2005 BMW E81 120D High Exec Sports [163HP Diesel - 340NM]
2005 Opel Vectra CDTi 3.0 V6 Elegance GTS [175HP Diesel - 360NM]

Let's start with the Saab.

The Saab uses the GM/Fiat Powertrain 1.9 Common-Rail 150HP / 320NM unit found in the Alfa-Romeo GT Coupe. This is considered by many to be an excellent diesel engine, with plenty of pull and a good revy nature.

Surprisingly, interior quality is the worst in the group, with lots of plastic burrs still evident after manufacture.

And disappointingly, in the car I drove, the engine is also the noisiest and vibrates the most of the group I drove.

The gearchange is notchy and the clutch action compromised. The car thoroughly feels like a diesel from the old school and your passengers would always know they were in a diesel with the level of NVH the car has.

While the chassis is very good.. this engine really lets it down.

On a lease it isn't a very good deal either, being the most expensive per month for similar equipment. This is due to the initial high price and high depreciation.

The car is priced directly against BMW, Audi and Mercedes, but can't live with any of them in terms of feel and finish. This car is last place on my list.

The Saab 9-5 isn't on my list because it's too big and too old for what I need, and unfortunately the 3.0 TiD is way too expensive in a decent trim package (i.e. Vector) which is a real shame because it's a gem of a diesel.

Next off my list is the Opel. After all.. give the choice above, would you drive a Vectra? That said, such a decision is very unfair on the opel, because it's a very fine car. The diesel (of course) is a gem in the car (being the same engine as is in the Saab 9-5 3.0 V6) and with the GTS handling package makes it a quiet punchy steer. With options however, the car starts to get expensive, and on a lease the per month number gets very high very fast.

Now the Audi. I specified the car with all the S-Line kit on it and I have to say with the more than 9K Euro options on it, it looks fantastic. But it takes those options to turn it from a very boring and dowdy looking car into something really nice looking.

Great seats, all the toys.. and the exterior looks like an RS4 or at the very least, an S4 sitting on 19inch wheels. But with these options it is by-far the most expensive car here and it's so heavy that the diesel really struggles to perform.

Being a V6 Diesel it sounds creamy and and smooth, but it's just not quick, the BMW's 163hp 2.0 4 manages 8.2 sec 0.60, the Audi's 163hp 2.5 v6 manages over 9...


If I had ordered this I'd only wish that I'd laid off the extras and just went directly for a Quattro Edition A4 3.0 V6 TDI... (VERY FAST! with 450NM of torque and 4wd!.. but boring as hell to look at)

The Honda was the revelation of the bunch. So very quiet and refined you would not guess it's a 4 bagger diesel. A real bench mark for 4 cyl diesel engines. Revy, refined and well built, I was very surprised with this package. I was also very surprised at the price.. loaded with kit, it starts to get into serious money... and it's not the fastest 4CYL diesel here - leave that to BMW.

Special mention should be given to the build quality however.. it is surpassingly good, way better than the Saab and certainly running with the big german boys now. Good effort.

And now the BMWs... well the 1 Series.... forget it. I just wasn't impressed. Maybe I'm in the minority, but I love how the 1 series looks. I think it has shades of the BMW Z Coupe, with the long bonnet and shooting-break rear. But the interior isn't impressive, very cheap looking and as for the ride... well it's very harsh.

I know that the 1 is built for a different target audience.. but specified up, it's too close in price to the E90.. and the E90 just trounces it.

The VW (my only non diesel on the list on account for the fact that I love GTis having owned a long string of performance VWs in the past... and the fact that the FSI Turbo engine produces quite unbelievable economy.. just 0.8 litres per 100 KM more than I get from my current Saab) is fantastic. Brilliant steering, brilliant DSG gearbox, a real toy. It's practical too with a decent boot and fold-down seats. The Nav system is fantastic and the car handles quite un-like any VW i've ever driven (I owned a 16v Golf Gti mk2 and a Corrado VR6) it is a thoroughly excellent car and deserves the plaudits that are being given to it.

However, since I am looking for a business oriented car, the Golf is perhaps just a little too sporty.

The new E90 BMW is quite simply the best small saloon diesel on the market however. The car is so right. The gearchange is fantastic, steering (non-active) is awesome, ride is great on the sport and boy does it handle. I mean it handles right up there with the Golf. It does everything that the Golf can do.

The diesel is lusty, refined and very quiet. I'm serious. Even if it were not for the economic advantages of running a diesel, you would choose this engine over the 320i and maybe even the 325i every time. It has character, it's fast and it's a joy to drive fast.

On the two packs I'm looking at, they equip the car to a fantastic standard (sport seats, sports suspension, xenons, 17'' wheels, climate control, 6 speed box, mp3 audio, auto wipers, lights etc,) and still manages to be one of the cheapest to lease due to excellent residual values.

So.. top of the list is the BMW 320D... and indeed.. that's what I ordered!

Last edited by MarkA; 05-04-2005 at 12:24 PM..
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      05-04-2005, 08:56 AM   #2
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If the exchange rate weren't so bad, I would have bought a BMW diesel as well (Euro spec)... My friend has a 530d that is an absolute Rocket!! And the best part is, it sounds just like a regular BMW straight six motor. All that and you get 40 mpg... :rocks:
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      05-04-2005, 11:31 AM   #3
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$6.45 per gallon for unleaded!?

I'd take the GTI from the list, but since gas prices are so high over there... I'd take the 320d.
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      05-04-2005, 11:51 AM   #4
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Yup.. that was pretty much the decision!
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      05-04-2005, 02:43 PM   #5
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MarkA-

You forgot to test the best diesel engine of all ... the BMW 535d!

[272HP Diesel - 560NM 0-100km]

I agree with your conclusion though. The 320d is a top choice in Europe.
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      05-04-2005, 02:52 PM   #6
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I had a price range Euro 45K to 53K. he he. I wish I could afford a 535D but at Euro 90K including options... wow! ... I wish I could even have a drive in a 535D! Awesome car!.. I notice in this month's Carros (crap mag.. but it's free with Centraal Beheer motor insurance ) that they test the 535D against the new M5. Impressive beast!.. Have you seen the figures for a tuned one?

313HP and upto 630NM (464lb/ft)... jeeze when it accelerates it must ripple tarmac! http://www.upsolute.com/db/new/daten...arke=4&ID=1051
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      05-05-2005, 10:20 AM   #7
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The 535d is quite impressive standard, so the tuned versions have to be phenomenal. I'll sell you mine if you want

I'm looking for a 3 or even 1 series as a replacement. I have also noticed that the difference between similarly specced models is very small. I haven't driven the 1 but I would have guessed it would be good since it has the same engine as the 320d. Was it not as impressive or was it others factors that made you dislike it.
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      05-05-2005, 11:04 AM   #8
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2005 645  [9.00]
I got my 320D last Friday and love, LOve, LOVe, LOVE it!!! Fantastic performance and I'm averaging 47.8 MPG at the moment (and thats with driving hard). I can't ask for more. Being in the UK and the fact that the 320D is faster and quicker than the petrol version made it a no-brainer for me. Enjoy it.
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      05-05-2005, 11:09 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stnewcar
I got my 320D last Friday and love, LOve, LOVe, LOVE it!!! Fantastic performance and I'm averaging 47.8 MPG at the moment (and thats with driving hard). I can't ask for more. Being in the UK and the fact that the 320D is faster and quicker than the petrol version made it a no-brainer for me. Enjoy it.
Congrats!
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      05-05-2005, 02:45 PM   #10
MarkA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by JBOO
The 535d is quite impressive standard, so the tuned versions have to be phenomenal. I'll sell you mine if you want

I'm looking for a 3 or even 1 series as a replacement. I have also noticed that the difference between similarly specced models is very small. I haven't driven the 1 but I would have guessed it would be good since it has the same engine as the 320d. Was it not as impressive or was it others factors that made you dislike it.
It was just not nearly as refined as the 320d. It had a really harsh ride (and this was on 16inch wheels!, versus the sport suspended 17 inchers on the 320d) and the engine wasn't as well damped as the 320d. Also the interior is pretty cheap feeling compared to the 320d.
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      05-05-2005, 02:45 PM   #11
MarkA
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stnewcar
I got my 320D last Friday and love, LOve, LOVe, LOVE it!!! Fantastic performance and I'm averaging 47.8 MPG at the moment (and thats with driving hard). I can't ask for more. Being in the UK and the fact that the 320D is faster and quicker than the petrol version made it a no-brainer for me. Enjoy it.
I'm glad it's working out for you!.. good to have another 320d owner here on the board!
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      05-05-2005, 11:41 PM   #12
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MarkA,

what a fabulous review! you've really put my mind at ease... i was rethinking my decision to get the 320d, and been scrolling the threads to get reports on it. Our gas prices in Jamaica are just as bad, and so the diesel is very practical. My wife drives a turbodiesel Pick-up and i have been pleasantly surprised at its abilities...

so, i am salivating at the threads and thought of the 320d!!! i can't wait, ordered Sport Package, xenons, Arctic/terra, logic 7, poplar? not sure if that or walnut...

keep them coming.
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      05-06-2005, 09:24 AM   #13
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I for one really hope that BMW brings their diesels to this side of the pond. I have written to BMWNA about this, and their answer is they are evaluating the current market. What would be perfect is a 320d for a commuting car and an E46M3 for the weekends. I'm just crossing my fingers because BMW in the U.S. means excess power and excess performance. There is no economy in their vocabulary.
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      05-06-2005, 11:44 PM   #14
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I hope BMW Philippines follows through with their promise to bring in a 320d manual tranny for me. They're nuts to just offer petrol steptronics here.
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      05-06-2005, 11:45 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pinoy
I hope BMW Philippines follows through with their promise to bring in a 320d manual tranny for me. They're nuts to just offer petrol steptronics here.
You must be nuts driving a stick in Manila Traffic.
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      05-06-2005, 11:45 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pinoy
I hope BMW Philippines follows through with their promise to bring in a 320d manual tranny for me. They're nuts to just offer petrol steptronics here.
They're bringing one single 320d just for you??
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      05-07-2005, 11:32 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by arnolds
You must be nuts driving a stick in Manila Traffic.
You're right... I'm a bit crazy. But I dont live in the area of Manila where traffic is a nightmare. So it's ok. I never liked 'matics. They dont gear up or down properly.

Last edited by pinoy; 05-07-2005 at 11:51 PM..
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      05-07-2005, 11:34 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by spikes111
They're bringing one single 320d just for you??
I'm requesting a quote for a special ordered 320d. If their price is acceptable I'll put in a formal order for one. Why buy a BMW you dont want when you can special order one you do?
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      05-24-2005, 01:07 PM   #19
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Has any one who's received a 320d been tempted by the Tunit module?? Upto nearly 200bhp and 390nm!! www.tunit.co.uk At £398 thats a lot of bang for your bucks!
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      05-24-2005, 03:23 PM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Timbers
Has any one who's received a 320d been tempted by the Tunit module?? Upto nearly 200bhp and 390nm!! www.tunit.co.uk At £398 thats a lot of bang for your bucks!
Never heard of it till now. Bloody tempting
I suspect they only support the older 320D though
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      05-24-2005, 03:48 PM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 1stnewcar
Never heard of it till now. Bloody tempting
I suspect they only support the older 320D though
This is de 163BHP version:
http://www.chipmeister.nl/specificat...MW320D_e90.htm

and there are a lot of German tuners doing this engine already, between 190-205BHP and between 390 and 420Nm
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      05-24-2005, 03:51 PM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Robin Hood
This is de 163BHP version:
http://www.chipmeister.nl/specificat...MW320D_e90.htm

and there are a lot of German tuners doing this engine already, between 190-205BHP and between 390 and 420Nm
I'd better get saving
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