BMW 3 SERIES Coupe 2005 on

Now had this about 2 weeks, bought a 59 plate, 21k miles to replace my aeging E46 330 ci,

I did set out to buy the 335d, and test drove one, did the sums, and it just doesnt work for me, no straight 6 soundtrack, diesel is more expensive per gallon, and i would have had to spend another 3k on purchase.

The 330i E92 has fantastic handling, the e46 was good, but this thing is much more refined and far mor capable when it comes to throwing it through a corner. By contrast when not booting it around town, this car will do the sedate relaxing drive in relative comfort.

The engine is completely different to the old E46, a bit quiet on start up, but picks up well when you open the throttle.

As for performance, wow, this engine really does pack a punch, much more powerfull than its predecessor, and combined with the auto box and 6 gears to go at in DS mode it is a very fast car.

The fuel economy is also very good, i am managing an average of about 30mpg, I live in London and do suffer from a fairly heavy right foot so its never going to be great. I did manage to do a 300mile round trip on motorways last week and get 38mpg as an average, which by comparison to the e46 would have been at best 31mpg.

The interior is of a fairly good standard, spacious, useable back seats that fold down, like the fold out side pockets, like the cup holders, sunroof's good, i went for the red leather with the extended lighting pack, it grows on you is all i will say.

The idrive provides for great entertainment, i love a gadget with many options, and this ticks all the boxes. Just plug the usb stick in and play all your favourite tunes, sync it with your bluetooth phone, and turn the car into a mobile office/disco.

The only thing negative i have to say about this car is the seat belt hand over device, doesnt work, as the belt slips off before it gets to the end of its travel, but i can live with that.

In summary a quality car, looks good, sounds good, goes like a rocket.

Best car I have ever owned. The twin turbo 3 litre engine is effortless. Quality of the cabin is first class. Has been a joy to own, reliable and satisfying. Still love getting into it each day.

Pros: Great drive. Great handling. Great Engine. Solid Cabin and equipment. Surprisingly economical as well.

Cons: Hard riding. Watch out for pot-holes.

Just what the doctor ordered !, bought the car more than two years ago now with 27k on the clock, it has now covered more than 60k and is still returning regularly over 59mpg over a 35 mile trip twice a day to work. On a Friday returning from work mpg is not at the forefront of my thoughts so tend to drive it like a sports coupe should be, it's fab considering its a diesel. This is now the seventh BMW I've owned and is without a doubt the best of them, even better than my old E36 325 sport. The four seats are not usually a problem as there are only three of us in the house. Build quality is up to the usual high standards of BMW, great seating in top grade leather. Road tax is now up to £95 per year, still great.Only cons I can think of were problems with the rear 19" rims which started to crack aong the inside rim, BMW agreed to replace them even when one was just out of the warranty period, also needed an EGR valve.

It's a joy to own and drive.

The 6 cylinder diesel version of BMW's e92 coupe is beautiful, rapid, composed and all whilst being economical, practical and reliable.

It handles finely with that excellent rear-drive bias that BMW do so well, feels like a 2 seater but with sufficient space for 4 adults and has enough room in the boot to handle luggage for a decent trip abroad (there's even a split-fold rear seat, for when you need to carry longer items - like a step ladder).

With fine handling and plenty of power, short journeys along country lanes are always enjoyable and yet longer motorway journeys are still relaxed affairs. Multi adjustable electric seats make it easy to find a comfortable position and you step out at the end of a long journey, as relaxed as when you climbed in. It offers the ideal balance of sports and GT.

Running costs have been remarkably low, in fact servicing has cost no more than my fathers Renault and the fuel economy from such a powerful engine has been nothing short of staggering. It's even very reasonable when you decide to 'press on' a bit...

My only criticism is the ride/handling on poorly surfaced roads, but this was improved no end by changing from BMW's preferred run-flat tyres to a set of standard performance tyres (the run-flats may work well on Germany's smooth roads but not here in England).

For the more enthusiastic driver the addition of an LSD and change of suspension/anti-roll bars (to something like Birds package) and tuning of the ECU would reap even bigger rewards.

Tuned in this way the e92 is capable of showing a clean pair of heels to far more expensive machinery but even in standard form it's one of the best drivers cars in its price range, a fantastic ownership proposition and one I would highly recommend.

Owned for 2Years (after 330i, 323i etc). Amazing car in all aspects, has to be the best balance a car can offer - very economical in relation to performance and very comfortable and smooth always! Looks a treat and many options to suit everyone new and used. Drivers car, but thats what coupes are for! Performance is truely fantastic from the twinturbo engine, amazing pull and really does do sub 6 seconds to 62mph! Diesel sound is beefy when pressed, unheard when not. Gearbox is smoooth, quiet and instant when pressed hard. Economy obviously depends on your right foot but this is a professional car. I know accuratly i get 30-32MPG purely round town, 41-45MPG motorway and on a 60Mph run i have truely got 52MPG! 600Mile Tank All Day Long! Only downside is Runflats, but easily solved by getting them off and replaced with normal tyres all round as I did! Wouldnt sell this car if I hadnt upgraded to the Alpina! Buy one you wont regret it!

Bought this car nearly a year ago, for around 10-12k you can pick up a fantastic, quality car- the interiors are spacious and fantastic quality (if a little boring), the car handles and drives superbly, and the running costs of £75 road tax per year, group 13 insurance, and 60mpg are unreal for a car that looks and drives this well.

The E92 is a lovely car to drive, enjoyable especially on motorways where you can open up the engine. The performance on the 325d is surprising, more power than expected whilst keeping the fuel consumption at a reasonable level. City driving is also reasonable on fuel costs.

If you have a family of 5 plus, this car isnt for you, with capacity for only 4 persons. Rear leg room is an issue but the comfort of the leather seats makes up for a little cramped space.

Servicing costs at BMW are high, but generally, parts arnt too expensive, if you source a local specialist then costs can be reasonable.

The major issue with the E92 Diesel, is that is has been factory fitted with a Diesel Particle Filter, this causes huge problems when driving in the city as the regeneration cannot take place unless the revs are over a certain amount. I have since had mine removed independantly, dealer will replace at costs of over £1200, but this wont fix the issue, just delay it. a removal is cheaper and more cost effective, Removal will also see fuel consumption and power increase gains.

Overall an amazing car, with a strong reliable engine, reliable mechanical parts such as suspension, brakes etc...

This isn't a car it is a luxury vehicle that is a pleasure to drive and fabulous to own. It is effortless to drive being an automatic, no clutch holding on hills and parking is a doddle with sensors front and rear.

Having a diesel engine it is a lot more cost effective than petrol averaging 33-35 miles to gallon for mixed suburban mileage and 42-45 on a long journey on dual carriages or motorways. But the big bonus is that whenever I need it I have enough power to get me where I want to be and in one of the safest cars on the road.

Although it is a 2 door car the rear seats have more than sufficient leg room and getting in and out is not an issue - the secret being to reverse out ha ha try it you'll be surprised. Just do the reverse of getting into the back - its so much easier for big people and little people!

Loads of boot space and the rear seats fold down if you need extra transport space.

Being a lady i particularly appreciate the great lighting inside and out, making me feel not quite so vulnerable. You can set the remote locking to suit your needs and add another layer of security. The onboard computer is good but the sat nav is great and very user friendly.

I bought a used car with reasonable mileage but a plethora of extras and a level of luxury that makes me feel it was definitely value for money and of course its a head turner being black with a cream leather interior - superb.

When I was looking for a coupe I couldn't find a car that looked better then the 320i. I bought the car at 22k miles on a 57 plate. It took alot of getting use to in terms of the drive. The inside was very comfortable and spacious. The rear parking sensors were great and the low tax (£160) was and pro. It was also very comfortable on motorways.

However, this car was very unreliable. In the year that I owned it I had 2 engine management lights, 2 coils and an injector. The 6 month warranty (indepedent dealer) dealt with the 2 engine management lights but the coils and the injector all came out of my pocket. After a year of owning the car I was thinking what will go wrong next. Reading other reviews it seems I am not the only one that has had reliability problems with the 320i.

Pros

Looks great

Low tax

Spacious

Great on motorways

Cons

Reliability- which is why I ended up selling it.

Annoying clutch

PROS.

Dynamics:

Previously I used to be satisfied with prestige cars like my Volvo C70 coupe or the largest Audis. However, none of my previous cars over the last 46 years even remotely compares with the excellent driving experience I get from my 2 litre diesel bmw 3 series SE coupe. The excitement comes because this car feels like it's alive. Accelleration while on the move at modest engine rpm is astonishing, and the handling inspires confidence so that cross country travelling is a real pleasure. Motorway cruising is quiet and relaxed. Even though the gearing is extremely high there is always plenty of power in reserve.

Style:

The interior trim is superb quality but all business with no "luxury" frippery.The exterior of the coupe (mine is in white) looks pretty, but with attitude.

CONS.

Expensive to buy. Expensive tyres... more than £1200 per set of 4.