[Tengocity]

http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/...i-sport-review

Apparently they reckon it's the most comfortable and refined 3 series available... even so 8.9 seconds for 0-60mph!!!!
My Citroen AX GT was faster than that, never mind any of my BMWs.
It has half the number of cylinders that a car claiming to be the ultimate driving machine should have one might argue.

[dopper99]

"And you’d jolly well hope so, because while it looks barely any different from outside there have been some pretty significant changes. The suspension is now anchored to the body at more points to make it more rigid, the anti-roll bars have been thickened and stiffened, and the whole car has been dropped by 10mm. That’s on top of improvements to the interior and a welcome boost in standard equipment."

^^^ Unless you have an xdrive. - most probably

[jusdorange]

I don't know about you guys but my 316i
never felt underpowered

By that I mean , everyday driving

You can pass safely

Ok it wasn't a sports car but just going to the shops & whatnot was good

[Proftinkerpot]

On a slight aside, I recently had a 216d active tourer as a courtesy car and I was amazed by the performance. It was lively, refined, torquey and felt good to drive. In fairness the car was also brand new - it was 2 days old when I was given the keys and it had 72 miles on it so I wasn't driving it hard but it never felt like it was out of steam. I'd definitely consider one as a second car.

[Nick the Greek]

This is a reaction to many years of people fooling themselves into thinking diesel cars are refined.
They're not.
Go and try one of these small petrol turbos - VAG 1.2 turbo comes to mind. You'll realise just how unrefined in all areas of NVH diesels are.

[davyk31]

A Courtesy car always seems quick enough but rarely would I want to buy that model. It's the novelty factor.

[davyk31]

Originally Posted by Proftinkerpot

On a slight aside, I recently had a 216d active tourer as a courtesy car and I was amazed by the performance. It was lively, refined, torquey and felt good to drive. In fairness the car was also brand new - it was 2 days old when I was given the keys and it had 72 miles on it so I wasn't driving it hard but it never felt like it was out of steam. I'd definitely consider one as a second car.

Admitting on an open forum you would consider a 216d AT Robert!!! There must be a Doctor somewhere can help you out

[Rbrown]

So does this mean that when I see 318 with full msport + body kits I shouldn't laugh anymore........

[Nick the Greek]

Originally Posted by Rbrown

So does this mean that when I see 318 with full msport + body kits I shouldn't laugh anymore........

No.

You'd only laugh if it was a diesel......

Trying to be "sporty"....

[Rbrown]

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

No.

You'd only laugh if it was a diesel......

Trying to be "sporty"....

I see a 316d msport+ every morning. He even has added "m power" badges to it. Some old guy in a mobility scooter passed him yesterday

[Nick the Greek]

I would then refer you to the "M badge wanker" thread on babybmw.net. ...

[Proftinkerpot]

Originally Posted by davyk31

Admitting on an open forum you would consider a 216d AT Robert!!! There must be a Doctor somewhere can help you out

I actually thought I was driving a 218d and was very surprised to see the badge on it. The car was well specced, spacious and had a lot of clever touches. As transport for the nuclear family, it would tick the boxes. It certainly drove nicer than a Ford S Max or a Vauxhall Zafira. Of course they are cheaper but I have been there with Ford and found that Ford definitely don't care. In reality I would probably opt for a 2.0d engine.

[pdk42]

I love my 335i, but there are days when all I see are traffic jams, road works, 50-mph sections on the motorways for mile upon mile, heavy traffic, traffic cams, blah blah blah and I find myself thinking that a 318i would be a better bet.

[HighlandPete]

I see the smaller turbo petrol engines have their place, but not as a performance model, and could be the perfect choice. If you are steady driver and want a specific body style, why not?

The VW 1.2i turbo has been mentioned, we have a Skoda Yeti in the family with the engine. For what it was bought for, local runs, pottering about with no intention of working it hard (other than for the occasional overtake), it is brilliant. It is so sweet and refined, feels much more capable than it really is, as long as you are not after a fast vehicle. So much more refined than the diesel doing the same sort of trips.

Where I do see issues for something like the 318i is when the engine is worked hard, then it will be lacking for many, also very thirsty, particularly at speed. There are other engines which will reward more, even a small diesel.

There is another factor some will consider, that of use. Many short runs and particularly in winter, do not favour the diesel. Some users opt for small petrol which heats faster and is arguably more suited to the local runs.

HighlandPete

[deebee]

Originally Posted by Rbrown

So does this mean that when I see 318 with full msport + body kits I shouldn't laugh anymore........

He's probably laughing at the arch gaps on an x drive somewhere

[Nick the Greek]

Originally Posted by The Doctor

He's probably laughing at the arch gaps on an x drive somewhere