I purchased the 320i to replace my beloved 2012 Suzuki Swift 1.4 GLS hatchback, when I needed a bit more space to accommodate my recently arrived son and associated paraphernalia. This is my second BMW, the first was a 1999 E39 528i which I drove for about five years. I must admit that I didn't quite get the same fantastic impression driving the F30 for the first time as I did driving the E39, but it is possible that I've become a little spoiled over the years (I moved up to the E39 from a battered 1985 Mercedes W123 230E).
To help set the scene here, I live in South Africa where cars are generally more expensive than the rest of the world. Our economy is also not that great right now, so for me buying a car is something which I put a lot of thought and research into. It's always amusing to chat with people from other countries, who smugly enumerate their long lists of option packs and track packs and this packs and that packs. Whilst I'd certainly like some of those additional luxuries, they are just that and it can be difficult to justify the additional expense. More on which options I would have liked below, though.
I chose a secondhand silver model in very good condition and with low mileage (about 35,000km's when I took ownership). I would have liked the M Sport edition, but couldn't quite justify the price premium. I also think that the F30 is one of those models where the front bumper of the non-sport model is almost as attractive as the gaping maw of the M Sport. Mine came with 17" rims, which also means cheaper tires than the 18/19's on the Sport when replacement time comes, but still more presence than the unattractive 16's on lowlier models.
One inclusion which I was very pleased with was the xenon headlights with white "angel eyes" - it's pure vanity, but I always wished for these on my E39. I could do without the pesky headlight washing system, though - this just squirts water everywhere and means you have to more frequently fill the window washer reservoir. Other handy inclusions were PDC sensors front and rear, auto headlights and auto windscreen washers - I've gotten very used to these features, which I believe are standard spec.
I bought the vehicle from a private seller, but ended up collecting it from a dealership where it had had its mandatory inspection for the Motorplan to be transferred to my name - R1500 well spent for three years of peace of mind. It was both thrilling and daunting to drive it home, being the most expensive car I'd ever driven. Once the initial thrill had worn off, I did notice a few niggles. I'm quite large (yes yes, working on it), and the standard seats feel very narrow - it feels as if the non-adjustable bolsters are almost in the middle of my back.
The front seat belt clips are also set quite low, and it can take a little bit of fiddling to get used to their placement - I now pass the belt from right hand to left, which seems to make it easier (right-hand drive in SA). It also took me quite long to find a comfortable driving position with the manual seats - on longer trips I would quite often get cramps in my legs. I now find the car quite comfortable, but it took a while to get used to it - I initially almost regretted my decision.
I was a big fan of the BMW straight six in the E39 and wasn't expecting the same silky character from the F30's turbo four, but I must say it has its own charm. It has a pleasing rumble when pottering around town - it is distant and muted, but present nonetheless. Open the taps and acceleration is smooth and linear - it feels very fast off the line, which the ~7.5s 0 to 100 time attests to. Get the revs just right and there is a distant choof from the turbo when shifting. I would love a little bit more audible feedback from the engine and exhaust - maybe the Sport would have brought that.
Speaking of the Sport, there is a surprising amount of body roll on my vehicle, most notable when going around traffic circles/roundabouts. It sticks and sticks and I haven't yet come close to losing traction, but it is less than re-assuring when it feels as if you're leaning like a yacht in a gale whilst cornering. I've read that this can be addressed with the adjustable suspension option, I'll probably seriously consider inclusion of that option if/when I buy BMW again. Performance on the freeway is just about spot on - BMW's driving pleasure adage definitely applies there. Steering feel and response is great too, nothing more to be said there. The steering wheel itself is also fine and feels good, although the tiller included with the M Sport is much smarter looking (the proper one, not the normal 3-spoke with M badge).
Compared to other modern the cars, where there has been so much development in this area lately, the infotainment system on the base model feels a bit antiquated. There's USB and aux support, decent Bluetooth phone connectivity but no Bluetooth audio streaming - really BMW??? I get by using a little Bluetooth dongle in the aux port and permanently charging off USB to get my Google Music groove on. This is a pest as I have to switch it on every time I start the car (seems to the case with most of these dongles) - in fact it might be easier just plugging in the aux cable every time. I'm not fussed about the lack of satnav, I prefer using my phone anyway.
The iDrive interface is perfectly usable for the minimal functions exposed in my model (basically radio and telephone). I'm also not concern about the lack of touchscreen, I prefer the main controls being via tactile buttons I just have to glance at when on the move. The sound from the base stereo is adequate and seems to be getting better with time, but the upgraded HK head unit would be a very tempting selection if I had that options list in front of me. In terms of general features, I thought I would miss the comfort access option from my Suzuki more than what I actually do - pressing a button on the key fob or on the door to unlock is about the same amount of effort. I do appreciate the start button - hop in and go - the physical key on a Ford Focus I recently tested seemed a bit archaic.
Considering that my daily commute is a very short stop/start trip, my fuel consumption figure of 11.6 l/100km is to be expected - it gets better on the open road. I ruled out a diesel and the associated consumption benefits from the outset, because apparently daily short trips and diesels aren't a good mix. Also they belong in tractors. One aspect of the F30 which surprised me is its size - this is quite a big car, only a little smaller than my old E39. It's not obvious when you look at it, but is when you're driving it.
Visibility is generally good, but I find it to be a hassle to park. There is very little sense of where the car's corners are, and even parking in a normal horizontal bay can take a number of attempts. I was pleased to see that it wasn't just me that encountered this difficulty when I raised the topic on an online forum - the current gen X3 also received the same complaint. I'm getting used to it, but I don't recall ever having this difficulty with the E39. Ironically two of the stereotypical BMW attributes - bad parking and imrproper use of turn signals - both seem to be encouraged in this car. The turn signals aren't that great, they feel solid but often stay on when I don't want them to, or go off when I want them to stay on.
Minor niggles aside, I'm not at all sorry I bought the 320i. I get a thrill every time I see it, and always look forward to going for a drive. I might consider something a little more compact next time for that nippy feeling I miss from the Suzuki, but otherwise give the F30 a solid 4.5 out of 5.
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