BMW 320D

[avatar157]

Strange title I know for a Roc site, but I just had to post after having a go in a mates 320D.

First of all the layout is just so dated, I mean I came from a Alfa Romeo Brera which was like siting in a Milano coffee bar and I got a shock how spartan the Roc looked. But compared with the BMW it looks positively like the bridge of the Enterprise!

The seats are like a velour and even after only 7000 miles they are bagging at the edges and corners. The dash and door have silver plastic inserts made to look like carbon fibre and they look like..well cheap silver painted plastic.

Engine was good but the thing was so sensitive to bumps in the road which makes you keep both hands on the wheel. Getting back in the Roc and big old thump when you close the door and feeling of a solid built motor that feels really planted was welcome.

I often fancied a Beemer but if the 320D is anything to go by then I have definitely got the best car, just wish mine was white and not black the Roc just looks the business is white.

[trix]

Strange title I know for a Roc site, but I just had to post after having a go in a mates 320D.

thats why we have an off topic section

S

[fun meter]

Some of the BMW's are not that impressive as you mention.

Recently drove the 2.3i Z4, and much preferred my Roc. Although nice quality and good looking, I didnt like the light steering, dash and gearbox - which are probably 3 key things I look at if Im happy with the look. Roc feels so planted, and faster, in comparison.

Have driven an E92 M3, which is brilliant. Family own latest X5 and E60 M5, both of which are also fantastic. But I think some of the more standard models (1 and 3 series) lack something, especially on the inside.

[nd10]

My previous 5 cars have been BMW's including a 325ci and a 2.0l Z4 and I can say without question I do not regret moving to a VW as I knew I wouldn't. The build quality is as good and the drive equally so. Agree with the comment on the Z4, dated interior and a harsh ride.

[jc74]

I'm surprised you found the seats showing wear after only 7000 miles.
I've had a E90 330i M Sport, and a E90 320i M Sport in my time, and found the build quality better than the Roc, with the leather sport seast more comfortable.
The 330i engine is definitely better than the Roc, but thirsty. The 320i is bit gutless in the low end.
As for ride quality, both definitely harder than the Roc, but they were on runflats, so that is proably why.
However, I found that the Beemers lacked the in-cabin rattles which the Roc seems to have every now and again.
Both beemers were specced with satnav/iDrive and I found that system worked fairly well, definitely easier choosing music tracks than trying to scroll down on the RNS510.

Of course from a value for money point of view (amount of money paid, running costs vs the fun you get out of the car), the Roc definitely wins out!

[maisbitt]

I just wish VW would take a few leaves out of BMWs book - they're now getting 185PS/380NM out of their 2.0 Diesel vs 170PS/350NM out of the 2.0TDI. BMW economy is far better with their efficient dynamics too. My boss' new 520D is noticeably more economical than even my 140 TDI Roc and it's pulling a bigger car along. Stick that engine in a Roc with the efficient dynamics technology and you'd have somewhere close to an official 65mpg combined economy and 185PS!

Hate the run flats though - so many BMW drivers hate them too - why won't BMW listen to their customers for that issue?

[wigit]

if i was in the market for a diesel it would have a bmw badge simples

[yellowplum]

I just wish VW would take a few leaves out of BMWs book - they're now getting 185PS/380NM out of their 2.0 Diesel vs 170PS/350NM out of the 2.0TDI. BMW economy is far better with their efficient dynamics too. My boss' new 520D is noticeably more economical than even my 140 TDI Roc and it's pulling a bigger car along. Stick that engine in a Roc with the efficient dynamics technology and you'd have somewhere close to an official 65mpg combined economy and 185PS!

Hate the run flats though - so many BMW drivers hate them too - why won't BMW listen to their customers for that issue?

BMW Never listen to their customers, I know all about that - two years after having a brand new 123d M Sport and telling them repeatedly that I was getting hesitation when accelerating - no one wanted to fix it, ended up in court. Oh well teach them to listen a bit more!