BMW 320d Touring M Sport

My husband purchased our New 2012 BMW 320d Touring M Sport Estate car in January of this year, at first I was not impressed due to the cost of the car.

However... I really Love this car, it is perfect for our small family, with a huge boot and lots of leg room inside. In addition we have had no problems with anything at all, which is very rare with new cars, especially with the amount of recalls and problems we have heard about from other new cars.

The performance is great and on long journeys it really is a class act, with prefect steering and a very comfortable drive. Our children love the car, I love the car and my husband would sleep in the car if he was allowed.

We have previously purchased Volvo Estate cars, of which are ok, however really dont compare to the Estate car that BMW have created. It is also remarkably fast and very reliable.

I would recommend the BMW 320d Touring M Sport Estate to anyone looking for a great family vehicle that is both stylish and practical. In addition they also come with special tyres, that even when you get a puncture, you can drive on, this is a fantastic feature that gives me peace of mind on long journeys in the UK.

Having owned the M sport 320 touring for a year and half now, I am aware of what a great car it is - well built and reliable, contortable and. Not too thirsty for a 2 litre angina on fuel.

The ride is firm but it holds the road pretty much like its on rails. Servicing. Costs can be slightly high side as parts don't come cheap - probably because you don't need them that often.

If you are an older driver 350 ins a year ( for me in late 40,s isn't bad.

The down side is the expensive run flat tyres and I would advise to get the toe and chamber checked each time you have new ones.(BMW known to have wheel alignment problems.

I've read you can get these bmws chipped out for even more impressive fuel/ performance - not that it needs it though

Really cold winters see the push button start playing up a bit but hasn't not started yet!

Would only buy the M ort version though as drove a standard one and wasn't that impressed,

There are some good 2006 onward bowels out there! So worth a look!

I'd previously been driving a 530d, a straight six beast of an engine but a smooth and refined ride. A classic exec car in fact. But I don't need the size, and I'd just started doing more miles for work, and the 530 (even the d) won't get you more than high thirties on motorway, and a lot less urban.

I'd read about the great 2.0d engines and decided that without the space requirement, a 320d would be the right option. I opted for the Touring just in case the space ever became an issue again, plus for me the touring looks just as good if not better than the saloon.

The big question is how much does the 2 litre diesel have - in fact at about 8 seconds or so, its probably only a shade over what the bigger engines were managing a few years back. I've got the auto box and despite any reservations I might have had, this thing just jumps out of the blocks and hares up the road with you puffing out your cheeks in surprise. Very crisp, very taught, and quick enough.

The ride is pure BMW; on rails and a joy on country A roads, but a pleasant cruiser on the M4. I was concerned about reports concerning the M sports uncompromising suspension; not true, sure a bit of a hop or two at low speeds but other than that absolutely no problem.

The cabin finish is a climb down from the 5 but it is nevertheless top rate and a place you're happy to spend time. The feel of the seating, steering wheel and driving position is all excellent.

Space-wise, this is a compact exec, so you get, well, compact levels of space. I am six-four, and can see others taller than me struggling in a cabin this size, but I am happy with my leg space and seating. In fact the M seats are a joy. The boot is reasonable without being fabulous, and the rear space is now plausible instead of silly for rear passengers.

Spec-wise ok there's no sat nav but the leather, the bluetooth, the heated seats; you get plenty more kit on rival manufacturers' equivalents in an attempt to lure you away; but it is nothing more than a hopeful punt - a fancy gizmo that likely falls off in your hand should not come between you and easily the best car in its class. Beware cheaper imitations...