BMW 320D M Sport Touring - Undecided

[Powerkiter]

Been to look at a year old BMW 320D M Sport Touring at my local dealer today. I haven't put a deposit down yet but really impressed with the car. When I got home noticed that it only has the M Sport package and not the M Sport Plus package; but then it has been upgraded with Zenons, sun protection glass and headlamp wash. So the only things missing are the M Sport brakes and loudspeaker upgrade. Are the sports brakes and loudspeaker upgrade worth worrying about, if so, will just look for another car elsewhere.

But then as a plus point it does have a full length panoramic glass roof.

Looking at buying the car outright with cash. The dealer offered to include the full service package at no extra cost (even if I took out PCP) but want £50 for an iPhone 5 connecting cable. What sort of discount have people got on these recently, especially for cash purchase ?

Are people generally impressed with their 320D M Sport Touring ?

Sorry for the questions, terrible at making my mind up !

[Powerkiter]

Thanks both for the comments.

Yes, the registration number does start with 'YE' and they have confirmed that it was a BMW employee's car.

It also has the 19 inch alloys.

I should imagine it can be quite dark in the back, as black leather, black headlining and tinted windows. That is why the panoramic sunroof sort of appealed, especially for the kids.

[Powerkiter]

Thanks Phil.

It does have GB plates and the salesperson assured me it was an employee's car and not a hire car. Also says 'BMW UK' on the bottom of the number plate.

I did also notice that there was some minor surface rust on the wheel hub, between the brake disk and the wheel itself; is this a fairly common problem. Just doesn't look very nice.

Edited by Powerkiter on Monday 23 February 21:20

[Powerkiter]

Thanks Mr Burt, really helpful comments.

It is only when you start to compare with other cars you see the different combinations of options; which I suppose BMW are well known for. I really need to look at what is important to me but with one eye on resale of the car in the future.

M Sport Brakes (Doesn't have) - Look nice but I am sure the normal ones are up to the job. Don't intend driving it like a hooligan.

HK Speaker System (Doesn't have) - Hope the normal system has a reasonable quality sound.

Sat Nav (Doesn't have) - I am not to worried about this. I have a VW Polo with built in Sat Nav and I cannot remember the last time I used it, always tend to use Google maps on my iPhone. And even then I probably only use Sat Nav once a month.

Panoramic Sunroof (Has) - Nice option to have given how dark the car is inside. Probably get more enjoyment out of it than upgraded brakes.

Decisions, decisions !

[Powerkiter]

Thanks for the comments guys. After looking at the BMW Used Cars website I have decided not to buy the one I test drove. There are plenty around with better specs. which I am tempted by (ideally Estoril Blue with the M Sport Plus upgrade, panoramic sunroof and Sat Nav). I am actually in no hurry to buy one and can wait for the right car to come along.

[Powerkiter]

Just put down a deposit on an Estoril Blue M Sport, with the M Sport Plus package, BMW Professional navigation system, panoramic glass sunroof and a number of other options. Just counted 20 items on the options list alone. Original price just over a year ago was a touch over £42k.

[Powerkiter]

Thanks Fox, I have done a deal which will mean it has lost a lot more than 20% in the first year. Also got servicing for 5 years, iPhone 5 connector and roof bars thrown in.

[Powerkiter]

Does anybody know whether the Thule Proride 591 cycle carriers fit the genuine BMW roof bars for a 3 Series Touring. The roof bars would need to have the channel T-Track connectors to attached the cycle carrier.

[Powerkiter]

Picked up my car on Saturday and I am really impressed with it. I have gone from a 2008 VW Touran 1.9 TDI to this. Even after 3 days of driving it, I cannot get over how enjoyable it is to drive. The spec on it is amazing, the dealer gave me a copy of the original cost breakdown and in December 2013 the car cost just over £42k. Has the following:

Estoril blue paint - Love the colour as almost the same as my old Impreza WRX. Makes a change from white, black or grey.
BMW Professional Navigation System - You can actually write out letters on the iDrive controller
Harman Kardon speaker system - The sound from the 16 speakers is amazing, although not sure where all 16 are !
Headlight wash
M Sport braking system
Sun protection glass
Heated front seats
Extended interior light package
Sport automatic transmission - Last time I drove an automatic was in America 10 years ago. What a difference. Paddle shift adds to the fun !
19 inch alloys
Panoramic glass roof
Front and rear parking control
Full black panel
Xenon headlights
Rain sensor with automatic headlights
Bluetooth hands free

I have a two hours drive to Manchester airport today, as I fly up to Aberdeen for 3 days. Didn't want to leave it in the car park at the airport so am back in the Touran. I am going to so miss driving the car today.

Will try and put some pictures up when I get back from Aberdeen.

Edited by Powerkiter on Tuesday 17th March 10:22