What is it?
The 320d ED is part of a refreshed 3-series range, which only sees cosmetic (including new bumpers and lights) changes awarded to the coupe and cabrio.
However, the standard 320d models get a refreshed engine, with a new 1800bar common rail injection system and an extra 7bhp (for a total 182bhp) and an extra 22lb ft of torque, taking it up to a maximum of 280lb ft.
The standard 320d also gets the full compliment of fuel-saving Efficient Dynamics kit, including the ability to selectively ‘switch-off’ the electric power steering, oil pump and air-con compressor. Start-stop is also standard. The upshot is that the standard-issue 320d is good for a Co2 figure of 125g/km.
The 320d ED, however, has a de-tuned version of the 320d engine, with power reduced by 20bhp. Added to this is a package of additional engineering measures including a longer final drive ratio, lowered suspension front and rear and new aerodynamic wheel rims.
The upshot is that the 320d ED has fractionally slippier body (a Cd of 0.26 instead of 0.27) and Co2 emissions that fall to supermini levels of just 109g/km, a remarkable figure for a car of this size.
What’s it like?
We tried the 320d on the country roads around Munich and found it to be as expected of the 3-series: well balanced, wieldy and acceptably swift. However, the new engine is more vocal under acceleration that the best of its rivals.
Another unexpected benefit is that the 320d ED has a notably smoother engine than its sister car. That’s probably thanks to the new dual mass flywheel, which gets a pair of ‘Centrifugal Pendulum Absorbers’ to further damp out engine vibration.
Like all the 2010 3-series, both 320d models are starting to feel their age. The control weights are a little over heavy, the windscreen a little too close to the driver and the chassis, though well balanced, is a touch leaden in its responses.
We shouldn’t forget, however, that this leadenness is relative. The 3-series is rear-drive and has a near perfect 50:50 weight distribution, which gives the car an inherent handling advantage over front-drive rivals.
However, this particular 3-series was prone to both instability in strong side winds and occasional strong wind rustle from around the windscreen pillars. Even so, it’s a satisfying car to steer in nearly all conditions.
Should I buy one?
With the 320d ED costing the same as the standard-issue 320d SE in the UK, why would any buyer not take the more frugal (and slightly more refined) tax-busting model?
Indeed, the UK’s enthusiasm for the BMW 3-series (and the Treasury’s enthusiasm for taxing business drivers) should result in 60 percent of all the 320d EfficientDynamics models made for the European market ending up on UK roads.
Join the debate
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
Not if it's a company car, and a large proportion of 3 series sales are company cars.
Completly agree with you there.
One other point which has been overlooked so far is the leasing cost which is vital for company car fleets. Yes the list price is high, but the better resale values help to offset that to a certain degree. So leasing a 320d SE can be cheaper than a top spec Mondeo. Factor in the savings on tax and its not difficult to see why the BMW sells so well.
2nded.
Have posted this many a time, but some still don't get it.
Find the "bought it for the badge" tag now very boring.
It seems that those that do not have one deride the fact that a lot do - oh, of course they must be sheep, (not think and follow the herd - I bought one 'cos e did...).
Would I buy one with my own money?
Err no way, there is no car available now that I would buy new - second hand all the time. And the same money saving principle applies here. These BMW diesels are some of the best value cars on my company car scheme.
Just so you know Thwarts a Citroen C5 2.2HDI VTR saloon which is £20,000 list (PCM - £425 +£84 BIC @20%) is £40 more expensive (inc BIC) than a standard BMW 320d SE @ £26,050 (- PCM - £400 + £60 BIC @ 20%).
If you want dynamics you go for the BM if you want comfort you go for the Citroen.
Who's daft then? The allure of the badge eh?
Remove the Chip (
.
Oh and for the record The Renaultsport Clio 200 is only £285 per month - £68 BIC!!! tempting....
Now that is value for buck.
I'm now on all fours
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
Looks like an impressive engine, but I'm less than convinced with the claimed 68mpg average/combined if, at 70mph/1650rpm it's clocking 60mpg..
It's about time the govt. (or EEC) economy tests were given a thorough overhaul. From experience most cars I've had stick far more closely to their 'urban' figure overall than the combined..
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
Very impressive figures; glad to see some of the boffins at BMW are employed being usefully instead of producing overblown 4x4s that can do 0-60 in under 6 seconds.
Looking foward to 2019 when I might be able to afford one of these fourth hand (they won't make economic sense to may of us until then, sorry if that's a shock to you Autocar)...
- Let depreciation be your friend...
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
Come on Hilton, I dont want a 3 series that's the size of a 5 series and weighing 3 tonnes,
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
Not many people want to give Gordon more of their money than they have to
It hurts me everytime I fill up thinking that tw@t is getting more of my money to p1ss away.
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
A lot of people _really_ hate paying tax that they can easily avoid.
You've swayed me - I did not appreciate just how many BMWs are fleet operated.
Would I buy one with my own money?
Err no way, there is no car available now that I would buy new - second hand all the time.
Same. My wife's C5 (with which you have a peculiar obsession) was bought outright ex-demo. Good price, unmarked, still under factory warranty. Finance and BIK are of no relevance to me and to countless others in the same situation - I was more concerned with sticker price, insurance premium, the dealer, servicing and reliability, and of course what the car delivered in terms of comfort, practicality, value and so on. Areas where most German cars fall short.
From our point of view, a super economical new 3-Series makes no sense either when it is such an all round uneconomical proposition in the first place. Equip any 320d Tourer with navigation, leather, heated seats, premium audio, electric tailgate and so on, all of which are standard on the C5, and suddenly you're talking the same cost as a two storey house extension. It's also more to insure. And less reliable. And common. And cramped. And uncomfortable. At least it does 68mpg though eh!
It's only a matter of time before the loose finance of the last few decades comes dries up, businesses tighten their belts and at which point expensive prestige vehicles - whether they are tax efficient, fuel efficient or otherwise - will be the preserve of the very wealthy again. It's already happening.
And if you think a prestige badge holds no sway with reps you can't know many reps...
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
Not if it's a company car, and a large proportion of 3 series sales are company cars.
Completly agree with you there.
One other point which has been overlooked so far is the leasing cost which is vital for company car fleets. Yes the list price is high, but the better resale values help to offset that to a certain degree. So leasing a 320d SE can be cheaper than a top spec Mondeo. Factor in the savings on tax and its not difficult to see why the BMW sells so well.
2nded.
Have posted this many a time, but some still don't get it.
Find the "bought it for the badge" tag now very boring.
It seems that those that do not have one deride the fact that a lot do - oh, of course they must be sheep, (not think and follow the herd - I bought one 'cos e did...).
Would I buy one with my own money?
Err no way, there is no car available now that I would buy new - second hand all the time. And the same money saving principle applies here. These BMW diesels are some of the best value cars on my company car scheme.
Just so you know Thwarts a Citroen C5 2.2HDI VTR saloon which is £20,000 list (PCM - £425 +£84 BIC @20%) is £40 more expensive (inc BIC) than a standard BMW 320d SE @ £26,050 (- PCM - £400 + £60 BIC @ 20%).
If you want dynamics you go for the BM if you want comfort you go for the Citroen.
Who's daft then? The allure of the badge eh?
Remove the Chip (.
Oh and for the record The Renaultsport Clio 200 is only £285 per month - £68 BIC!!! tempting....
Now that is value for buck.
Damn good post. Completely agree.
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
Except I can't see too many reps cramming a Canon photocopier in the back 
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
I run my own business and run a company car with fuel benefit at the 40% tax rate. I run the car for 4 years.
In February this year I started looking for a new car that had to be quick'ish, 40mpg+, 4/5 door, automatic, quality make, space for 2 car seats, space for pushchair etc in boot and definitely not a diesel.
I headed straight for BMW and looked at the 320SE Auto which fitted all my requirements, great I thought and arranged an appointment to go back the next day to order and put down a deposit.
That evening I found a great site www.comcar.co.uk that gives great information for company car drivers. I found a car that beat the BMW in nearly every area
Click on the blue sections of each car and it brings up relevant 0-60 times, mpg etc.
The next morning I went to the dealer before BMW to try the car seats, pram etc. To my amazement the car had more usuable space in the rear than the BMW and could just get the pushchair and bits in the boot.
So to conclude I found a car that was £6000 cheaper than the BMW once specced up and with broker discounts, quicker, more Dynamically Efficient, as good build quality, as good residuals and cheaper to run.
Like you I thought that BMW was way ahead of the herd, but thats what they want you to think. The car I now own for 4 years will save me about £10000 over the BMW and beats it in most areas.
With the money I saved i went and bought myself an early E46 330 Sport Convertible.
Also I found the Audi A4 2.0TSi trounced the equivelant BMW 325 for Efficiency and beat it in nearly every other area bar its cornering ability.
I do like the look of this new 320Ed though, looks great on paper. Alas its a diesel though. So not for me.
Re: BMW 320d Efficient Dynamics saloon
You found a 4cyl beat a straight six 3.0 (strangled though it may be) for efficiency! You honestly looked this up?
You astound me.
If you read my post I am stating the efficiency of the diesels. Have a look, there is not much that even comes close.
I wish their was believe me (although I would leave Audi alone as they are truely bad value - virtually everything in their product line can be sought elsewhere within the group for far less cost).
The mileage I can do really varies and some years can be up to 30k, so dieseldobest. If you don't do this kind of mileage or your not a torque junky then petrol all the way.
I would love the Clio200, and my only concern is the miles. My last Clio (the 182 with Cup packs) was during a known low mileage period and wore 20k with no issues, fantastic fun each and every one.
I can only speak for my company scheme and regardless of what I look at the BM diesels come down the some the cheapest cars available in their size / performance.
Being blessed that I am with two (of the same company) dealers that actually care and understand the word SERVICE, helps tremendously.
What did you buy then?
I'm now on all fours
