[coopersim]

I agree re DAB, but the last E90 I had with DAB the reception was awful, so I'll chance it for now and save the £325

So, I've had to shave off a little of the spec due to not so over generous company contributions...

Here it is:

BMW 320d Sport Plus in Black Sapphire

with the following options:


Automatic Gearbox
Servotronic Steering
Alarm system (Thatcham 1)
First Aid Kit & Triangle
Ext. mirrors - folding, auto dimming
Rear-view mirror, auto dimming
Smokers package
ISOFIX Child Seat System
Seat adjustment, part-electric
Headlight wash
Park Distance Control (PDC), rear
Rain sensor with auto. headlight activation
Xenon headlights
Automatic Air Conditioning
Cruise control
Extended Interior Light Package
LED eyebrow light elements
BMW Assist
BMW Assist online portal
Voice Control
CD changer preparation
M rear spoiler

Sport Plus Edition
Floor mats, velour
19" light alloy Double-spoke style 313M
Auto transmission M Sport leather steering wheel with gearshift paddles
Black Dakota leather with blue stitching
Black Sapphire
Sport seats, front
M aerodynamic bodystyling
Exterior trim, High-gloss Shadowline
M Sport suspension
Dark Aluminium Glacier Silver interior trim
Headlining, Anthracite

Media package - BMW Business
USB audio interface
Navigation System Business
Bluetooth phone prep + telematics

[coopersim]

[coopersim]

I can't help thinking it's all a bit.. well, BLACK! But my wife has forbidden the w***e colour, which I really like!

[willhollin]

What about Silverstone II colour?

[coopersim]

Can't afford the 325d Auto, and would rather walk than have a manual!

[coopersim]

Silverstone II looks unusual, I quite like it, hint of blue and silver?

[coopersim]

Just to be sure, I have a test drive booked of a 320d Auto on Saturday so I can be happy that it will be ok. It's only half a second slower to 60 than my 325d Auto, so I can't see it being a problem really... Or is it that it sounds like a drowning cat when being pushed?

[willhollin]

http://www.m3post.com/forums/showpos...54&postcount=5

[coopersim]

That's a really striking colour, hopefully the dealer will be able to show me an example in the flesh on Saturday. Thanks for the link.

[Hotcoupe]

Is servotronic standard on the 320D?

[coopersim]

Originally Posted by Hotcoupe

Is servotronic standard on the 320D?

Yes, it's included in the spec on this car, does it make a big difference?

The Astra is the heaviest car I've ever driven - including compared with a 1990 VW Scirocco without PAS!

[coopersim]

Originally Posted by Diseasel

The autobox in the 320d is weak compared to its 6 pot brothers, as this is company car it should be ok though.

If this was a private buy id say forget it. a poster on the 1addicts forum said his 120d autobox couldnt even handle a mild remap to 200bhp...

Cool, in that case I'm hoping it will be ok on the M.Ways!

I'm still keeping the 325d for when I need an injection of fun

[edowen]

no prof nav?

My mate had a 320d auto and compared to my 320d manual the fuel consumption was WAY WAY worse (as was tyre usage, not that that matters to you on a company car).

I was getting low 50's, and he was getting low 40's.

[Hotcoupe]

Originally Posted by coopersim

Yes, it's included in the spec on this car, does it make a big difference?

The Astra is the heaviest car I've ever driven - including compared with a 1990 VW Scirocco without PAS!

Have you driven a BMW with servotronic?

Personally I'd always go with hydraulic, my wife's Fiat 500 (ok it's not a BMW) has electronic steering and I find the feedback very strange and detached and not to my liking.

If you've not driven a servotronic and are used to hydraulic steering in your 325D, I'd suggest you go for a test drive.

[coopersim]

Pro Nav would be nice, but I'll never load music on to the HDD, and the screen size isn't an issue, as long as it gets me to the destination

Luckily I'm on a Fuel Card, so not worried about how much fuel it burns

[edowen]

Fair enough, although you do still pay tax on all the fuel you use.

[coopersim]

On business use? I'm not sure I do tbh?

[coopersim]

Ok, just been and test driven courtesy of Stratstone Chesterfield an Alpine White 320d Auto M Sport Coupe.

Engine seemed quite responsive to me, though sound wise not nearly as nice as the 6 cylinder! But certainly quick enough, even with it being an Auto.

Other points I noted:

No rear drinks holder in arm rest
No transparent covers in reading lights
Sun visors made of plastic
OBC view not remembered when turning ignition off- REALLY annoying, as I leave it on the miles remaining in tank setting
Cruise control missing the +/- 5mph push pull setting
Huge exhaust!
Heavy steering - this was a concern to me, as it's much heavier than my 325d, is there a reason for this other than it having 19'' wheels?

[dopper99]

The rear cup holders is now the extended storage option. You also get the rear nets on the seats. All for £90.

[dopper99]

Originally Posted by coopersim

OBC view not remembered when turning ignition off- REALLY annoying, as I leave it on the miles remaining in tank setting
Cruise control missing the +/- 5mph push pull setting

On my new 330d the OBC stays on where you last left it.

Also my cruise has the +/- 5mph push pull setting - but maybe this is something on 6 cylinder models only?