Chris Harris on Cars | Do you need anything more than a BMW 320d?

I borrowed a BMW 320d to travel to the Nurburgring for a VLN race. Thought it was time we looked at an 'ordinary' car. The full N24 video in the Aston airs later this week.

[@TheSnoopy1750]

I really like these affordable car reviews. Chris should do more.

[@yungdro5702]

***** affordable? it will take me years to afford this car.. its expensive

[@TheSnoopy1750]

Yung Dro Affordable is a relative term I guess. I meant that a typical middle class person has a chance to buy/lease it unlike almost every other car Chris tests. Not cheap but attainable for many.

[@HeinrichGossler]

***** Definitely not cheap.... but it is attainable, new or second hand... with not many years of use.... unlike say a Porsche 918 which will never be affordable... ever

[@Exata1337]

Yung Dro to be fair, the price mentioned is for a completely new 0 miles version of this car. even in norway this car barely has the cost that he mentioned

[@charlesaferg]

VioletGiraffe It's not that we're rich, it's that we have low taxes and our consumables are cheaper while government encourages competition and business growth. I live in Europe now, and I can see how difficult it can be. Don't blame Americans, blame your government and it's wasteful spending and corruption. Heck, just look at Greece.

[@ArthurJGibson]

This is - legitimately - one of the best car videos ever made.

[@DeeKay1911]

Have an 2014 320d, and to be honest it's the best car I've ever had. And I've had quite a lot. But Chris hits the nail on the head here: the mix of a LOT of available power and really a beautiful amount of NM and the ability to cross Europe on a single load of fuel makes it a massive pleasure to drive every single day.

[@irGuilty]

Couldn’t agree more

[@nickkaarslev290]

ive got a 2010 320d 177hp version, and i certainly agree, best car ive ever had, it just PULLS

[@andrewfeng6138]

Been driving my 320d for almost 3 years now, I really love the strong torque and great fuel economy, and the joy it gives me on German autobahn is just amazing

[@MattHowlett_]

how did it treat u reliability wise looking at a 2016 one

[@ovi30ro19]

Dude, are you watching the road ahead under the steering wheel?

[@filip2529]

His eyes is almoust under the steering wheel lol i sit way higher up

[@JunaidJDM]

I always sit as low as possible

[@ThePostie501]

His shoulders are level with the door ffs, not great for all round visibility lol

[@saulapahidean1491]

It’s good for the track but on normal roads i prefer to sit higher and see stuff not just tarmac

[@darkbassi5911]

Can't belive you guys are schooling a professional racing driver about his seating position 🤔

[@PeakTorque]

a 335d touring, is basically all you need if you're into mountain bikes, dogs, diy and blatting down a dual carriageway to Wickes

[@PeakTorque]

stoppsi Oh and times that smaller twisting force of the e46 m3 by 8000rpm boyo!

[@ssandde]

stoppsi A BMW 335xd touring is my dream "sensible" car :)

[@TheYBGOON]

Have you seen the d3 alpina touring. As fast as the m3

[@ssandde]

Nope, sound amazing though!

[@wazmanths]

Precisely

[@RandomVideosFirst]

'Are we in Germany' , 'think its Belgium' lol YOU DESERVE THE TOP GEAR JOB based on that alone.

[@hesigutjo]

True

[@nournachabe9267]

Double F Gamer Hell yea!!

[@anonymzs]

Double F Gamer i dont think there is a need lol. his audience has probably picked up since top gear went down, and they also are on a network

[@TheTshozen1]

+Double F Gamer And he got it!!! Great prediction!

[@RandomVideosFirst]

Nangi thanks !

[@Unb3arablePain]

Even as an Audi guy I respect how great BMW can make a diesel car. It's a shame diesels are so unloved here in the US. I'd kill to get 40+ mpg out of a stick shift, RWD car.

[@sik59rt]

I wish we could get an a4 diesel here but for some reason it's one of the only Audis you can't get with a diesel.

[@T.mano21]

just for curiosity , how common are diesel cars there in the us and price fuel compared to gas? here in Portugal most of the cars above 20000€ are diesel cars

[@BobTheChainsawMan]

Tiago Mano Diesels are pretty rare - they're becoming more common now, but the auto manufacturers that usually offer them are the European ones. Volkswagen I think offers the most diesel vehicles here. It's because gas isn't THAT expensive compared to the rest of the world, and diesel is more expensive than gas, and getting the diesel version usually carries a bit of a premium. Where you do see a decent amount of diesels, however, are pick-up trucks. There are a LOT of diesel pickups in the US, still probably less than the V8 ones though. But because of those, I would say about 60-70% of gas stations offer diesel, so if you drive a diesel car its not that bad in terms of finding gas. Hope I was helpful! :D

[@T.mano21]

Bob The Spy here the diesel version normally is more expensive too, but the diesel is cheaper than gas. here you find GPL cars too(probably you don't have them) you take a gas car and covert it to gpl(liquid gas) so you have the normal petrol tank and another one for gas, witch is like half the price a liter to gas and ford, you don't have all the cars they sell to europe? my dad recently bought a focus sw 1.5 tdci, with 120 hp, and are preaty cheap compared to for example the vw golf , and it's a really good car, equal to the vw in quality here all the pick ups are diesel , and way smaller than there, wouldn't want to pay the bill for a tank of petrol for one of those v8 gas pick up's, would be like 200€, here a liter of gas is like 1.5€, so imagine if this were there

[@mitchellsteindler]

You can now get a Chevy Cruze with a diesel! Not as exciting or fast as a BMW, I know, but it's a really good car with great MPG. I drive the 1.4T version, and even that gets great mpg for an American spec sedan. I was able to average over 38 mpg over 400 miles from Chicago to Columbus at about 75 mph.

[@lipslide101]

I can confirm this is a fuel friendly car. I went on a trip last year from Antwerp (Belgium) to Freiburg (Germany) and back averaging 130-140 kmp/h on the highways and also stopping downtown Luxembourg City (so with a lot of traffic and such) with 1 fuel tank and with about "100km remaining". It was a 1000 kilometer trip.

[@gigel99324]

Gilles nobody but you knows the distance between those points or the fuel tank capacity. i drove a friend's 2005 2.0 turbo 330hp Audi A4 and averaged 7.3L/100km at exactly those speeds across Germany, Austria and Hungary. so sorry if I am not impreassed by the breathless tractor.

[@AMoistBum]

Alex Gunner learn how to spell correctly you fucking pleb

[@alt572]

Alex Gunner To me a tuned car is irrelevant. Where I live the authorities are nazi-like with cars and taxing them and making sure that what you drive is legal, and if not you will get fined big time. Not to mention that here we have about 900 kilometers of motorway (120km/h) and our total road network is 454 000 kilometers. So 0.2% of our roads are 120kmh and the rest is 100 or less. That means that a powerful car is a waste for most people. I see many 318's and 320's and similar from other manufacturers every day. Even a 330 is rare. I'm more impressed by efficiency

[@Elchuvako32]

I did 1 250km with a tank in my 320d !

[@quackmeister69]

damn you sound salty@@gigel99324

[@tomedward8652]

I still have my 2014 320d. Best car I have ever owned. The ergonomics are the best i have seen.

[@RallyVozac]

How much kilometers or miles did you make with it? Injector problems, worn clutch? How about fuel consumption?

[@tomedward8652]

@@RallyVozac - Currently on 170,000Km. I used to thrash it quite hard in the early days, using sport mode a lot. These days I drive in Eco mode most of the time for my daily commute to work. It just passed its TUV (German inspection) last week - just required two new tyres and brake pads. No issues with injector yet. Fuel consumption is pretty amazing I would say. My commute to work is one quarter city driving and rest on motorway. On my commute I can get down to 4.4l/100km. If it wasn't for the city section it would be closer to 3.9 or 4L/100km. It is rare to go above 5.7l/100km, only if I am in Sport mode and not driving with care. So far, touch wood, not a single replacement required - just normal things like tyres, brake pads, discs.

[@RallyVozac]

@@tomedward8652 Very useful info mate. What wheel dimensions do you have, and what is the city consumption, with not really sporty but not really eco driving? Lets say normal accelerations?

[@RallyVozac]

@@tomedward8652 Also, is it N47 or B47? Chain changed or no? Looking to taxi with it. Need reliable strong engine which is no slug when I go town to town full of people and luggage.

[@tomedward8652]

@@RallyVozac - N47 I believe, 184 bhp version. 8 speed autobox. Haven't touched the chain or gearbox. My was pretty much fully specced too. Heads up display, elec seats etc. Everything still works perfectly. Maybe I was lucky. Had a 120d series before, first iteration and had all sorts of problems with it. I would say 3 series from 2012/13 onwards are pretty reliable as most of the kinks have been ironed out from previous versions.

[@longtailgt]

"Where are we? Belgium or Germany?" "France I think" EPIC!

[@Treetop64]

***** Kansas.

[@N54B30BMW]

Treetop64 Not anymore

[@trrollinson]

***** At that speed he wasn't far off any of the countries.

[@vandalpaulius]

***** I love Chris! He's so amazing :D

[@oswaldcobblepot764]

***** Going way faster on that road every day for years, never had a problem.

[@iantownsend5480]

Bought a 320d about a year ago, what an amazing car so comfortable on the motorway & when your in the mood put it in sport or sport + on the twisty back roads handles great. I was a bit worried about having a diesel but now I couldn't give a damn I'd happily buy another

[@jamesrothwell8693]

Nice to see your opinion on something that isn't a supercar. Hope you do a new 7series, S-Class and A8 at some point.

[@tornoutlaw]

James Rothwell I second that!

[@MultiTerpen]

James Rothwell well... they are not really ordinary cars..

[@theeeMitchi]

Yes S-Class please.

[@MordFustang1966]

James Rothwell S-class is the looker out of them all but the 7er will eat it up in tech and driving dynamics

[@jamesrothwell8693]

I'd say the A8 is the looker on the outside, but the S-Class has the more appealing (to me) cabin. S-Class is really boatlike though, 7er will for sure be the superior car dynamically.

[@mickrobo6073]

I own 320 M sport diesel convertible.. how did just over five years now and I can honestly say it’s the most fun and best car I’ve ever had great in the summer when the Sun is out top-down .. Great cruising round on a summers evening..always puts a smile on my face👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿😃

[@timbre7999]

Brilliant review, thank you. From the 90s, the 320d badge has been on our cars and all have given us a lot of fun during long, comfortable journeys. The later G variant hasn't been on our driveway yet but that is because the F30 is still going strong. BTW even our older 320ds were surprisingly clean in exhaust and we're sad that because of the diesel scandals, even these quality diesel cars do not get a chance anymore.

[@tim595]

I own one of these (f30 320d) It's been the best car I have ever owned. It is extremely economical for everyday use, but in saying that, if you want power, you have it, best of both worlds, I recently sold my HSV GTS and have not missed it at all !!! The only thing I changed was the run flat tyres, I put on normal tyres that go flat. It is now 90% smoother and quitter. The only thing, I carry a small air compressor and a tyre repair kit with me, just in case of a flat, and for long trips a spare wheel/tyre thrown in the boot for good measure.

[@BronchoGillespie]

I had the identical car to that one for 2 years up until April, he's right it's a very capable car and when rolling on at speed it was very impressive. I've now got a new 330d M Sport which is in a different league again because of the whole drive train. Superb machines!

[@erikhertzer8434]

No one can describe a car and driving with quite the same articulance and color as Harris....it’s like poetry.

[@parthmahimkarr5170]

Felt good watching this in our 62 plate 320d in a parking lot while my dad’s gone to get the shopping.

[@10biie89]

I bought 320 as daily ride after watching this review. Thank you Chris!

[@Ahmed90401]

50 fps while doing driving shots from the outside is sublime no doubt!, BUT the same cannot be said for the bit that was shot on the inside, it was wobbly as hell, almost head spin inducing for someone like me who doesn't have the best eyesight. I wonder why Neil didn't bother mounting the camera on the windshield?. Other than that, fantastic video as usual!.

[@DANLK]

Ahmed Irfan I love the increase frame rate throughout. I'm guessing Niel's got a new camera? All the shots looked even more crisp! Sensational!

[@Ahmed90401]

dlkayaks that's what I've been thinking, not a pro but 50 fps at 720p would suggest 4k? Which has then been scaled down to 1080p? I might be completely wrong!, I am a total noob. Would love to know what kinda setup you got going on Neil!, I remember the Sony that you guys ,or Chris Harris at least, use to shoot with almost 2 years ago, do a video about the kind of gear you use to shoot this stuff with!. Cheers!

[@ryccoh]

Ahmed Irfan It's crisp as hell and impressive in that regard but it just looks like real life... I guess I miss the cinematic effect can't really put my finger on it

[@arielr3200]

ryccoh 24fps that's the secret

[@spencurai]

Ahmed Irfan I'm with you...that frame rate is making me ill....I hate it!

[@Typhzorz]

That feel when you can't afford an "ordinary, affordable car"...

[@LexTNeville]

Ordinary car owners usually can't afford them either. Bought on finance.

[@akejohansson2860]

Haha..feel you. Fight on Man, i drive a beat up Subaru legacy..love it...but the dream car i an BMW 330d xdrive😎

[@kylehamburgh309]

LexTNeville All those people in CALI & ATLANTA do that to flex on others🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@charlescarabott7692]

They're really cheap here in Malta. I'm about to buy one from a friend for about €3000

[@theredpanda9498]

@@charlescarabott7692 make sure it has an engine in it

[@GT-gt4bf]

I miss Chris in this channel. Never driven a 320d, but if Chris says it's good it must be.

[@roberttaylor7462]

They are OK. M-Sport is restless in the rear and hard ride IMHO if you really have come from a 'normal' car.

[@mrkruger5108]

GT7786 The handling is great in M sport

[@Stryke607]

I've driven the 318d and that was honestly lacking a bit of power. Especially the top speed of 210 was to low for everyday driving. But some of the 320d versions have up to 50hp more, so that might solve the issue.

[@pauldavison7105]

Stryke remap or tuning unit sorts that

[@SoulTouchMusic93]

try looking for a jaguar xf or xe first. you can get a manual 2l diesel rear wheel drive with about 150 hp and a claimed 70 mpg. wich i tend to believe because i can get in spec for my x-type 13 years later. you'll probably find it more comfortable too.

[@pebimandog1]

Chris this was one of the best reviews I've seen you do in a long time, that part about the e46 was mind blowing. Thanks mate.

[@BongoClub]

The 320d is like relaxing music. Just perfect :)

[@ponjebach]

Try AR Giulia Veloce jtdm 2.2(210) with 470 NM

[@tike1994]

@@ponjebach no thanks...

[@ponjebach]

@@tike1994 Well I tried them both...BMW handles like a piece of shit and that's the truth, like it or not!

[@xx-----------xx873]

Complete bullshit, and no-one sane would buy an Alfa Romeo. Perhaps your perspective has been altered with, because you haven’t driven a comfortable barge (Mercedes) or understeer (Audi).

[@ponjebach]

@@xx-----------xx873 E class 300 DE, A6 3.0 tdi, couple od lexuses...I did't get impressed...waste of time and money for such mediocre, blend vehicles and soo much overrated...Oh I have a comfortable luxury sedan and it's italian(first car with EPB as standard).

[@B2KJFF]

I have a 320d from 2007. Its a beautiful driving experience. And it really does fly from 80-100 even in 6th gear. In my opinion its a much much better driving experience than newer more expensive cars.

[@dashsingh1422]

Same here, absolutely love the classic interior! Drives a dream 💭

[@jasonwang508]

Ordinary car for chris: Brand new 320d Ordinary car for me: 2001 nissan altima

[@mountjoy23]

They’re common in Europe. Cheap as well. Don’t ever look at second hand car prices in the U.K., you’ll hate life!

[@ts89540]

Ordinary is not the same thing as inexpensive. Ordinary is something you see everywhere. I see a LOT of 3-series BMWs, I don't see many 2001 Nissan Altimas. So, your car is not ordinary.

[@kratos218]

second hand 3 series are very cheap in UK, anything older than 2015 you can easily get around £5k or less

[@kylehamburgh309]

Yeah I was like “did this fool really use ‘bmw & ordinary cars’.” in the same sentence

[@Moondoggy1941]

@@mountjoy23 Yeah I cannot believe the price, super cheap.

[@benjibradshaw69]

I still miss my 320d M-Sport to this day. Was a great all round car.

[@anthonypesqueira7540]

I just bought one. I love it!

[@HardlyNormal12]

We're hiring a 320d M Sport Touring while visiting the UK at the moment. Really impressed. Loads of grunt down low, revs out nicely, and the auto gearbox is a delight, and currently averaging 50mpg in mixed/motorway driving.

[@ree44u123]

Picked up my new 320d Msport tourer 2 days ago and did exactly as Chris suggested, picked up a Type-R for a weekend/track day toy. Great review, and he isn't wrong! Fantastic car.

[@Platlander]

this car is so good! and with M-package is just extremely gorgeous too. I really love it, especially the estate

[@ponjebach]

Yep I drove one...and I can't understand what is all the fuss about it...too average for me.

[@r0beh280]

Got my one of these just over a week ago and absolutely love it.

[@miro_o]

My mom has the touting version with the same engine and “m” pack and I’ve driven it right across Germany a few times (Luxembourg to Czech Republic) and I can confirm the car is a delight to cruise in even at 200kmh. At one point there was a piece of tire in a section with car on car traffic at 160kmh and even then the car fared really well and didn’t loose grip. I trust the car a whole lot more after that.

[@IAmConorr]

Had mine coming up four years. Just had an X2 loaner whilst it’s at BMW getting some TLC and tbh apart from the dials and Apple Carplay nothing has really changed, BMW were so ahead of the curve with this one. Got a 450 mile motorway round trip next Monday and I have zero doubt it’ll still have just under half a tank when I’m done. Great, great car!

[@achintyaaatreya]

Just a lovely car without a big price tag. It's fun,yet economical. It looks and drives great too.

[@Bunchofhelmets]

I am a little bias towards bmw (own a e46 330D) and their diesel engines are great. My 330D mapped is more than quick enough to keep up with quicker cars whilst being very economical, big diesel engines are great and sound good with a little work.

[@eatdirt13]

Daniel P.S Great cars, I have an e46 330Ci, even that will get 40mpg!! Good old BMW straight 6!

[@jarrusjenkins]

I love those, id quite like one to be fair, 300(ish) hp is possible from a remap and an exhaust, 40mpg average, what more could you want?

[@scientificenigma]

My friend has an e46 325 and he only gets like 27 mpg

[@eatdirt13]

Depends where you drive, I don't do much city driving so..

[@Bunchofhelmets]

My 330D once I've sorted it's boosting issue should be good for 250 ish bhp again and we'll over 400ftlbs of torque. Driving it sensibly can easily achieve 55mpg motorway and 40ish mpg around town.

[@KillerDiaguR]

a bmw 320d new, nearly new or even approved used is far from an "ordinary everyday car". most people will never own one. a 2007 1.6 ford focus hatchback with 80k on the clock and dinged-up alloys is an ordinary everyday car.

[@Sinoops]

Yeah it's a little out of touch to think a $40k car is ordinary. 90% of people could never afford a $40k car.

[@karlosbricks2413]

@@Sinoops Well, what with low interest leasing, it's note so unusual to have a car like that. Depends on your area though I suppose. Now that the car shown is 5 years old, you can pick 'em up at a more 'normal' price. www.gumtree.com/p/bmw/2014-14-bmw-3-series-320d-luxury-diesel-manual-saloon/1339941978

[@ifb6368]

It is pretty ordinary in the UK. Most cars that I see are BMWs, Mercedes's and Audi's, and 90% of the BMWs that I see are 3-series'.

[@ts89540]

@@Sinoops Average new car price in USA is $37k (2019). Ordinary simply means that there are a lot of them around, not that they are inexpensive.

[@puttitat2851]

btw, the "cup holder cover" fits perfectly in the glovebox, as the pictogram on it also indicates

[@machohogan]

Just bought a 2013 320d M-sport touring at £10,800. Not much money for most but for me as a retail assistant in an outdoor clothing shop it’s a lot. I won a 2011 Audi S3 with stage 1 remap on dream car give away. Driven it for a few months but at 17mpg to work, being shaken around, the noise, the cup holders etc it didn’t do it for me. Sure on a track with all its mods it would be rapid but to live with daily’s it’s too much. I sold the Audi and after a lifetime of sub £5000 cars decided to get something that I always wanted, the BMW ticked all the boxes. After a few days with it I’m incredibly happy, it’s super smooth, I love all the tech and distinct difference between engine modes. The on board computers great. It’s your comfy with everything in the right paces. It’s everything I hoped it would be. The only negative so far is getting it in to reverse. I feel I’m well and truly on the BMW band wagon.

[@eoinkenny8603]

I am watching Chris Harris for years, back to his Autocar days.He is the best there is and enjoy his in depth analysis.I would think Top Gear would have a great asset in Chris, pity he wasn't part of the original team.

[@louier9033]

I have a 316d which only has 114hp and it is incredible to me how people refer to the 320d as 'the slow one' when compared to mine it would feel like a rocket ship

[@TuddecBMW]

I've recently bought an E91 LCI 320d. It has the exact same engine as the one featured in this video and I am staggered by the way this thing pulls above 80 mph (130 km/h). It's also manual and RWD and it's a blast on twisty B-roads. I'm very happy with it and after driving it I truly believe that there's no real need for the more powerful 330d even if you regularly drive on highways at high speeds.

[@locojambo]

Until u get bummed by a golf gti 320d is slooooow

[@TheTonyspoons]

locojambo until the Golf GTi gets bummed by a Golf R, hurr hurr herp derp. What a ridiculous comment, comparing a diesel compact exec saloon with a hot hatch.

[@locojambo]

+TonySpoons not comparing the 2 cars at all clearly stating that the "diesel compact exec saloon" isn't as quick as the boy racers weapon of choice and was more a reply to the op than a comparison. Personally I think anyone who buys a 4 pot bmw has really missed the point of owning one, but that's just me.

[@TheTonyspoons]

locojambo I think you'll find the original comment was merely singing the 320d's praises, you randomly brought up a hot hatch as a comparison, bizarre given that they fulfil completely different roles. My 320d with sports automatic transmission gets to 60 in under 8 seconds, hardly 'slow', but granted it is not in 'hot hatch' territory (unsurprisingly...)

[@locojambo]

+TonySpoons Jesus tonyspoons sounds like uv got ur knickers in a right twist and ur now trying to sell to me a bottom of the range bmw which I would never have an interest in. The op said he was amazed how well it pulls over 60 or something.. Well I think he needs to get out there and drive a real quick car as I don't think 320d pull even as good as a Renault Laguna but instead of going into it a bit I'd thought I'd make him aware the next gti he comes across is going to leave him dead. But at least he has a sat nav and heated seats LOL!! You can have endless amounts of fun in a 335i at anytime while driving but it's more of a case of being able to afford one isn't it..

[@janpul1590]

I have driving lessons in this car, it is quite amazing how hard it pulls in 3/4th Gear when going onto the highway

[@firstformula8856]

Couldn’t agree more. The new BMW four pot diesels are great value and great performing. The larger power plants are very much a ‘want’, rather than a ‘need’.

[@GeorgeAusters]

With a remap the 320D/520D is the perfect blend of power and economy

[@joshoprayy]

Or get a 330d or 335d and still get 40-50mpg

[@Moondoggy1941]

So they fixed the poor match of the transmission on the car?

[@davecom3]

Love bmws but the 2.0 diesel unit is an absolute pig of an engine. Their 3.0 units are fantastic.

[@Todiros]

When he mentioned Aston Martin I remembered how much I want him to do DBS. Amazing vehicle.

[@Kalimerakis]

Thumbs up for that last shot alone! Harris and Carey in a nutshell

[@chevchelios9429]

Bought 2014 320d sedan as my 2nd car. Pretty good power for the small engine and good fuel economy. No issues at all, would recommend this car!

[@BryceBrown1]

I'm looking at an M Sport F31 320D today, 8 speed auto. It's to replace my recently written off E61 😢Wish me luck! How's yours going after the first couple of weekscof ownership?

[@Broomehall]

I've truly lost count of the amount of 3 series I've owned and sold in 40yrs as a motor dealer, but even now all these years later, a top spec, good colour, right engine 3 series saloon or tourer is still one of my favourite buys and owns ( I currently use a 3 series 2.0i Twin Turbo Power Tourer as my everyday ) they don't constantly come top of their class for nothing, was, and still is, one of the very best all rounders.

[@schwarzpm]

Spot on review. I have a 120d for daily driving and a modified Impreza for track days and weekends. The 8 speed auto is great on the 120d as its always in the right gear to make the most of the torque and has no problems keeping up with my dad's 2001 M5

[@natebot321]

That's $47,193 for those wondering.

[@MoeBerak]

It's 39,456$ were I live

[@MoeBerak]

Yeah never mind... your post is 3 years old and the £ dipped after UK left the European union.

[@GlossyGames]

haha lol

[@jaideepakahluwalia]

$70,270 where I live lol

[@MoeBerak]

@@jaideepakahluwalia 30k £ is not 70k $ where you live lol. and if it was I'd personally fly to where you live and exchange £ to $ lmao that's an easy 30k $ in every 30k€ lol talking about becoming a billionaire.

[@nicenow25]

Yes you need a 335d and then you need nothing else

[@rmpumper]

+David Bana Then you need a remap.

[@Neil2022]

I had one, 335d x drive, swapped it for an m135i. Big mistake.

[@nicenow25]

bobbing bob why was it a mistake, mpg or performance?

[@Neil2022]

By the time i specced up the 1 it was nearly as expensive as the 3. Less car for the money and no real gain in performance. And yes the mpg is not great ,23 ATM. Will keep it for a while and going to a Cayman in the new year.

[@ToxicHorsePucky]

If they sold the darn things in the F30 body in the US id be in heaven.

[@koen2062]

I boughty my F30n 320d about two weeks ago, and i absolutly love it.😍

[@irGuilty]

Brilliant aren’t they

[@JT-ce4bl]

Has it been reliable ?

[@dnprivate]

Before G20 genearation be release in 2019. I purchased a F30 320i M Sport. Been loving every second of driving it.

[@hvf26]

i'd definitely say a 328i would be the perfect mix of everything, a 335i is even nicer if you can stretch the budget

[@derbigpr500]

hvf26 328i doesn't have the effortless power delivery from low revs like the 320d. Unless you rev the 328i over 5000 rpm, 320d is faster in every gear.

[@hvf26]

not really. i've driven pretty much all bmws (used to work for them). i prefer the power delivery of the 328, its much smoother and has a good balance between power and torque. the 320d is very torquey, you're right. but in terms of power it's down compared to the 328i. might just be because i just prefer petrols anyway. if i were going to go diesel on a bmw, i would definitely get the 3.0 litre, now THAT is an incredible engine

[@JeffoJonJ]

derbigpr500 im afraid not! 328 off the lights no chance!! More bhp..320d more torque..but runs out of steam @4k..but much better on motorway.. 328ci anyday ♡♥

[@JeffoJonJ]

hvf26 Agree! Oh i love the sound of my 6cyl induction/exhaust ..symphony :-D ☆☆☆

[@mariuszanfir2298]

derbigpr500 You've never driven an in-line 6 from BMW, haven't you? Or you're talking about the new 328, the 2 liter?

[@LucaSalvi1967]

Chris' reviews are top class. Hope he didn't get fined in Belgium :-)

[@undergroundlegend198]

You should start with introducing the car ,year of manufacture, specs etc

[@nonamenameless5495]

Please do more vids like this one, Chris...maybe even a bit more in depth. I had this car for two weeks in Germany -did about 1k miles in it- and whilst BMW s interiour always puts me off at first (I even prefer a high speced Golf s interiour to pretty much any kind of BMW...) and I m not a fan of its design either, I really loved it. The beauty lies in its simplicity, it feels powerful enough, you still can feel it s rear wheel drive, the materials might not be top notch but yet u grasp its high build quality, it s very economical for the power it delievers - cruising around at 180-200 kph at the Autobahn (can clearly confirm 45mpg) feels all natural. It s more like the old Rolls Royce statement that the car has enough power. There s this general feeling that it s just a good car and the guys who made it put thought into it. It might have made me smile even more because I actually am not a fan of BMW and still rather despise its interiour design ;). It s honest and good without pretence.

[@empii911]

Got to agree with almost everything you said there Chris. I got a 320d xDrive since 1.5 years now with the exact same equipment... same interior with aluminium finishes, M-steering wheel, M-Perfomance bodykit on the outside - just mine is a left-hand-drive and dark grey :). I got to be honest I was never a BMW fan and I probably never really will be one, but the car is just great. It is enough power in everyday situations, it is comfortable, and as I do have to make a lot of long journeys every week, it is a very nice place to be in. Considering BMW also were accused of being not as efficient as Mercs or Audis of the same price-range now seeing that all of them cheated whilst BMWs initially "higher numbers" seem to be closer to reality than others, the car is very efficient aswell. I never got under 1000km per tank and I am driving in Sport+ whenever I can. The only parts where I really miss my old Cooper S compared to this is in the countryside on open roads. It doesn't accelerate as fast as a hot hatch and it is not as fun to drive through serpentine roads as that little Mini but then it is more comfortable and a better car to live with aswell. The four-wheel-drive system also is nice as you really can feel it is rear-drive oriented and if you do turn of TC in Sport+ it does kick its back out on wet roads quite a lot :D.

[@RM-gk2ck]

Having driven many cars (mainly German) the 3 series by far gave me the best drive. The 320d would be the perfect all rounder, it is seriously nippy for a 2 litre diesel, very good on fuel. However if you want more speed and wouldn’t mind compromising on mpg, the 330d is the ultimate all rounder - and puts all the hot hatches to shame.

[@jenson_burrows7881]

agreed

[@ahmadthebest2266]

What about 220d, 2015? Have you had the chance to drive one? If so, How would you say that is compared to the 320d?

[@waltheisenberg5620]

A 320d with a MANUAL, ROW YOUR OWN, GEAR BOX. God I love Europeans! I would only watch the revamped, non Jeremy Clarkson, James May and Richard Hammond Top Gear only If Chris Harris is the presenter.

[@bobbybrown3022]

the price voice drop was hilarious. Great video!

[@HariOmRadhaKrishna]

We have the 2017 bmw 320i Xdrive. At age 50, this is my favourite car so far.

[@Drsaj-lg5ec]

I drove 320d for 3 years. lovely car. Did 160000 miles without any problems. This week I replaced my 320d with a 330d luxury saloon. similar body weight but 3 litre engine. Looking forward to trying the I drive on the 2017 model

[@chazshier]

I can't understand how the top of the steering wheel appears to be above Chris' eye line

[@richardharrold9736]

He's a shortarse and sat low... but the steering wheel and belt line of the 3-series has got a lot higher over the years...

[@BigR376]

Is a 320d considered a "normal car?"

[@nikb6528]

Exactly what I thought, lol. I hope I'll be able to afford something like that anytime in my lifetime.

[@MaranelloF40]

Anthony Teasley 50k, it's a normal car dude

[@jerri0401]

Anthony Teasley of course, what else should it be

[@FRC0711]

Depends where you live. They're a dime a dozen in Germany, but would be considered entry-level "prestige" where I live (in Australia). That said, they are everywhere on the roads. I'm sure you'd be a rock star in one of these in most parts of the world though.

[@hovnojede010101]

Anthony Teasley Yes. The 3 Series is a normal car.

[@nawazwaseem2219]

BMW 330d would be perfect.

[@TheGreatWesternTrendkill]

no. it's a d.

[@roberttaylor7462]

No

[@KhydowGaming]

drive a d then comment on it

[@nawazwaseem2219]

Ozzu I do have a d you ass.. 2002 330d :)

[@Annon739]

Nawaz Waseem 2002 it’s not even close

[@mrdajve]

I'm more than happy with my 320i Shadow Edition. Pretty basic spec but it's a real driver's car and that's what I love the most.

[@Spac8]

I agree with the motorway performance thing, I find it a BMW trait, and has been for a long time. Clever gearing and good aerodynamics make the most of the available power. Presumably from autobahn testing. I can recall my dad's old E34 520i. 1450kgs, 190NM and 150bhp. Not a fast car, 10.6 to 60. But top end was a book 134mph. In 5th at 70 up, the performance was amazing considering the lack of power, and as you say, a few "fast" cars can be kept honest by still being behind them at 120+!

[@shahyawar3709]

BMW and Ordinary are two oxymorons.... And everytime he said that I felt like my child is being bullied...

[@edipires15]

Well BMWs are ordinary cars in Western Europe, especially the 3 Series, they're everywhere

[@Drinapropriatetouch]

Yes you do ignore ordinary cars... That's also one of the reasons I watch your videos.

[@DaxXx988]

How tall are you? sitting way low behind that wheel

[@jamesbaggaley1460]

He's 5,7, but the seat on a 3 series goes really low, Chris always slams his seat to the ground because of motor sport etiquette 😁

[@Stryke607]

well, if you drive long distance, it is actually nice to sit further down. In the city, I would pull the seat up a bit to get a better view on my direct surroundings.

[@Cyba_IT_NZ]

Haha Ikr, it looks like he can hardly see over it!

[@WeAre-ip5ud]

I don’t know how you can sit so low, can’t see fuck all and you look like a dork with just your head popping over the window

[@AldousForestTheLast]

WeAre138 that’s the only way to sit in a car

[@r0beh280]

Pick mine up tomorrow, exactly the same as in the video and only just saw this :) Thanks for the review, pleased with my purchase before i've even picked it up.

[@99ron30]

Me and my father currently have a 2006 e90 320d SE in manual form and a 2006 e91 320d MSport in auto form. Both with about 150,000 miles on, and apart from the glow plugs not working on either of them they drive brilliantly and are very reliable and economical. The e91 is remapped and it really flies.

[@TheFrontyer]

Would this be an ideal first car? Been thinking of these BMWs alot, just seems like the coolest car in the price range.

[@Probot4]

Running cost might be a bit high on services/if you break something. If you have that little bit of extra cash just go for it, brilliant car!

[@zainscooby]

A BMW as a first car? Maybe if you can afford £5k+ annual insurance

[@TheFrontyer]

Zain I have been checking insurances and they where about 1-2k a year, which I can afford. The only thing I am afraid of is ending up with a car I have to repair all the time. Thinking about getting a 2008 model.

[@dylan-nguyen]

+Frontyer I had an 08 335i and on average it was maybe $500 in unexpected repairs per year averaged over 4 years. plus around $200 of maintenance averaged. so it's not as bad as many people think. as long as you don't go to the dealer.

[@dylan-nguyen]

oh and the car never crapped out or anything where it wouldn't run anymore.

[@jkflorida]

lol Guy Martin was doing 180mph in a 40mph zone! That's 140 over. Insane!

[@McHallfin]

Do a review of 335d xdrive so much torque and grip

[@Malteser3535]

McHallfin Rather an Alpina D3 without the stupid xDrive but with a locking diff.

[@magisterartium]

McHallfin Rather a Koenigsegg so much torque and grip.

[@nielsremigius4314]

magisterartium Boy, that escalated quickly...

[@AdolfHitler-xp1nx]

McHallfin Rather a tuned bugatti veyron ss with 2600hp and 10mm wider tires front and back.

[@Stryke607]

when it comes to torque, the big diesel engines will trash every sportscar. That's actually quite a popular test in germany: Acceleration from 80-120km/h in a high gear. It's amazing how relatively cheap diesel engines just run away from very expensive supercars in that real world scenario.

[@WBizarre]

Thank you thank you thank you for the high framerate option!!! The video looks so much better with it! Keep doing that please!

[@DraganGTD]

Thanks Harris for a nice review and hope to see some more of everyday cars.

[@niklashultkrantz7766]

I love this cars fuel economy. I'm scared of getting a blown headgasket broken head bolts apparently all water and oil seals are poor quality and prone to leaking.

[@zm2y611]

Freeway in France are limited to 80 mph, not 90 ;)

[@JakeBM4]

Yes but chris harris

[@markrichey4997]

Jesuisguillaume - zm2y611 82

[@zm2y611]

Mark Richey 80,778255 ;) (google "130 kmh to mph")

[@m5pilot397]

Jesuisguillaume - zm2y611 Correct (130 kmh, which is almost 81 mph). But it is very loosely enforced, especially away from cities.

[@TuddecBMW]

+Jesuisguillaume - zm2y611 That doesn't stop me from doing 90. And I will flash at you if you hog the left lane.

[@dumitrugulipe731]

The answer is: Yes, you need an Alpina D3. This is the perfect all purpose car.

[@henryking7915]

Dumitru Gulipe *B3

[@edipires15]

Henry King D3

[@ODIOPOWER]

True words have been spoken. Regular car for daily plus weekend toy is the best combo so far.

[@whiskeyactual.]

Damn I love Chris. I've driven F3Xs well over 10times and he still made this review compelling to me. When I hear him, with the ambient music in the back gorund in his vids it's like time and everything else around me ceases and doesn't matter anymore.

[@Bahamuttiamat]

A Chris harris vid without ANY hooliganism. Did hell just freeze over?

[@deromegadrei]

0:56: "we are now in France, and off course you have these wonderful, beautifully smooth roads". Looks like Belgium to me :)

[@yamanmustafa7574]

Of

[@deromegadrei]

@@yamanmustafa7574 Good find! Told you it would take you a while to find the mistake. 5 years is longer than I had expected though :P

[@yamanmustafa7574]

@@deromegadrei sorry, I only just saw it.

[@timmietz]

Must be a much better car than the 5 series with the same engine. Drove one of those (525d) I Europe last year and that car was a big fat pig. The 335d with an M Sport package has to be awesome!

[@derbigpr500]

Tim Tursonoff 5 series is better in every way. You just obviously can't appreciate a brilliant car the the 5 series is. It's one of the best cars every made as a package, regardless of price.

[@Mitrofanvlad]

Tim Tursonoff how are you talking about the great 525d mate?

[@timmietz]

I did not mean to offend anyone with my opinion of the 525d in the newest body style. I personally was disappointed after traveling about 3,000km in it throughout Europe. It was definitely a bad choice for our Cannes to Grenoble route Napoleon drive. My expectations of a larger sedan are a little skewed admittedly, though. In the U.S., a W212 Twin Turbo E63 AMG with some work to it is my daily driver. Also, I indeed fully enjoyed driving older BMW 5 series for sure. Dynamically they just seemed to be better cars.

[@armoredp]

Tim Tursonoff Somehow I get the impression this is a "brag bait" comment, because you can't seriously tell me you were dissapointed by a 2.0 turbo diesel engine midsized sedan coming from a 6.3 litre petrol engine, unless you know nothing about cars at all.

[@NoneNone-kp1qc]

Wow calm down everyone all T said was it wasn't as good as he expected, we're all entitled to our own opinion aren't we. BMW wannabe fan boys take a break or even better have a KitKat.

[@exclucid]

I can’t get enough of this guys reviews, just makes me love cars more

[@Only4Nintendo64]

Funny how he describes the 320d as an "ordinary" car. Dude, this is a very nice car. In fact, one of those the majority of us won't be able to afford in our lives. Anyways, very nice reveiw as usual.

[@genocidic]

more "normal" cars please guys :)

[@ediz1797]

that is a normal car, what can we do if you are poor

[@potato2054]

what??

[@ool3062]

+Ediz Duruoğlu BMW is at the top, it is a sporty/luxury brand for sure. In my eyes it is not a "normal" car.

[@fazer12779]

I went for the 335i petrol twin turbo & haven't looked back :)

[@FungusLabel]

That's what I call good marketing, German style bs... It has twin-SCROLL turbo, one turbo.

[@wristoww]

Maybe he has an older one. The E90 335i had both a twin turbo straight six (the N54), and also the single twin-scrolling turbo (N55), which is found in the current F30 3 series.

[@FungusLabel]

Ryan Ristau Wow I thought older 335i had twin scroll turbo aswell. I was pretty sure only new M3/M4 used two turbos, anyway BMW's straight sixes are amazing engines - powerful and reliable.

[@Bobitrust95]

+LastWonderland Yes, you made a mistake. I currently own a 2k10 35i "twin"turbo n54, two turbo. All 335i from 2006 up to 2011 got it. Then went the N55 single turbo labeled "twinscrollblabla" ;)

[@Maniacility]

I've got an F30 335i and it's great, but there's no denying it lacks a *little*. But I guess that's what the M3/M4 is for, right?

[@brup123]

BMW's 3 series cars are epic machines, but I just wish they'd modernise the interiors more. They still aren't all that different to the 2007 ones, and the dials look like it was from an early 2000's hatchback. Maybe I'm overreacting, but if you compare the interior to the likes of Mercedes and Audi's modern range, it really does look dated.

[@streamingeagle1]

good on bmw - no need to change what works and is aesthetically pleasing just for the sake of upgrading

[@masandemayeye6251]

SB 90s

[@northweezie1]

StreamingEagle it looks shit

[@AldousForestTheLast]

they're fine stop crying

[@Team3xtreme]

Except they are not aesthetically pleasing LOL

[@88wentworth]

I've had 7 BMW's. 3xZ4's, 1x 5 series, 1x318, 1x320, and my current car is 320d automatic. Every single car was a pleasure to drive, reliable,quick, comfortable, they sure know how to make cars. Also had 2 x Mercedes, very nice too.

[@Bs3MecRaZy]

We got a 320i F30 back when it was launched for 40k usd. it came with a 5 year warranty and service. it still has the warranty and service package. Our agency even said they'd extend our service package for 5 years more. because it has a low mileage. 31k miles on the clock. no complains what so ever. a pretty solid car.

[@lfsracer79]

1:01 I don't think you'll get good fuel economy driving at 3000 rpm.

[@ryanmusson3785]

He’s accelerating you muppet

[@РадославЛамбрев]

E92 2.0 diesel 177 hp with 180kph goes around 8 l per 100 km

[@siemniak]

i have e46 320d 2.0 and during accelerating i go near 4000 rpm. But on the road it shows me 7,5 l per 100 km.

[@eliasbergstrom5300]

when regenerating the dpf my 325d e91 at 3k rpm in 3rd gear I get around 0,6L/10km. During normal crusing around 70-80mph I get around 45mpg which is awesome considering it's a 3L straight 6 diesel

[@danabnormal7987]

I don't care what anyone says, in the UK at least, a 3 series is not an "ordinary" car. Yes it might be basic in so much as it's the 4 pot diesel entry level model, but for most folks £30k is not ordinary. For as long as I can remember Ford and Vauxhall used to battle it out for Joe Bloggs' pound notes, and latterly the Japanese companies so add in Honda, Toyota and Nissan. Basically anything around £12-15k with a moderate power plant just about enough to pull the skin off a rice pudding, fit the shopping in and enough electric gadgets in it to make you think you're buying something more expensive than you actually are. BMW has always been middle management/company car/sales rep mobile territory.

[@7H0R85]

0:40 omg how can he even see through that steering wheel

[@SYNC22]

U have to adjust the seat

[@leiya107]

Who needs Top Gear when we have Christ Harris?! Genuinely funny as fxxk AND a satisfying stream of insightful car geek talk.

[@xithappens]

I don't think I'll ever sell my 2009 manual 325i. What a joy to drive and so practical. Literally the only car I need.

[@dilawer321]

Even in the uk this car is not ordinary, most of them are company cars, i dont know anyone who pays 30k for a bmw 320d out of their own money

[@dj331]

dilawer321 no one does , majority of the people driving audis , mercs and bmws have them on lease or pcp. I pay £250 a month for a new Audi .

[@ddgvl9665]

If you can afford this car, then you'd also be wise enough to finance it instead of throwing your money out of the window (as a car depreciates the moment you buy it). When you spend more than a certain amount on something, financing becomes more interesting because even with the interest rate, you can still make a net profit as compared to spending the entire amount at once. Like David Jones, I pay about the same amount a month for a new BMW, comparable to what Chris is driving.