BMW 3-Series freshens up

Big fan

God do I love BMW E92... Wish I could afford one.

By lameriz on 19 January, 2010, 4:27pm

not such a big fan

OK - so power is up, but have BMW done anything about the standard (run flat) tyres and suspension setup, to enable the car to apply that power to the road.
I own a 2009 320D coupe, and it's not that great in the dry (tramlines like crazy), about the same in the wet and in the recent snow/ice it couldn't move!
What is all the fuss about BMW rear wheel drive - it sucks!

By PeterH on 21 January, 2010, 8:06am

BMW - I Don't do Flat tyres,no matter how good car is ?

Certainly looks a lovely car,though I would not buy one as dealers are lack lustre and too expensive and BMW should have no cost option of proper tyres and a spare, for me run flats are not great on UK Roads and while rear wheel drive is not for all, being older I can certainly appreciate the difference but thats not a deal breaker as I like it. Not in snow /winter though..

By browser0072000 on 21 January, 2010, 8:55am

Mr

I have a 2008 520DSE. Whilst it is a good car, I will never buy another BMW while they insist on fitting run-flats. They are dreadfull & give a harsh ride. Reports claim the unbending side walls leads to future alloy wheel cracking. They can't be repaired if you have a puncture & replacements cost much more than conventional top brands tyres....to the extent that I am sure residual values will be adversely affected . Be warned.

By abever1d on 21 January, 2010, 10:09am

RUN FLAT WARNING

I have a 2008 520DSE. Whilst it is a good car, I will never buy another BMW while they insist on fitting run-flats. They are dreadfull & give a harsh ride. Reports claim the unbending side walls leads to future alloy wheel cracking. They can't be repaired if you have a puncture & replacements cost much more than conventional top brands tyres....to the extent that I am sure residual values will be adversely affected . Be warned.

By abever1d on 21 January, 2010, 10:12am

Run Flat Tyres

I've put 52k miles on my now 3yr old 335ci and completely agree that Bridgestone RFT's are horendous. ANSWER; I fitted Goodyear Eagle F1's NON RFT and the improvements are remarkable. I bought a BMW compressor & bottle of Gunk to use shoudl I get a puncture or worst case I wait for rescue to come lift the car. 4k miles on and I'm safer, happier, possibly faster and certainly in pocket :)

By gclyne1 on 21 January, 2010, 10:53am

The headlight

Hate it, looks like the old Rover

By prodriverex on 22 January, 2010, 2:17am

Agree about the cracked alloys.. do a search on the web and you'll find loads of complaints about damaged alloys..

By hugo_b on 23 January, 2010, 9:03pm

Run flat tyres

Some how I must have purchased a BMW that suited the run flat tyres it was a 320D M sport with the 18" wheels. Although the suspension is a bit firm (as requested) handling and putting the power down even in torrential rain was never a problem. In the snow just turn of the traction control and away you go. I agree that a spare is needed especially when your tyre is damaged as the recovery people will extend your journey by 5 hours.

By Nigel7 on 26 January, 2010, 7:41am

The Emperor has no clothes

Isn't the new facelift bonnet just like the original pre-first-facelift bonnet? It's another blink-and-you'll-miss-it restyle from BMW to help justify a price hike.
With inflation as low as it is, and the Euro taking a hit because of the Greek economy, putting a grand on each model smacks of profiteering from everyone's favourite Bavarian manufacturer.

By snappyuk on 18 February, 2010, 11:17am