Although the German saloon has long been known for its sportiness, the BMW 3 Series can also be a very comfortable and fuel-efficient car on the road. All you need to know is how to chose wisely while customizing it, and we’ll show you how.
The BMW 3 Series is, without a doubt, the sportiest car in its group. It’s in its DNA, and the weight of BMW’s past is palpable. As a result, eliminating some of its more dynamic features a priori may appear blasphemy. What happens if we select one of the more user-friendly versions? We will be favoring the mind above the heart in that instance, and it will be a success. In reality, it makes a great deal of sense.
We will not only save money on the purchase, but we will also learn something new about the popular Bavarian model. There is also another incentive to chose Series 3, and that is its outstanding road character. Yes, a typical BMW sedan can be an excellent automobile for traveling long distances, as we discovered with this 318d, which we drove for almost 2,300 kilometers during our test.
To get the most out of a vehicle designed to drive great distances, we must carefully choose its attributes and stick to a basic and effective arrangement.
It may seem heretical to remove some of a BMW’s sportiness, but in truth, this enhances the benefits that one wants for in a car over long distances: that it is as comfortable as feasible, that it is safe, and that it consumes laughter. The Series 3 is set to embroider three important cornerstones.
The engine that we will locate beneath the hood is an important starting point in the arrangement. It’s tempting to go for the most powerful alternatives available, but in this case, the key is to go for the entry diesel model, which is the 150 horsepower 318d.
This option already has a significant benefit in that it assumes the lowest price of the diesel models, allowing us to begin saving. This variation has a starting price of 45,650 euros, which is 2,800 euros cheaper than the following model in the line, the BMW 320d.
It is not an engine that will provide us with enormous pleasure in terms of senses, but it is entirely sensible. The advantages outnumber the disadvantages in every case imaginable. In fact, it can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in only eight seconds and then keep going until it reaches a high speed of 218 km/h, which is more than enough to break records even when fully laden with passengers and cargo.
Because we chose the diesel mechanics and 150 CV, we can’t use the xDrive all-wheel drive because it’s constantly connected to the rear drive. In the remainder of the engines, you won’t be able to select the optional sports automatic transmission and will have to go with the standard automatic transmission. It’s an eight-speed Steptronic transmission that only lacks paddle shifters behind the wheel but excels in all other areas. It has a very smooth operation, is quick enough, and includes a sail mode that, owing to the inertial movement, will help us cut consumption.
The M Sport equipment level provides a more athletic sound, notably from a visual standpoint, but it is recommended to continue with the Sport finish to dry in order to provide the most potential comfort over long distances. The M Sport not only has a superior appearance, but it also has a stiffer M Sport suspension.
The Sport trim is more subdued, but the cushioning is softer.
The basic suspension does a good job of filtering out abnormalities in the road and treating the passengers with care. True, the body moves more in curvy regions, diminishing the BMW saloon’s agility, but if we want to drive a significant number of kilometers with it, we will likely go many kilometers on the highway and will undoubtedly love the softer setting.
Another benefit of the Sport trim over the M Sport is that it is compatible with 17-inch alloy wheels rather than 18-inch alloy wheels. As a consequence, we have tires with a higher profile and, as a result, a larger damping capacity, resulting in increased comfort.
The economic division can once again establish its superiority. The 17-inch tires are less expensive than the 18-inch tires, while the Sport finish is 2,500 euros less expensive than the M Sport. We leave a budget for the frills with a more economical engine and finish.
It’s a crucial consideration given the Series 3’s long list of optional options. It allows you to select a variety of features, which, if chosen carelessly, can significantly increase the final bill, as is the case with all premium models. What should be included in the list of suggested extras?
It is handy to pick the Comfort Package (1,945 euros) in the German saloon, which, as its name implies, boosts comfort on board, which is what we are seeking for in this traveling automobile.
This package features keyless entry and start, acoustic windows that limit noise transmission into the passenger compartment, and heated and adjustable front seats.
Other optional and desired amenities like as an opening sunroof, heated steering wheel, electrically operated tailgate, or a Hi-Fi sound system with 12 speakers can be selected depending on the available budget. None of them were present in our test unit.
Which is better: a saloon or a touring car? Depending on the situation. The family body always delivers a practical advantage since, in the same 4.71 m length, it manages to provide 20 liters more trunk space than the sedan, adds the convenience of a wide tailgate, and tops it off with a functional rear window. The 3 Series saloon has a trunk size of 480 liters, but its regular forms enable you to make good use of the internal space.
All of these choices have resulted in the BMW 318d Sport Sedan in this test covering many kilometers on a variety of routes while providing excellent ride comfort and amazingly low fuel consumption for a D-segment car.
After more than 2,300 kilometers of testing, our average was a stunning 4.5 liters per 100 kilometers, allowing us to go over 1,200 kilometers on a single tank. This was accomplished by driving quietly with the Eco Pro mode nearly always engaged, taking use of inertia propulsion, and completing 40% of trips on the highway, 40% on the highway, and the remaining 20% in the city. A fantastic travel vehicle.
The BMW 318d has everything of the smoothness, craftsmanship, and comfort you’d expect from a luxury sedan, with a dash of sanity and exceptional fuel economy. It has a number of features that make it one of the greatest road vehicles available today.
With diesel engines in the spotlight for environmental regulations – ironically, when they have evolved so much that they now pollute less than ever – and saloons being displaced by SUVs on the sales charts, this 3 Series continues to demonstrate that it has qualities to persuade and make people fall in love with it. A model that defies all expectations while being one of the most sensible. For a start, BMW has had this model in its portfolio for over half a century.
Keyword: BMW 318d Saloon, Frugal Road Car Tested