CarMagazine - First Drive: BMW 318d

ree — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 11:13:45 GMT

Okay, so it�s a bit niche, but combining the lower-powered 3-series diesel with the ES trim pack and auto transmission makes for a brisk yet restful saloon. Could it be the perfect choice for motorway-bound user-choosers?
Lower-powered diesel. Auto-box. Hmm�

No, this is certainly no 335i on the cheap. But look at what you do get under the bonnet. With 141bhp and an impressive 221lb ft, the baby Three is hardly lacking in oomph.
And it mostly feels that way too. Just like its 175bhp big brother 320d, this engine is a bit thrummy under acceleration but it delivers its power in an even flow, only gradually tailing off from that initial low-rev turbo punch. Yes, the 320d is noticeably quicker, but the 318d never feels underpowered.
And does this engine/transmission combo work?

The six-speed auto compliments the turbodiesel surprisingly well. Leave it to its own devices and it�ll maintain progress with decorum, changing up smoothly before you�ve had chance to register much racket from under the bonnet. Flick it across to 'Sport' and it will hold onto revs and kickdown exactly when you want it to. It�s just as responsive if you bat the stick for manual changes. Just don�t go searching for paddleshifters.��

BMW 318d (2009) CAR review | Road Testing Reviews | Car Magazine Online

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Just ordered my E Coupe ...

ALI — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:24:38 GMT

I know I mentioned last year that I had ordered a C63 AMG, well I changed my mind when the car arrived for 2 reasons which are related to the A-hole sales rep I was dealing with at Fletcher Jones Mercedes: He was trying to pressure me to agreeing to his ridiculous deal terms, and he kept mentioning that the car was going to be sold in the same day if I hadnt agreed to the deal he put on the table. And obviously since im not that crazy kid I used to be whom wouldnt care what the cost was as long as I ended up with the car I wanted in my driveway on the same day... Lets just say I was pissed, felt mistreated (SINCE I DID ORDER THE CAR THE WAY I EXACTLY WANTED IT AND LEFT A DEPOSIT JUST TO TAKE MY TIME AND GET THE GOOD DEAL I WAS LOOKING FOR)...

Anywho, bad things happen for good reasons, ive been super patient driving the X5 which I honestly hate to death, and well I have to admit ive been enjoying my brother's S5 since he's out of town :D, but the manual tranny does get annoying in L.A's daily traffic jam, I drive it pretty smoothly but its just not me ..;)

Im happy to announce that I just came from downtown L.A motors where I ordered the E550 coupe which will be at the dealership on August 7, fully loaded with sportline package, and Black on black ofcourse :cool:, unfortunately red interior is not available, but im happy. the sales rep I talked to is one who allways wanted to get his hands on me, and now that the guy I used to purchase my cars from does not work at MB, his patience has finally paid off i guess lol, he had to admit that he is looking to give me the best possible deal and do nothing to screw this up with me :D...Im also getting some custom designed wheels done with my own clothing brand logo and name (RELOADED) exclusively for the E coupe, the wheel will be designed by me ofcourse, and as soon as the sample is done I will post up some pics for your feedback.

More over, I will be trading my girl's X5 for the W212 E350 sedan when my car arrives... FINALLY !!!! ugh!!!

So I just wanted to share this with all of you, your thoughts are most appreciated, looking forward to reading some posts.

Id also like to know what are your thoughts on the black(charcoal) interior, im having second thoughts because I really like the Almond Beige Premium I saw in person at the dealership.

Thanks,
Ali - Reloaded

German Car Zone

CarMagazine - First Drive: BMW 318d

Just ordered my E Coupe ...