Collecting a 2017 BMW F30 320d xDrive and my first impressions from driving it home

Рет қаралды 19,003

Жыл бұрын

I got impatient with how my Volvo V40 drived and decided it was time for a change to something more fun to drive... a BMW 3 Series! In this video, I will share my my first impressions on my road trip when I drove it back from Barnsley to Aberdeenshire and ponder whether I really did just buy one of the best all-round cars to ever grace our roads.
This is the first video in a series about... the 3 Series, so if you enjoy this content please consider subscribing and don't forget to LIKE the video if you enjoyed it and stay tuned for much more!
Thanks to Bensound.com for the royalty free music used in my intro and to Riverside Sports and Prestige for selling me this beauty...!

Пікірлер: 82

@ACM1903 Жыл бұрын

Nicely summarised and well put together.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Thanks ACM!

@waynesouter7423 Жыл бұрын

Always worth travelling south for a car. Far more choice and more competitive pricing. It's a bit of hassle but worth it.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Wayne, I agree entirely!

@kennedymark1 Жыл бұрын

I did it the other way round 😂. Travelled from the midlands to Scotland to get my 320d xdrive as I had a specific criteria like rare folding rear seats…and there were only a few around at the time.

@andrewmorton3177 Жыл бұрын

I love these cars. I’ve ran an LCI 2015 f31 335d msport touring for nearly 6 years, have no plans to sell it & it’s wonderful! When I bought it I was like yourself looking for one with pro media, HK sound system, panoramic roof etc & mine doesn’t have any of them & after 10mins I didn’t care 🤣 The stock sound system is still perfectly good (had a courtesy car with HK & didn’t notice much difference) & I use the navigation etc once in a blue moon. For me it’s all about the engine having came from an f10 520d that I found unrefined when extended & relatively lacking punch (had an e60 535d before the f10) it really needs the 6 cylinder engine, which changes the whole dynamic of the car & economy wise there isn’t much in it, I get an average of 36/38mpg & 50+ on a run. Eco Pro mode doesn’t make much difference I tend to leave it in comfort. I’m sure you’ll love it & mine hasn’t missed a beat in 6 years it’s been totally reliable but I’d recommend changing the oil more often than the service schedule says. Good video 👍🏻

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Hi Andrew thanks for the detailed feedback! Sound like you've got some decent experience with Bimmers! Interesting to hear your thoughts on the standard sound system. I've just been in the G20 3 series (videos coming soon) and the standard sound was ok. Nothing great but not terrible.

@andrewmorton3177 Жыл бұрын

@@car_babble Looking forward to the G20 videos, an m340d or i touring is the only car I’d consider swapping mine for but in the current market the prices are ridiculous. Even a 3 year old one is still commanding around 40k! 🤷‍♂️

@ZubairKhan-hg1vc Жыл бұрын

Sorry but there is a HUGE difference with HK sound system and the standard.

@andrewmorton3177 Жыл бұрын

@@ZubairKhan-hg1vc I don’t think there is

@danielosdinia4258 Жыл бұрын

Congrats dude!. I own an exactly similar one ( even mineral grey but no Xdrive) since 2017 and can say this is the best car amongst around 50 cars I’ve ever had. Great build, good acceleration and comfy enough. Enjoy yours.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Thanks Daniel, same to you!

@johnwickkx Жыл бұрын

Thinking of getting my first bmw and this is the one I like How is the reliability on this one?

@robsmith2625 Жыл бұрын

Had my f30 320d 2013 for 5years now. Nearly at 100k. No problems.. touch wood . Drives like new

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Hi Rob, that's reassuring! My experience so far has been a bit more expensive 😬

@AndriciAndrici Жыл бұрын

@@car_babble what happen? Can you please share your experience? Thank you

@VRFlightSimGuy 5 ай бұрын

Love my G20 320D. Nice vid 👍

@car_babble 5 ай бұрын

Thanks 😊

@G4RY1159 Жыл бұрын

Nice car fella, bugger of a drive back tae base fur you, been looking at the same cars myself but estate, been looking since just before the 1st Lockdown along with Audi A4 and the Merc 3 class, prices / market is bonkers just now with the haggling days appearing to be long gone, anytime I see a car that could be worth buying it's always miles away in like Norwich, feck traveling down from Glasgow just to see a car, I'll keep looking and hopefully get something soon.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Thanks Gary. More content about it coming soon! Would have preferred the estate myself. Can be a faff to travel far but the deals can be worth it. Good luck!

@PlanetautoUK Жыл бұрын

Middle England 😆😆😆 awesome motors, that’s a fair trek - bet it gave you a decent chance to get acquainted

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

I very much enjoyed the journey back! 😁

@amania6319 Жыл бұрын

You can code in digital speedometer which is quite handy. It gives you a small reading of speed on dash on little screen between analogue dials

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Hi. Thanks for the comment and, yes, I've heard that. Just not sure it's worth the cost!

@amania6319 Жыл бұрын

@@car_babble ahh it's actually not costly at all. You just need bimmer code and a cheap OBD reader and you're all good haha

@Reaper_f30 Жыл бұрын

Should be on the I drive settings. Getting my 320i m sport shadow 68 plate on Saturday

@adamwhitehurst596 Жыл бұрын

Great car, had mine for a year now, eco is a big diff from comfort and fuel goes a lot further, can also coast the car on declines etc, digital speedo is a pain but got myself the road angel .... not for speeding of course lol.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment. Hadn't heard of road angel but Google'd it and looks awesome!

@richardburke952 Жыл бұрын

I was eyeing up the lovely Red Mec SL that was on your outside lane 😅 surprised you didn't comment ;)

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Haha I know how did I miss that!?

@br5380 Жыл бұрын

I'm now in my 5th year of an equivalent 320d xDrive, mine is the Shadow Plus model so a few more 'options' including lumber support, split/fold rear seats and the already discussed £540 tax. Averaged 46.1mpg over the 50k miles I've covered with no attempt to drive economically. Rural Scotland so swap tyres/wheels for the seasons. It might only be a 320d with 190bhp but it can certainly move when required, accelerates well even when above the NSL. Note - getting Android/Apple can mean it's a pain for any warranty work, same for non-BMW towbars (even with BMW wiring).

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! Did you get lumbar support as standard on the Shadow Edition? I thought that was an option regardless... Do like the Shadow Edition though. Good to hear where you are at on mpg. I'm averaging just over 40 just now but it's still really cold. Power delivery is so linear, I love it. Was aware of that risk on warranty with the retrofits. Still tempted! 😁

@br5380 Жыл бұрын

@@car_babble unsure as bought at 5 months old. I think they built them as a run-out model and I’ve seen a fair few with the same ‘plates’ as mine so I guess many were used by BMW U.K. and then sold on. It replaced a 435d and TBH it’s a better overall car and more suited for what I need now. I’m keeping it now as I don’t do the mileage post COVID I use to.

@ahmeddar7854 Жыл бұрын

Just watched video, congrats on the 3 series. Can I ask did you notice any rattles or creaks, and what diesel fuel will you be using for the car?

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Thank you! My driver's door was rattling so I had to fix that as well as some other things. I've just used normal diesel so far but will put in premium at some point although really should every other fill up!

@fsy9276 Жыл бұрын

In my opinion, Xdrive takes away the fun a little but good purchase nevertheless. I'm sure you'll love it. I got the RWD 330D 2015 Msport a bit over a year ago and I still smile every time I get in that beautiful machine. And if you ever think of interior upgrades, consider the 6WB digital cluster, you're welcome.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

I think for a summer's day the 330d rwd is possibly the sweet sport as the 335d is only available in xDrive. Digital cluster is a really good add on.

@JK-vn3oh 6 ай бұрын

Nice car. I’ve had 3 BMWs before moving to an electric. I had a 2007 320d, 2015 330d and the 2018 330e. Best car I’ve ever owned the 330d. Miss the comfort and drive of the beemers. You’ve got all the upgrades I would have. The Harmon Kardon system and the professional I drive.

@car_babble 6 ай бұрын

Would love a 530d so I had maximum comfort and the power all in one!

@gord8743 Жыл бұрын

Nice review on the go here…been looking at a 320d touring M Sport 16 or 66 plate as Road tax is only £30 pre 2017. Wonder if the X Drive sups the fuel a lot more n affects your mpg??

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! The xdrive is heavy for definitely affects mpg, but by how much it's hard to say without driving a rwd one to compare. If you live where I do, the extra traction of xdrive definitely feels worth the extra cost, but nothing beats a set of winter tyres.

@gord8743 Жыл бұрын

Yep the X Drive if live in the countryside or near steep hills etc…as rwd cars always struggle!!

@michaelyounes29 Жыл бұрын

I've got a very random humming that appears at 1,900 rpm and disappears at 2,000rpm tends to appear on the motorway...

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Hi Michael, that's strange. Can't think what that could be but maybe worth getting it checked!

@gsmad9738 Жыл бұрын

Hi mate - how’s the car going and how’s the comfort. I picked up 21 plate 320 last month with msport pack. I love the car, but I just can’t get it as comfy as I want it.. spent 15 years driving Passat, and must say - they were comfier.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Hi there, car is going great. Did you check out my other videos about it on my playlist on the car? I just released one last week about the driving experience. I do find the seat comfy but the thigh extension could be longer and the lack of lumbar support would be super annoying if I didn't have an aftermarket solution. BMW don't major in comfy seats. It's no Volvo in that regard! I assume you have the G20 version?

@visl7146 8 ай бұрын

Nice video,quite interesting 🎉 I am thinking to buy one...around 12000, does it worth that money? Plus i hear they break down a lot and its quite expensive to maintain even with simple thing. What do you think?

@car_babble 8 ай бұрын

Thanks! I've old had mine 11 months but it's been reasonably reliable barring replacing the light housing on the rear due to condensation and that was not cheap. Few other niggles but drives great. On a country road it's a super car.

@visl7146 7 ай бұрын

@@car_babble I gave up on this idea,become a member of bmw owners and they are pathetic. Too much tears on that group..all complaining. Cheers

@lupo10 Жыл бұрын

The seat is worrying me. I’m about to replace my Volvo C30 R-Design with a 335D, the Volvo I can drive home from Scotland to Yorkshire and won’t be in a rush to get out of the car. Bit worried now.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

I've bought this lumbar support pillow and the seat is so much better, but I have back problems so it might not be as bad for you even without it. It's no Volvo but it's better than it was... amzn.eu/d/jfJxRrz

@lupo10 Жыл бұрын

@@car_babble thanks for the reply, I just wish I could get a newer Volvo but all you can buy now are 4 pots, can’t go from 5 to 4 cylinders, so BMW it is. Thanks for the reply and the link 👍

@tapan.sharma Жыл бұрын

How do you rate performance, full economy and mileage of 320i sport auto x drive Euro 6?

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Hi Tapan, I haven't driven the 320i, but I know someone who has the G20 latest model with the same core engine, so I can only give some estimates but performance-wise, you should see similar to that of the diesel 320d, but slightly less torque. You will probably get 30 - 35 mpg for mix driving. Hope that helps.

@tapan.sharma Жыл бұрын

@@car_babble Thanks for replying.

@waeleb6106 11 ай бұрын

U should go for 335d xdrive very powerful Bmw❤

@car_babble 11 ай бұрын

I would LOVE the 335d!!! I'm going to be doing a comparison between the 320d and 330d soon as well!

@equaliser2265 7 күн бұрын

Still need snow tyres matey

@car_babble 6 күн бұрын

Better than xDrive for sure!

@JoshXCVIII 4 ай бұрын

I’m wanting to get my first BMW, I don’t do many miles, is it worth getting a diesel?

@car_babble 4 ай бұрын

If you do less than 8k miles a year and mostly town driving, the 320i probably the one to go for.

@jaheermk 2 ай бұрын

@@car_babble good advice that pal ! thanks

@shifterbbr1986 Жыл бұрын

I’ve got the F30 m sport 330d, it’s faster and smoother due to the 6 cylinder configuration.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Would absolutely love to swap my 320d for the 330d!

@shifterbbr1986 Жыл бұрын

@@car_babble Do it bro, just don’t blame me when your fuel costs rise by about 20%. 😉 Will be getting it re mapped soon, 300bhp, 500lb torque, like it’s not fast enough already. 😂

@piovo5222 Жыл бұрын

X drive kills the MPG, sitting at 70mph should return 60mpg easily in these B47 engines.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

Yes, you appear to be right! Bit of a bummer really!

@kennedymark1 Жыл бұрын

Personally I think they’re quite good on fuel. Had my 2014 (n47t) 320d xdrive 8 years almost and I get 540+ to every tank with predominantly short journeys and 616 once on a long journey which is great for a 57 litre tank. I don’t go by the obc’s average mpg as it’s not accurate enough.

@customboatscreensolutions5893 Жыл бұрын

My f30 2016 20d tax is 20 quid

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

That's right, pre-April 2017 it would have been dirty cheap to tax.

@AlL-fc5uv Жыл бұрын

X-Drive ruins it just get better tyres, lovely car.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

I wouldn't go that far but having not driven the RWD, I am sure it is slightly better.

@JK-vn3oh 6 ай бұрын

I’ve had both and staying in Aberdeen as you do the xdrive is a sensible choice. The bmw rwd is crap in snow

@MCorrigan 9 ай бұрын

Not a fan of the f30. Yeah it's a nice car, but I think it's also very dull.

@car_babble 9 ай бұрын

I don't find it very comfy over time, actually. But otherwise I think it's anything but dull 🤷

@yordantomov3974 Жыл бұрын

F BMW models are not good at all.

@car_babble Жыл бұрын

In what way do you think that? They're not very reliable but I'd say they've got some very special qualities, personally.

@ianpalmer4840 Жыл бұрын

Had 2 F models, 320d and 330d for 10 yrs, never any problems, brilliant cars, especially the 330d

@danstanford89 Жыл бұрын

F series great car, ive got the 330d dont like the 4 cylinder diesels myself and they suffer more with timing chain problems.

@captivesojourner 11 ай бұрын

I have a 2014 320 and it has never failed me

@car_babble 10 ай бұрын

It's a timeless classic!

@captivesojourner 10 ай бұрын

@@car_babble I told my salesman "gimme the one with roll up windows"