Car Tech - 2014 BMW 320i

The BMW 3 Series used to be a simple and fairly small car. It's not small anymore, but it seems to be simple once again, thanks to this model.

[brucebasile]

I`ve had my 2014 320xi for 10 months and it has been a lot of fun to drive. It is quick and very nimble that is about as good as anyone would need driving in Chicago. It was a program car with 4, 800 miles that knocked $5G`s off the price. That with the Sports package, moonroof, and heated front seats and I was out the door at around $33, 000 that is about right for a retired guy living on a pension. 3 year lease gives me 45, 000 miles and a reasonable monthly cost. Throw in the 5 year 50, 000 mile  maintanance BMW deal and I`m a happy guy. I did the same thing with my 2011 328xi and will do it again in 2 years.BMW treats it`s customers well and always makes oil changes a breeze. I`m hooked and look forward to driving this car everyday and that`s what it`s all about.

[CarlUsana-ol]

We have a 320i Sport, I like the seat + mirrors memory feature, amazing balance of performance & fuel economy, and great handling. The driver's car, absolutely love it. . .

[patthonsirilim]

cant belive the f30 is 10 years old now it still looking good.

[USASPORTSCARDS]

Awesome, awesome review. Love how he details everything, and gives a concise opinion on how he feels about the car's price in relation to its range siblings. Great job, Brian.

[hfl_comedyfrl]

Last week I picked up a 2015 CPO 320i with 40k miles for $15, 797. Black/tan, Nav, Driver Assistance Package, Power Sears, Moonroof and Comfort Access. My 2009 e90 335i/6 speed fulfills my performance oriented driving pleasures :)

[justinbuice]

This is for the person who has dreamed about owning a new BMW but doesnt have new BMW cash. My advice; buy a 2-3 year old lease turn-in. You can get a 328 with all the options and it will cost less than this 320

[wl]

CNET really messed up by getting rid of Cooley. I still watch these videos.

[bartekciastkowski]

To get the iDrive with touch you need the Navigation package for all the BMWs. So I don't understand this comment in the video.

The suspension on this car is same as other 3 series. :-) So it is not any less crisp than the 328i for example.

I have the same car with the Navigation package. It adds the iDrive with touch + Bluetooth streaming + BMW Apps. It also adds a larger in-dash LCD display (to display additional nav graphics like intersection details) and a larger on-dash LCD display for displaying maps etc.(also allows splitting screen to display Maps and Entertainment details at the same time)

The specs on the car do not look that impressive; but C&D still achieved a time of 6.5s 0-60mph. The car is not slow !!. The car also handles very well and the more you push it the better it goes. I was very surprised about it after my initial drive, and picked it over the VW GTI for those reasons.

The car also comes with a very nice 8-speed transmission that can be operated in Normal, Sport and Manual modes. On top of that the car has 3 driving modes like the other 3 series (Sport, Comfort, Eco). One needs the sport package for Sport+. 

I would say that in Eco mode the car may appear a little slower than some may like. For crisp responses you put the transmission in Sport mode and switch drive mode to Sport as well.

I think this is a very good car for the money; especially because you can get it for a lot less than MSRP; more so than the 328i

And I've been averaging a very close to 34 mpg.

[julianenguillado]

I'm glad to see Car Tech up their production value in their videos.

[theupshiftcarblog]

I think the goal of Cnet reviews are mostly to review the tech, rather than the car itself. And that is why I like cooley's reviews b/c he does something that nobody else does (review the tech).

[waruilewi]

Another precise and insightful review, a tip of the hat to you.

[cyclemartin]

Very nice, a BMW 320i with 4cylinders instead of the old six pots, that actually packs a punch, .. What a beauty love that outside my house, to set a few tongues wagging.

[zeox]

i doubt anyone is watching this vid but people who just bought or are thinking of buying a 320i. it does not share the exact same engine as a 328i. the 328i has different pistons and ecu mapping. you can get to stock 328 power by a simple 600 dollar tune but you wont get too much more than that without sacrificing reliability. you will find many people say different things from "just get a 328" to "why wouldn't you just get an m3 if you want speed". this car is still a BMW however. its a drivers car through and through. the 320 isn't fast, sure... even when fully modded... but its fun. its economical. the early f30s are cheep. and as he said in the video, simple. that means it doesn't have the same issues as most luxury brands: modern, untested, unreliable tech. which is why most mechanics worth their salt will recommend waiting until at least the second or third year into the generation of a car to buy one for the sake of them having the kinks worked out. great little entry beemer (or just cheep daily) that looks good, and feels good.

[sherlock]

Very pleased with my 2014 320i M Sport auto saloon.  Performance is fine as is handling and comfort.   Build quality is excellent. The only thing I don't like is the 'auto stop/start' facility but thankfully you can deactivate it.  I regularly drive it from London, UK to Bonn and Munich, Germany and back and it's more than happy sitting at 135 mph on the autobahn.   You don't need a more powerful engine for everyday use.

[Jayster]

BMW shouldn't be yelled at this for this. they are simply offering a cheaper option 3 series for people who want a BMW but don't need all the fancy stuff. you guys act like BMW is doing this to its 328 and 335!! lol chill out. BMW is still excellent in technology, have the best nav system out there and BMW performance is sweet as everyone obviously knows. 

[naruto]

I'm watching this and thinking this is the 2000-07 generation of BMW. That was a huge step back.

[neca]

7.1 s 0-60, and you feel lack of power? You are crazy or spoiled. This car has great handling, engine and transmission and it would destroy its opponents on any track. Specially some stronger American cars with poor driving dynamics. And there are no electrical adjustment seats? Who cares when you have car like that. It has 50:50 body weight distribution, RWD, best steering and tight and really strong chassis. What would you want more for curved roads? If you want electrical seats in basic equipment, go and buy Hyundai or some other brand. This is car for enthusiasts and not for some moms who would only drive kids to school with it.  

[neilverma]

Am I the only one who PREFERS levers over power seats? (A) power seats move much slower than adjusting manually (B) they drain battery power (C) if the electric motor breaks you have yet another nuisance. Have people really gotten so lazy? What's next? 'Power doors'?

[Sanpedranoazul]

Excellent review, I liked the way you compare the two models, that´s very helpful!

[hfl_comedyfrl]

Best to buy any N20/N26 powered BMW with a built date of 03/15 and newer to avoid the dreaded timing chain issues.