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Kraftwagen König
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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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