Insurance Group: 24
MPG: 44.8
CO2: 146
0-62 Mph: 9.1 secs
BHP: 143 BHP
Range: 621 miles
The diesel engine is more efficient than the petrol version, so it might be worth the upgrade if you will be racking up a high mileage.
PROS: A great price for a very well equipped coupe that has drives well and looks great.
CONS: The engine is not the biggest or the most powerful and the diesel engine is more efficient.
The 318i SE has a 143 bhp engine delivering 140 lb-ft of torque at 4250 rpm and reaches 0-62mph in 9.1 seconds with a top speed of 130 mph.
Previous versions of the 3 Series have been criticised for having overly firm suspension, and although BMW have managed to make the ride much softer, it is still a bit too harsh. On the plus side, the 318i handles well thanks to its fantastic, balanced chassis.
The 3 Series Coupe is a fine looking car and looks business-like in an understated way.
The SE coupe comes with leather seats, power steering, stability control, cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors, alloy wheels, MP3 connectivity and stereo as standard, with optional extras such as Bluetooth for £250 and satellite navigation for £1,550.
The ‘Efficient Dynamics’ technology that keeps the fuel consumption and CO2 emissions low includes an automatic stop-start system, brake energy regeneration, on-demand control of engine ancillary components and tyres with less rolling resistance, along with improved aerodynamics.
BMW have a reputation for building very reliable cars and the 3 Series Coupe should be no exception.
The 318i should also be a safe car and comes with a decent amount of safety kit including six airbags, dynamic stability control inclusive of ABS, corning brake control, dynamic brake control and dynamic traction control. An optional extra is the Active Security Package (with lane change and lane departure-warning systems) which enhances safety levels. An alarm is also fitted as standard and overall the car fared well at the NCAP crash tests where it attained the top five star rating.
The coupe has loads of room in the front and back, with plenty of leg room - making it highly comfortable for both passengers and driver. The boot is of a reasonable size too although it is an awkward shape which makes it tricky to load larger items.
The 318i SE costs £27,000 to buy and has a combined fuel economy of 44.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of 146 g/km which means running costs are moderate but not excessive.
The 320d, although pricier, offers better value for money as it combines a great engine with low fuel consumption.
A BMW is a good car to invest in due to the assured quality and service that is offered and the 3 Series currently has very good resale values.
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