BMW 3-Series Coupe Review (2004)

Europe’s first coupe the BMW 327 was launched in 1937 and introduced as ‘The ideal touring car for the demanding motorist wishing to enjoy the thrill of speed and the pleasure of sports motoring’.

The BMW 3 Series coupe is now in its 6th incarnation and thankfully BMW’s philosophy hasn't changed. As you would expect the styling has evolved throughout the last six decades and in this age of merging car design the distinctive kidney shaped grille and the BMW Roundel ensure that however many enhancements the model range may undergo a BMW could never be mistaken.

The BMW 320Cd was introduced in the UK in October 2003 and was the first BMW Coupe to be equipped with a diesel engine in the UK. Being Euro IV compliant the 320Cd is sure to be popular with company car drivers as this model negates the three per cent government surcharge applied to drivers of most diesel-engine cars and falls within the lowest 15 per cent band for company car tax.

Whilst a diesel BMW might be appealing to fleet managers and those of a more frugal nature, the mere mention of the words diesel and BMW is bound to send shivers down the spine of petrol devotees.

I tested the 320Cd SE Coupe to see if a diesel powered BMW could live up to its formidable reputation as 'the ultimate driving machine'.