Difference between 320D and M Sport

AdrianHi

I assume we are talking about the current model? E90 (saloon), E91 (touring), E92 (coupe) or E93 (convertible).
M Sport extends SE specification, I would avoid ES as it lacks climate controla nd cruise control which are expected in the market for a car of this type.
The main changes are sports seats (much better than standard/SE for comfort), sports steering wheel (fatter nicer to hold), 17" wheels as standard for a 320d (and other 4 cylinder engines), the body kit and an additional damper in the suspension which reduces body roll / gives more control but for my sense does not make the ride any harder.
Interior trim materials are customisable when ordering new but the standard silver colour plastic trim is the same for ES, SE and M Sport.

Cracking of lower profile wheels is another wonderful side effect of run flat tyres - too much impact is possible throught the stiff sidewalls which is all too much for these 19" wheels.

September 2007 build dates onwards "efficient dynamics" measure were introduced reducing fuel consumption by up to 20% dependign on how you drive and the power output of the engine increased to 177bhp.

For the record, my BMW 3 series has the most sophisticated and useful indicator system I've ever had on a car:rotfl:

AdrianHi

PM wrote: »

Thanks guys. There are couple of 5 series in my price range which I'm also going to have a look at 2L Diesel

The E60 5 series is big, more of a laid back wafty ride but still handles well compared to the more involving 3 series.
Well worth finding an LCI (Life Cycle Impulse aka face lift/mid life update) version and for the 520d again look for the 177bhp effiecient dynamics engine which was introduced a few months after the LCI model came in. Suspension and interior improvements with the LCI well worth having IMO.
Arguably a better car than the 3 series if you can life with it's size (front and rear parking sensors as standard help). You need to drive both.