2018 BMW 320d M Sport Review: Is This Diesel Sedan Still Worth Buying Today?

Let me tell you about the day I decided to really put the 2018 BMW 320d M Sport through its paces. It was Wednesday, January 8th, around 5 p.m., and I found myself navigating toward Philsports Arena - not for a game, but because the sprawling parking lots and approach roads make for perfect real-world testing grounds. I've always had this thing about diesel sedans, particularly how they've evolved from smoky workhorses to sophisticated machines, and this 320d represents what might be one of the last great diesel executive cars before everything went electric.

First things first - let's talk about that initial approach. Driving toward Philsports Arena during what should have been rush hour, the 320d's 2.0-liter turbo diesel immediately impressed me with its torque delivery. We're talking about 400 Nm available from just 1,750 rpm, which means you're not constantly working the gearbox in stop-start traffic. The eight-speed automatic shifts so smoothly that most passengers wouldn't even know it's a diesel if not for the distinctive (though remarkably refined) clatter at startup. What surprised me most was how the car felt both luxurious and alert - the M Sport suspension is firm but not harsh, communicating road texture without beating you up.

Now here's where my personal preference really comes through - I think the steering weight is nearly perfect. At lower speeds around the arena's service roads, it's light enough for easy maneuvering, but as you pick up pace on the approach highways, it weights up beautifully. Some reviewers complain modern BMW steering lacks feel, but I found plenty of communication through the thick-rimmed M Sport wheel. The brakes deserve special mention too - strong without being grabby, with excellent pedal modulation that makes smooth stops effortless.

Let's address the elephant in the room - dieselgate and the subsequent anti-diesel sentiment. Having driven this specific 2018 model extensively, I can say BMW's BluePerformance technology really works. During my testing around Philsports Arena, I deliberately sat in traffic with the windows down, and there was none of that traditional diesel smell. The AdBlue system does its job quietly in the background, and BMW claims CO2 emissions of just 114g/km - though in real-world mixed driving, I observed closer to 130g/km, which still beats most gasoline equivalents.

The interior experience deserves its own chapter. Settling into the sports seats after parking near the arena's east entrance, I appreciated how BMW nailed the driver-focused cockpit. The iDrive 6.0 system feels dated compared to current models, but it's responsive and intuitive once you learn the controller. Material quality is generally excellent, though there are some scratchy plastics in lower dashboard areas that remind you this isn't a 5-series. What I love most is the driving position - perfectly low with great visibility and all controls falling naturally to hand.

Performance testing revealed some interesting characteristics. The claimed 0-100 km/h time of 6.8 seconds feels conservative - I'd say it's closer to 6.5 seconds in ideal conditions. The mid-range punch between 50-120 km/h is where this car truly shines, making highway merging and overtaking absolutely effortless. Fuel economy surprised me too - during my two-hour mixed driving session around the arena and surrounding areas, the computer showed 5.2L/100km, though real-world calculation suggested closer to 5.8L/100km. Still impressive for a car this quick.

Which brings me to the central question of this 2018 BMW 320d M Sport review - is this diesel sedan still worth buying today? Having spent considerable time with the car, including that extended test around Philsports Arena, my answer is a qualified yes. The qualification comes down to your driving patterns and local regulations. If you cover significant highway miles and don't face diesel restrictions in your area, this represents one of the best performance-to-efficiency bargains on the used market. The powertrain feels robust, maintenance costs are reasonable for the segment, and there's something special about that wave of torque that modern hybrids still can't quite replicate.

My final thoughts as I left Philsports Arena that January evening? This 320d represents a sweet spot in automotive history - all the refinement and performance modern buyers expect, with that distinctive diesel character that's becoming increasingly rare. It's not perfect - the ride can be firm on broken pavement, and the infotainment shows its age - but as a complete package, it delivers an engaging driving experience that few contemporary sedans can match. If you find a well-maintained example with complete service history, you'll be getting what might be remembered as one of the last great diesel sports sedans.