The BMW 318d M Sport Saloon
The BMW 3-series turned 40 years old in 2015. It defines its class, having been the founder member. Still today, though its many rivals storm up like Achilles in Zeno’s paradox behind the 3-series’ tortoise, they have not yet managed to sweep the board on any of the six generations, nor dim the allure of the blue and white propeller. The model on test today may show a more straightforward understanding of that tortoise analogy, if it’s fifth generation predecessor was anything to go by. Unlike the tortoise, this 318d M Sport may only win a sprint in a fable. At the heart of this F30 3-series is the 2.0-litre B47 diesel engine, in 150hp tune. It was introduced with the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI – we’re BMW and we don’t do facelifts, thank-you) which the model received in 2015. It’s output is up 7hp over the old N47 motor, and while the peak torque remains at 236 lb/ft, BMW have doubled the range through which it’s available, coming in at 1,500 rpm and lasting to 3,000 rpm. The resul