By 1timebmw on 05/05/12 10:33 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 323Ci 2dr Coupe
Review
Almost like clockwork, after she hit 100K miles things started malfunctioning. First the blower resistor ($280), then the "no reverse" transmission ($3600). What's next? Repairs are more than the car's market value.
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2 of 4 people found this review helpful
By atticrat on 03/18/12 23:36 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 323Ci 2dr Coupe
Review
I inheirited a 2000 BMW 323 ci that was a low mileage car. It had all the bells and whistles to boot. Initially I thought it was a fairly distictive car until all of the EXPENSIVE problems crept up. With only 25,000 on the odometer I had to replace so many things it was just ghastly! Sunroof problems, A/C ventilation (electrical) problems, window motor failure, suspension bushings, oil leaks, auto transmission problems and the interior began falling apart. After living with this car for a couple of years I tired of its stiff ride, road noise, creaks and rattles, stiff steering and spongy brake pedal. Also the hard seats were the worst I ever sat in, game me back aches. BMW=WAY OVERRATED!
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By briodo on 11/02/11 20:40 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
This is my first BMW, bought used at 80k miles, now has 134K miles and it's falling apart.
While the car is a blast to drive, it has cost me more over the last 2 years than the car is worth.
And it now needs the CVC valve replaced, quoted at $900, far from the amount in the reliability section.
If the car starts honking, you know this valve is gone.
C'est la vie; fast cars, pretty women, and good wine.
It somehow will not be as much fun in a Toyota.
Just cheaper.
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By stockman77 on 10/16/11 18:00 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 323Ci 2dr Coupe
Review
I've owned 7 BMW's, 3-E46s and have only learned recently that all E46s had a Class Action law suit for a defective frame build. I just bought my 323ci 6 months ago & after an inspection was told my frame is cracked and in need of repair.
BMW initially told me they weren't going to offer any assistance until I mentioned litigation and now they are "determining" what they'll do if anything beyond what I was told thus far. I bought this car because I know the 3-series very well and have come to depend on BMW's brand but NEVER would've bought the car, without a detailed frame inspection at least, had I known about this immense problem.
The Repair is about DOUBLE what the car is worth.
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2 of 4 people found this review helpful
By followasign on 06/30/11 08:21 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
Review
This is hands down one of the best driving experiences you'll ever have. Words really can not describe the "emotions" you feel when driving a BMW, you really should just drive one. I own 3 BMWs (one 5 Series and two 3 Series) and have had no major problems with them. My 323i is my project car and has been nothing but a pleasure to work on. Actually BMW's are the easiest car I have ever worked on. I completely rebuilt the front end, including struts, on my 323i for less than $400 and about 4 hrs. I replaced all 4 brake rotors, pads and sensors for less than $200 and a COMPLETE brake job took less than an hour!!! NEVER take the car to the Stealership, you will [violative content deleted] in parts & labor cost.
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By Broke My Wallet on 09/10/10 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
A maintenance nightmare. I have spent thousands fixing this car, one thing after another. I now have it working great and intend to sell it before something else goes wrong. However, it handles great on the road and is a very cool car. The looks sold me, but I should have looked beyond the outside appearance. Now I am paying for it. I should have known that BMW stands for Broke My Wallet
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By Ken B. on 08/21/10 21:42 PM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
Review
Most everyone here complaints about the car being unreliable. Most of them also claims that they have replaced major things on their 10 yr old cars. I have been a BMW owner since 1994 and have driven nothing but BMW's ever since. Here's the real deal: Yes they have their quirks (window regulators, etc.) but most of the complaints I've read here involves just basic maintenance. Yes the cooling system are not 100% but with a little TLC one can update all the issues and drive a Bimmer for 600,000+km for a lot less than a Civic! Don't be taken in by the hype, these cars are great and don't cost a lot to maintain! Stick with a manual transmission, the autos WILL fail if not maintained properly!
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful
By Beak on 08/20/10 10:11 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 328Ci 2dr Coupe
Review
I am coming up on 11 years (145K miles) with this vehicle. I am still impressed every time I get in (shared with the wife). This car is fun to drive, is spirited enough and gets nearly 30 MPG around town. Never have had any reliability issues (still has the original plugs and clutch). I still like the way it looks and I'll drive it until ...
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By Scott on 07/09/10 11:58 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 323Ci 2dr Convertible
Review
I've had the car for 5 years and 75,000 miles. In terms of maintenance and parts failures this car has been very very easy. Total invested in non routine maint: not more than $1,000, and considering what the AZ heat does to rubber components, that isn't bad! I love this little car, and based on the really low trade in value, I'm probably going to keep it for fun and get a new sedan. If you're looking for fun at a low cost, and the pricing on Edmunds is accurate, this is a great deal! My only complaint is this is a very heavy car for only 175hp under the hood. It doesn't accelerate fast, but handles great and feels comfortable even at excessive speeds (with the top down or up).
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By George on 06/19/10 09:49 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
2000 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
Review
Picked up with European Delivery Program (still frustrates me everyday that American drivers do not have the competence and courtesy of the Germans on the road). As with any car, maintenance will be required. Due to volume production of the e46, parts are very reasonable and you can save $$ if you have some mechanical inclination. Everything on the car is easy to work with and finely engineered. Now with 150k miles since new, the car still feels tight and solid, even after front end collision caused by erroneous driver. Airbag deployed, very little damage. The larger Ford excursion SUV didn't fare as well. I still trust the car to protect my family--no other make will suffice for me.
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