2003 BMW 3 Series Review
2003 BMW 3 Series Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Luxurious, powerful, exceptional road manners, available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.
Cons
- Pricey for its market segment, limited rear-seat space and cargo capacity.
What’s new
For 2003, BMW will finally offer a DVD-based navigation system -- meaning that you won't have to give up an in-dash CD player if you opt for the nav system. Other changes include a standard front armrest for all 325 models, as well as a rear center headrest for all sedans and wagons. Additionally, all wagons will come with a moonroof. In terms of options, the Premium Package for all 325s now includes automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, and the Sport Package for the 330xi includes double-spoke alloy wheels and run-flat tires.
Edmunds says
If you've got the bucks, this is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$252/mo for 3 Series 325i
3 Series 325i
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 BMW 3 Series.
5 star(79%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
456 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.75 out of 5 stars
A4 = 325xi ?!
beckernj, 10/26/2002
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
I was interested in a compact all-wheel
drive sports sedan and test drove both
Audi A4s (1.8 and 3.0) and the BMW
325xi. I do not understand how people
can say these cars are equivalent.
There is no comparison! I may have
been biased by the enthusiasm of the
BMW salesperson as compared to the Audi
salesperson for their respective
vehicles, but in my opinion the BMW …
blew the Audi away. I thought the BMW
handled better, accelerated more
smoothly, was more solidly constructed,
and overall was more fun to drive.
Even after driving the 3.0 A4 I still
preferred the 325xi.
5 out of 5 stars
Wanted a Bimmah, Never looking Back
liquidarthur2@yahoo.com, 01/17/2016
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
I bought my 2003 BMW 325I in 2013. At ten years old and 140,000 miles I knew it was a little bit of a risk, but you can pick these up for the same price you'd pay for a Civic in similar condition. BMW or Civic? Come on, no brainer. Fortunately I have a lot of tools and am very mechanically inclined, so I can do all of my own work. I've had to change the water pump, cooling hoses, … window motors, and a few little things. With a good internet search and a little ingenuity none of it is a big deal at all. If you plan to pay a dealership for this kind of little stuff, forget it. It's well worth a little work here and there to have a car with a buttery smooth straight 6, and absolutely impeccable handling. Three years later I still enjoy driving it. Sometimes I go to the store in the middle of the night and get my lady some ice cream, really just because I want to drive somewhere. No more Hondayotas in my driveway. They're laughable after driving what is truly the ultimate driving machine. Mine just hit 170k with no current issues at all. I'll get 200+ smiling the whole way. I will warn, however, if you're buying a used one, the maintenance and care that has gone into it previously is of the utmost importance! Check it, double check it, do your research and then check it again!
5 out of 5 stars
You get what to pay for
M Perez, 08/22/2015
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Let's face it, if you buy a +10 years old car it will need some attention. BMW's are known for being very good machines as long as you take good care of them, they are not cheap to maintain, but (as the title says) you get what you pay for. If you expect to drive a boat like this with a low budget, do yourself a favor, go buy a Toyota. On the other way, If you are handy enough to make … some DIY it's the perfect car for you, if you don't have the time/ skills/ place but still want to drive one, find a reputable independent shop that specializes in BMW instead of taking it to a stealership and you'll save some money. It's not a car you can take to Pep Boy's and have it fixed for cheap; you'll end up paying more and losing time. It's worth pay some extra and get it fixed right the first time.
Being that said it's a great car, it has 50/50 weight distribution, a traction control that actually works, great handling, acceleration, brakes and a powerful and simple engine. The electronics have their days, sometimes a few things tend to fail (remember, it's a +10 years old car) but nothing that'll leave you on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. The car itself has a level of comfort and security that most base and mid line cars don't have nowadays (heated seats, one touch in the 4 windows, automatic windshield wipers and headlights, rear ventilated discs, lecture lights on the front and back, remote window open and closing). I could sell mine now and buy a new Civic, but I'd be losing comfort, security and the pleasure of driving. You can buy one for cheap, but you are advised they are not cheap to keep running.
5 out of 5 stars
19 years of ownership and still a dream to live wi
bogmailer, 04/24/2013
2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
I have owned 4 of these 3 series convertibles since 1989 as despite test driving and buying other brands (porsche/Merc/Jag) I keep going back to the 3 series convertible with the straight 6 motor.
This car is always a joy to drive, fun and fast and with a tremendous engine sound. My current car a tiptronic 3 ltr is now 19 years old and still runs like new, is cheap to service and at … speed is very nimble unlike modern heavy cars. I keep saying to myself I should trade the car but then I get back in the 3, drop the roof and immediatley start smiling. BMW got it right with this car, it will remain a classic.
2022. I love it, amazing ownership experience 19 years on. Recently took a drive to Kaikoura and back with my sister and beemer didn't miss a beat. It's winter down here but the fitted hood, heated seats and air con meant we enjoyed every kilometre. Wonderful 3 litre straight six eats up the road at any speed.
It's now 2023 and not a day goes by when I'm not proud to get behind the wheel and feel a sense of joy.
2003 3 Series Highlights
Sedan
325i
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $27,800 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $252/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 3 Series include:
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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