2000 BMW 3 Series Review

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Fuel Economy

19 - 21 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

If you've got the bucks, this is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.

Pros

Luxurious, powerful, exceptional road manners.

Cons

Pricey for their market segment, limited rear seat and cargo capacity.

What's New for 2000

For 2000 3 Series coupes, convertibles and wagons are all new; the hatchback has been discontinued. After last year's complete redesign, 2000 sedans see only minor improvements.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

I got the lemon

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 7 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 5
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 5
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323iT Wagon

Review

I initially bought the 2000 BMW Sport Wagon used with just 20,000 miles. It ran great with no problems until it went past 60,000 miles. After 60,000 miles I've had frequent phantom problems with the check engine light (and yes, I've checked the fuel cap every time...it was fine). I've had plastic bits breaking in all 4 windows regulators (one of them twice) and the sunroof clips (I hardly use the sunroof too). I've had electrical problems with the air conditioner, anti-lock brakes/traction/stability control, rear view mirrors and door locks. But, that's not all. I've always taken it to the BMW Dealer for repairs and maintenance to make sure it was done right. I think I got the lemon!

Favorite Features

Drives great when there are no problems. Love the driving dynamics and solid feel of the wagon.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability. I may have gotten the lemon though.

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Stay away from this model year

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 4
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323i Sedan

Review

First, I will say that this car is one that is fun to drive. And I have not driven a car that performs better (steering, engine performance). People have written about the high cost of fixing all of the little things that DO go wrong with this car. However, once the car has been returned to me I fall in love with the car again and again. My major problem with the car is that this car has serious reliability problems. I have experienced two problems that show up many times with other drivers of same vehicle. One problem is that this car has a weak subframe that has a tendency to CRACK (BMW fixed for free - see class action lawsuit). Also, see issues with transmission.

Favorite Features

Drives like no other car. Love the exterior and interior quality.

Suggested Improvements

Improve reliability.

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Good Looking Lemon

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 7 Fun-to-Drive: 7 Build Quality: 6
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 4
Fuel Economy: 6 Exterior Design: 8

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323i Sedan

Review

Had owned 2 previous BMWs. After the warranty expired, within a couple of years it cost me $12,000 in repairs. Had to replace transmission, control arm, and power steering. This all from someone who drives once a week with a max. of 5000 kms a year. Wished I would have read all the driver reviews before buying it almost brand new from a distant cousin. Low mileage, looks brand new inside and out but do not trust driving it on the highway. Give your money to a panhandler instead. Sits handsomely in the garage. Looking for a new car.

Favorite Features

Appearance of exterior and interior.

Suggested Improvements

Build a car with a return on value for the cost.

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Excellent Car

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 323i Sedan

Review

Over 140,000 and still drives great! I have been diligent about maintenance and have spent around 1000/yr after warranty expired. Biggest disappointment: Replaced transmission at 120,000 miles.($4500). The handling is excellent. A car wash makes it look new. Purchased a 2006 convertible and I prefer to drive the 2000 Beemer. The car has not left me stranded. It has had minor repairs every year. I expect to drive it another 100,000.

Favorite Features

My favorite features is the handling, brakes, and style.

Suggested Improvements

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Into my 9th year now

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2000 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328Ci Coupe

Review

I originally owned this car. With Sport Package. I gave it Michelin Pilot sport tires. Do oil change every 7k miles and had the engine opened up to seal a leak, the repair man said it is darn clean engine at 130k miles now. Learn to fix and replace some parts yourself and the car is reliably solid.

Favorite Features

The cars loves high RPM. At 5rpm, it feels hungry for more.

Suggested Improvements

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