2002 BMW 3 Series Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 22 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, available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.
Cons
Pricey for their market segment, limited rear-seat space and cargo capacity.
What's New for 2002
BMW has seen fit to give the sedans and wagons a facelift for 2002. An in-dash CD player finally makes it onto the standard features list. The center stack has been altered to accommodate the new automatic climate controls. Steptronic automanual operation has been altered so that you move the transmission lever forward for downshifts and backward for upshifts. Bi-xenon headlamps are on the options list so that both low and high beams can glow a cold blue and can be set to automatic operation. Rear side airbags are available for coupes and convertibles. Two new colors, Electric Red and Gray Green (and a Natural Brown interior leather) join the color spectrum.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Fun to Drive but expensive to maintain
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 1 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I love the handling of my 325. I have encountered several problems with the car which it continues to add up. I have had three window regulators break which the company is aware of the problem, but will not do a recall. The rotors cannot be turned so brakes cost $400 just for the front. I had a bushing replaced which BMW dealership didn't put the parts back on the vehicle correctly. Be prepared when you go for an oil change, you will end up paying for more than a simple oil change. I can't believe the amount of magazines praising BMW cars. The magazines never mention anything about reliability or the lack of. I am disappointed with the quality of my 325.
Favorite Features
The favorite aspect of the 325 is the handling.
Suggested Improvements
3 series
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I got this car used for my sixteenth birthday. I have been driving it for four years and couldn't have asked for a more reliable vehicle! Minor problems include a reverse light that is easy to fix, a/c with a mind of its own, and temperature readings are never right for whatever reason. Also, I have had people steal the BMW stickers off my rims..but they are cheap and easy to replace. Great vehicle overall!!!
Favorite Features
Perfect size, style, and grace.
Suggested Improvements
A compartment for sunglasses would be nice and cooling seats, living in the south is sure to heat things up!
Great car, loving BMW
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I used to own a Mustang GT before my Bimmer. After test driving the BMW I realized what a piece of junk I had been driving. The BMW has been a joy to own with hardly any problems. The steering, handling, and power is ridiculous.
Favorite Features
The handling is great. The BMW always makes you feel like a king of the road.
Suggested Improvements
None whatsoever. I think this model year was the most aesthetically pleasing to the eye (both inside and outside.)
Awesome car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I bought this Certified Pre-Owned car with 11,000 miles. There were several things that needed replacing that was thankfully covered by warranty. I've had no other problems since the warranty expired a year ago. It's such a fun car to drive and a real head-turner.
Favorite Features
The acceleration, the stability control and the Harmon Kardon stereo.
Suggested Improvements
The sunroof tilt opened more.
Going for 300K
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
We (wife and I) bought this with 14K on odo. It looked and felt like new even though I was hesitant about the price. It is now 173K still feels like new and looks... well not new but good. These days you need a car to outlast the payments. I plan to go for 300K on this. This is the first car I feel comfortable making that attempt. It has had a few things fail. These were the window regulators (all 4) and a piece of trim. The 3 is a tough little car. Looking to get 2nd one.
Favorite Features
17 inch wheels. Not knocking the 16s but the low profile tires on 17s give it a more aggressive stance.
Suggested Improvements
Comfort would have scored higher if I didn't have the sport seats. The pan is a bit narrow for me. Tire width. The 225s it came with do not provide the rims any protection against a curb rub. I put 245s on and not a problem since.
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