2003 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews Page 5

Excellent Ride/Handling Tradeoff

Written by: mbojilov on 12/10/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I believe this to be an excellent vehicle overall. Handling and steering are first rate, and the ride is more comfortable than many more expensive sedans (Mercedes E320). I wish the steering wheel could tilt more vertically for greater comfort and control. I would also change the steering wheel to the 2004/05 version - it looks the same but it is much grippier. While I like some engine noise to add to the sporting character, at times it feels overwhelming (it almost seems that my car is defective relative to other BMW's; everyone says BMW's are quiet but mine isn't all that quiet). Finally, wind noise can also be quite high at highway speeds. All in all, a great experience though.

Favorite Features

Steering, handling, agility, firm but supple ride, manual transmission, solidity, comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Engine noise and wind noise need to be reduced. Steering wheel should be able to tilt more vertically to enhance driving position.

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get a lawyer

Written by: boycottBMW on 10/24/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Anyone got a good lemon-law lawyer?, cause this company sucks!!!! The car handles well as it should for all that damn money you spent on it, but as far as reliability is concerned, it is horrible! back and forth to the shop, oh, and no loaners. The car keeps staling on me almost killing me and i spoke to all the managers and finally they tell me not to get a lawyer, hahaha. Just did and now they're freaking, cause now they have too spend money for my lawsuit. Wanted to upgrade at first, but now will never buy/lease one again.

Favorite Features

one-touch buttons, handling.

Suggested Improvements

better service, better quality in build, new management, and drop the price, it's not that nice.

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BMW owner for life

Written by: Love My BMW on 10/01/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I traded my Ford Mustang for my BMW and it was the best choice yet ! I have the sport package and personally think it makes a huge difference. The handling and suspension are pure German engineering. I reasearched this to death and for the money and warantee could not find anything close. Acceleration is there when you need it and driving this car is pure pleasure. Its fun, classy and sporty all wrapped up in one. I am 5'1 and the boyfriend is 6'4 the programmable power seats are a great option.

Favorite Features

Sport package. The quality of the interior and exterior there is nothing cheap about it. The metallic leather interior sounds tacky but its not and everyone who sees it - loves it !

Suggested Improvements

Love it just the way it is.

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Tall folks should be weary of seats

Written by: backpain on 08/25/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

The BMW has a great sporty solid feel, and holds the road well. Cross wind performance in this car is also excellent. I liked the car very much "except" the seats. I am approx. 6'1 and over the 1 year I owned this car the seats became more and more uncomfortable. Several times I complained and requested some help from the dealer and BMW, and I never got satisfaction. This eventually due to extreme discomfort forced me to sell. Be careful if you are thinking of purchasing this car and you are tall.

Favorite Features

solid and quiet. Handling very well.

Suggested Improvements

Front passenger seats and taking customers concerns more seriously, they lost a good customer.

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Truly the ultimate driving machine

Written by: Bob Marley on 08/07/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I traded my 2002 Maxima for a 325i. Whilst the BMW doesn't have the same brute power as the 3.5 litre Nissan, it is in a class of its own in every other respect. And it will go as quickly as the Maxima if you work at it just a little. A joy to drive, it handles like a dream. Everything feels just right and the car is as solid as a rock on all roads and in all weather. It also gives the impression of being built to last - nothing feels as though it might break off in your hands, unlike in many American cars, and no cheap plastic anywhere, unlike many American and Japanese cars. Added to all this, it is drop-dead gorgeous, both inside and out.

Favorite Features

The impeccable road manners, whether you're pootling along in town, cruising on the interstate or pushing it along twisty country roads.

Suggested Improvements

Hard to imagine anything that might make this car better other than a tad more power, which of course is available in the 330i which I couldn't quite stretch to. Maybe next time.

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Smooth and Powerful

Written by: BigHal33 on 07/17/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Love the sound of the engine. They come up with the slogan the ultimate driving machine and I can see why. It is the most fun car I have ever owned. It absolutely hugs the road. Power is great but handling is even better. I am 6'3" with a bad back so my only problem with it is on long drives my back is achy when I get out of the vehicle. Has great support and lumbar adjustment but it must be my low position that causes me some problems. Not even close though its the best car I have ever owned.

Favorite Features

Heated seats are warm in a flash. Gotta get the Xenon headlights they are awesome. Cool how yu can open up the windows and sunroof on a hot day with your remote.

Suggested Improvements

Needs more storage in console. Needs a garage door opener built in as std. Come on Germans you missed the boat on that one.

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No Better Choice

Written by: robot on 07/16/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I've owned my Titanium Silver with sports package, leather, and moon roof for 15 months and have had absolutely no problems. Over the years I have had some nice cars--Hondas, Volvos, abd a Mazda Miata--and this is the best one ever. It is beautiful and classy--I just like to look at it sometimes. It handles like a dream, with the perfect combination of sportiness and smooth solid comfort. I'm not easy to please, but my 325i does it for me. Finally, I bought it from a small family dealership and they have treated me very well.

Favorite Features

I love the sport package--you get lots of good stuff, including sport tuned suspension plus larger and nicer looking wheels for money. The xenon headlights are great. Maybe the Acura TL and the Infiniti G35, come close, but why come close when you can have the real thing!

Suggested Improvements

The driver's position is a little close to the windshield. A little more power would be nice too, and premium fuel gets costly with only average fuel economy. But, hey, you can't have it all for $32K.

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I love my car!

Written by: joevicki on 06/30/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This car is the most fun car I have ever driven. It handles so well in the rain, that I actually enjoy splashing thru the puddles. The dynamic stability control is to thank for this - you can feel it take over as water attempts to change your course. It's turning radius is unbelievable and it's easy to park. It's beautiful (metallic green or teal) and really turns heads. It has great acceleration even at 80 MPH. You have to watch for cops, tho...my husband got a 93 MPH ticket in central Texas and it was easy!

Favorite Features

Cupholders - the main reason I was looking for a new car was that I hated the cupholders in my 99 Volvo S70 T-5. Oh, and again, the turning radius and general handling is unbelievably great. The peace of mind of the run-flat tires is also helpful.

Suggested Improvements

The tires seem to lose air quickly...thanx for the air pressure sensors to help me keep them correctly aired.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Get the Sport Package!!!!

Written by: usualsuspect on 06/12/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

As with many of the reviewers I test drove everything in the class. Infiniti G35, Saab 9-3 Vector, Volvo S60, Benz 240, Audi A4. The deciding factor for me was my second test drive in the BMW that had the tighter suspention and sport package. Without the sport package the field is a lot closer in my opinion. With the sport package the BMW handles significantly better and provides a more aggressive performance ride. The 17 inch wheels are much better looking also. I will be a BMW owner for life if they continue to produce attractive looking cars with this level of driving performance.

Favorite Features

Sport package, cornering ability, quiet moonroof while open.

Suggested Improvements

Second cup holder is useless when arm rest in down

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Great Car!!

Written by: suntigen on 05/24/2004

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my car from Desert BMW of Las Vegas. I wouldn't reccomend the experience to other folks. If you live in Vegas, do youself a favor and drive to LA and buy the car. That being said, I love the car! It's solidly built, and stikcs like glue on curves and corners. The AWD with DTC works great and keeps me pointed where I want to go at all times. I wish I had a couple of additional horses, but that's just me I think. It's got a very smooth torque curve, and doesn't pull at all. The car just goes.

Favorite Features

I love the drive and handling. Honestly.. it's a dream to take on curvey roads or highways! I also love the Nav/Bluetooth Phone features. Couldn't live without these gizmos

Suggested Improvements

Pick up the HP a little. While it's a steady output, I'd like to get a little more kick. I would also like to see dual-zone climate control, and some features (like Homelink) should be standard with the Lux Packages.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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