2002 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

A Dream Car... But Not Very Practical

Written by: Emiroo on 03/14/2008

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

My wife and I love the way this car looks and performs so much that we overlook several complaints we have. It's beautiful and handles like a racecar! That being said, the upkeep on a BMW can be crippling. Whatever a part costs for a regular car, double (if not triple) that on a BMW. The trunk & backseat are smaller and not very helpful when we take our 2 children places in it. The stereo is incredibly weak and muddled for a car of this caliber. The door unlock button is right by the poorly placed cupholder making it likey to be the victim of a short after a spill (ours did). Still, the car is a blast to drive and turns heads! Not great for families, but still too much fun to get rid of.

Favorite Features

Visual appeal, power, smooth ride, quiet ride, amenities.

Suggested Improvements

Desperate for a better sound system, redesign/relocate cupholder setup, needs larger trunk, improve (i.e. lower) maintenance costs.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Ultimate driving machine is no joke

Written by: Allan Adderley on 12/29/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Feel very safe in this car. Impeccable handling, great power, and fabulous brakes turn otherwise scary experiences into just gee whiz moments. No fat. No wasted space. Every control feels exactly like you want it to feel and works the way to want it to work. Totally neutral handling at every speed makes you king of the road in the turns. Park it next to a new Mustang, for example, and you will be amazed at how small it is in comparison although it has more room inside. Tight turning radius makes maneuvering in small spaces a breeze. Cars like this just show how far the others have to go. Reliability has been very good with this and my former 2001 330i. Total mileage driven, about 60K.

Favorite Features

Overall performance and balance. No mods. needed. Have had this car on the race track several times and it is always composed, completely controllable, and neutral handling at high speeds even with 3 other passengers. Blows by cars with much more power as superior handling and braking take over.

Suggested Improvements

On line access to your dealer, parts dept. and service history would be nice.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

One of the best cars in the market!

Written by: Moawieh Abuhatoum on 12/06/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

The car drives just fine, very quiet and fun to drive, very good gas mileage, corners very well, excellent acceleration, very well designed in and out!! Maintaning the car is an issue with the unlogical prices and labor charges dealer will charge just because it is BMW! You really pay for the name and not the part/labor! Very frustrating.

Favorite Features

Engine! Handling.

Suggested Improvements

More horse power and torque!!!

Report inappropriate post

Good car but too many repairs

Written by: slick on 08/07/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought my car in April and I love the way it drives, for a 2.5 it's peppy. I had to replace ball joints and bushings $800. Also had a failed right front suspension spring. $200 fix. The car runs smooth but too many little repairs. Very fun to drive and will recommend purchase with warranty.

Favorite Features

Steptronic transmission. Traction control and stability. Xenon head lights, feature where you can't roll backwards on a hill.

Suggested Improvements

Front end suspension. More HP. Better engineering and a longer warranty.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

First 8 months

Written by: Aaron on 08/06/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I drove a '99 Ford Contour SVT before the 325i, and I am so satisfied that I bought a rear-wheel drive car. I've had two problems when I first bought it. The alternator and reverse-activated rear-view mirror were replaced free of charge, but considering that my last car was about to die on me, they were minor inconveniences. The 190 or so hp (BMW says 184, I don't think so) is used to its fullest extent and doesn't struggle, but if you can afford the near 4-5 grand premium over the 325i for the 330i, get the 330i. The tires are wearing even and the steering, is, I'm lost for words. It's awesome. I will have an update around the 14-16 month period.

Favorite Features

Classic styling. Better looking than the newer 5 and 7 Series. Drives like a small sedan should, but has enough room for bigger guys (6' to 6'2'') even in the back.

Suggested Improvements

No improvements.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

German engineering??

Written by: altura on 07/13/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Bought it brand new, excellent handling and acceleration. As of 07/2007, 60k miles and exterior (metallic blue) looks like new. Interior wood trim and leather trim has held up, although some minor fading/peeling on plastic accents. Had to replace all 4 window rotors within first year and repaired sunroof twice. Brake dust shows daily. Nightmare problems starting at 55k miles, had to replace serpentine belt, battery, throttle, DSC control unit (2k out of pocket, warranty expired). Will not purchase another BMW, although performance is superb, reliability and quality is not favorable. Servicing and repair expenses too high.

Favorite Features

Handling, acceleration, steptronic, interior look, exterior design is timeless.

Suggested Improvements

Quality, reliability, more interior room, better MPG.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Not So Reliable, Not so Swift

Written by: HSD on 07/06/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I'm often amazed at how so many reviewers who have only test driven the BMW so readily heap its praise. I've owned a 330Ci Convertible now through 60,000 miles. In the last two years alone it has been in the shop for major repairs nine times. Count: new transmission, new alternator, battery, and ECU, new radiator, water pump, and impeller, new radio, new seat cover. Most recently it requires a new brake caliper, rotor and pads. I've come to understand that BMW really means, "Breaking Motor Woerken." There is a reason BMW offers such attractive leases on their cars: The only way worth driving one is as a rental.

Favorite Features

Looks impressive. Drop top can't be beat. Doors lock automatically.

Suggested Improvements

Reliability. Reliability, Reliability. Shave off the FAT - my 1995 Ford Probe GT can outrun this. Transmission tunnel intrusion into driver space - I'm ready for a hip graft. Forget the automatic. Think twice about sport wheels if you live in an urban area (or keep a slush fund for replacements).

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

BMW Forever

Written by: Luis L on 06/13/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Bought this car used in May 2005 with 20,000 miles on it. After reconditioning (replaced AC compressor, fuel level gauge in tank and suspension bushings), it has given no problems. Only needed scheduled service. Fun to drive! Nice acceleration and road handling. Full leather trim is easy to keep clean. 17" wheels and M3 type trunk spoiler give it a sporty look. I am adding angel eyes projector headlights to make it look even better. I will definitely buy another BMW when I trade this one in!

Favorite Features

Engine growl when accelerating, smooth transmission, body styling, suspension.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders! Also, improve the overall AC system.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

I'm Hooked

Written by: Dave on 06/04/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I recently traded in my perfectly fine 2006 Honda Civic EX coupe for this car, and I absolutely love it. I was looking for a little more fun than the Honda provided, and also something the family would enjoy. This car is all that you read about and more. It offers the perfect blend of fun, performance, and practicality. This is my first venture into BMW-land, and I'm hooked so far. I was looking for a used model with low miles, and I came across my 2002 330 CiC with just 38,400 miles and a clean Carfax. The beauty of BMWs is that they often look much younger than they actually are. I walked away with my "almost new" car for just $25k, down from $46k new. Very happy so far.

Favorite Features

I love the aggressive, refined stance of this car. Sports and premium packages are a must. I look for reasons to wash this car. I also love my color combo (jet black, sand interior, black top). I honestly can't decide if it looks better with the top up or down. The drive is unreal, very tight.

Suggested Improvements

OK, yeah, the back seat is small, but I understand the trade-off. I also have some minor electrical concerns: cruise control won't turn on anymore, and the driver's side power seat motor is intermittent at times... little things I'll fix before the extended warranty runs out next year.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

There's NONE better! :)

Written by: Bimmer4Life on 05/12/2007

Vehicle

2002 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I love, love, love this car! I have the 330i with the high performance package. I have M3 18 inch staggered wheels, M3 steering wheel, navigation system, bi-xenon-auto leveling headlights, rain sensing wipers... the list goes on. I was hesitant to buy this car 2 years ago with 64k on it, but with all of the service records available, I took the risk. I now have 101K on the odometer and it's still purring (or growling with the dual chrome exhaust!) right along! I also have the Harmon Kardon sound system which is awesome. I owned a '98 328i previous to this car and I can't see EVER owning anything but a Bimmer!!

Favorite Features

Quick/responsive engine, tight steering,"'muscle" look and larger tires, front end and the NAVIGATION! I will never own another car without it!

Suggested Improvements

Cup holder/console combo is a bit awkward at times. Coloring is fading off of steering wheel and the color is rubbing off of plastic pieces around cup holders. Nothing major!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post