2003 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

Love this car

Written by: Ferrari on 09/04/2007

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car over a year ago and have had no major problems. I bought it Certified Pre-owned from a BMW dealer, paid a slight premium because of it, but well worth it. I can't stress enough how much I love this car. The handling is amazing, the beauty of the exterior is flashy and immediately recognized, and the interior is sleek and classy. Corner handling is great, and the sound of the 6 cylinder engine revving up is well worth the hype. The only downside is a few awkward features inside, such as the second cup holder. It is located right below the center armrest, and the center storage holds, at best, a wallet and pad of paper. Hardly reason enough not to love the car though.

Favorite Features

The handling is a dream. The steering wheel feels great too. The stock stereo system (not Harmon-Kardon) isn't bad either. The sports package makes the car look much better as well. The MPG is also pretty good (20 mpg avg, but I drive aggressively). I love the memory seats too.

Suggested Improvements

The material that is used on center console and inside door handles isn't very durable. It is starting to flake off. Also you can't turn on the rear defroster without having the air blowing. The center glove box is puny. Nothing at all major though. BMW nailed it.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I wish my commute was longer!!

Written by: DaveH on 08/08/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

If you like a cushy, comfy ride to the grocery store or you want every wiz bang electronic gadget under sun, look to the Japanese automakers. If you want a driver's machine that'll demand you hit exit ramps at speeds other cars cruise at on the highway, this car is for you. The 330i is a driver's car. My wife says, "Why do you need to go that fast from stop light to stop light?" Jam the accelerator in 2nd at 3000 RPMs and you'll feel the answer. This car begs to be driven and it's way too tempting not to comply. Aside from flat out acceleration and gobs of torque, the 330i feels like it's on rails whilst careening around corners or exit ramps. Drive it and you'll see.

Favorite Features

Plenty of acceleration. Gives you confidence in the corners. Utilitarian, only what you need. Seats hold you in during hard cornering. Huge aftermarket potential.

Suggested Improvements

As an aftermarket mod, I added a Dinan Cold Air Intake and Stage 2 software which really woke this car up. I plan to underdrive the pulleys, install a short shifter and add a Remus exhaust. Also have the clutch delay valve removed and shifting will be less jerky.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Terrific car

Written by: Jeff on 06/24/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this car used with 21800 miles, 2 months later I have 27K on it. I love it. Minor issues (I bought it used some are expected), replaced 2 window regulators, and a turn signal and socket. This car is great fun to drive, and I'll definitely own another. Next car may be the new 1-series set to come out next year, or a 3-series lease. Decent power, great handling, great turning radius, and great fun to drive. I have the basic car, about as stripped as a BMW comes (my old Sonata had about the same equipment) but it is still quite nice.

Favorite Features

Handling, smooth as glass engine (acceleration is a pleasure), good power (but could use a little more), sunroof, there is a lot to love about this car.

Suggested Improvements

Why do you have to replace the sockets when you replace a light/turn signal? A tad more power would be nice (the 2007 325i has a lot more power). At this price point why have vinyl seats (make leather standard, or at least cloth), it gets hot in MD and with vinyl my back gets sweaty and sticky.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love my 330i

Written by: Christa McMillan on 06/20/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

I traded my Honda Accord for a white BMW 330i sedan with the sports package. I also have the upgraded stereo with a 6 CD changer. I feel like I am driving a concert on wheels! I have loved driving this car from day one. I didn't know a thing about this car before I bought it which I have never done either. I did purchase the extended maintenance warranty.

Favorite Features

The purr of the engine, the handling. It truly is the Ultimate Driving Machine.

Suggested Improvements

I had to replace the ball joints and tie rods at 61,000 miles - that was very pricey and not covered under the maintenance warranty. Window and door controls need to be on the driver side door.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fun to drive; very difficult to fix

Written by: Gregg on 06/19/2007

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Let me say that I love my car when it is not in the shop. And that is not to say it has a lot of problems, it just takes 4-5 times to get each item fixed, and the dealer 4 out of 5 times breaks something else that takes 2 visits to get fixed. When my all window button and seat frame broke (I weigh 165 lbs) at 23K, I decided I've had enough. Great looking car and fun to drive, just a headache!! If you are planning on buying one, make sure you are close to a reputable dealer.

Favorite Features

One push button convertible top. The fun factor when the top is down.

Suggested Improvements

Leather quality (VERY poor). Every used one with sports pkg has worn corners. Makes resale difficult. Better quality parts, trained mechanics who know what they are doing and how to actually fix problems THE FIRST TIME, and without breaking something else. Factory support by someone who cares.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Problem since day 1

Written by: elizabeth on 05/26/2007

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I will just list the problems: 1. "service engine soon light" came on while driving home the day I purchased this car with only 20 miles on it. 2. starter replaced. 3. sunroof malfunction. 4. transmission thumping when coming to a stop - dealer reprogrammed computer. 5. Driver door handle broken. 6. Remote on key stopped working (couldn't unlock door). 7. Interior moulding around doors falling down on driver and passenger side. 8. Engine/ignition coil caused engine light to come on - recalled item. 9. Currently in shop for multiple other mechanical problems. The most frustrating part is that most of these problems each required several trips to the dealer to be fixed correctly. Very disappointed!!

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

7 out 8 people found this review helpful

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A true driver's automobile!

Written by: Dave on 05/09/2007

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This vehicle has a ride and suspension like no other. I have driven A4s and C-Classes, but neither can hang with this car. It may not be the hot rod like the G35, but would smoke it on the track when it came to overall performance. Not to mention the I-6 is the most refined engine you can buy. If you've never driven a BMW, you haven't driven.

Favorite Features

The sing of its all business I-6 and a suspension that holds the road. Your body gives before the car will.

Suggested Improvements

Cold air intake and exhuast to open 'em up.

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An amazing car! Very satisfied.

Written by: JoelH1025 on 09/29/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

This car has been amazing. It performs very well. It's got plenty of power, but certainly not an overwhelming amount. It's enough so that you have no trouble merging, but it's easy to drive. I get about 26-27 mpg overall. It has also been incredibly reliable. My car has 110,000 miles on it, and it has only broken down once. It was a minor problem, too, and it was fixed before the sun went down that day. This car is very comfortable to drive long distances. It's very easy to park, and very maneuverable.

Favorite Features

The exterior design is very nice. I love the heated seats. The climate control works very well. The rain sensor is a nice feature.

Suggested Improvements

I wish the cushion of the front seat was longer. It ends about an inch and a half behind my knees. I also don't like the interior wood. I have a black interior, and the only wood offered is dark. The interior feels like a cave after a while. Go for gray or tan interior.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Disappointed

Written by: JN on 08/13/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

This is the second 325 I've owned. The first one (2001) had frequent finicky problems besides the major problem of the transmission going out at 55,000 mi. I got the 03 as I figured it was unusual. However after owning this 03 for 2 yrs I will never own another BMW and I can't wait to get out from under this one. When you know the shop manager by first name you know you have a problem. I've never had to have a car in the shop as much as this one. Many many little problems. Nothing major yet but it's only a matter of time. Engine wise and driveability it's a great car, but something is always causing it to be in the shop. I also own a Lexus and NEVER have a problem. Bye Bye BMW

Favorite Features

Driveability, solid feel.

Suggested Improvements

Quality control.

6 out 7 people found this review helpful

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The Greatest Car I've owned

Written by: Pedro on 07/06/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

This has been one of the best vehicles I've ever owned. I can rely on it, I can take it to its max, I can be a family man but I can also be a sports car driver.

Favorite Features

The looks, the body style and the quietness of the engine when needed.

Suggested Improvements

Add a GPS system standard in all BMWs. Just something else to play with.

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