Used 2002 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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German engineering??
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.
BMW 325Cic
The BMW 325Cic is nothing short of exciting every time I turn the key. The car has a quiet engine but don't let that fool you-- it is quick and very responsive without guzzling your gas. Whether top up or down the noise is surprising quiet for a convertible. With BMW's reputation it will be a hard decision in 2 more years to even consider anything else than a BMW convertible-- no matter what the weather conditions are.
- 325i SedanMSRP: $9,795135 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $2,395355 mi away
- 325i SedanMSRP: $5,995707 mi away
Happy Beemer driver
I have been very happy with my BMW sport wagon. The pickup is healthy, handling and suspension is a dream, service is fantastic, and the interior is very functional and well thought out.
Out of the box.
It's only got 300 miles on it so far, but I really love it. A great, comfortable and quiet ride with performance to boot and handling to boot.
I love my 3 series flaws and all!
I've owned my 3 series for 9 years with 220,000 miles on her heels and I'm still enthused when I get behind her wheel. Sure I've had things break like window regulators,suspension parts lower control arm, bushings, new rack and pinion the cooling system water pump and thermostat, radiator and some hoses, ignition coils, ect. and those repairs were done years apart from one another and i have never been stranded. Oh Well, and Guess what? I'd do it all over again! Once you fix whats wrong you know exactly what you're going to get out of it and that's pure driving excitement and performance. Sure there are cars that are more reliable out there, but your bored stiff when you drive them. No thanks, you can have them I'll stick with my 3 series until the wheels fall off!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not reliable
I bought this car in 2002 because I test drove a friend's car and I loved it. It's a true sport sedan, got enough power, it looks really cool and fun to drive. But the car is not reliable. I have put only 47k miles on it and many things broke down I have to replaced alternator, air blower, power window motor, battery twice, front and rear brake twice and expecting another power window motor. I will not buy a BMW any more.
Get ready for hefty repair bills
I purchased this vehicle as a Certified Pre-Owned. Under warranty I had a broken brake caliper and right front window motor replaced. Largest out of pocket expenses are the brake jobs costing $450 or more for either front or rear. Now I'm having a problem with the interior fan blower motor so back to the dealer before my extended warranty runs out in July. The car has truly spectacular handling, but the repair and maintenance costs are the highest of any vehicle I've owned. I will think twice before buying another BMW.
I'm Hooked
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.
Extremely poor reliability
I truly do not feel safe in this car. It ramdomly stalls out, in dangerous situations. This has happened four times. Dealership found no problems. The latest, every once in a while doesn't start, don't know why. I couldn't be more disappointed.
Great Car - Love to Drive
It was between the 325 and the Infinity G35. For the money, the G35 is probably a better value (bigger engine, more interior room, etc.) but, the 325 has much better/more unique styling and no one confuses it with the Altima. I've owned the BMW for 6 months and I definately would by the BMW again. It is very quick, even the 4 wheel drive and the smaller engine. It holds the road well and is a pleasure to drive. I now understand the reason the magazines compare all the cars in the class to the BMW!
Happy I got the 330...
I was in the market for a new car... I was going to buy a 325ci but the delaer made me testdrive the 330 and boy was I happy. The car is awosme in all weather. I can pull off the line or drive leisurly and still be happy the sport package is a must and 5 sped is a definate... best bang for the buck by far, mercedes and audi eat your heart out!
The sports coupe you must have
If you want a sports coupe with performance, no doubt the 330ci is your choice. The car is smooth, responsive and has tons of power. The exterior design is perfect and the overall build quality of the vehicle is excellent.
Awesome Car... Just Awesome!
Okay, granted I have only had this car for a few days, but I driving it back from Kentucky to Atlanta, I got to know it pretty well. The car is unbelievable! Extremely smooth, stable, quick, predictable, quiet (no squeaks or rattles even on bumpy roads), and most of all.. FUN! I had one small problem with the door weather stripping that I knew about when I purchased it, but BMW fixed it under warranty, so now no problems. I could never buy another vehicle than a BMW. This car gets so many looks too, no matter where I am. It's just a beautiful, awesome car. I love it!
330i
Have 17,000 miles on it now. Overall, the ownership experience has been positive. It is a great car. Powerful engine, great driving dynamics, look and feel of quality. After years of Toyota and Honda ownership, I have been a little disappointed by the reliability of some of the components. Nothing major but had to take the car in for two unscheduled repairs. Everything was covered under warranty.
driving used to be a bore
I hve driven this automobile in driving nighttime rain, through snowy mountain passes, the deserts of the southwest, windstorms that closed mountain passes and finally, cold icy roads in Alaska. It has always been a joy to drive.
Coupe
My wife and I had a 328i Sedan, very nice car and no problems what so ever. We bought this car in February of 2003 new of the lot, super ride, fast, cool looking. We had some problems with the xenon lights and some noises in the interior of the car. But overall we are very happy with this car. Probably the next time no coupe but the new 5 series.
Almost as good as it gets
Great eye Candy! O.K Acceleration, Excellent fit and finish wonderfull attention getter.
2002 BMW 325i Sedan
I love the car. I would change a couple of interior design features, but it is exhilarating to drive, gets very good gas mileage for its class and looks great!
truly is the 'Ultimate Driving Machine'
Love this car and was worth every dollar! The 3.0 inline 6 is amazing- quiet, smooth, and pulls all the way up to the redline. The body is tight and makes you want to find and push the limit on the twisties and turns. Interior quality is excellent and only the Audi is as nice. Very tight build and everything feels solid. Body style is not the most forward design but it has a look that will age gracefully and is a car that is worthy of owning many years down the road.
330Ci Showoff
The overall fundaments for me to purchase this car is the exterior design, which catched me and so many others. The overall maintenance is very good. The major problem for me is that I did not have much choices to choose unless I wait at least 2 months to get the options I desire. In another words, there isn't many of this cars in stock.
3 series
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!!!
What a Car !!!
I previously owned a VW Passat GLX which I loved. The 2003 I test drove was improved but than I test drove the BMW(it is fully loaded). Where the Passat was great the BMW was a whole new world. I bought a factory demo with 10,000 miles and for only a $1,000 price difference. The handling is extreme and car is solid and quiet. Every drive is a new experience.
330xi AWD Sedan
We test drove the M-B E320 AWD, the Jaguar X-type 3.0, the Audi A4 Quattro, the Subaru H6-3.0 VDC Sedan and a few others; we have experience driving Porsches and other performance cars. The xi performs brilliantly; to get better performance and handling would cost over $10,000 more (e.g., the M3). We are just delighted with this vehicle.
Great car overall
I purchased the 325i in 2005, had it for 4.5 years and overall, no major issues. Had to replace rear brakes once, power window motors on all four windows, heating/cooling fan motor, and something pertaining to the coolant hose once. Had to seal it after i had it stuck in the snow, and blew the transmission after going in forward and reverse several times, although I'm uncertain if that was solely on the account of my mistreatment, or it it would have blown regardless. I did love the car overall, and for the majority of the time i owned it, had no major issues. Also had the driver's side seat motor go out once, but it seemed to fix itself.
Cruising on the East Coast
My previous experience with BMW was through my '99 323i 4-door sedan. While I was ecstatic with the car's style and overall performance, winter driving was obscene. In my search for a new, front wheel or all-wheel drive, vehicle I learned of BMW's new AWD sedans. While I regret not getting the sport package (the seats are simply not comfortable for long drives), I couldn't be more delighted with the Premium and Cold Weather packages and Harmon Kardon sound system, all of which include invaluable options. The car drives like a dream, holding the road in the most severe snow storms. I recommend this car to everyone!
325i is awesome!
You will not find a more fun and safe car in this price range. The drive train is incredible and I still can't believe the engine is only 2.5 liters.
Great car but still needs improvement...
325i - 5M, sport package, leather seat, moonroof, HK sound, xenon lights - Tight steering, great handling, love the gearbox. I'll probably add a couple of things to increase the power/torque. Should probably cost 2K less, unless that 2K is the price you pay for being in the club. I would recommend the 330i over the 325i if you can afford it. Overall, it's a great car.
BMW 330i is overpriced; lacks space
I bought the BMW330i because of the rave reviews at Edmunds.com. It does handle quite well, is a lot of fun to drive, and let's face it, part of driving a BMW is pure showing off that you can afford one. I made the mistake of getting the automatic transmission, thinking that the city stop-and-go traffic would be worth it, but it isn't. I've had both the manual and auto, and manual is better-- much more fun. The automatic is very smooth, but the Steptronic shifting is a bit shaky--no substitute for the real manual.
I love this car!!!!!
I have never loved a car more and I will never drive anything else again. It is totally awesome. The performance and handling are outstanding and it takes my breath away just to drive it. I'm always looking for things to do and places to go just so I can drive it. I got the 5-speed and then had second thoughts but it was too late and I'm so glad. It's a blast.
View from Italy
A classic that everyoe should get to drive on a European highway, to truely enjoy the engineering that went into this fine automobile!
Going for 300K
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.
the best mid-luxury sedan in the world
don't go for the sport sedan imitations (lexus is 300, audi a4, benz c320) - get the original and the best at the same time - get a 3 series
Outstanding fun
This is my 3rd BMW. First two were 5 series and now a 3 series. At first I thought I would severely miss the room of the 5, but never mind, this car is so much fun to drive that I never think about the differences between the 5 and the 3! Sports, premium, zenon lights, orient blue metallic...what fun!
BMW-- Simply Excellent
This is my first BMW, and by comparison, no car compares! I am excited about starting off with this level of vehicle. The transmission and engine are golden. I also am learning how to drive a stick--yes, I am learning on my brand-new Bimmer. Nice smooth clutch.
Best car in the World Besides the M3
This is the best car in the world oh no its just a Tribute
best car in class
The car is best in it's class..This is my third BMW and the last two were E36 M3's..This car is as fast as a stock E36 M3...The build quality gets better and better..I have had no problems with my sedan and the dealer is fantastic..If, you want more power just upgrade with dinan products..It does not void the manufacture warr and the dealer can do the install.. Dont skip the sports package...Worth evey penny....... Get the 18" wheel option for 900 bucks its a steal!
2002 325xi : 4 month review
2002 325xi : 4 month review
Dissapointmet in BMW
Well i bougth the car in febraury and the car interior is small for 6'5" persons.the interior is nice and the body lines are gorgeous but is not the best BMW ever.The car broke the tranny at 1600 miles at 1900 miles I got electrical problems with interior and at 2000 another tranny and a brand new engine. this is my last BMW ever! after owning a 750 a 740 and a 735
It's a BMW
2nd Bimmer, first a '96 328is which I loved. Decided to go for the new design in '01 w/ the 325ci. I got one of the first ones so I took what I could get. Prem. pkg, auto trans., no xenons(big disapointment!!). Great car, handles like a dream although! Perfect for a college student (a kid has an M5 on campus..parents must want him dead). NOT too fast, but not too slow at the same time and its extremely safe. I drove the 330ci after much hype (sales guy was like "this thing is a rocket, better be careful!") my girlfriend and I were very disapointed..we were expecting a very fast car..even my 328is felt faster.I will probably always stick with the bimmers..next up is the M3 coupe w/SMG
PERFECT!!!!!
The car is truly perfect, i love the all wheel drive and the traction and stability are excellent, the ride is great and there is pleanty of power.
Bang for you buck
I tested all of the entry level luxury vehicles. Looking for the best value, maintenance, insurance and resale. BMW came out on top. A great balance between sport and luxury. The TL was boring, the A4 lost touch with its sporty side, and IS300 was uncomfortable and the list goes on. Suggestion, if you love to drive, get the car! When you go to buy the car bring the Edmunds information with you. I did and the salesman recognized I did my homework and I got a better deal than the TMV. Thanks Edmunds!!
325xi
I traded an A-4 Quattro for the 325xi. The A-4 was a nice, reliable car with all wheel drive, but in comparision the BMW is quicker, more agile, and a kick to drive especially now that BMW has wheel drive. The main difference is the BMW is like a pro athlete and the Audi is like a college athlete.
Very solid quality car
Very much worth the dollars. Yes, the image is there, but so is the quality.
Nothing like a BMW
A terrific driving car with outstanding quality and luxury. The engine is unlike all others in terms of smoothness and rev range. You don't need the 330 for extra money.
Awesome car
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.
BMW330CI
LOTS OF POWER, GREAT HANDLING AND MANY LUXURY FEATURES, SUCH AS 3 POSITION MEMORY FOR SEAT AND MIRRORS. HEATED SEATS AND CRUISE WORK GREAT. TRANSMISSION IS SEAMLESS IN EITHER STANDARD, SPORT OR MANUAL SETTINGS. TOP OPERATES WITH A PUSH OF THE BUTTON, LOWERING WINDOWS AND THEN PUTTING THEM BACK. 11 SPEAKER SOUND SYSTEM IS VERY IMPRESSIVE.
325 I
Excellent car. more expensive then other makes. You pay for every option, but everything is quality and one step above anything else
Super Car
This car is great and whoever built speed bumps they sure weren't Europeans!
The best of his group
I am extremely happy with this car. It handles beautifully, and I had no problems during this first year. I higly advise people to purchase this car. It is the ultimate driving machine.
You get what you pay for...
Picked up my 330i thru ED. Fantastic option for purchasing a car. There is simply no substitute IMHO for driving one of the finest cars in the world on some of the best roads in the world. If you can afford the time exercise the ED option. You won't regret it. BTW, have you ever heard of someone who did the ED option ever not recommending it?