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Used 2002 BMW 3 Series Convertible Consumer Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
39 reviews

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Long time owner

L B, 09/04/2016
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
27 of 28 people found this review helpful

I've owned my 325 do convertible for more than 10 years and I've kept up with the maintenance. I've rarely had to make repairs on the car. As I've gotten older it's hard to get in and out of, but other than that, it's been the best car ever!

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
2 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive, repairs necessary when older

tigeryox, 06/03/2015
updated 12/05/2016
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful

I've owned a 2002 330Ci Convertible with 88K miles since new. It's definitely a fun car to drive, especially with the top down in good weather. Having said that, it does need some repairs which I thought was more than expected for the mileage or age: - Replaced lower control arm (LCA) bushings - Replaced both LCAs due to one bad ball joint - The dome of the strut towers deformed, common for the E46. Added a $10 reinforcement plate for each - Replaced both broken rear springs, common for the E46 - Passenger seat occupancy sensor broke Update: turns out the airbag control module has fried itself for no apparent reason. A replacement module needs to be reprogrammed for the specific model (to accommodate for the different number and position of airbags) - Convertible top inner lining torn due to warped plastic inserts If I weren't my own mechanic, these items could be expensive.

Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
3 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

Satisfied 2nd owner

gsr, 12/24/2009
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

I bought the car when it was 8 months old w/ 3500 miles and have enjoyed it ever since. I bought snow tires for the winter, and use the summer tires at other times for performance. In 6 years of ownership, I've had the muffler replaced twice for noise (worked fine), the cd changer replaced for skipping, a tension pulley replaced for recall, and the control arms replaced once. This car is still a lot of fun to drive and it's never left me stranded. Occasionally the front headlight doesn't come on right away, but it always does eventually. I think it's a great mix of performance and value, and I've been extremely satisfied. I'm 6'4", and it's tough to find a comfortable car - this is one!

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5 out of 5 stars

Long term ownership

C patalive, 08/05/2018
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Have owned this 330cic since new in June 2002, 16 years ago. 64,xxx miles. Pay attention to plastic cooling system components, water pump, radiroe, expansion tank, hoses and belts, etc. Subject to failure with heat cycles and time. Upper and lower Control arm bushings are a maintenance item. Otherwise, our car has been rock solid and fun to drive. We have the sport factory option. Car sit lower and is planted while cornering. Ours is auto tranny as it was my wife’s car when new. Removable hard top is also a nice option. Keep it suspended over the car in the summer using old sailing gear, blocks and line.

Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
4 out of 5 stars
Comfort
4 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
4 out of 5 stars
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5 out of 5 stars

2002 BMW 330ci Convertible-Outstanding

Satisfied BMW 2002 330ci, 05/29/2020
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

This car is fun to drive and is a workhorse after being on the road for 18 years and 180,000 miles. The paint is now flaking on the hood but all else is good. Definitely recommend it as a used car purchase.

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3 out of 5 stars

Not So Reliable, Not so Swift

HSD, 07/06/2007
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
9 of 12 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

I'm Hooked

Dave, 06/04/2007
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful

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.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

I hate this car

K Harney, 06/22/2004
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 9 people found this review helpful

There is always something wrong with this car. The top quit working, the trunk lid won't catch properly, the all-window switch broke, the auto door locks stick, the brake rotors are wear items(!!), the covering has worn off the center console, the glove box won't open. I will admit it drives great, but I cannot accept the constant stream of annoyances. BMW customer care couldn't care less. I'll NEVER own another BMW.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Car Seats

China Anne, 10/29/2008
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought this car because I wanted a fun sporty number and was not disappointed. The car is wonderful to drive and if amazing even on long trips.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Oh What Fun, It is to drive!

fvvmd, 05/23/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

WOW!!! Why did I wait so long!

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Almost as good as it gets

Dvs, 05/30/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Great eye Candy! O.K Acceleration, Excellent fit and finish wonderfull attention getter.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent

lw23, 06/05/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had this car for over a year now and I love it. I drive it everywhere. To the city, to the mountains. Nothing beats taking a drive to the mountains with the top down.

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5 out of 5 stars

BMW 325Cic

bmwnevy, 06/30/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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5 out of 5 stars

BMW330CI

TASHJIAN, 07/11/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

What You Come to Expect

drdebt, 08/06/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Replacing a 1994 325i convertible, I was amazed how many formerly optional features are now standard and yet once adjusted for inflation, the 2002 330Ci is actually lower priced. The extra "oomph" of the 3.3 liter in-line 6-cylinder over the 325's smaller engine is well worth the extra dollars, especially given the car's substantial weight. With the lid down, this a head- turner with BMW's well deserved reputation as being a driver's car.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Fun!

tigeryox, 08/21/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I've had this car for 8 months now, and it's just so much fun to drive (5 speed, sports package), with the top down, of course. I often find myself taking the long route or making extra trips for errands. Design and build quality is top-notch. The horse power is nothing to write home about, but it's quite quick, especially with the DSC turned off. It took me a little while to get used to the low first gear.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

11th bmw and still counting

elibruno, 08/30/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

never can get enough of this make. and the new 330ic is about the best one yet.decided to get one with steptronic as no manual available for months; still question that decision, for as great as the 5 spd auto is, the stick (my other car is a 330 coupe with stick) is superior for the sheer fun and performance limits of these cars.

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5 out of 5 stars

Nothing but the finest

Husky, 08/31/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I ordered my BMW 330 CIC through the BMW European Delivery plan. The substantial savings allowed us to drive the vehicle through four European countries and cover the cost of a great vacation. The vehicle handled very well on the autobaun and cruised comfortably at 100 mph. The steering, suspension and body are tight and the interior detail is first class. Paintwork and fit are extraordinary. The car has exceeded my expectations in every area and I would recommend the 330 CIC to any one that is looking for a quality, upscale convertible. Super ride.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fantastic !!!

adeluca, 09/02/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

My wife and I use this as our third car. It is a blast. Great handling, lots of pickup. We have already been ticketed twice for speeding (just a little!) The looks cannot be beat.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

too much fun!

sheridan54, 09/24/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

just switched from a MB SLK 230 to the 330Ci convertible. thought i would miss the hard top convertible, but the performance more than makes up for the soft top! the pseudo-backseat is good carrying my dog, small friends, and their kids. top down driving is as almost as smooth as top up. and, this is not just a chick magnet, but also a guy magnet (for those of us women who own the car). everyone eyeballs this car!

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5 out of 5 stars

awesone!!!

philly, 10/12/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

put the top down and drive! that will put a smile on your face!!!

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5 out of 5 stars

BMW 330 convertible

jack.richardson, 02/15/2003
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This is a great well built car that is fun to drive. The quaility and the performance is fantastic.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

love it

GSR, 10/04/2003
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I have owned several BMWs, this is by far the best. I'm 6'-4" and this is one of the few sports cars I can ride comfortably in. The performance is amazing, and I make lots of extra trips just to drive the car. I have really enjoyed it. Ditto on the concern about the long interval between oil changes.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Smile Machine!

cablover, 10/11/2003
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am very impressed with the sound insulation in the car. A previous 911 cab owner and swearing I would never buy another convertible because of noise, this car converted me back. A daily driver (that now sits next to a 911 coupe) has similar handling and performance characteristics, simply without the hp. I offers huge fun factor - especially with the top down, but the wind deflector is a must for comfortable ride and therefore not that rear passenger friendly.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

BMW: the ultimate driving machine

mcintyrecd, 12/08/2003
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love this car. The only thing I would like better is if it had a sixth gear. It revvs high in 5th which decreases hwy gas mileage. It's at about 3000 rpm at 70 mph. But the new 330 manual has a sixth gear, so they fixed that problem! The driving is the best part. It handles like a dream. And the top goes down in about 25 seconds, fully automatic.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

sweet ride

snegius, 04/11/2004
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I save this car for April to October driving only. It has been a blast to drive and own. Not quite the performance of the mighty M3, but close enough. I'd buy another one in a minute.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Reliable for a Eurocar; never go back..

ojc, 05/11/2004
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The car is much more than I would have expected. Souperb fit/finish. The most precise car ever. Not Toyota reliability but under free maintenance and easy loaner-based service, who cares? There is nothing like this car. You must oown it to believe it (and I was always skeptical about those owners that said the same thing!)

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5 out of 5 stars

Fun to drive

Bill k, 01/05/2023
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Love the car. 21 yrs old and still runs as good as new @ 68k miles

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Slightly pricey but drives great

igotit, 05/20/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Drives really well especially with the top down. Surprisingly 184 HP is plenty for regular driving. Don't know why BMW does not include an alarm system on a car that easily costs $40K plus out of the door.

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5 out of 5 stars

HOLY CAR

Larry Kolbicka II, 05/21/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

best car i ever drove in my life!!!!!!!!!

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4.5 out of 5 stars

A definite head turner

JonInAustin, 09/28/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

A little pricey compared to other convertibles but the quality is definitely there. You'll be amazed at the number of people who will talk to you at traffic lights in this car. The inside is very simple without the bells and whistles found in so many other cars but that keeps your mind focused on the road. The one major drawback to this car is the lack of a built-in alarm system!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

SWEEET

JDM, 12/15/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My wife fell in love with it on the show room floor. I fell in love on the great River Road. This is by far the best car I have ever driven.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent choice

Jqck, 01/03/2003
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I switched to it from a 5-years old Mazda 626. The feel of improvement on the handling was instantaneous. It's quite a contrast. It turns my daily commute into an enjoyment. I was surprised to find how quiet it is no matter the roof is up or down.

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5 out of 5 stars

Truly the ultimate driving machine!

nutty4gymn, 06/12/2003
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have had this car now for a year and absolutely love it! It is the best vehicle that I have ever owned (this is the 14th car I have owned). The traction control in the winter made the driving a breeze on slick roads and the ABS brakes have saved my life a couple times. The speed control on the sound system makes driving with the top down fun since the radio volume takes care of its self. I would recommend this car to anyone!

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5 out of 5 stars

as edmunds says: Perfect Tanning Machine

phal, 03/05/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Noone can go wrong with buying the 325 or 330 Convertible. These are simply the best in the class 4 door compact convertibles which provide the best hanldling automobiles. The solid feel at high speeds, absolute stunning looks and perennial head-turner.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Top Notch Vehicle

Sully, 12/20/2006
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This has been a great car and one of the best I have own. For a convertible it is very practical although not very fuel economical. Overall have had very very few problems and the car always provides a great driving experience.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Still Smiling!

Gait0r, 05/12/2003
2002 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Had this car a little over a year as a mid-life crisis solver. I smile every time I drive it. A real head turner. Not real keen on the oil-change schedule. Never gone that long before. The car is a blast to drive, especially in the mountains of NC.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

BMW 325 Ci Convertible - Awesome !!!

apple0124, 04/02/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Fun to drive. I have the steptronic automatic transmission. The manual mode is great. Quick off the blocks. Otherwise the automatic is also great for fun driving. Controls are well appointed. Power top is a must I feel, the Premium package is worth its value. Great car. So far... Currently the best convertible in the market.

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5 out of 5 stars

18 YRS. OLD- BEST GRAD. PRESENT EVER!!!!

Katie31100, 06/01/2002
2002 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

i LOVE this car.. gotta say thanks to my dad for buying me such a HOT car for graduation!!!!! I have no complaints whatsover... LOVE the color ( steel grey) and from now on, i will never get another car that is NOT a convertible

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