Used 2003 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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Performance from a Wagon
rhmass, 10/30/2002
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
This wagon is every bit a BMW despite the body style. One will never notice this is a wagon while driving it. As a owner of several BMWs in our family, I have found absolutely no compromise of its handling in comparison with the BMW sedans. A very worthwhile replacement for a gas guzzling SUV, even a BMW SUV. The additional carrying capacity is welcome for trips. The slightly firmer suspension that comes with the AWD wagon makes cornering a dream despite its all weather tires!
Fun to Drive, Not Fun to Fix
afski786, 01/13/2012
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
14 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in March 2011 with 107,000 miles at the time. It's a great car to drive, and looks awesome. However, there have been several maintenance problems. First, when I bought it, it was missing the rain gutter on both sides. Getting those fixed was around $300. After a few months and 3000 miles, the starter went out and they also found the water pump needed replacing, both around $1,100. Then a few months later the thermostat, drive belts, CV Boots, and lower control arm busings needed to be fixed, $2400. Then the rain gutter clip broke, and finally the coolant tank, another $350. I wouldn't buy a BMW out of warranty; I thought they would be better mechanically but I was wrong
2003 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
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- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $8,900279 mi away
- 325Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $10,995429 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $8,500439 mi away
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Great to drive but poor reliability
a_tazmanian, 01/25/2013
2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
17 of 24 people found this review helpful
This was my first and probably last BMW due to very poor reliability. It has consumed at least a quart of oil between changes since I got got the car- mechanics cannot figure out why (compression is good). AM radio reception is very poor. Side view mirrors started to corrode and turn brown after just a few years. The diver side window got un-hinged after 6 years. AC stopped working after 7 years. Rear light ground line is undersized and burns out (now a recall). Key re-chargeable battery dies and key has to be replaced for $500. Windshield wiper fluid container leaked and had to be replaced after 8 years. Plus many other more expected wear/tear and maintenance problems.
Found my DREAM CAR!!!!!!!
gman02, 12/29/2005
2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Ultimate Driving Machine is an understatement. this car handles great with a lot of speed. Cruise at 100mph and not even notice. Use the 5 sp auto and get unbelivable power at your command. This car has power and is as smooth as it gets.
OVERRATED
beemer - not, 11/24/2009
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Bought new in '03 and always garage kept. Just turned 36K miles with all easy driving. My feeling is that you pay more for a better quality car with the expectation it will hold up better - WRONG!! Had to replace front/back pads & rotors (mostly highway miles) ignition wires, window trim parts, coil spring (never hit a pothole)+++. I really feel the BMW is overrated. The ride is hard especially in rear seat and people complain it's hard to get out of the seat because of the lack of leg room in back and door pillar on side. Also the resale value drops like a bomb after a few short years. All things considered, I would not buy another BMW.