Used 2003 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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A4 = 325xi ?!
beckernj, 10/26/2002
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
42 of 43 people found this review helpful
I was interested in a compact all-wheel drive sports sedan and test drove both Audi A4s (1.8 and 3.0) and the BMW 325xi. I do not understand how people can say these cars are equivalent. There is no comparison! I may have been biased by the enthusiasm of the BMW salesperson as compared to the Audi salesperson for their respective vehicles, but in my opinion the BMW blew the Audi away. I thought the BMW handled better, accelerated more smoothly, was more solidly constructed, and overall was more fun to drive. Even after driving the 3.0 A4 I still preferred the 325xi.
Wanted a Bimmah, Never looking Back
liquidarthur2@yahoo.com, 01/17/2016
updated 07/23/2019
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
138 of 146 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2003 BMW 325I in 2013. At ten years old and 140,000 miles I knew it was a little bit of a risk, but you can pick these up for the same price you'd pay for a Civic in similar condition. BMW or Civic? Come on, no brainer. Fortunately I have a lot of tools and am very mechanically inclined, so I can do all of my own work. I've had to change the water pump, cooling hoses, window motors, and a few little things. With a good internet search and a little ingenuity none of it is a big deal at all. If you plan to pay a dealership for this kind of little stuff, forget it. It's well worth a little work here and there to have a car with a buttery smooth straight 6, and absolutely impeccable handling. Three years later I still enjoy driving it. Sometimes I go to the store in the middle of the night and get my lady some ice cream, really just because I want to drive somewhere. No more Hondayotas in my driveway. They're laughable after driving what is truly the ultimate driving machine. Mine just hit 170k with no current issues at all. I'll get 200+ smiling the whole way. I will warn, however, if you're buying a used one, the maintenance and care that has gone into it previously is of the utmost importance! Check it, double check it, do your research and then check it again!
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2003 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 45 listings
- 325xi SedanMSRP: $4,99544 mi away
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You get what to pay for
M Perez, 08/22/2015
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
80 of 87 people found this review helpful
Let's face it, if you buy a +10 years old car it will need some attention. BMW's are known for being very good machines as long as you take good care of them, they are not cheap to maintain, but (as the title says) you get what you pay for. If you expect to drive a boat like this with a low budget, do yourself a favor, go buy a Toyota. On the other way, If you are handy enough to make some DIY it's the perfect car for you, if you don't have the time/ skills/ place but still want to drive one, find a reputable independent shop that specializes in BMW instead of taking it to a stealership and you'll save some money. It's not a car you can take to Pep Boy's and have it fixed for cheap; you'll end up paying more and losing time. It's worth pay some extra and get it fixed right the first time. Being that said it's a great car, it has 50/50 weight distribution, a traction control that actually works, great handling, acceleration, brakes and a powerful and simple engine. The electronics have their days, sometimes a few things tend to fail (remember, it's a +10 years old car) but nothing that'll leave you on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. The car itself has a level of comfort and security that most base and mid line cars don't have nowadays (heated seats, one touch in the 4 windows, automatic windshield wipers and headlights, rear ventilated discs, lecture lights on the front and back, remote window open and closing). I could sell mine now and buy a new Civic, but I'd be losing comfort, security and the pleasure of driving. You can buy one for cheap, but you are advised they are not cheap to keep running.
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22 years of ownership and still going strong!
bogmailer, 04/24/2013
updated 07/11/2024
2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
38 of 41 people found this review helpful
I have owned 4 of these 3 series convertibles since 1989 as despite test driving and buying other brands (porsche/Merc/Jag) I keep going back to the 3 series convertible with the straight 6 motor. This car is always a joy to drive, fun and fast and with a tremendous engine sound. My current car a tiptronic 3 ltr is now 19 years old and still runs like new, is cheap to service and at speed is very nimble unlike modern heavy cars. I keep saying to myself I should trade the car but then I get back in the 3, drop the roof and immediatley start smiling. BMW got it right with this car, it will remain a classic. 2022. I love it, amazing ownership experience 19 years on. Recently took a drive to Kaikoura and back with my sister and beemer didn't miss a beat. It's winter down here but the fitted hood, heated seats and air con meant we enjoyed every kilometre. Wonderful 3 litre straight six eats up the road at any speed. It's now 2023 and not a day goes by when I'm not proud to get behind the wheel and feel a sense of joy.
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Fun overshadows nagging problems
blueguydotcom, 04/10/2006
2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
My 330i with performance package and 6 speed manual is without a doubt the most entertaining vehicle I've ever ownned. The tight suspension, growl from the exhaust and the eager to rev inline 6 make driving far more interesting than it should be. Bumper-to-bumper, fine. Open roads, even better. Curvy open roads, I'm in Nirvana. The car's been plagued with problems from day one. From the factory my e-brake arrived broken. The engine developed a stutter at wide-open-throttle and BMW can't fix it. Often my electric locks refuse to work - again BMW can't fix this. My ignition coils went out at 25k miles. I've had a long list of problems; in the end, I'll miss it though.
11 year old BMW 330xi
tazntwo1, 08/01/2014
2003 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
33 of 36 people found this review helpful
I bought this car almost 5 years ago with 88K miles on it. Because of where I worked for 2 years car now has little over 200K. With proper maintenance, changing oil when light comes on after turning off key, I have had virtually NO problems with this car. It runs like the day it came off the showroom floor. You guys saying poor reliability or have tons of repair work on it - did a poor job of inspecting the car before you bought it. The place where I bought the car from took care of every little thing and I had it worked on, at his expense, at two different places, one of which was BMW. I absolutely love my car.
Ultimate Driving Machine
BenL, 10/26/2002
2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is by far one of the best vehicles to drive. It does it all well. This is the most fun you can have with your clothes on.
Overall, not many problems
snwbrd26, 06/28/2012
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
16 of 17 people found this review helpful
I bought this car with 64k miles on it, and brought it in once for a 'check-up' around 80k and recently around 120k. I don't know if I've been lucky, but I have had hardly any problems with this car. There was a coolant leak the first time around, and this time was rear springs, valve cover oil leak, front breaks and rotors, with a full inspection (with my car being over 120k miles, I expected more). I had more problems with my VW. I have saved by changing my own oil (which is simpler than my VW was) and I've changed the window mechanism myself, which is easy if you take 3 mins to google how to change it. I love this car, and intend to run it to the ground. Yes, dealer costs are expensive.
325xi great car
BMWwagonowner, 09/17/2007
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
9 of 9 people found this review helpful
The 2003 325 wagon handles beautifully under all conditions, and I give it high marks for exterior styling. The 2.5 liter might be a little underpowered for some with the added weight of the AWD system. I look at it as a positive - saving fuel for the driving I do most often.
Great Car but some odd owners
shadeogray, 04/21/2011
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
40 of 46 people found this review helpful
This car is an absolute pleasure to drive. The handling and feel of this car is truly impressive. I saw a post where it said there was limited cargo space. That's a total lie. For a car this size the trunk is quite large. Cup holder placement is a bit odd but that's about my only gripe. I find it comical that people buy a high performance foreign car that is known to be expensive to repair, if you did any amount of home work then you would know this. Then they complain when it's expensive to repair, it's like hitting your head with a hammer then getting mad and surprised that your head hurts, you silly people you LOL. Many things I see being reported smack of a shady repair service. Hardly the cars fault. At least half of what you spend at a dealer is for labor costs. Many of these things can easily be fixed by YOU for much less if you ever care to get out a repair manual and a set of tools. O2 sensors, window issues are all child's play. You know if your engine light is on you can go to almost any Auto zone or other such service and as long as your engine light is on they will read the problem for you for free? Why? Because they want to sell you the part to fix it. Granted this does not apply to all of your issues but it does cover a fair amount of you. Be smart, do your home work and pick up a friggen book and a wrench every now and then or get a KIA. I'll be the guy in the BMW zipping past you and laughing. :) Catch you on the flip side!
BMW 330XI Rules!
Lawrence, 05/14/2016
2003 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
12 of 13 people found this review helpful
I love my car. I bought it in 2004. It was 2003 with 6000 miles on it. I plan on keeping it forever. We have been across country together. I was hit by an 18 wheeler in 2006. I did not even get a scratch. The car had over $20,000 worth of repairs because the value was too great to total. Everyone told me to get rid of it. No Way! It has gotten expensive to maintain, but not as expensive as paying $40,000 - $50,000 to buy a new one. It drives just like it did when it was new. Find a good independent shop, and let them service your car. I have 134,000 miles on one. Love it!
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Great car, until a few years down the line
ngolds, 05/15/2011
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is a great car until you wait a few years. Wen the car was 4 or 5, the troubles began. It wasn't until this year that the laundry list of problems was fixed. There was too much play in the shifter, both outlets didn't work, the key lock was broked and the remote wasn't receiving any charge from the ignition, the sunroof rail was warped, which meant it only opened a little bit, but still worked. Today everything but the sunroof is fixed. The repairs on this car have cost a lot, but it's a great car.
Honest Down To Earth Review
c_macleod, 05/28/2014
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
40 of 48 people found this review helpful
Let me be the first to say buying a BMW out of warranty is a risk, that being said if done properly it's one of the best deals out there. If you have the ability to do your own work, the upkeep isn't that bad at all. I rebuilt the entire front end suspension for $600 (chances are you will have to do this as well, it's a consequence of the suspension design) where a mechanic would have charged over 2k. The 325xi is a slug to be honest, it's heavy and not the best on gas. Oddly though, I have great fun with the car and enjoy being in it very much. Great in snow, very safe, sharp looking, and if you have a level head easy to work on and find parts for without paying dealer prices.
Well served. Best car ever
parico, 08/02/2011
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
I bought the 325i manual brand new and I put 150K since then. I have never had any major problem in the past 8 years except regular maintenance cost witch sometimes gets costly. for the first 4 years I didn't pay a penny because it was covered under BMW maintenance package and after that I only did the oil change and scheduled maintenance. The trick is not to miss a service due date!! I love it and I'm not gonna replace it with anything else until it dies.
Bad Service
chim, 12/16/2002
2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Great perfomer, when not in the shop. I have had 4 - 3 series cars (88,93,00,02). The last two have had consistent major and minor mechanical and electrical problems. Two dealerships have been horrible to deal with as they keep car and then don't actually fix the problem. Have had car 5 months and its been in the shop for 3 weeks and going back in again. BMW has to produce a trouble free car before releasing to the public. Service staff poorly trained and understaffed for the high sales that BMW has. Service problems not worth the price of vehicle. Think twice before buying.
I really loved this car
gabriel2011, 10/30/2011
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
8 of 9 people found this review helpful
I must say, this car was a complete joy to own and drive. This car is a great starter car but the repairs and maintenance can be a bit costly but overall it's a great car and very safe when it comes to accidents (trust me on that one).
330i 6sp, fuel economy, safety, fun
DCNW, 06/02/2009
2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
2003 performance package, 6sp. This is a great car overall, not without problems, but unique in the market. An honest, real and easy 31mpg on the highway with the 6sp, 65-75 mph. Safe and comfortable, and REAR WHEEL DRIVE, impossible to find anymore in a car that handles well and gets good MPG. You will pay more for maintenance, but, you will also get more back when you go to sell the car, they are not everywhere as rental cars. The interior design is simple, a masterpiece, the seats are great, the material quality is top notch. This cars has -astounding- brakes, nimble and firm handling, excellent power, it's a real sleeper and feels like it has much more power than what is published.
I wish my commute was longer!!
DaveH, 08/08/2007
2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
OUR BMW
mcfam, 02/02/2004
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
WE GOT THIS CAR BECAUSE IT LOOKED YOUNGER THAN A MINI VAN BUT WE HAVE LOVED THIS CAR MORE THAN WE EVER THOUGHT WE WOULD WE KNOW THAT WE WILL NEVER OWN ANYTHING BUT A BMW THEY ARE THE MOST WONDERFUL CARS YOU CAN OWN
BMW 325xi
Outdoor girl, 12/30/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I love this car. It handles great and is wonderful in snow.
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
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.
Humming along at 10 years of ownership
doug wilder, 01/03/2017
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
Anything worth having is worth taking care of. We bought a 2003 325xi sedan in November 2006 with about 60000 miles and apart from regular maintenance have been very happy. The fuel pump died and that required a tow. My water pump went out 4 blocks from my mechanic and he said drive it there now. Brakes, tires, cv boots, wheel bearings. Still has original engine, transaxle and radiator at 252,000 miles. It averages to cost me $1000 to drive from a repair standpoint. When it finally does die, I will buy another BMW, likely the i3, but another older 325xi with under 150k miles would be worth considering.
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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.
Best wagon
hokky, 10/30/2002
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The best sport wagon I ever drive. THe hadling is great, engine have alot of power. 4 wheel drive is great on the snow.
Best car I've ever had
jek1601, 07/03/2006
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After driving Honda Accords for many years, I finally decided to step it up and get a faster car. But was wary of rear wheel drive so went with the sedan AWD due to Chicago's snow. I have a 5 speed, which was ordered from Germany since the dealership didn't have one in stock. I've had the car three years now and don't regret my decision, even with gas prices so high. I get 25-27 MPG and with 38,000, I've had no problems with the car, other than occasional alignments. The car is fast, exp. with the 5 speed and cruises at 70-80 effortlessly. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves to drive.
Not my mother's station wagon!
Gadget Gal, 07/08/2005
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Reliable, nimble and fun to drive, I have enjoyed my first BMW thoroughly. Sporty feel, excellent handling on highway and twisty back roads.
My M-Poser wagon
Rolyak, 03/10/2020
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is a vehicle that responds to maintenance and at 212K it needs a lot of it! The previous owners had neglected basic service, with extended OCI's and likely incorrect LL oil. After four years and $7000 worth of BMW parts it will become an excellent and fun car to drive? It is a very strong engine and many owners have reached 500K+! However electrical problems abound such as terminal fretting, should you decide on a BMW be aware that the cooling system should be replaced at 80K. You really should have mechanical skills as paying for service will end your E46 love affair!
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330xi - Balanced, Responsive, Fun!
dancerman, 11/26/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The 330xi is my first BMW automobile. What a wonderfully balanced machine, with precise cornering and handling. It's a joy to drive! The Steptronic transmission shifts quickly and within the high torque range during acceleration. Driver controls are easily reached, and I like how they are angled towards the driver. Sometimes, I drive with the radio off just to enjoy the feel of the solid frame, and the satisfying sound of the engine and exhaust note. The heated seats are quick to warm up. This is a well engineered automobile.
IN LOVE WITH MY BMW CONVERTIBLE
shari drerup, 09/09/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
I AM TOTALLY IN LOVE WITH MY 325 CONVERTIBLE- DRIVING ALONG CURVY COUNTRY ROADS AT SUNSET IS NOW AN OFFICIAL PASSTIME OF MINE- I NEVER MISS A SUNSET- TOP DOWN- WIND IN THE HAIR- SOUNDSYSTEM BLASTING -AND A VEHICLE TO FALL IN LOVE WITH- HANDLES LIKE A DREAM- NEVER KNEW DRIVING COULD BE SO THERAPUTIC--AND THE BMW 325 CONV. GETS THE LOOKS- TRUCKS HONK- KIDS WAVE- PEOPLE STOP TO WATCH YOU PASS- PEOPLE LOVE THIS BODY STYLE-SO MUCH FUN TO DRIVE- PEOPLE MOUTH TO ME AS I PASS--I LOVE YOUR CAR-----HEAVEN ON 4 WHEELS
Poor Performance
J-man, 09/26/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I've had the car for 14 months and it has broken down 4 times and had to be towed each time. Asked to be let out of my lease because the car continues to have service problems and BMW's response is that this does not qualify as a buy back in their company. To me, that is poor customer service to tell someone sorry, please drive a car that does not work. I would not recommend the car on the experience I had with the vehicle and BMW North America.
This car has been great
bobisi, 02/27/2017
2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought this car in 2011 with 80k miles on it. It has 115k on it now in 2017. I've had very few problems, nothing major; water pump and alternator. The sun roof had to be replaced and is still not perfect but it doesn't leak! The car drives great; power, handling, comfort and reliability are all impressive. I am totally sold on BMW's now, this was my first and at this point there is no going back to anything less.
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Loads of fun!
zlocdoc, 10/23/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
Pros:I have been very pleased with the look and the looks I get driving this car. very fast good handling. You will be glad that you got it! Cons: too many people have them already not making them more special.
Scott's E46 - Ultimate Driving... period.
scotte46, 10/31/2012
2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 7 people found this review helpful
I've been a BMW guy for a few years. I have 3 of them, all purchased with at least 70K miles on them, so I got them pretty cheap. Started with '97 540i sport, then '02 M5, and recently added '03 330ci sport. With so many fun cars to drive, it's tough to decide which one I want to use each day. Most often choose the 330. Why? It's just so darn fun to drive on the twisty roads in SW Wisconsin (where I live). M5 has incredible power and comfort, but the 330 just seems to know where I want to put it in every corner, and its plenty fast. With 3 cars to share the miles, I haven't been forced to fix much; I do most of the required maint myself and use local Indy for rest.
Not worth it
Sad_330i_Owner, 01/24/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Engine, transmission, steering, suspension, and braking are superb, but the car it falls short in build quality. It was delivered with splotchy paint, a badly pitted windshield, and various broken pieces. Parts still fall off, it has numerous squeaks and rattles, and every time these are fixed something else gets screwed up. Parts are NEVER available and I have to chase them down to see if the part is in. Escalation is impossible and calls and emails to BMW are not returned. The car is not worth the headaches and BMW doesn't seem to care. My time, money, and sanity demands that my next car will be Japanese.
Pure Perfection
djocks, 02/07/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
The quote of BMW 330i having a feeling "alien" to all other makes is right on. Power is endless at any point and comfort is outstanding. It literally crackles when pushed giving the sweetest exhaust note. My father owns a 2001 325ci. We agree that the difference in the engines is substantial. The 325 is a great car but it does not have the perfect power band of the 330i. To cut some corners, I would go for the leatherette rather than leather. However, I would highly recommend the sport package for the seats. There are a lot of great sport sedans out there. The BMW is truly in a different galaxy. The 330i is the PERFECT AUTOMOBILE! dj
An amazing car! Very satisfied.
JoelH1025, 09/29/2006
2003 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
they are everywhere
Cael, 02/17/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Just got over the break-in period. So far the car drives like what everybody has been raving about.No wonder I see more beemers on the road, esp. 3 series. Could have had more functional storage pockets around the car.
Great Value as Used Car
GV3, 05/18/2006
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
For the last 20 years, I've bought used (2-3 yr old) luxury cars with great success. My "new" '03 BMW continues that string. This particular car is a one-owner lease turn-in, BMW certified, fully loaded, 39,000 miles. For $23 thou, it's a great value: fun to drive, looks better than the new 3-series, somebody else has worked out all the kinks, and I got the 100m BMW certified warranty. Life is too short to drive a car with no soul! This car just brings a smile to my face everytime I drive it.
Great little SUV substitute
cwpnewpaltz, 04/26/2006
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After three SUVs that had trouble getting to 21 mpg on the highway, I finally concluded I needed hauling capacity, not testosterone, and this little BMW wagon. It is a joy to own and drive. My seventh BMW since 1980, and the first non-7 series, I find it has enough creature comforts to be near luxury class,and the reliability is 100%. Free scheduled maintenance and roadside assistance (not that I've needed this service) are a nice plus. Couldn't possibly like a car more.
2002 Silver 325ci
j stastny, 10/26/2002
2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
outstanding car. this car turns heads wherever it is. silky smooth inline six. xenon headlights are super bright. the handling couldn't get any better due to the michilen pilots and sport suspension.
330i ZHP in price of 40K range BEST
Yevgeni Yun, 10/21/2005
2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Simply awesome car, I'm sure reliability-wise it'll never be like a Japanese car but man, for things this car gives me in every day driving I wouldn't consider anything else. Ultimate Driving Machine cant argue with that. Ohh and make sure you get Factory Warranty when you buy this car otherwise stay out.
Practical Sports Car
rauhala, 12/24/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the perfect car for those who love to drive but want the ability to carry people and things. It looks good, goes where you point it, is good on gas, grips the road, has a very high quality "feel" and with the 5 speed manual and glass moon roof it drives like a sports car. It is perfect.
Beam-Me-Up
XOM, 10/15/2003
2003 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Silver grey with premium package is a hoot to drive and looks dynamite. Great acceleration and handling. Steptronic system is fun although makes me wish I had a manual. Nice understated interior with functional gauges and handy steering wheel controls.
awd 325
bill c, 10/12/2005
2003 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This has turned out to be the ultimate experience, great comfort on long trips you arrive refreshed, always looking for back twisty roads for the handling.
Gotta love the 325i
Bluester, 09/25/2002
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
Have had this car only a week, but have waited to buy for several years. I think this car is a blast to drive. It is a perfect balance of luxury and sport. If only I had an extra 4-5K for the 330! The windshield has spots in between the layers of glass that are driving me crazy. However, haven't seen it on any others in the showroom/lot. Must be poor windshield quality on this one car.
HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE: Convertible - Automatic 2003 330Ci
travelgal1, 05/12/2014
2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 11 people found this review helpful
I did all my research before buying the 2003 a few months back. I thought it would give me good gas mileage; but it is the worse I have ever had. I average 14.3-15.3 mpg. I thought it would be at least 20, 21. I would not have bought if I knew it would be this bad. I have new tires, tune-up, oil change, runs good. So there should be no reason why I'm getting such bad mileage. I like the way the car looks and drives, but sits kind of low to the ground. A bit hard to get in and out of. The convertible top works perfectly and I use often. It costs me $80 to fill up ($4.25 gallon); I work from home and just drive near home to get groceries, bank and take my dog to the park.
Will not own another BMW
outdoorzdude, 01/23/2012
2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
13 of 26 people found this review helpful
Never own a BMW out of warranty. I sold my 2003 325i I purchased brand new and maintain impeccably for 150,000 highway miles, kept it 100k miles too long. Its like they used to say about boats, the happiest day, is the day you bought it and the day you sell it. Though that is unfair to boats, as I have a 20 year old boat with a two-stoke Yamaha that has not given me one-tenth the problems this car has and judging from the online forums, I am not alone. Alternators, radiators, water pumps, valve cover gaskets, fuel pumps, window regulators, final stage resistors, seatbelt tensioners, the list goes on and on. Avoid these cars unless you like to work on high tech autos for fun.