2003 BMW 3 Series Review

2002 BMW 3-Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan Shown

2003 BMW 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan w/Performance Package

+105

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Luxurious, powerful, exceptional road manners, available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.

Cons

Pricey for its market segment, limited rear-seat space and cargo capacity.

What’s new

For 2003, BMW will finally offer a DVD-based navigation system -- meaning that you won't have to give up an in-dash CD player if you opt for the nav system. Other changes include a standard front armrest for all 325 models, as well as a rear center headrest for all sedans and wagons. Additionally, all wagons will come with a moonroof. In terms of options, the Premium Package for all 325s now includes automatic headlights and rain-sensing wipers, and the Sport Package for the 330xi includes double-spoke alloy wheels and run-flat tires.

Edmunds says

If you've got the bucks, this is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$260/mo

$183/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 BMW 3 Series.

5 (79%)

4 (14%)

3 (6%)

2 (1%)

1 (0%)

4.7

456 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 456 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

A4 = 325xi ?!

beckernj, 10/26/2002

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

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 …

Wanted a Bimmah, Never looking Back

liquidarthur2@yahoo.com, 01/17/2016

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

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, …

You get what to pay for

M Perez, 08/22/2015

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

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 …

19 years of ownership and still a dream to live wi

bogmailer, 04/24/2013

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

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 …

See all 456 reviews of the BMW 3 Series

Write a vehicle review

2003 3 Series Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

325i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$27,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$260/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.7 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the 3 Series include:

Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver3 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
Rollover4 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Poor

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2003 BMW 3 Series Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 BMW 3 Series.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

A4 = 325xi ?!

Wanted a Bimmah, Never looking Back

You get what to pay for

19 years of ownership and still a dream to live wi

2003 3 Series Highlights

Safety

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2003 BMW 3 Series Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

A4 = 325xi ?!

Wanted a Bimmah, Never looking Back

You get what to pay for

19 years of ownership and still a dream to live wi

2003 3 Series Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2003 BMW 3 Series info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Bmw

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}