2002 BMW 3 Series

Great car, maintenance a little high

By KJohn (SC) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 115,000

Pros: "performance, handling, comfort"

Cons: "high cost of maintenance and repair"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"My 2003 325Xi was a one owner car with 94k miles on the clock when I bought it. It was well maintained with a clean Carfax. Fifteen months and 20k miles later I would say I am pleased with the car, but not overjoyed. Handling and braking are great. Ride comfort is very good even on long trips and it seats four adults comfortably. There is plenty of trunk space for a small car, and I get about 27mpg on the highway. Combined driving is in the low to mid 20's. I would like to upgrade to the Harmon-Kardon sound system but the base model sounds very good; I think most people would be just fine with it. Now for the down sides. Shortly after purchasing the car I experienced various minor electrical problems which, after a couple mis-diagnoses lead to replacing the general module (main electrical control for lights, central locking system, alarm, etc.) - about $600 bucks installed. I had to replace the rear brake/reverse light assembly - about $50. Torn inner CV boot on the front axle; to get to this you have to take the front suspension apart. Good luck doing that without damaging the boots on the ball joints - $650 worth of suspension parts. Just replaced the starter - $700 installed. This is not to mention the upcoming coolant system maintenance, filter changes, shocks, etc. Oil changes are 8 quarts of synthetic - no $25 Quicklube special. The other major gripe (and this is not the car's fault) is the resale value. I paid retail from a local dealer, ie. I didn't get a great deal, but I didn't get screwed either. I have a 30 month note and I am still upside down in the car. It just hasn't held its value like the Volvo it replaced. It's a better car than the old S70, but KBB doesn't seem to agree. So the verdict..... I like the car. A LOT. Its comfortable, practical and fun to drive. If it wasn't for the expensive and frequent maintenance I would have rated it higher. I would recommend the car to anyone who would appreciate the BMW driving experience with one caveat. You can buy one in good condition for a pretty reasonable price, but do your homework and make sure that you can afford to maintain it like it should be. Sorry about the lengthy review - hope it helps someone."

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

Finicky, Worth every penny.

By Erik (TX) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,000

Pros: "It is a convertible BMW."

Cons: "Maintenance is pricey."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

The day I bought my Baby!

"She can be a bit fussy, maintenance is key! Be prepared to spend more than you will with a Honda, but then again this is no rice burner. Fit and finish is top of the line, quality is found at every turn. You don't buy this car because it is an economical grocery mover or "Mom Mobile". You buy this car because it is a joy to drive, has power on tap, and at the end of a hard day is therapeutic to drop the top!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

Fun! Fun! Fun to drive!

By JWolf (GA) on Sunday, May 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

Pros: "Fun, sporty and reliable transportation."

Cons: "Expensive to repair when something does go wrong."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If you are looking for a driver's car this is the one for you. I currently own two, 2001 330 Sedan (5 sp manual), and 2002 330 Convertible (5 sp manual). Love them both equally and will buy another when my son takes one off to college. Puts a smile on my face everytime I drive I drive either one."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

My Dream Car

By Mel (NC) on Wednesday, May 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 105,000

Pros: "Looks great, sturdy ride, great value"

Cons: "Expensive to repair"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have been dreaming of this car for so many years. Then one day I come home and my hubby had bought it and had it waiting for me. I have not been disappointed. Love this car. It is what I consider a "strong" car. It feels strong as you drive down the highway. This car feels very sturdy and safe. It is a dream to drive, especially when the top is down. And it looks fantastic. I am truly spoiled to BMWs. Don't think I will ever be happy with any other brand. The only issue we have had after having the car for 1 year and a half was, on the first pretty Saturday of spring we put the top down, but it wouldn't go back up. Easily fixed, but expensive. Still the car is 7 years old, things will go wrong. But love love love this car."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

All around charmer

By Dirtdiver (GA) on Saturday, April 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

Pros: "Extremely fun to drive. Timeless BMW style"

Cons: "Maintenance costs can be a bit steep."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7

"After owning this car for years, I can safely tell you it's the best automotive purchase I've ever made. It still excites me on the road, and remains completely reliable! The all-wheel drive system offers superb driving dynamics, while adding an additional level of safety in inclement weather. Looks great, very exciting to drive, and gets reasonable gas mileage. What's not to love? Get one, and you won't be disappointed!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse

All time favorite car!

By KK23 (FL) on Friday, April 19, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 158,000

Pros: "Power, easy top, style"

Cons: "Need to watch rear tires on the inside wear faster"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Have owned this car and one like it since the 02 came out. Purchased my current 325ci with 92k, only problems I hit started at 155k. Top failed, and other normal issued with a car of its age. Over all awesome car which has never let me down."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you?  yes | no | report abuse