2003 BMW 3-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.59/5 Average
448 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

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.

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.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 448.00
  • Worst car I have ever owned! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    It all began in 2003 where we got are BMW we wanted it for a very cheap price because we already bought a 45,000 dollar Volvo XC90 we got manual standard package non leather BMW. In fall 2009 the brakes squeaked and we brought It to a dealer that works on BMWs we had to go to 3 of them and finally they worked . We are very mad at it and we hope to sell it in Aug 2010.

  • Will never have anything but a BMW! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    What more can I say about this fantastic car than it REALLY is the "Ultimate Driving Machine!" Everyone raves about how great the driving experience is, and until youve piloted one, you cannot possibly understand. There is no car for the money that does a better job totally immersing the driver into the drive. The car communicates everything to you through the controls and it constantly amazes me when I point it in a direction and it just goes there without complaining. Sure there are little hiccups here and there. Things are bound to break on a car thats been driven 137,000 miles in just over 7 years. I have never been stranded by my baby. And I always enjoy taking her out for a drive. A++

  • Love the cars body, hate under the hood - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Bought my car used but still with warranty and certified preowned. Had to use the warranty several times to replace many things. Had some problems with the brakes, o2 sensors, lights. Never got the lights resolved. Every time I took it in they said it was fixed but it still reads that I have lights out. Since my warranty expired I have had it brake down on me twice in one month and had to have a huge list of things fixed with a price tag of $2,000 from my friends shop. Which means at any other shop I would never have been able to fix it. Currently it is leaking oil and decides to act up while driving almost daily. The beauty of this cars style is not worth the problems under the hood!

  • I still know what their missing!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Follow up to a 2008 review. I still like driving this car and the looks are great. However, I am starting to have to put $$$ into this car for repairs. BMW ripped me off by denying to pay for a broken sunroof diagnosed at the dealership 2 days before the warranty ran out. Itll take!!$1800!! to repair it. The front end suspension has cost me $700 in the last 6 months and I need to put another $750 into a new driver side ball joint and related parts. Best advice for this car is to buy an extended warranty to at least 100,000 miles. Still love to drive it. Ran at 110+ mph in Wyoming this summer for over 25 miles. WOW!! What their missing is expensive repair bills, but it is still a fun ride!!

  • 330ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Got the car during summer 08. I loved the cabrio part of the car and the handeling. After month or 2 power steering failed had to replace the hoses. A little later engine started overheating which was cover under the warranty. Then i kept getting other minor issues. Then all of a sudden the tranny went down had that rebuilt under the aftermarket warranty. The car was fun till it lasted with all those problems i still liked recently the computer gave up on me that when i realized i should just sell the car.

  • I had wanted a BMW since I was 16 - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    This car is phenomenal. I bought my BMW in March of 2009, almost a year ago, and I still love driving it. The only problem that Ive had with it was the rear passenger window fell. Luckily it was an easy fix. Now that Ive had a BMW, I really cant imagine ever owning anything else. I love it!

  • Ultimate Tanning Machine (Update)! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I’ve had it for 1.5 years now and obsession doesn’t stop (just ask my wife). Now that I am approaching my 40s (whew!) and have a wife, couple of kids, etc. I decided to buy a car of my dreams, a BMW 3-ser convertible. So, when the time was right I went ahead and purchased a beautiful E46 325Ci Convertible with sport package, premium package, cold weather package, and 5-speed. It does everything very well. It is a joy to drive and I still wake up in the morning with the thought that I am going to drive it and leave work looking forward to hugging corners on the way home.

  • Amazing car! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Ive been driving sporty Japanese cars all my life through my 20s and 30s. Now that I am approaching my 40s (whew!) and have a wife, a couple of kids, etc. I decided to buy a car of my dreams, a BMW 3-series convertible. So, when the time was right I went ahead and purchased a beautiful E46 325Ci Convertible with sport package, premium package, cold weather package, and 5- speed. I’ve had it for over a year now and obsession doesn’t stop (just ask my wife). It does everything very well. It is a pure joy to drive and I still wake up in the morning with the thought that I am going to drive it and leave work looking forward to hugging corners on the way home. It is an amazing car!

  • Great Buy - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Fun to drive, comfortable and great fuel consumption. I think BMW hit the mark with the 325, my issues are really quite minor. I like the dependability, power, handling and overall style of the car. My soft points are minor, however in a car of this class, these issues should have been addressed prior to production. Cup holder location. I know this sounds petty, however drive it around for a few weeks and you will agree. In order to utilize both cup holders you have to sacrifice your arm rest. Brake dust! I am yet to see a car with this much brake dust. If you are like me and enjoy your car shiny, good luck! Otherwise I love the car and am very happy with the purchase!

  • WONDERFUL! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    What an amazing car! I dont know what to say! Im Speechless! Its just unbelievable. The engine is great with styling to match. Comfortable, stylish, powerful, and juast plain wonderful.

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