Overview & Reviews
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.
- Luxurious, powerful, exceptional road manners, available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.
- Pricey for its market segment, limited rear-seat space and cargo capacity.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 448.00-
HORRIBLE GAS MILEAGE: Convertible - Automatic 2003 330Ci - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By travelgal1 - May 12 - 4:42 pmI 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 Im 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.
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Will not own another BMW - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By outdoorzdude - January 22 - 7:44 pmNever 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.
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Prepare to Spend - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By subroo13 - July 18 - 8:54 pmI traded my Honda Accord for a BMW 325i. As long as the car was under warranty, everything - including a car wash was covered. But as soon as the warranty period expired, here are some of the problems that surfaced: 1. AC stopped working - $800 2. Seatbelt Sensor error - $300 3. Ignition Key stopped working - $800 Secondly, there is hardly any storage in the car. The only storage is the trunk. So if you are trading in your Japanese car, set your expectation right - be prepared to compromise on the space, and the overall reliability. German engineering is eloquent as far as the detail on aesthetics of the car. For a car with low maintenance and function, its always a Honda or a Toyota!
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OVERRATED - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By beemer - not - November 23 - 6:46 pmBought 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 its 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.
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BMW 03 Failure of Equipment - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By Carolyn - September 7 - 9:17 amTail light harness melted and not working. New transmission after 1000 miles. 4-window regulators replaced. Sunroof mechanism replaced. Radio dial does not work. Front tires ride noisy. No one can fit comfortably in the back seat. BMW will not help you with any parts that fail even though they are inferior products that should not have been used in this car. Parts are cheap and are meant to break to keep their parts and service dept. busy. My husband and I have owned 20 vehicle together and we have put more parts on this car then in all of our car combined. Its sad and never buy BMW, buy a Lexus!! or something more reliable . BMW does not care about fixing their problems.
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Worst Car I have ever owned in 30 years - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By Moore - February 22 - 11:40 amWorst Car I have ever owned in 30 years! When I fist bought this Lemon I loved it. But after 9 months and 6 times in the BMW dealership repairing this turkey I am through with BMW! Mt first Bimmer was a 318ti that I drove almost 300 thousand miles with the same timing belt. This thing has had no less than 3 alternators in the past 2 months at $500.00 a pop, cannot fix the radio $600.00, idleing pully $700.00 and its still not fixed. Do not purchase one of these cars without a warranty!!!!
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The most unreliable car ever!!!!!!! - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By alilak - August 26 - 2:00 amAvoid this whole series. I had a 1998 328i which never had a problem....the new models are total junk. So far in 10 months I have a new CPU, new fuel pump, new relays, new alternator, 2 new batteries, a new AC compressor, and a new sunroof housing. This car has left me stranded on 4 occasions (once while I was driving it back from the dealer). Car is fun to drive, though....when it works.
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Fun to drive very difficult to fix - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By Gregg - June 19 - 5:21 pmLet me say that I love my car when it is not in the shop. And that is not to say it has a lot of problems, it just takes 4-5 times to get each item fixed, and the dealer 4 out of 5 times breaks something else that takes 2 visits to get fixed. When my all window button and seat frame broke (I weigh 165 lbs) at 23K, I decided Ive had enough. Great looking car and fun to drive, just a headache!! If you are planning on buying one, make sure you are close to a reputable dealer.
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Problem since day 1 - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By elizabeth - May 26 - 9:00 pmI will just list the problems: 1. "service engine soon light" came on while driving home the day I purchased this car with only 20 miles on it. 2. starter replaced. 3. sunroof malfunction. 4. transmission thumping when coming to a stop - dealer reprogrammed computer. 5. Driver door handle broken. 6. Remote on key stopped working (couldnt unlock door). 7. Interior moulding around doors falling down on driver and passenger side. 8. Engine/ignition coil caused engine light to come on - recalled item. 9. Currently in shop for multiple other mechanical problems. The most frustrating part is that most of these problems each required several trips to the dealer to be fixed correctly. Very disappointed!!
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BMW QUALITY...WHAT QUALITY - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By DOC - November 1 - 10:00 amGot flat, tried to fix with BMW Jack that came with car. Jack broke. BMW tow truck took 1hr 45min when I was told only 1hr. Alarm and electronics always malfunctioning. Service department really unfriendly, always treat you like an idiot and nothing is their fault. If they tell you when your car will be ready, that really means that itll be ready 4-24hrs from that time. and youll find that no work was done on car, cause they can never find the problem and always say everything is fine.
