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-
Good dream went bad - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By paulbasden - November 27 - 8:50 pmI bought a 2003 330i in August 2012 for $8,500. It drove well for 27 months. Then in November 2014 it blew a head gasket at 122K miles. Needs a new engine. I will not but a BMW again.
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Great to drive but poor reliability - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By a_tazmanian - January 25 - 8:23 amThis 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.
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Overall, not many problems - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By snwbrd26 - June 28 - 2:48 pmI bought this car with 64k miles on it, and brought it in once for a check-up around 80k and recently around 120k. I dont know if Ive 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 Ive 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.
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Fun to Drive, Not Fun to Fix - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By afski786 - January 13 - 2:43 pmI bought this car in March 2011 with 107,000 miles at the time. Its 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 wouldnt buy a BMW out of warranty I thought they would be better mechanically but I was wrong
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I really loved this car - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By gabriel2011 - October 29 - 8:04 pmI 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 its a great car and very safe when it comes to accidents (trust me on that one).
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Great car, until a few years down the line - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By ngolds - May 14 - 7:02 pmThis is a great car until you wait a few years. Wen the car was 4 or 5, the troubles began. It wasnt until this year that the laundry list of problems was fixed. There was too much play in the shifter, both outlets didnt work, the key lock was broked and the remote wasnt 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 its a great car.
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Great Car but some odd owners - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By shadeogray - April 20 - 7:36 pmThis 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. Thats a total lie. For a car this size the trunk is quite large. Cup holder placement is a bit odd but thats 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 its expensive to repair, its 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 childs 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. Ill be the guy in the BMW zipping past you and laughing. :) Catch you on the flip side!
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Transmission - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By Original Owner - October 15 - 2:00 amPurchased new in November 2003. Sport and premium package with xenon lights. I took exceptionally good care of the car, always garaged and hardly ever drove it hard.Ignition coil needed replacement at around 10,000 miles and again within 50,000 miles. Front right xenon light went out within 50,000 miles and headlight assembly was replaced. Brakes and discs needed replacement every 25,000 miles. Control arm bushings needed replacement prior to 100,000 miles. Radio replaced at 100,000 miles. Radio dial broke off and radio not working again. Driver side window motor replaced. Now has 125,000 miles and Transmission has issues. Great was car great prior to 100,000 miles.
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BMW first timer - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By JB - September 17 - 2:00 am2003 325CI coupe w/ 5-sp manual. Pure delight to drive. Manual shifter absolutely glides through each gear, never resisting, never sloppy, just smooth as silk. Power is best termed as graceful. Around town, passing, or normal acceleration just FEELS authoritative, confident and agile quick. Interstate driving is where you especially feel like you own the road. Passing cars and filling holes in traffic so effortlessly. When I test drove this car, I had to run the car out through the gears to get an idea of its power. Quite frankly, my first impression wasnt that high due to its lack of high-rev power. The 2.5 is never going to be a screamer. But who actually drives a car full-out anyway?
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Love the cars body, hate under the hood - 2003 BMW 3-Series
By amfahrni - May 3 - 4:30 pmBought 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!
