BMW 3-series (2010 and older) Luxury

BMW 3-series (2010 and older) Luxury 

DESCRIPTION

Pros:

  • Strong and smooth in-line six-cylinder engines
  • Superb balance of handling and ride quality without compromise
  • Always the benchmark by which other cars are compared
  • Active and passive safety features
  • Best value in its class
Cons:
  • Interior design is its weakest point
  • Cost of options get expensive quickly
  • Complicated iDrive system
Ruling: The BMW 3 Series emphasizes performance and continues to lead the pack with intuitive handling, powerful motors , and a functional interior that is comfortable for short and long trips.

The 3-Series is BMW's entry-level model in the near-luxury segment, offered in sedan, coupe, convertible and wagon versions. The BMW 3 Series has agile handling, a supple ride, and smooth, six-cylinder engines. The revised interior is comfortable and luxurious. Handling is taut and agile.

A new 335d with an inline 6-cylinder twin-turbo diesel engine has also been added to the 3-Series lineup.The 335d runs clean enough to meet emission standards in all 50 states and produces 265 hp and an impressive peak torque of 425 lb-ft.

USER REVIEWS

Showing 31-40 of 212  
[Jun 21, 2003]
diablo jones
Model Reviewed: 328i, stick, 4door loaded

Strength:

Dealership was a+, BMW has Excellent rep. 328i 5 speed has Quick acceleration and responsive handling, very good gas milage. Simple and straight forward interior design. Harmon Karmon stereo is great. BMW has a good resale value. The car is a head turner. reliable and fun to drive, BMW the Ultimate Driving machine.

Weakness:

BMW's are expensive. otherwise Not too many things are really a weakness, just some trivial things to me. Wind noise can be heard as you get in the 50mph area. The in-dash computer is pretty much usless and hard to use. really only good for the outside Temp. who uses them anyway? the inside is a bit small and the seats are a tad stiff on those extra long rides. Expensive to repair but thats a given. I'd like a few more horses. do I see an M in my future?

Bought pre-owned super clean and loaded with 27000 miles. Have 45,000 miles now. The dealer experience was great. 4 yr 100,000 warranty. The car has all the qualities I was looking for, a combination of sporty/luxury. The 5 speed is quick and agile. Driving at 80 feels like nothing. smooth. acceleration is very good especially past 80mph. Just down shift and ummmph! Zipping in and out of traffic at 80 effortlessly and you'll be the envy of every car you pass. At high speed the car is just amazing to drive. The car is nicer than 95% of the cars you'll see while driving and everyone around you knows it. you can run it fast or just go grocery shopping with it. The car says Class and style, and defines your personality. Not too many cars have the ability to do this. especially at this price. I have had zero problems with the car. I change the oil as recommened and keep the car clean and waxed so it will last and look great for a long time. As far as the 3 series goes other than the pricey M the 328i is the best car in it's class. The car has been voted Car & Drivers top 10 just about every year. There is a reason for that, Of course this is my opinion, There are other cars that may satisfy you but I can't see how this car would not please just about everyone. All you haters are just wannbe be Beemer owners. BMW's live up to their rep with me, I love this car.

Similar Products Used:

Out of all the past cars I've driven in my life there is no comparision.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 22, 2003]
BristolMY

Strength:

Engine, handling, excellent fit and finish. Comfortable seats.

Weakness:

Could use some more compartments inside for storage.

Excellent car! Handling and feel are far beyond anything else I have driven. I purchased the car after an extensive study of all the cars in this segment (Audi A4, Volvo S60, Saab 9-3 & 9-5, etc). I was determined not to buy a BMW. I changed my mind after the test drive. The price was kept low by not getting a lot of extras (no Premium package, I have leatherette, manual adjustment seats).

Similar Products Used:

None, but test drove and researched all competitors.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[May 21, 2003]
m3tek
Model Reviewed: 328I

Strength:

Safety, interior (Except for driver side door panel)

Weakness:

Reliablity, POWER (2001 and beyoond has same horsepower as older 328I)

This is our 4th BMW and this one is very disappointing!! It's been in the dealership 15 times sunroof, rear axle, engine oil leak, temp. gauage, brake, Igition key and etc. I am a BIG fan of BMW but this car has been pain in the rear for last 3 years. We currently have 2002 325IC and 1993 740IL and very satisifed with other 2 vehicles. This 328I currently has 45,000 miles and hope this car will last us 100,000 miles. I seriously can't believe this vehicle's been in the dealer so many times. Service at BMW seem somewhat fair after contacting BMW North America after car spent week at a dealer and went back again for same problems.

Similar Products Used:

Privously owned 1986 BMW 7 Series, 1997 M3. Currently have 2002 325IC, 93 740IL, and this 328I (disappoiting)

OVERALL
RATING
1
VALUE
RATING
1
[May 18, 2003]
ashishsinghal
Model Reviewed: 325xi

Strength:

Solidly built Ergonomic Controls Excellent interior quality The interior lighting is perhaps the best I have seen in any vehicle - it's even nicer to drive at night with the interior lighting and Xenon headlights lighting up the road Great grip on snow roads

Weakness:

Lacks the power because of 4-wheel drive - so you should retort with "I'll race you in snow" if your friends challenge you to race it. Low on gas mileage (19 in city, 26-27 on highway) Outside air temperature sensor comes only with the on-board computer (too pricey for a temperature sensor).

After driving this car for over a year and through snow, I feel that I made a good investment. It's solidly built, the suspension is tight and it steers like it was on rails. Another reviewer complained of problems with the clutch, but mine is an automatic/steptronic. No problems with the transmission (or with the car so far). The only complaint I have is that there is a blind spot over your left shoulder that sometimes makes it difficult to see cars passing on your left. Otherwise, the car drives great, and personally I think BMW 3-series should have been the featured on the car chase of the Matrix Reloaded. The standard sound system is fine, unless you are a real audiophile.

Similar Products Used:

2002 Toyota Camry - very good car, but still not a BMW!! 1998 Honda Accord - not impressed at all 2000 Chrysler Concorde - good intial quality, don't what happens after 50K miles...

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 25, 2003]
Doug
Model Reviewed: BMW 325XI

Strength:

-smooth engine -firm competent road manners -all weather capability -high quality car -fun to drive -good acceleration even with 2.5 & AWD combo -strong resale results in affordable lease rates

Weakness:

-headroom a little tight with sunroof -cup holder and storage areas not up to par -1st to 2nd shift is tough to do smoothly -rearward vision while backing -afraid to park it overnight in public parking garages fearing theft/damage -pricey

This is my first BMW and am just at the 2,000km mark. I noted another reviewer (Gautamde) from NY has has problems with exactly the same car. Happy to say that so far I have no complaints. Car is very solid feeling, quality, smooth to drive (one exception noted below. Only one snow experience, but felt very stable. Mine is black, manual, sunroof, heated seats, fold down back seat. Comes standard with Xenon lights that are wonderful. Stereo is the standard unit and is not as good as the standard one I had in my Toyota 4Runner, but it's ok. Handling is very good, very direct and precise steering. Low effort to drive, good visibility, except backing up. Mirrors seem too small. Driving position comfortable, but headroom a little tight (I'm 6' tall). Dealer experience was very good and lease rate was very competitive. High residual value made my lease affordable. Price shown in Canadian $$. Smooth shifting from 1st to 2nd gear takes very deliberate effort to avoid a "lurch" feeling. I didn't expect this in a car renowned for having a great manual gearbox. Other shifts (both up and down) are fine.

Similar Products Used:

-presently have a '68 Corvette (submitted review) -2000 4runner and 1998 Jeep were my prior vehicles

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
4
[Apr 15, 2003]
Ed
Model Reviewed: 328I

Strength:

Handling STEERING!!!! Understated, classy appearance awesome support from dealerships

Weakness:

-Outrageous repair/maintenance costs! -expensive (but compared to comparable models its reasonable) -small interiors

I bought this car as son as I drove it. I never thought I would be a BMW driver due to the yuppie reputation it had. However, the weenies that buy this car for image are missing (and tainting,in my opinion) the whole idea of the BMW: this is a driver's car! It doesn not have all the gaudy accutrements found in Mercedes. It does not have the over-the-top stying of other sport sedans. It does not have the cavernous interior of american sedans. Nearly everything wonderful that this car has can be felt, but not seen. This car is designed with one thing in mind- allow the driver to have a great handling car that is quick without making him look like as obvious as the guy in the Mustang or vette who simply wants a head-turning, racey-looking ride. BMW styling is understated and conservative. BMW performance is spirited and revolutionary. I have owned several mustang GT's, a corvette, and a Grand AM GT. Those are great cars for kids (which I was when I owned them) but for a mature professional they simply won't do. The Bimmer on the other hand, is so classy, so refined and subtle that no one would ever expect them to drive like scaled-down Porsches. The combination of the the most linear accelaration curve I have ever experienced, shoking brake response, and steering that defies description all come together to make this vehicle drive not as though it is a car you are controlling, but as though it is an extension of your own mind and body. Mercedes does not make a single model that handles as intuitively as this car. Jaguars, while probably the most elegant vehicles ever designed, do not come close. Corvette, no way (but still mind-blowing). Ford Mustang, not in a million years. In fact, the only vehicle I have ever driven that is as "natural" to drive as the BMW's are Porsches. I consider them to be distant cousins, with the porsche being the more flamboyant, outspoken one, and the BMW being the quiet, reserved, but equally refined one. These cars are not bad in the snow either. They have nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution, unlike most rear-wheel drive cars, which makes them acceptable for winter use. Compared to the other vehicles I've driven, the BMW is the best in the snow (but still not as good as a good front-wheel drive car). In the end, this car will excite you (the driver) and probably no one else. I think that's exactly what BMW had in mind when they made it.

Similar Products Used:

1984 Monte Carlo SS 1987 camaro lt 1989 mustang gt 1990 mustang gt 1994 Corvette 1999 Grand Am GT 2002 Jaguar S Type 2002 Mercedes clk 430

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 27, 2003]
MYBMW
Model Reviewed: 328i 5,700 miles when purchased.

Strength:

Handling, mileage, comfort. I used to drive a Black Mazda MX6 Turbo. I thought this was a quick car but my BMW does it all and better, and without a Turbo!

Weakness:

My car came with the built in analog phone. I know this was an expensive option($2,000). The disappointing thing is that the cost of hooking up the phone does not pay. You cannot get long distance because analog phones are now obsolete. I had it hooked up for awhile and loved being able to talk into the steering wheel and hear my caller through the radio speaker, but it was just too expensive. It still lights up when the car is started and looks good but I have purchased a new cell phone with hundreds of local and long distance minutes for the same monthly fee. My 6 CD changer is in the trunk and this is not the most convenient place for it.

From the moment I spotted this car I was in love with it! It was sitting in a row of Mercedes Benz's and stuck out like a sore thumb. Black with a Sport & Premium package and sand leather interior. I had never driven a BMW and therefore had no expectations. It was the look of this car that caught my eye! The most noticable thing to me were the wheels. There was something different about them and not realizing at that time what it was it just made my attraction all the more stronger. I have always been a car enthusiast and I love to drive. My love intensified and took hold after taking it for a test drive. It was the sound of the engine humming, the true sports car handling and the luxurious smell of the leather interior. I own a Cadillac Seville and love it also, but it is a luxury car. My BMW is both a sport car and luxury car. The way it hugs the road and takes the curves is amazing. I call it my little jack rabbit because of it's quickness and response and it never ceases to amaze me how I can be doing 60 one minute and just by letting up on the accelerator it will slow down to 35 without even having to brake. I only drive around town so therefore I am looking forward to driving to St. Louis to be with my son for Easter. Because of the rear wheel drive I did drive it all Winter, not wanting to chance it in snow and also not wanting to get it covered with salt. Yes, I smile when I am behind the wheel and yes, I believe this car's attitude it rubbing off on me. It does have an attitude of it's own! I couldn't be more in love with my BMW!!!

Similar Products Used:

1999 Suburu Outback 1996 Suburu Outback 1989 Mazda MX6 Turbo Honda Accord LX

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Mar 22, 2003]
jason
Model Reviewed: /318is (2 door)

Strength:

-Safe ride. -The short clutch shifter was a plus. -Very reliable car in most weather. -The car design is low to the ground so that helped me avoid getting tickets while thoughtlessly speeding on the highway. (told by the trooper) -Handles well at higher speeds. -High quality factory paint. -Comes with a full size spare. -Handling is great. -Ride is smooth and comfortable -ABS breaking works wonders.

Weakness:

-Electric system needs improvement. -AC/Heat frustratingly takes a while to adjust. -Doors irritatingly creak often and even with AW 40 I still couldn't find the source of the sounds. -Some of the plastic moldings on the exterior came off. -Repair cost is outrageous. -Very little room in the backseats. (seats 3 max comfortably) -Plastic buttons on the inside seem cheap and will break. -Seat Leather is not real leather. -Seats tend to get scorching hot in the summer. -Fog light lenses tend to crack. Both needed to be replaced -Terrible in snowy and icy conditions. (house bound)

I bought this car while in college at the age of 18 and received some of the benefits of having a "Beemer" while still in school. With that said I also put 18 inch chrome wheels on it that actually looked like 20's because the car was so small. Any way it eventually got old. People do tend to perceive you as being rich, little do they know it’s just a souped up Honda civic. This is a decent overall car though. It must be cared for and handled delicately or there is a small (may I add big) price to pay. I had the car for about 3 years until it was totaled about a month ago in a collision. I walked out without a scratch on me. If I had a choice I probably wouldn't buy another BMW. But overall I was satisfied.

Similar Products Used:

Honda Accord/Civic Toyota Camry

OVERALL
RATING
3
VALUE
RATING
2
[Mar 12, 2003]
elizaduck
Model Reviewed: BMW 318ti

Strength:

Quick acceleration, good gas mileage (30-34 on highway) nice color, body is pretty strong

Weakness:

Cheap interior (looks like an old toyota corolla), window button and window have broken, TERRIBLE in ice and snow (can't even get out of a level parking lot with 1" of snow on the ground) - very dangerous. Noisy interior. Heating system not comfortable.

At first I loved this car. Now I hate it and can't wait to get rid of it.

Similar Products Used:

Camry, Corolla

OVERALL
RATING
2
VALUE
RATING
2
[Mar 06, 2003]
gautamde
Model Reviewed: 325xi Manual

Strength:

- Great protection(outshell, airbags etc) for a compact car - Excellent handling and performance - Free maintenance - Prompt & friendly roadside emergency assistance(should be in the cons probably since I used it twice on 1 month old car) - Emergency Medical kit standard - The heated front seats are very quick. Heats up the leather to toasty in few seconds. - Rain-sensing wipers are handy - Great handling on snow. I drove it right thru the Feb 2003 Storm. The car never lost its grip. - Standard Sound system is pretty good IMO

Weakness:

- very poor built quality. U will always have something or the other going wrong - Service dept not so friendly(atlast in the NYC area) - Gas guzzler(I get 19 in town) - Very less storage place. Just one open cup holder in the front. 2 if u lift the armrest. But then I do not clutter the car mucb in any case. - BMW Navigation for 3 series sucks. Buy the Street Pilot instead. - Rain sensing wipers are not sensitive enough. - Non-standard ergonomics. I driven american and japanese cars. The placement of all the power buttons are totally different in this car. I hate that very much but getting used to it.

This is my first German car. I hearing much about the Beamer, I had to buy one. Mine is manual transmission(my first). It really is a sporty car. Great acceleration and handling. For a small car, its build very well. Standard safety features likes side air bags, head curtains etc are great. But then I am very disapppointed with the overall quality of the car. The clutch burnt out 1/2 mile from the dealership. They fixed it and the clutch burnt out again after 500 miles. Dealership were very nice and fixed it again. But they did suspect my driving skill(for a manual xmission). Anyway, so far(1500 miles), the clutch works fine. The automatic temperature for the AC/heat never worked. Waiting on software update from the BMW. Although I had a very scary new car experince, I would still drive this car just of its sportiness. If you are looking for dependable no-problem car, do not buy a German car. The wait period for BMW service dept is 2 months in most areas. Same for Mercs. Buy a bullet proof Japanese car for reliability. I feel German cars are good for leasing.

Similar Products Used:

Past cars owned - 98' Honda Civic, 2001 Acura MDX

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
Showing 31-40 of 212  

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