2002 BMW 3 Series Ci 3.0

Summary:

Without doubt the best car money can buy

Faults:

The only problem I have had with the car is with the 18 inch low profile tyres. So far I have had to replace 4 of them. I went over a pothole, which instantly punctured both near side tyres, and cornered on a kerb which cut into the side wall of the rear nearside tyre on a separate occasion. Luckily the council paid for the 2 potholed tyres.

General Comments:

The car is fantastic.

Top spec luxury with sat nav, tv, cruise.

Great looking.

Great performance.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2004

17th May 2005, 10:15

Nice car, but the best that money can buy? I seriously doubt it.

7th Mar 2007, 10:55

They're the best car in their price range. Unless you own or have test drove one you just can't understand how amazing they are.

16th Aug 2009, 18:30

They aren't the best money can buy, but arguably they are the best that money can buy in that sector.

11th Dec 2009, 10:44

They are awesome cars, cost as little as £4000 now in the UK (currently December '09)

Having been round the Nurburgring many times in a mate's one. I know they are very quick in a straight line, but the chassis is just as impressive.

2002 BMW 3 Series 330d 3.0 turbo diesel

Summary:

Lovely car, terrible image

Faults:

Side repeater indicator fell out on the motorway and left a nice gouge in the front wing.

Suspension noise and vague steering caused by worn balljoints. Thought this was a bit odd on a (then) 29,000 mile car.

General Comments:

I will admit that I wouldn't have chosen this car, but took it over from a previous employee when I started a new job last year.

The car has won me round with its brilliant engine, astonishing performance and surefooted handling, although it doesn't feel quite as taut and responsive as my previous ST200 Mondeo once off the motorway. A bit disappointing considering it is RWD, to be honest, although the 330d is quicker which is very impressive considering its diesel powered. Sounds almost as good too.

The interior is brilliantly designed and finished - exactly how you would expect a BMW to be, but I've noticed the odd squeak creeping in over the past few thousand miles. Overall though, progress is smooth and refined, and that big wave of diesel midrange torque gives eye opening acceleration for overtaking.

It's a lovely car, but for a couple of silly quality issues. My biggest issue though is its image. I've had all the usual jokes "WOW, these things ARE fitted with indicators after all!", "Where does the little pass go that gives you exclusive use of lane 3?" and from a good friend when I pulled onto his drive in it for the first time: "Funny Dan, I never took you for a t*sser". If there is a car that road users in general have a lower opinion of, I haven't driven it.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 8th July, 2003

19th Sep 2003, 06:43

The only constructive critsism I can say about your review is if you prefer a FORD to a BMW then my friend you don't know your cars.

29th Sep 2003, 06:53

I agree completely with the comment given how you can compare a sheer brilliant German machine to a Ford Mondeo. I mean come on.

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2002 BMW 3 Series 318i 2.0

Summary:

Brilliant car

Faults:

Excellent car, a pleasure to drive. Careful in ice with rear wheel drive.

General Comments:

Very impressed with bmw's attention to detail.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd April, 2003

2002 BMW 3 Series 320d SE turbo diesel

Summary:

Image and ability in one package

Faults:

So far no major problems have arisen.

Niggling faults include:

- a badly fitting glove-box door which need a good slam to close it; and.

- wind noise coming past the door seal on the driver's side.

General Comments:

The diesel engine is a delight and sounds more like a petrol.

I am getting approximately 45 mpg.

Passenger space is relatively limited and the ride choppy over some surfaces.

Boot space is pathetic and drop down rear seats aren't standard. They are a 3250 option. Very mean.

So too is the extra £95 charged for colour coded door handles. Nothing comes cheap with a BMW.

The standard interior on the SE model is still very functional and rather gloomy.

The trip computer is nice touch and provides lots of entertainment.

I wish the same could be said for the climate control which takes too long to clear mist from the windows. Why can't a car this price have an electrically heated front windscreen which comes as standard on a Mondeo!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th November, 2002

11th Jan 2003, 08:22

I have one of these, and I get 45mpg round town and 55-58 on a run.

Boot and passenger space are as good as an A4 or C-class in my opinion. If you need space for the family, get a 5-Series.

I agree that BMW are not cheap - but I think they are good value for money when you consider all the little extras they have that Ford/Vauxhall/Puggy don't give you.

I find that the climate control clears the windows fine. It's just that when you switch it off they mist up badly within seconds. Ford's QuickClear windscreens are good at keeping the mist at bay - it's just a pity that you cannot see through the glass for all of the heating elements!

Overall, the 320d is an absolute corker - far better than any of it's competitors. Nothing else will give you the same performance and economy in the same package at any price level. If you're in the market for a motor like this - just go and buy one - you won't regret it.

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2002 BMW 3 Series 320td SE Compact 2.0 td 150bhp

Summary:

CRAP.. well to be fair before the breakdown I thought it was great..

Faults:

The turbo and Cat blew at 4 months and 11,000 miles.

Spent 1.5 hours on M25 waiting to be picked up by BMW 3 days later still no car.

General Comments:

I am goint to test drive a is200 lexus this weekend.

I need a reliable car!!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 12th July, 2002

29th Jul 2002, 23:51

U should think bout getting a petrol 3-series and you'll fall in love with it, I don't know much bout the Diesel, but I own a 1996 BMW 328i with round 20000Ms on it and I didn't have many problems, sweet car.

13th Feb 2003, 08:43

1.5 hours waiting is not that long, what do you expect? that there is a tow truck driving behind you all the time?

Good luck to you, trying to find a Lexus Diesel.