2002 BMW 3 Series 318i 2.0 from UK and Ireland

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 330 ci convertible 3 liter 6 cylinder from North America

Summary:

A beautiful automobile that is living up to my expectations in every way

Faults:

Absolutely nothing so far.

General Comments:

This is my fourth BMW. I highly recommend these cars. I have had a 1969 2002, a 325i, a 328is, and now the 330. They have all be terrific vehicles and highly reliable. BMW provides maintenance for the first few years of ownership, so that cuts the operating costs significantly. I usually keep my cars for seven or eight years, and I perform more frequent oil changes than is now suggested by BMW. I think it pays off in the long term. I am looking forward to driving this car for a long time. Incidentally, I went through the European delivery program available at any BMW dealer and I highly recommend due to the cost savings.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th March, 2003

2002 BMW 3 Series 330i from North America

Summary:

The car that sets the gold standard and gets a 5-star rating

Faults:

The weatherstripping loosened on the drivers window and needed to be reset.

General Comments:

The cars' performance is as good as it its' looks. Gas mileage is great. Total out of pocket cost for one year: $0.

The specs of the 3 liter engine seem underpowered in comparison to the specs of it's competitors. That is, until you step on the gas. Smooth and fast power delivery up to red-line. Competitors who put engines in their cars a.5 liter bigger can't outrun and out-perform it.

Fit and finish as impeccable. The paint job is first rate. Front seat room is great. Back seat room is okay. Fits 4 adults. Trunk room is okay.

The sports suspension is a bit busy compared to the regular suspension.

The sport seats are more comfortable than the regular seats.

The AM radio could be better. The H/K upgrade makes a difference. The FM radio and CD player are first rate.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2003

2002 BMW 3 Series 320d SE turbo diesel from UK and Ireland

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.