2002 BMW 3 Series 318 Compact 2.0 cc petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

A wee gem!

Faults:

52,000 km A spark plug coil failed and was replaced under warranty by BMW even though the car was imported used from Japan.

General Comments:

This car is an excellent compact car. It handles and accelerates very well for a small engine. In fact it seems quicker than my BMW 2.5L 323i I previously owned. Fantastic Auto transmission. Corners like its on rails on Pirelli tyres. Instruments and ergonomics are perfect. Love the auto wipers and headlights. A beautifully built car and a pleasure to own. Highly recommended.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 8th November, 2005

2002 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2.0 petrol from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Practical, fun and stylish

Faults:

Left hand seat airbag harness faulty and replaced on the third attempt.

General Comments:

Superb handling, sweet engine.

A little underpowered.

Nice finish, sporty feel.

A little cramped in the back.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th May, 2005

2002 BMW 3 Series Ci 3.0 from UK and Ireland

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 325XI 2.5L from North America

Summary:

A very well balanced car in terms of handling, power and comfort

Faults:

Brake sensors replaced at 21,000.

Turn signal socket corroded, replaced at 27,000.

Door speaker grille trim rings crack easily.

General Comments:

Great handling, decent power, and a very comfortable car. Aside from the minor problems above the vehicle has been great. The AWD/traction control/ABS works superb in the worst of weather. (Snow and rain)

A very well balanced car in terms of handling, power and comfort.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd June, 2004

30th Sep 2006, 18:08

I have a 2002 325xi too. It has the same problem with the speaker ring breaking, but it's not a big problem. The rest of the car is totally perfect; cutting the corner really well on a 50m diameter curve, I turned at 105km/h and awaited the spin like crazy, but no problem! Still says I'm a BIMMER and not a 'made in china' toy. Get one and see what you get...

2002 BMW 3 Series 318i 2.0L 4 Cycl 5sp SA from Australia and New Zealand

Summary:

Very smooth engine

Faults:

The rear bumper is a bit loose near the wheel arch. However, this is apparently common in some 3 series.

General Comments:

The engine is as smooth as silk.

The cabin is very well screwed together.

Insulation is incredible - you can hardly hear any road noise.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 27th May, 2004

2002 BMW 3 Series 330CiC 3 L I6 from North America

Summary:

The most fun for the money, even at $45K

Faults:

CD player skipping, replaced.

Windows rattling, replaced seals.

Transmission popping out of 2nd gear, replaced it.

Convertible top alignment redone.

Belt tensioner replaced with hydraulic.

Fuel gauge sensor replaced.

General Comments:

Very precise driver, fast, tight, fun and easy to keep. Despite above problems, very reliable. Perfect fit and finish.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th March, 2004

2002 BMW 3 Series 330 xi Touring 3.0L petrol from Switzerland

Summary:

BMW and 4WD - It works!

Faults:

Instrument-Panel replaced under warranty at KM 60,000 (consumption-meter made noises).

General Comments:

I have had this car now for almost two years and think, it's about time to write a little survey.

Basically, the car runs very well, gives no trouble... so I'm quite happy.

There has been a replacement-call from BMW for some suspension issues (xi = all wheel drive) and the other issue - the instrument panel - both were replaced under warranty.

One little point is its oil consumption. The 328CI I had before would almost run dry - I never had to fill-up oil with the 328i. With the 330xi, oil-consumption is a bit higher - about 0.5 to 1 liter on 10,000 KM.

What's really annoying: I wouldn't need a calendar with this car. Every year about October the steering wheel starts making noises... My dealer has always fixed it in past - and he will do in future, too. But this really is a quality issue which angers me a bit with a CHF 80,000.-- car...

Petrol consumption is OK (9.5 to 11l / 100KM) considering it's a 4WD car that's heavy (1600Kg).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th November, 2003