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 151-160 of 212  
[Jul 27, 2000]
Tim
Model Reviewed: , 330i

Strength:

Power, Handling, Quality, Style - You can have it all.
You can also now get the utility of a 4-door sedan and not sacrifice one-bit on sports-car performance.

Weakness:

None of this comes cheap - BMW has always commanded a premium over their competitors. If your willing to settle for a bit less than this car offers, there are very good alternatives out there for significantly less money. But, if you want the ultimate, this car is worth every penny.

I couldn't find any other manufacturer that had a car that was even in the same class as the BMW. Certainly, there was nothing that provided this kind of blend of performance, style, quality, and even utility. BMW has suceeded in producing a 4-door sedan that is a true Sports Car - there are others that come close - but none actually completely succeed.

The performance is stellar. The engine provides tremendous power off the line and also at high speeds, I just can't find a dead spot anywhere on this engine. This is an engine that provides "muscle-car" exhiliration while providing the unmatched smoothness that only can be found on a BMW in-line six.

But it's about more than power! This car sticks to the road like it was glued down. It remains balanced, predictable, and composed no matter what you tell it to do. It's impossible when you're driving this car to believe that it weighs over 3,300 pounds. It feels more like a light two-seater than a fairly heavy compact sedan. I've driven much smaller cars that don't feel this light and agile.

Looks and quality! This car is beautiful. The exterior lines are extremely sporty but fluid and attractive. Interior appointments are extremely driver oriented, but suitably comfortable also. Everything is in the right place. Nothing feels cheap or flimsy. The interior is perfectly executed. The car just screams QUALITY. I've never seen a higher level of fit and finish. It does not have a huge back-seat, but it's more than adequate for most people.

This is simply the best car I've ever owned or driven.

Similar Products Used:

Considered Audi A4/S4/TT, Saab Viggen, Corvette, Porsche Boxter, BMW 528.

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 25, 2000]
corydon
Model Reviewed: 323is

Strength:

Fantastic responsiveness on any type of road. Intuitive guages except for positioning of the window levers. So much fun to drive I am spending a fortune on gas. Love the profile of the coupe. The engineers reward drivers, ignore passengers. Leather seats are okay. Premium sound system only adequate.My first BMW. Not my last.

Weakness:

Needs 17" tires.Shifting from 2nd to 3rd around town is a waste of time. 5th gear does not supply the accl. below 70. Wish they would change the speed limits to enjoy what this car can offer.Trunk is miniscule.

Overall no real complaints. Wish the stereotypes about BMW owners were not something I had to deal with.Like the M3 touches on the IS. Paid 27K, worth more.If you want to feel the road, buy this car. If you want to wallow in luxury, look elsewhere.

Similar Products Used:

96 Acura 3.5 TL No comparison. TL is a freighter. BMW is a bullet.Test drove an Audi A4 1.8 Turbo. Same price BMW much better experience.

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
4
[Jul 18, 2000]
Dan
Model Reviewed: BMW 323ci

Strength:

Looks, Handling, Interior finish, Every concievable detail given true german fine-tuning
Smoothest engine this side of an RX-7 Wankel

Weakness:

Can't stand to see it the least bit dirty, Cleaning the wheels is a hobby now.
Telephone prewiring ticks me off because the phone is ridiculously expensive, It has an antenna and buttons on the steering wheel for nothing. That's about it

I bought this car in Germany, paid no taxes and had it shipped for free. Flaming red, 5 speed, black interior, wood trim, moonroof and sport package all for just $26,625. I know not everyone will get it for near that price but it's a long story. Bottom line, I love it. Handles like a friggin Mclaren, refined interior, awesome brakes and superbly engineered. It is NOT a muscle car. It has enough ponies to make it fun, and if you drive well, you can take any other 6cyl off the line. The 328ci cost $5K more and you only get 25hp and bigger brakes? Not worth it. It drives the same at 30mph as it does at 100mph. I didn't finish the break-in before I had to leave germany or I would have found 128 to be just as smooth. Highway speeds are almost undefineable, 5th gear roll-on is very swift, I have "accidentally" reached 95 a few times while passing. I ordered the mudguards from BMW to protect the paint and installed them myself, they really don't look half bad. Also tinted all windows with Formula1 35% premium film, BIG difference in glare and AC efficiency(this is Tucson). Had to replace the battery the first week I had the car, I think this is due to the rush delivery I asked for, I think the car was sitting for very long time in Munich. The sunroof headliner fell off the track at about 2100 miles, the dealer will replace the brackets with an improved set, I guess this is a common problem. The only other complaint I have (albeit a short list) is with the electronic throttle. There is a slight hesitation when closing the throttle, which led to some rough shifts until I got used to it. Knowing our german friends, this is probably by design for one reason or another but I still don't like it. If you want a car that drives better than anything that costs less than a house, this is it. If you buy, get the sport package at a minimum. The ride height and wheel size really make it a different animal, and you never have to buy wheels or springs, ever. If you get it in red, be prepared to turn some heads, especially those heads wearing police hats, it just looks like you are speeding with those 17" wagon wheels spinning away. 5 stars!

Similar Products Used:

1988 BMW 320i

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jul 13, 2000]
James

Strength:

Cornering, Relaibility

Weakness:

Acceleration, Tight quarters

This was my wife's 325 (95'). It was a very nice sport coupe! Does not have the acceleration like the 328 we test drove. But the cornering was great. Would like more power for the kind of price BMW charges. Competition has been making quicker cars. Haven't drove the lastest 330 yet.

Similar Products Used:

None

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jul 07, 2000]
Matthew
Model Reviewed: 328i

Strength:

This car is undoubtedly attractive and stylish...
About as quick as you'll ever need...
Awesome handling....

Weakness:

So painfully generic in any metro area, especially when you work in the financial district...
You might not be able to put a price on the driving experience but this car is pricey for what you get in terms of on-paper options, etc.....

I ended up not buying the 3-series and opted for a one year used Saab 9-5 SE. The 328 was faster and handled better but I just got a whole lot more for the price on the Saab. Besides, not too offend anyone who owns a BMW because I totally understand why people love driving them (in terms of handling and feel), the 3-series has too much yuppie baggage attached to it. In Chicago, every garage near Jackson and LaSalle is filled to the brim with 328's.

Similar Products Used:

1995 M3, Audi A4, Audi S4, Saab 9-3 Viggen

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
3
[Jun 24, 2000]
Troy Jeup
Model Reviewed: 328ci

Strength:

- Styling is top in class
- interior is very roomy
- sound system is high quality
- (option) Navigation System is very handy
- acceleration is excellent

Weakness:

- price 40K loaded

as I said I paid 40K, but it was well worth it. It drives just as good as my M5 (except speed). It totally blows away the IS200 & C230. This car is a one-of-a-kind.
If you want a thrill when you are driving the 328ci is the way to go. Of all my BMW's this is the most exciting.

Similar Products Used:

- Lexus IS200 & Mercedes C230, they dont even come close to it!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jun 25, 2000]
Dave
Model Reviewed: 323i

Strength:

- Perfection of Style
- Comfort of the vehicle
- roomy interior
- powerful 170Hp V-6
- high quality stero system
- very good looking interior lights
- execllent turns
- transmission shift (OH! THAT's JUST BEAUTIFUL)
- extremely good headlights (though tends to blind the other drivers)
- Everything

Weakness:

-nothing

Paid 32,000 for base model with cd changer in the trunk and I'd pay that much again and again for any BMWs. Recommended to all the people out there who enjoys a smooth and comforting ride with a soild feel and perfected...everything. Very..VERY nice car.

Similar Products Used:

- 2000 BMW 528i
- 1998 Cadillac Devile

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jun 21, 2000]
Francis
Model Reviewed: 323Ci

Strength:

This car can pick up speed so quickly! For the time I've had it never failed me yet when over taking a car infront of me. Love the looks and the style and of course the POWER.

Weakness:

It's not an M3!

I'd have to recommend a radar detector cause this car can pick up speed in a heartbeat. It is a pretty expensive car with option I got (premium and spor package, HK stereo system w/ CD, and xenon head lights). Around 35K. But it's hella worth it. LOVE THIS CAR! Atleast so far!

Similar Products Used:

Well before this I had a Honda Civic and an Acura Intergra and I have to tell you there's nothing like the German ingenuity!

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jun 22, 2000]
John Chang
Model Reviewed: 328Ci

Strength:

Chick magnet (not so good when you have a jealous girlfriend or wife).
Sexy body equaled by no other sedan / coupe on earth.
Quick, responsive, and silky engine with wide power band.
Powerful brakes.
Steering is simply amazing.
Xenon light turns night into day.

Weakness:

On a hot summer day with the A/C max'ed out, it didn't quite have the mmmph.
Not so insurance friendly.
Brake dust city.
Always have to park at the furthest spot of the parking lot. The body is too beautiful to have dings in it.
Not too many guy friends (I live in the mid-west) understands why I would pay so much for an import when they can buy a Ford / Chevy truck or stang or something out of Detroit for 1/2 as much :)

I am totally in love! This car has everything I ever want . . . and more.

After I read a preview article on the new coupe, I ordered a silver (charcoal interrior) one with a stick and all the options except GPS. Picked up the car 3 month later and was immediately in love. The coupe has body curves and lines like no other. It's sexy yet conservative. With the Sport package, it's even a bit aggressive. My girlfriend hates it b/c it gets lots of attention.

The drive is like a dream. You are in constant communication with the road (so is your back if w/ Sport Pkg). Where ever you point, it goes without a squeek from the super-glue like tires. Stopping power is simply awesome. You don't have to worry about hitting the car in front of you. You've got to worry about the car behind you. The 2.8L engine doesn't deliver power like the muscle cars of Detroit, but it does deliver and deliver smoothly. Its inherent German performance is best appreciated on a smooth, long, curvy stretch of country hwy without speed traps or road signs.

ABS, traction ctrl, solid structure, and six airbags make me feel very safe. I did get into a hwy accident in an unexpected winter storm. Bent the hood, broke a light assembly, and not a scratch on the bumper. The hood and the light was all that needed replaced. The other cars needed lots more fixin'. absolute pleasure to drive.

I also like all the options you can order and play with. The HK stereo's speed sensitive self adjusting thang is a bit annoying, but liveable. Automatic rain sensor is great to have when you're too busy rubber-necking. Also the park distance control is really helpful when backing up.

All in all, its a great car to own. It's kind of pricy and there are other choices out there with less $$$, but you can't really match the ownership experience of a genuine BMW.

Similar Products Used:

Audi S4
MB CLK
Lesus IS200

OVERALL
RATING
5
VALUE
RATING
5
[Jun 23, 2000]
Hugh Forrest
Model Reviewed: 325i coupe

Strength:

Everything, can't really fault this car :)
the handling is just scare-the-knickers-aff the local lollipop woman ;)

Weakness:

The squeaky seat...and you have to appreciate that this car is a rear wheel drive so don't boot it off of round-abouts in the rain or you will face the wrong way :o
The fuel consumption is not bad not what I had expected from a car of this calibre

I paid £7500 for mine in april this year and yes I thourghly recommend it. It took me a while to find one at this price that was a 325i coupe black with clack leather interior but glad I have one now. Insurance for me is £550 fully comprehensive with living in a city and being 29 years old with full no claims discount...but in saying that I have been done for speeding now 94mph in a 70mph zone..but these be the breaks or lack of them at the time...ha ha ha :) the policeman did say he would have done the other guy I overtook at the time if there had been two of them but seeing as he was a biker and they don't like us beemer drivers seeing as they are getting rid of the BMW bikes in the UK cause BMW said they can supply a touring for the same price as a bike they are somewhat miffed I think....tuff I say.

Anyway if your young and have some dosh....buy one but be very careful you don't bump it....if your old then have some fun...it'll take you back to your youth and you might even let some people change their opinion about pensioner drivers...sorry but had to be said.

Finally to anyone who doesn't own a BMW...flash your lights to want by and hope to god that your right foot is made of lead....you will need it.

Thanks for listening
Shuggy 8)
take care

Similar Products Used:

I had a VX Cavalier 2.0i SRi it did 135mph honest officer i'm joking lol
well this BMW beats the ass off that hands down.
The local constabulary seem to appreciate my car no end....so to the polis (police) keep yer eyes aff and buy yir ain yin... :)

OVERALL
RATING
4
VALUE
RATING
5
Showing 151-160 of 212  

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