BMW 3-series (2010 and older) Luxury
BMW 3-series (2010 and older) Luxury
[Jul 27, 2000]
Tim
Model Reviewed:
, 330i
Strength:
Power, Handling, Quality, Style - You can have it all.
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. Similar Products Used: Considered Audi A4/S4/TT, Saab Viggen, Corvette, Porsche Boxter, BMW 528. |
[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. |
[Jul 18, 2000]
Dan
Model Reviewed:
BMW 323ci
Strength:
Looks, Handling, Interior finish, Every concievable detail given true german fine-tuning
Weakness:
Can't stand to see it the least bit dirty, Cleaning the wheels is a hobby now. 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 |
[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 |
[Jul 07, 2000]
Matthew
Model Reviewed:
328i
Strength:
This car is undoubtedly attractive and stylish...
Weakness:
So painfully generic in any metro area, especially when you work in the financial district... 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 |
[Jun 24, 2000]
Troy Jeup
Model Reviewed:
328ci
Strength:
- Styling is top in class
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. Similar Products Used: - Lexus IS200 & Mercedes C230, they dont even come close to it! |
[Jun 25, 2000]
Dave
Model Reviewed:
323i
Strength:
- Perfection of Style
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 |
[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! |
[Jun 22, 2000]
John Chang
Model Reviewed:
328Ci
Strength:
Chick magnet (not so good when you have a jealous girlfriend or wife).
Weakness:
On a hot summer day with the A/C max'ed out, it didn't quite have the mmmph. I am totally in love! This car has everything I ever want . . . and more. Similar Products Used: Audi S4 |
[Jun 23, 2000]
Hugh Forrest
Model Reviewed:
325i coupe
Strength:
Everything, can't really fault this car :)
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 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. Similar Products Used: I had a VX Cavalier 2.0i SRi it did 135mph honest officer i'm joking lol |