Also known as the E46, this model is both powerful and stylish. Recently replaced by the new style but if you can pick one up second hand then you're well in. In my opinion this older design looks much nicer. The new 3 Series looks a little lower, but has a visible arial (and probably bluetooth/sat receiver) like a dorsal fin stuck on the top, i'm sure theres more important things, like the built in navigation system but i havent gotten around to driving it yet. With the usual BMW quality the petrol engines in this saloon (16V, 6cylinder, 2.5 litre) are made to last. So you needn't worry about buying one with over 100k on the clock. I get about 30mpg average, driving about 3miles to work and back every day and the odd 300mile trip up to yorkshire every month or so. I think 30mpg is great economy considering the weight of this car. Tank holds something like 60litres (costs me about 50 pounds to fill up from nearly empty with grade 97 fuel)
All in all a great car, comfortable and sleek with plenty of room for upgrades (if it takes your fancy PiperX now develop an induction kit for this model).
An unmodified 323i outputs i think 192BHP, a new 325 is said to break 218bhp, and a new 330 outing @ 258BHP if my memory serves me. Stated price for the new 325 is £25160 and the 330 £28460. (Taken from www.bmw.co.uk on 09/06/05 - THESE PRICES MAY CHANGE)
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 137 mph - 150, 170 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 140, 143 mph - 163, 177 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
BMW 3 Series - Saloon - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Manual, 6 Speed Automatic - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 130 mph - 143 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: M Sport, Sport, SE, ES
BMW 1 Series - Hatchback - Rear (RWD) - 6 Speed Automatic, 6 Speed Manual - 1995 cc - Max Speed: 127 mph - 122 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: M Sport, Sport, SE, ES
Compare Car Insurance Quotes at Quotezone? Our quote technology compares quotes from leading car insurance companies and brokers in real time, so you only have to Fill in One Form to Compare lots of reputable Insurers!
Advantages: power(from 1984-150bhp std),looks(classic),brilliant fanny magnet! Disadvantages: rarety,especially the 2-doors (i have one,but ive only ever seen one other in henna red and that was on the m42 in 1996!))
piofar 13.10.2002 ·
Read review
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful
Review of BMW 323i
helpful by (100%):
