BMW 325i Sport

Author's Car rating:   

Safety	Excellent
Comfort	Satisfactory
Customer service	Good
Security	Excellent
Looks	Excellent

Advantages:	STYLING, IMAGE, BUILD QUALITY, ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Disadvantages:	LACK OF SPACE, EXPENSIVE SPARES/SERVICING

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full car review

Last year, I replaced my 1999 BMW 323iSE saloon with a 2002 BMW 325i Sport. The 323iSE was a very impressive car, and my first from the marque. It gave me several thousand miles of problem free motoring. It was also surprisingly economical for a 2.5 litre straight 6 cylinder, generally returning an average of 31 miles per gallon. However, the mileage was getting a little high (80,000 miles in 3 years), so I looked again to BMW for its replacement. Originally, I was looking for a 330i, and it was in pursuit of just such a car that I found myself at a local franchise dealer. However, the 2000 330i I had intended to see there had not been prepared, and I was understandably disappointed. It was at this point that the salesman mentioned a low mileage 2002 BMW 325i Sport that he had in stock. Obviously as the car was newer, with a much lower mileage, it was more expensive than their 330i. However, the advantages over the 330i were many - a longer warranty, higher resale value and of course, as it was a 2002 model, it was the later face-lifted car. It also looked gorgeous with its Topaz blue metallic paintwork and high-gloss trim. After a test drive (where the salesman ably demonstrated its performance and extreme handling capabilities), I was sold!

As you can tell, I am very happy with my purchase! The specification is excellent and features air conditioning with climate control, leather upholstery, six airbags, an automatic gearbox with manual sports mode and all the other luxuries that are so easy to take for granted (cruise control, electric windows/mirrors, 6 disc CD player, on board computer, remote central locking, PAS, ABS - the list is endless). The car is visually arresting, kitted out with a sports body kit, lowered suspension and 18 inch M Sport alloys (all original equipment items). The look is very purposeful!

The car also has a combined traction control and stability programme, to keep you out of trouble. The system is a step up from the standard traction control (which merely prevents wheel spin) as it is linked to the ABS system. As a result, it can sense precisely which wheel is losing traction, and apply a braking force to it. It certainly inspires confidence! As the salesman demonstrated, it's exceptionally difficult to push this car beyond its limits.

The interior is very inviting, finished in beige leather, with contrasting black 'alucube' trim. It features front sport seats with adjustable thigh support and large side bolsters that keep you firmly in your place. The interior itself is very well built with a quality feel to all the switches and buttons. Safety items include a reach/rake adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable seat belts, six airbags and autodimming rear view mirror - there is even a fire extinguisher and comprehensive first aid kit. The car features remote central locking (which can actually be 'programmed' with your preferred settings temperature and radio stations) with alarm and immobiliser. The boot can be opened from the keyfob, as can all the windows (these can be closed too!).

What about the driving experience? Well, the engine is the same size as the one found in the old 323i (2.5 litre), but in a slightly higher state of tune (193bhp versus 170bhp). It is very well mated to the 5 speed automatic gearbox. The gearing is quite long, and in manual mode (where it will run to the redline if no shift is made), the change from first gear to second occurs at 40mph. Second to third gear occurs at 70mph... The handling is excellent, a result of the firm sports suspension and low ride hight, coupled with the marvellous stability programme. However, on the rough UK roads, it can be a bit uncomfortable at times, and (in comparison with the 323i which sat on 16 inch rims) there is quite a bit of tyre noise on motorways. However, as with most sports cars, there is always some trade off between fine handling and comfort... The car is very quick and pulls like a train. The theoretical top speed is 149mph, though a trip to the Autobahns of Germany would be needed to prove this! The engine sounds absolutely gorgeous too - who needs a CD player??

Sadly, as with all things, there are a few disadvantages. There is a distinct lack of cabin space in the rear (a result of the rear wheel drive layout) - really, the 3 Series should only be used as an occasional 5 seater. The main dealer servicing is expensive, especially when compared with more mainstream brands. That said, it is also fairly infrequent - my car has just been in to the garage for an oil change (first visit in 13500 miles - it cost £220), and now it is good for another 15500 miles. Finally, in comparison with my manual 323i, this automatic 325i is quite thirsty. In fact, it is most economical on motorways, where it will return a steady 35mpg. Around town, it is a far more sobering 24mpg. Having said that, come trade in time, a six cylinder 3 series with an automatic gearbox can command considerably more than a manual counterpart - as they say, you pay your money and take your choice!