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 ... Read review
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: 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
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
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Advantages: STYLING, IMAGE, BUILD QUALITY, ATTENTION TO DETAIL Disadvantages: LACK OF SPACE, EXPENSIVE SPARES/SERVICING
...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, ... ...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 ... more
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!
Advantages: Fast, Safe, Practical, Well built Disadvantages: Fuel Economy, Servicing costs, Worry!
...their best. I own a BMW 325ci 03 plate on around 50k. It has the 2.5 straight 6 cylinder engine, and has the "M-sport" exterior package, which in my opinion, makes the car particularly the 18" alloys. Its surprising how few cars have this exterior package option, and it really makes the car stand out from all the (unfortunately) other 3 series BMW's out there. The car itself is fantastic. The engine pulls hard, and the automatic "steptronic" box ... ...visually stunning and amazing to drive car, you could do far worse than a BMW 325ci. Add in the fact that its practical (to convince the mrs, thats if she wasnt convinced by the looks!) and its a car that surprises in many ways and is always enjoyable to drive. ...
BradleyBrittan 20.07.2009
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 325i
Advantages: smooth powerful engine, refinement Disadvantages: handeling in the wet, cramped rear seats
...the redline.
COSTS
Genuine BMW parts can be pricey but with companys like Eurocarparts and German and Swedish parts can be affordable. Can happily average 30mpg and above but i have got into the low teens with spirited driving. Can be a bit of bargain i paid £300 at an auction and they don't seem to go much above £800 these days.
RELIABILITY
Very depndable in the time i had it never once did it let me down i once read of a texas bank who had ... ...think best shows how well they are made. When they do go wrong there easy to work on.
DRIVING
Very comfortable on long journeys thanks to absorbant suspension and unstressed engine. Has great overtaking ability thanks to the big torque the engine has. Steering gives decent feedback at speed and power steering makes it very easy on the arms low speeds. Brakes are good in normal use with effective ABS for a car of this age. Althogh brake fade can ...
brambridge 04.01.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 325i
Advantages: Fantastic build quality and driveability Disadvantages: I'm still looking for one!
Ok, I've just moved from a Ford so I'm bound to be impressed with a BM! To some extent, getting into the 325 is a bit of a trip back in time. The modern sweeping lines of my Ford Focus have given way to a much more conventional and germanic design but having said that, the interior of the 325i is clean, well laid-out and unfussy. It has a kind of heavy feel - solid and classy. Mine is an auto model, and they really have that down to a fine art now. ...
Tipps 29.01.2005
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of BMW 325i
Advantages: Fair price, electric roof, leather interior, CD player and, of course 'blindingly rapid'. Disadvantages: Quite expensive parts, can tend to guzzle petrol depending on the speed.
Two years ago my brother was serching for a car which had class, good looks, gave a good performance, a soft-top and space for his golf clubs. He found a mattalic purple BMW325i convertable which gave him everything above. The only thing it didn't give him was the good performance - instead it's performance was excellent.
The soft-top folded back itself - what would you expect? The car came with black leather interior, a CD player, alloy wheels, a standard BMW alarm system and lots more.
Insurance can obviously be high for a quality motor as with the BMW325i. If anyone was going to buy this car my advice to them would be that:
*BMW parts can be expensive, although replica parts are available at a fraction of the cost.
*It may be necessary to buy a wind-breaker, (which breaks the sometimes violent wind when the roof is down ...
tom13 03.05.2001
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 318i
Advantages: powerful, good build quality, reliable Disadvantages: thirsty. expensive servicing
Having been looking for a bmw coupe for several months and test driving various models i bought a 325 the car drives superb as well as looking great. It has all the buttons and gadgets you could possibly need.
having test driven the 316, 318, and 320 there was just no comparisson between them the 325 just blows them out of the water the cars appear to be flawless and if well looked after i have been informed can easily reach 200000 miles so dont be put off by high milage cars. My car has done just shy of 100000 but i had a drive in one that had done 47000 and even with the mileage i couldnt tell the difference.
as with everything there has to be a couple of downfalls. they are thirsty dont believe what the book tells you there is no chance of you getting 40mpg out of one of these closer to 30 if you drive sensibly also ...
jamsieboi 04.02.2006
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: helpful Review of BMW 325i Coupé
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!))
this 1984 bmw e-30 323i has been in my tlc for 6 and a half years,has 147,000 miles on the clock (engine was blueprinted at 115,000),this car,for me anyway,is as quick as you need-capable of 135mph+ (proven!),handling is typical bmw (arse flys out if you give it sh*tloads),0-60 in 8.3 secs (std)-compared to the 325i(8.9 secs),this model was only bought in in low numbers so 2-doors are now beginning to get rare (check for rust in the rear panels,arches made of filler,etc).the engines are vertually indestructable,same with g/boxes,check the feeling in the gear selector,if theres play,walk away (it can cost upto 500 quid to get the nylons replaced),check the interior for any twisting in the seats (common),check in bootwells for water,if possible,check around the bulkhead (i found a large hole in mine caused by a blocked rain gutter rubber ...
piofar 13.10.2002
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Ciao members have rated this car review on average: somewhat helpful Review of BMW 323i
