Agile, powerful and refined, the BMW 3 Series Coupe is an irresistible blend of pure excitement and sophisticated technology. Its powerful engine and superbly balanced chassis deliver a driving experience that will make any other on the road car seem small and insignificant. The main reason why I bought this car was because I wanted something that would be reliable. Something that would last, and that I could pass on to future generations of my family.
I drove all 6 versions of the 3 Series coupe (318Ci, 320Ci, 320Cd, 325Ci, 330Ci, 330Cd) The 330Ci seemed to me to be the best buy because of its reliability, smooth ride, handling and
pure power. Second to the 330Ci were the 318Ci and then the 325Ci.
Ok, admittedly I have only had this car for a year, but so far I have found no problems, and the car just seems to be getting better. When I first bought the car (Mine is a 330Ci convertible with M3 body styling) there was a small rattle in the front left hand corner (where the roof meets the window) and like all rattles, it really annoyed me. But as I have driven the car further and faster, the rattle has gone, and the car has become much more smooth.
Reliability: With age this car has become more reliable, even though mine is only a year old there is the whole BMW history behind it. From the first 3series until now, these cars have always been reliable, mainly because they are built and engineered in Germany. With this history behind them, it makes the 3Series one of the most reliable cars I have owned (and others will most definitely agree.
Comfort: Ok, this car isn’t the largest in the world. The entire length is 4.48metres, and the width is only 1.75metres. There is plenty of space in the front, but really, I cannot fit into the back of the car comfortably (and I am 5ft 8"). If you want space then get a 4 dour 3Series. In the front, the two seats can be heated (optional) and they can massage (also optional). The cabin has been designed around these two front seats, which means that in whatever position you sit in the front you will be able to relax. The back however, consists of a small bench that really, is designed to take two very small people (Only MINIME would be able to sit in comfort).
Handling: Probably the best car for handling that I have driven in a while. This is due to the fact that it has an incredibly short wheel base, 4.48metres. This car can easily turn around in an area smaller than 15 square metres. In dry conditions this car doesn’t loose grip, it is seemingly endless to a point that it gains grip. However, in wet conditions the back end does spin out a small amount, enough for the ASC (anti-skid control) to contemplate helping you. In all honesty however, this car does not lose control unless you drive like Michael Schumacher down a small country lane in icy conditions (you need your head checked if you do this).
Performance: Erm, having a 3litre engine that produces 231BHP should really tell you everything that you need to know. But I'll give you some more information. This car is limited, so it will only reach 155mph, but if you want more, then delimit it. It's acceleration from 0-60mph (0-100km/h) = 6.5 seconds. Acceleration from 80-120 km/h in 4th/5th 6.9/9.1 seconds. Pretty damn quick, not Maclaren or Bentley quick, but faster than most things on the road!! It produces 30cw in drag (but this fact is only really important for car buffs and people who would want to race their beloved BMW, LIKE ME!)
Servicing: Always quick and reliable, and it is, in the long run, a lot cheaper than keeping my old MG's running! Also, on the odd occasion that the car does need servicing, you get a brand new BMW whilst you’re waiting, brilliant!
Insurance: Look away now if you have a hear condition, but the car will cost on average about £1000 a year. However if you have not been a silly person and crashed in say the last 25 years, and even better at all, you can knock this insurance down to about £300, depending on your company. And don’t try and insure anyone under the age of 21 on this car, unless you've just won the lottery, it is very very very expensive.
In conclusion I am happy with this car, even though it is worth £40,000+ brand new; every single penny that is spent on it is worth it. From day one this car has provided me with something new everyday. I found out something else about this car that just keeps the excitement going. And as to my original plan of handing it down to my family members? Not anymore, I'm going to be buried in it (I'm not being serious). That is how much I love this car. If everyone in the world could have this car then everyone would be extremely happy (apart from the fact that the 330Ci would be so common, you'd want to drive a Nissan Sunny, or a Cortina). Right, hopefully this review has helped you, because I'm not going to write this all again.
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: 140, 143 mph - 163, 177 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
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: 130 mph - 143 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: 137 mph - 150, 170 bhp - Petrol - Available Trims: ES, SE, Sport, M Sport
there u go pesky33, taken them out, read it and weep
pesky33 15.02.2005 16:13
why not edit the jargon out in the review? it would make more sense then
mj0541 15.02.2005 15:31
sorry about some computer jargin in this review. For some reason links have been added that do not work, and i didnt add any links!!!! sorry people. Just skip the jargin and the review is normal!!! once again sorry
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