2000 BMW 3 Series 323i review from Indonesia
"Indeed an ultimate driving machine"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Worn & leaking front shock breakers at 45K km.
A/C final stage resistor refused to work in the middle of a hot summer day.
Three doors except driver's side will leak if it rains. This is due to the poor sealing between door frame and the vapor gasket. Sealing was re-applied, but they still leak.
Passenger-side front window had its regulator replaced.
Every thing's fine now except for that door leakage.
Some interior grey and black trims are peeling for no reason and I've seen this on ALL E46 3-series I was considering prior to purchasing mine.
General comments?
A very powerful and superb-handling car compared to my previous ride. The pick-up is noticeable and very swift; ride is firm without being harsh, before I changed my wheels to 19" anyway. Controls are logically positioned.
Steptronic really changed my perceptions against auto-transmission. I wouldn't think of getting my next car without one.
Front seats are very supportive and provide just enough manual adjustments. Leather on the driver's side bolsters has shown some wear, but this is common.
Fuel economy is not a strong point and amidst Jakarta traffic, it will only get 7 km / liter.
Rear space is limited, especially the headroom. Then again, I do the driving so I'm not too concerned over this.
If you want to enjoy low depreciation, lower maintenance cost, and magic-carpet ride, go for a Benz sedan.
However, if you are simply interested in driving pleasure, get the BMW instead.
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Well behaving but over-rated heavy car | |
  | 1999 - 3 Series 318i 1.9 SOHC 8v A very dynamic and involving car to drive |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 2000 |
| First year of ownership | 2005 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2005 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.5 liter petrol Semi-Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9/10 |
| Reliability marks | 8/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | 1/10 |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 6/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 39000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 51000 kilometres |
| Previous car | Mercedes-Benz C-Class |
| Date of Entry | 16th December, 2005 |