2001 BMW 3 Series 328i 2.8 petrol

Summary:

Like a mistress: pretty but high maintenance

Faults:

We have owned 3 other BMW's, and it is always the same story: after 50,000 miles, pretty much EVERYTHING starts failing. Yes, the basic motor and transmission will go 200,000 miles... but everything else -- the electrical system, the sunroof, the struts, the radiator, the electric window lifts -- will fail between 50,000 and 100,000 miles. You will hear lots of glowing reports about the 3-series, both here, and in the trade magazines. Be forewarned: the folks who "love" BMW's usually don't have to PAY for them!

General Comments:

If you want handling AND affordability, buy a Lexus.

Lovely interior and brilliant seats.

Excellent handling.

Horribly expensive to own and maintain.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No

Review Date: 5th March, 2011

20th May 2011, 01:02

I couldn't agree more. Bimmers are the most overhyped, overrated, overpriced cars on the road. Perhaps it's a German thing; there are not too many German cars that are not very expensive maintenance nightmares. The technology is just not as great as claimed.

I have had 3 sets of front brake pads, 2 rear, 2 rotors, all 4 window regulators broken multiple times, broken rear coil springs, idler and tensioner pulley bearing failures, leaking shocks and struts, water pump, heater valve, AC problems, broken interior and exterior trim pieces, headlight lens leaks and frosting over, poor fuel mileage, failed $250 key fobs, emblems that lose the finish paint on it.

All this with less than 65,000 miles.

I already see that the cooling system problems (water pump, overflow tank, thermostat housing, hose inlet/outlet are next due to crappy plastic parts). I'm going to cut my losses and get rid of it before I'm broke and have a junk heap on my hands.

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2001 BMW 3 Series 325i 2.5

Summary:

Best compact car in the world!

Faults:

Sun roof headliner sometimes gets stuck back when opening sunroof. A manufacturer design fault.

General Comments:

Best car I have ever owned, and this is no. 19.

Handles brilliantly, suspension is not too hard or soft, BMW seriously got it right this time!

The standard wheels with low profile tires help the BMW hug the road when cornering at speed.

The standard leather interior looks brand new, even after 65000 miles.

The seats are super comfortable, and it seems that the whole interior fits the driver like a glove.

Engine has a lot of torque for a 2.5 and really pulls when accelerating, especially on the freeway.

The overall design of the car is awesome, there are not many cars out there these days that really are good looking, most cars just look like plastic pieces of...

The doors make a nice clean thump, when closed. You really feel like your in a safe car when you open the doors and get in.

Biggest complaints, which are pretty minor, are that the stereo is fairly plain compared with other brands, and the sunroof issues.

Basically I have owned 19 cars in the last 10 years and this car really stands out as being the best! Build quality, looks, performance, economy, it just beats every other car in its class. No wonder it was a Consumer Report top 10 car every year made.

Well done BMW!!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th May, 2009

27th May 2009, 17:57

Yes, the E46 generation of 3 series is really a delight and one of the best (if not the best) BMW ever made.

Drives very well, solidly built and quite reliable (though every car will have its foibles, regardless of make).

What a shame they replaced it with the E90 3 series, which is plug ugly even after its facelift and has a cheaper looking and feeling interior, even though it still maintains the BMW driving feel.

29th Aug 2013, 17:03

Couldn't agree with you more. I've had mine for a few months now and it's a joy to drive. Every time I look at it, I can't believe I own it!

I changed the tranny oil myself, even though BMW say it's a lifetime thing. Rubbish! Changes through the gears more smoothly now. Also replaced the fuel filter and rear diff oil.

Drove it on vacation recently for over 2000kms without any problems whatsoever. It's a tank and built to be driven hard. I'm not sure I'd ever sell it... Well... maybe for a 5 Series. I'm a big guy so that might suit me better. We'll see.