2002 BMW 3 Series 330i Straight 6

Summary:

Simply a great sporty and well built car

Faults:

Check engine light comes on for no reason that can be found, but goes back out. Had car checked, but no problem found.

General Comments:

Great HWY mpg, avg 31 - 33mpg, and very quick and smooth ride, and with today's gas prices, that's a good thing for such a sporty car.

Found the car to be roomy enough for me and comfortable all around, Sound system, radio and CD are all great, and plenty of truck space, and the keeper for me is, comes with full size spare on the proper / matching rim.

I purchased the car as used, but at 48000 miles, the car really had not been driven (for a 6+ year old car), below 10,000 a year. Clean and rides like new. Simply a great deal and car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th June, 2008

2002 BMW 3 Series 330i 3.0

Summary:

Finest car I have ever owned hands down

Faults:

Bought the car with 80000 miles and I replaced the control arms at 85000mi with Meyles and the expansion tank as preventative maintenance since they are known to fail every 40-50K miles. Also, needed to replace the clips in the sunroof shade. Other than preventative mx and the sunroof clips no additional service (besides scheduled) was required. I do all my own mx so saved a bundle on labor (although my local BMW dealership was very helpful when I had questions) and parts are very reasonable over the internet. A very easy vehicle to work on as well.

General Comments:

Finest car I have ever owned hands down. The combination of performance, sportiness and luxury are unequaled for the price. A blast to drive with the sport and premium package and very reliable to boot. Gas mileage was outstanding for an inline 6 with 225 HP - I got 32MPG at 75 on the hwy and between 21-24MPG around town. Only drawback was it performs best on premium although it will take regular gas. Only other input would be I think the stereo - I had the upgraded HK version - could sound better for the price point although its by no means terrible. Great car for the money.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 3rd October, 2007

2002 BMW 3 Series E46 2.5

Summary:

Very reliable car

Faults:

My thermostat had to be changed.

The brakes were worn out all the way at 118000.

General Comments:

It's a great and reliable car. Nothing has gone wrong with it besides the thermostat.

It gets very good gas mileage.

The car handles great, but I drive the 325i, which is rear wheel drive with 2.5 engine size. If you want more power and handling, I highly recommend the 328xi, which is all wheel drive with a 2.8 engine.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 21st January, 2007

2002 BMW 3 Series 330i Sport/Premium 3.0 In-line 6

Summary:

BEST CAR EVER! I'LL BE BUYING THE NEW 330i NEXT YEAR!

Faults:

The only thing that has gone wrong with the car is that the moon roof got stuck on closing once... not sure why. Luckily it was under the 100,000 mile warranty and they paid to have it repaired with no deductible! Other than that... Perfect!

General Comments:

The 330i Sport is nothing short of FREAKING AWESOME!

The handling is superb and woops other high performance cars that I've driven in the past that were "known" for their handling. Beats them hands down!

Great get up and go... I love smoking all those punks who think their V6 Mustang is something great. It does 0-60 right about 6 seconds flat. MotorTrend clocked it at 5.9!

Great gas mileage! I drove from Omaha, NE to Roseville, CA and averaged 31 mpg! That includes the Sierra Nevada Mts, and going against the wind most of the time!

Above all, the car just looks sexy. It's important to own a car you love... a car you've gotta name because it's so awesome. I LOVE IT! (His name's Jake by the way)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th March, 2006

11th Jul 2006, 23:52

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

You are absolutely right, IT is important to own a car that you truly love... otherwise you end up not caring about it... similar to a person.

I don't love my current ride, but still have fond memories of my last MB... :)

27th Feb 2007, 21:30

Yes, more people should buy the cars that they are passionate about instead of buying something crappy just because it is a "good deal." I know sooo many people who have done this and they ALWAYS wind up griping about how much they hate their car. I do not find myself walking around complaining about my BMW as I feel like it has looked after me so well.

2nd Sep 2009, 13:34

Yeah, these are not Hyundais... I drive American cars myself, but one should drive something nice, safe and reliable. I like cars to have a smooth ride, rather than tight handling because of all the interstate travel I do, and large GM cars fit that bill. However sometimes I wish for a little more sport with the smooth ride. What I wonder is how these beemers drive on rough road, can't have a bumpy riding car.

4th Sep 2009, 13:25

I've had a few BMWs, and they all drive smooth. They don't crash around like you might expect. Do your research before buying, and you will not be disappointed.

Avoid runflat tyres, not everyone will agree, but that is my opinion.