Maybe I've been lucky, but my 2002 330ci has been 100% reliable. I haven't had any failures of any kind and all the cars' equipment works very well. At nearly 15000 miles the car exhibits little or no wear at all. I have taken some small stone chip damage to the paint, but this was caused mostly by 100+ mph driving on Texas highways.
This cars' performance is outrageous considering it routinely returns over 26 miles per gallon. The steering is responsive and the brakes will stop on a dime and give back 9 cents change! The air conditioning system handles Gulf coast Texas summers with ease. BMW's are generally built to run, but this car is insatiable - give it 80 mph and it wants 100. It is my daily driver and hasn't missed a lick.
I know what you mean, about giving it 80 miles an hour and it want's 100! the straight sixed never really feel like they are running out of power. the power delivery is just so smooth, right up to redline.
My Father has a 2002 BMW 330ci. He drives it everyday. It is very very quick. he has had it since he bought it from the dealership. it has never had any major problem at all. very safe on the turns and stopping. a lot faster than you think a little 3.0L will go!
We have had a 2002 330ci 5 speed manual since it was new. It has required 2 new clutches and 2 re-installations of engine software. (The car was not abused.) It is still not right, as it often runs at half power unless the engine is started cold. Nobody has an answer.
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