Stereo was hissing and crackling; amplifier, then radio "head unit" were replaced.
Spring gadget for popping fuel door opened stuck in "out" position.
After my beloved 1989 Accord was smashed in August 2002, I started shopping for another car. The newer Accords don't look as nice to me, and the V6s were not available with a manual transmission. So I started shopping non-Hondas.
I was surprised to see that a base BMW 325i was under $30k, and gave one a test-drive.
The handling of the car is absolutely outstanding. The engine note is unobtrusive while cruising, and grin-inducing under acceleration. I look for excuses to take the car for a spin.
The car includes four year / 50,000 mile complete coverage: everything, including oil and windshield wiper changes. So if you're figuring total cost of ownership, for the first four years the maintenance cost is zero.
The bad stuff: the base car is relatively inexpensive, but the options can really add up. And the base car lacks many features you would expect in a luxury car (like metallic paint, leather upholstery, electrically adjusted seats).
The car is slightly small for someone my size (6 foot, 230lbs). The sport seats are just a little narrow for my wide arse, and when the sun visor is swung out against the side window, it's distractingly close to my head.
But those are minor complaints. Overall, I'm very happy with the car. The all-wheel drive has come in handy during foul weather. The 184 hp of the 2.5l engine is sufficient for me, and I don't regret not getting the 3.0l.
Update after nine months of ownership. The fuel gauge became inaccurate, and I ran out of gas with the gauge still indicating a quarter of a tank. I managed to get to a gas station, but not to the pump, and had to push my shiny new car the last ten feet. I felt like an idiot. Fixed by the dealer at no charge.
The interior sliding cover for the moonroof broke some part and came off its tracks. Fixed by the dealer at no charge.
The vanity light over the passenger-side visor turns on even when the mirror slide is closed. Part ordered; will be fixed at no charge.
The air conditioning accumulates moisture and creates a medium for growing smelly mold. The dealer cleaned this once at no charge as a "customer courtesy", but if it gets bad again, they won't do it gratis.
Every once in a while, the second press of the "unlock" remote button fails to unlock the passenger doors. Usually re-locking the driver's door and trying again makes it work (and of course the front passenger door can be opened with the key). Dealer could not duplicate the problem.
None of these problems (except the fuel gauge indirectly) interfere with the pleasure of driving the car. The problems are irritating, but I'm still very glad I have the car.
Just wondering.
Is it the BMWs that are sold in North America, built by the BMW plant in South Africa?
When I bought my car, the 325i models sold in North America were being built in South Africa. My 325ix model, and the 330i and 330ix models, are built in Germany.
I'm not sure if they've moved production around since then.
After almost two years, I still love my car. I've had a few more small problems with it to add to the considerable list above (CHECK ENGINE light came on, airbag light came on) but the warranty service continues to be excellent and I think (knock wood) that I've shaken out most of the bugs.
I'm looking at a 2004 325xi with a 5-speed manual and 24,000 miles. Kelley Blue Book says retail should be about $30,000. I'm a cheapskate, so if I pay that much money for a used car, I expect a fabulous car that will have very few problems that I will keep for many years. Realistic?
I am not saying the BMW's are completely unreliable, however... if you're going to pay $30K for a used beemer...that's the HIGH retail, & forget about it lasting long... even if it is new... they just don't hold up without problems.
You want decent gas mileage, AWD, great looks and awesome reliability? Go with a Subaru Impreza or Legacy... and you'll get much more than you pay for = great bargain.
I believe you are a Subaru rep.
You can't compare Subaru to BMW. The handling and overall driving experience of BMW is much better than Subaru. Add a little snob appeal of BMW and you get the picture. Unless you are from India or any Asian country buy Japanese.
Hehehe subaru huh!!! I have 325xi 2002, I was going to buy infiniti QX4 but I just ask my self what can I get from infiniti or what's gonna be looks like if I'm in the BIMMER. compare everything (price, gas cost, maintenance etc...) and I say lets get the BIMMER, bcoz faster more carizmatik, people will talk about you, they wants get ride sometimes, car like totally changes your life style. now what are you talking about buying subaru or comparing with BIMMER... hellooo wake up, but if you over 50 yrs old good for you buying subaru, but if your age like me only 29 driving BIMMER dude life is full of fun, driving BIMMER more fun... go get one and see... from alberta- edmonton.
I just brought my used 2003 Bimmer 325xi with 39k mil and I love this. Even though its almost 5 years old this car runs amazing, mint condition and I got it for under 18k. Its true after you get a Bimmer your life does change and feels different. I love this car and after a few years I would buy myself a newer model or even a M3 (if I can afford it errr..)
Still the feeling is so much different when driving a BMW then any other car I drove before, even a Mercedes, Audi, or Infinity. The handling is just amazing for this car as well, have you try making curve in a highway going at 100mph+? funn.
1st car of my life: 1962 BMW 1500 (4 door sedan). Loved it
2nd car of my life: 1972 Datsun 240Z - Loved it.
3rd car 1987 Subaru Legacy - Loved it
4th car 1995 Subaru Legacy Outback - Loved it.
And now looking for a another car... Subaru of course comes up top because need 4wd or AWD, BUT... after ugh... 20 years of Subaru... I'm going back to BMW.
Looking at a used 325XI... happily.
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