Here is what Edmunds.com review sounds like:

What Edmunds.com says

If you've got the bucks, this is unequivocally the best sedan in the entry-luxury category.

Pros

Luxurious, powerful, exceptional road manners, available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.

Cons

Pricey for their market segment, limited cargo capacity.

What's New for 2001

A boost in engine displacement and technology, plus an available all-wheel-drive system keeps BMW's venerable 3 Series at the top of its game in the competitive entry-level luxury market. Larger wheels and brakes are part of the engine upgrade. Two-stage front airbags, reduced steering effort, a Cold Weather package and Dynamic Brake Control round out the major changes for 2001.

 

 

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Ultimate Tanning Machine!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Great Car! The car is 6 years old and still turns heads. It certainly turns mine every time I walk away from it. The car offers great balance of performance and luxury. The fact that it is a convertible is an icing on the cake. It is very quiet with the top up and offers great insulation (even during WI winter).

Favorite Features

Convertible top and manual transmission (upgraded to an Auto Solutions Ultra Short Shifter Kit).

Suggested Improvements

My only complaint is about the sport package seats. They look great but are not the most comfortable seats in the world. Aside from that, wonderful car.


BEST Car I've EVER Owned!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This is the 3rd one I've owned, and 2 other family members as well. None of us have had a minutes trouble with them. Owned Japanese during 80's/90's, until my 1st 330Ci. Gas mileage is amazing for such a powerful car. I average 35+ by keeping it at steady speed, but it has more than enough power when needed (couldn't tell the difference in it & my sisters M3). Hugs road like a dream. I should have flipped several times, once in rain, once avoiding a deer on curve, and it proved its safety engineering. One collision left me with MINIMAL damage compared to the other guy. I will forever have my children and parents in this car. Service is impeccable...take care of it and it will take care of you.

Favorite Features

Lifetime of engine 85,000-120,000 and still going! Comfort...9 hrs non-stop on road at time, don't even feel tired. Great Gas mileage!! Easy to maintain. Road handling feels very safe(idk heavy weight or just good engineering). SAFE CAR!! Awesome sound system. Great re-sale if I could ever part from it.

Suggested Improvements

Nothing as far as reliability, mechanics, longevity of the car. Big, red, alarm bulb on rear-view mirror is a little much (but they've never been stolen). Better place to rest cell phone and connections than cup holders. Front end designed better under bumper so not to drag parking curbs/deep driveways.


330i 6sp, fuel economy, safety, fun

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 8
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

2003 performance package, 6sp. This is a great car overall, not without problems, but unique in the market. An honest, real and easy 31mpg on the highway with the 6sp, 65-75 mph. Safe and comfortable, and REAR WHEEL DRIVE, impossible to find anymore in a car that handles well and gets good MPG. You will pay more for maintenance, but, you will also get more back when you go to sell the car, they are not everywhere as rental cars. The interior design is simple, a masterpiece, the seats are great, the material quality is top notch. This cars has -astounding- brakes, nimble and firm handling, excellent power, it's a real sleeper and feels like it has much more power than what is published.

Favorite Features

Handling, solid feel, simplicity of RWD and no turbo or other gizmos, resale, fuel economy, power. Comfort. Does everything very well, there are cars that do some things better, but none in my opinion that do everything as well. The last of the good 3 series, replacement is more like a Benz (yuck!).

Suggested Improvements

Crap radio antenna, AM band is terrible, front bushings wear out too fast, parts and repair costs.


Ready for my third 3 series.

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 9
 

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Started with a 328Ci convertible - loved it and sold it to an employee - she's still driving it. Currently own 330Ci conv. - almost 6 years later and still love it. No problems mechanically, looks as good as new, fun to drive, responsive, quick. Have absolutely no negatives for this car and tough to part with such a nice car, but ready for a 335Ci convertible for the spring. I would really have to wonder about some of the negative comments on this model - I have none.

Favorite Features

Classic looks and great performance. No others in this class have caught up to the 3 series BMW for overall combination of qualities.


A true driver's automobile!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This vehicle has a ride and suspension like no other. I have driven A4s and C-Classes, but neither can hang with this car. It may not be the hot rod like the G35, but would smoke it on the track when it came to overall performance. Not to mention the I-6 is the most refined engine you can buy. If you've never driven a BMW, you haven't driven.

Favorite Features

The sing of its all business I-6 and a suspension that holds the road. Your body gives before the car will.

Suggested Improvements

Cold air intake and exhuast to open 'em up.


Looking for something fun to drive?

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 9
 

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This car is a blast to drive! The handling is terrific. The premium package and sport package are a must. The Harmon Kardon stereo and interior make for an enjoyable driving experience. This is a very low maintenance vehicle to own.

Favorite Features

Suspension and steering. Both make this car fun to drive. The engine is bulletproof. Most reliable vehicle I have owned.

Suggested Improvements

More horsepower. I would like to have more get up and go. Only real issue with car, the interior door molding needed to be replaced because the adhesive failed both driver and passenger side. Dealer said it was common problem with this car during warm, humid, summer temps. All covered under warranty


BMW 330 Ci

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 7
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I like the 330 Ci, its fun to drive and gets lots of looks. The car rattles and you have to slam the doors to get them to shut. The interior trim has fallen off several times, and the check coolant light won't go off, even after 3 trips to the dealer. The car also pulls to the left since new, and the dealer says it is normal.

Favorite Features

looks and drive performance

Suggested Improvements


Definitely the ultimate driving machine!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 1 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Driving my BMW feels like a million dollars! Of course the top down on a beautiful day is beyond comparision. Drives like a dream. Service is top notch. They treat you like you should be treated. I'd recommend one to everyone. I keep telling my friends if you want one get one! We deserve it. Got mine preowned (1 year, 9000 miles) and saved thousands. It's the way to go.

Favorite Features

The convertible is just great! Radio sounds wonderful. Top goes down with such ease. I can put it down at a traffic light!

Suggested Improvements

Difficult to get in and out of. Sitting in the back is comfortable once you're in but when the top is down it's tough. (real tough) Regular gas would be nice too! With gas prices going up it cost near $50 to fill it!