BMW 3-Series Compact (01-04) - Review

Base spec doesn't offer very much, SE and Sport are much better served but there’s still plenty of options to consider. All models get 15-inch steel wheels, ABS, power steering, adjustable steering column, driver, front passenger, side and head airbags, front seat belt tensioners, body coloured bumpers and side sills, catalytic converter, digital clock, cornering brake control, electric front windows, electrically adjustable door mirrors, immobiliser, head restraints, front sun-visors with vanity mirrors, headlamp height adjustment, ISOFIX child seating, a leather rim sports steering wheel, remote alarm system, front seat height adjustment and a service interval indicator. ES models add a single CD player, body coloured bumpers, door handles, rear spoiler and side sills, manual air conditioning and a sports leather steering wheel. 316ti SE adds 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, electric rear windows, front centre armrest, fog lamps, map reading lights, heated exterior mirrors and washer jets, park distance control, a sports multi-function steering wheel and three-point seatbelt and headrests. 325ti SE also adds a chrome plated kidney grille, cloth/leather upholstery, colour-coded door and grab handles, heated exterior mirrors, sports seats and suspension, and twin exhaust pipes. Sport models add anti-roll bars, sports suspension, an outside temperature gauge, aerodynamic bodystyling, door sills with ‘M’ logo, colour coded door and grab handles, sports leather steering wheel and sports seats. Additional options (where not fitted as standard) include automatic transmission, a four-spoke leather steering wheel, a multi-function sports steering wheel, side airbags for rear passengers, rear electric windows, an electric glass roof, electric seat adjustment with memory, a front arm rest, sports seats, lumbar support, front heated seats, park distance control, fog lamps, a rain sensor, bi-xenon headlights, air-conditioning, an on-board computer, navigation system, a single CD player, mini disc player and a six-CD autochanger.