Other BMW 3-Series (1998 - 2006) models:

BMW 3-Series Coupe (1999 - 2006) 320 Cd SE 2d Owner Review

320 Cd SE 2d
BMW 2003 3-Series Coupe

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In their own words

I owned the car for nearly 5 years and covered nearly 50k miles and P/X it at 140k miles. As it got older things did start to go wrong and they can soon mount up if not addressed. I got the manual gearbox which was good but I felt wanting the Auto, especially around town. I had the SE version with 18 inch alloys - tyres were about £100 for fronts and £120 for rears - get a decent set if you can! Even after owning it for so long, I used to still look back and admire it's good looks. MPG is amazing for a car of it's age. I would recommend this car to anyone but be weary of expensive bills that could occur (like any German car)

How reliable do you find the car?

As the car got older, lots of little niggly problems started occurring. Rear parking sensors stopped working. Wipers getting stuck, wheel bearing needed replacing. ABS/traction control sensor warning lights came on and off all the time. Then more seriously - crank shaft pulley needed replacing at 130k - cost over £800. I had the swirl flaps replaced when I got the car.

Does the car do everything you expected it to do?

It's not a sporty engine by any means but for it's year it was almost unrivalled by other diesel cars. Even until recently it produced better power and fuel economy than modern diesels. The ride was a bit hard but I got used to it. Would recommend mid-range tyres (Dunlop/Goodyear) if you can afford it. It changes the whole car for the better. Car sits on the motorway with ease and eats up the miles. Used to get 55mpg on a good run at 70mph.
  • How they rated it

  • Reliability: 4 out of 5 4.0
  • Meets Expectations: 5 out of 5 5.0
  • Overall Rating: 5 out of 5 5.0
  • Simon Barnes recommends this car

About their car

  • Fuel type Diesel
  • When purchased January 2012
  • Condition when bought Used
  • Current Mileage 140,000 miles
  • Average MPG 40 mpg