BMW 3-Series Compact 325ti SE 3d (01) (2002/02) Owner Review
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Economy
Value
Expensive. Fortunately mine was an ex-demo and did have a CD changer fitted.
Costs
Expensive to service. Oil and filter change £174, 32,000 mile service (Inspection 1) £404.55! Get 32.4mpg. Have seen it at 34mpg on long fast runs in the summer.
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On the road
Driving
As good as my ex-company 330i sport and far more versatile. Standard 3-Series saloon boot is a useless shape. Huge amount of grip makes fast driving fun yet resonably safe. Have found it easy to stall at slow speed on full lock.
Performance
Not as quick as the 330i, but there is not much in it. Sounds just right when pushed.
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Living with it
Reliability
Although it hasn't lost a coolant hose on the M25 like my Z3 did in the first week I had it I have had the gearbox replaced (jumping out of 3rd gear on overrun). Now done 41,000 miles and rear shocks are just starting to get noisy. Otherwise, no faults.
Image
A friend from France (woman) says "it's amazing how it is bigger inside than outside."
Comfort
Having been caught out by the 330i sports VERY noisy low profile tyres and hard suspension I delibrately chose standard profile tyres for this car. Vast improvement in the level of road noise, but suspension just as hard. Front seats very comfortable.
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Security and Service
Security
Not stolen yet. Mind you I did leave the window wide open in the car park last week.
Service
So far, no problems.
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Problems and Ownership
Problems
Engine
Other
Ownership
Did you buy the car new?
Used
Would you buy the same model again?
Yes
Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?
Yes