BMW 2003 3-Series Convertible

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    The Sport models are expensive, but worth it. Interior of normal car just looks tacky in comparison.

    Costs

    3 out of 5 3.0

    First service expensive at £150, bearing in mind they spend 20 mins replacing the oil, and 20 mins performing a 'safety check.'

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Cliched 50:50 weight distribution and rear wheel drive live up to the hype.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    2.5 straight six pulls solidly, although mine idles like a bus when cold for some reason. Cracking exhaust note that splutters when the revs fall. Lovely.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Awful. My car has been been in the garage 15 times in 18 months. The doors don't open, the boot won't close, the hydraulics in the roof packed up, the engine idles like a bus when cold and the alarm needed replacing 3 times.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    The sport pack looks the business with its discrete body kit and 18"" wheels.

    Comfort

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Electric seats as standard, but do spend the extra on leather. Invest in a wind deflector, it's almost as quiet as with the roof up on the motorway.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    3 out of 5 3.0

    Faulty alarm needed replacing 3 times.

    Service

    1 out of 5 1.0

    Absolutely dire. Phone calls not returned, rude staff, takes an age to book your car in - let alone get a courtesy car. Very poor. But they jet wash your car, and if you're lucky they might give you a tin of complimenary mints.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Idles like a bus when cold.

    Other

    The doors they don't always open. Electric roof packed up in the height of summer. Faulty alarm.

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    No

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    No