BMW 2003 3-Series Coupe

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  • Economy

    Value

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Expensive to buy new, but then you're not getting an ordinary car.

    Costs

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Very reasonable considering the 3 litre straight six.

  • On the road

    Driving

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Grip and acceleration are great, but the steering suffers from lack of feel aroung the straight ahead. Tramlining a problem with the 18"" wheels - stick to 17"" if comfort is a priority.

    Performance

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Can't keep up with the fastest Japanese tin, but then it's faster than 99% of the other traffic.

  • Living with it

    Reliability

    3 out of 5 3.0

    My gadget-laden car has let me down on several occasions when running accessories with the engine off. Running the blower, Sat Nav/TV and Xenon headlamps for 10 minutes without engine runing is enough to drain the battery enough to prevent restart.

    Image

    5 out of 5 5.0

    3-years later I still catch myself looking longingly at it from the office window, and wishing to jump in and go for a drive somewhere. Anywhere. This is the last of the great-looking BMWs. The new models BMW are churning out look more individual but UGLY

    Comfort

    4 out of 5 4.0

    Sports seats very comfortable even for a 12-hour day. Limited leg room in the rear for adults, but this is a two-door coupe! Fine for kids though.

  • Security and Service

    Security

    5 out of 5 5.0

    Good security with factory fitted deadlocking, alarm/immobiliser and locking wheel nuts.

    Service

    4 out of 5 4.0

    This was a warrenty replacement of a 328Ci that was a total lemon.

  • Problems and Ownership

    Problems

    Engine

    Lovely creamy wave of torque - no problems here.

    Other

    Clutch went through a period of sticking - cured itself. Could use a 48V electrial system. Flattens battery too easily!

    Ownership

    Did you buy the car new?

    New

    Would you buy the same model again?

    Yes

    Did you buy from the same manufacturer again?

    Yes