BMW 3-Series Saloon (1998 - 2005) 325i SE 4d Auto (00) (2001/X) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

BMW 3-Series used to be something of a status symbol but now they apparently outsell the Ford Mondeo. Not much exclusivity to be had, especially given all the shabby old ones around. Build is nowhere near as good as a much cheaper Japanese car so it's not like you are buying quality or durability. Hard to see the justification for this car.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

A 'keep up with a Joneses car'. Every one has one nowadays.

Would you buy this car again and why?

This car was a disappointment for £10k. What the first owner (who paid £27k) must have thought is anyone's guess. Much better cars around for the same money or less.

What are you likely to buy next?

This car is enough to put you off spending serious money on cars ever again.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchise

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£0

When did you buy the car?

September 2005

Did you get a good deal and why?

Deal was reasonable: car was SE spec but lacked leather and CD so was harder for dealer to shift.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Reasonably priced for a low mileage, 6-cylinder BMW from a (non-BMW) franchised dealer.

What was the dealer like?

Deal was OK tried to sting me for nearly £800 of unnecessary work after the free MoT after 12 months. Franchised dealers pretty uninterested if you turn up in a 5-year old car and ask for the reduced price servicing you are entitled to: far too busy with buyers of brand new X5s/M3s.

What's it like to drive?

2.5 'six' is very smooth and delivers 192 bhp so it's fast when you really want to be. Car weighs a lot, however, and super-intelligent auto 'box makes it a slug unless you floor the pedal in 'S' or use the +/- tiptronic device. Power steering is too light (later models were modified to give better feel, apparently) and gives no feedback through the thin rimmed wheel: not conducive to cornering fast. Don't leave home if it's snowing. Car is very quiet at all speeds: this makes for refined motorway and town driving but not very involving or exciting. This is the Ultimate Driving Machine?

What's it like to park?

OK. Parking sensors help.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Extended warranty paid for itself within months and still didn't cover everything. Needed new rear brake pads (expensive) although the handbrake still didn't hold properly. Resistor inside air-con jammed on leaving fan on even with key removed (also expensive). During free MoT after 12 months, dealer failed the car on corroded brake lines and quoted £700+. Two franchised BMW dealers and an independent reckon this fault was absolutely untrue. BMWs seem designed to have problems (or alleged problems) within 3-4 years so the owner is tempted to trade-in rather than spend a fortune on repairs.

What's most practical about your car?

3 Series occupies enough space on your driveway but 4 people would find it a squash inside. Boot space is reasonable.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

BMWs (even a 325i SE costing £27k new) don't have too many gadgets and options. Had to have a CD changer fitted. No trip computer. Not even a lumbar support on the seats, never mind leather.