1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation BMW 3-Series. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation BMW 3-Series.

1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Review

BMW redesigned its best-selling line, the near-luxury 3-Series, for 1999. In addition to gaining a new profile and plenty of new features, the 3-Series got roomier back seats. Weights and exterior dimensions went up only marginally. Four-door sedans debuted in fall 1998, in new 323i and 328i form, with two different six-cylinder engine sizes. The 323i used a 2.5-liter engine, replacing the four-cylinder 318i as BMW's entry-level sedan. The 328i retained its 2.8-liter engine. Manual shift was standard, with a five-speed automatic transmission optional. Traction control was standard, along with Cornering Brake Control, designed to stabilize the car under hard braking in turns. Front passengers got six airbags to cushion front and side impacts. Rear side-impact airbags were newly optional. So was Park Distance Control, which beeped to signal the presence of objects to the rear when backing up.

Year to Year Changes

2000 BMW 3-Series: Coupes with the new design debuted in summer 1999, but restyled convertibles did not appear until the first quarter of 2000. Coupes and convertibles were a bit lower, longer and wider than 3-Series sedans, wearing different body panels. Convertibles had roll bars behind the rear seat, designed to deploy automatically if the car was about to flip over. BMW's optional five-speed automatic transmission incorporated a Steptronic manual-shift provision. Antiskid Dynamic Stability Control was standard. A sport wagon also joined the lineup during 2000, with a one-piece tailgate and separate-opening window.

2001 BMW 3-Series: Permanent all-wheel drive became available in summer 2000, in 325xi and 330xi sedans and wagons. AWD hardware added about 200 pounds, but only 0.7 inch to the ride height. All models got revised designations. The former 323i sedan, 323Ci coupe/convertible and 323i sport wagon were now called 325i/325Ci, to signal their new 2.5-liter six-cylinder engines, which had 14 more horsepower. At the same time, 328i sedans and 328Ci coupes/convertibles became the 330 series, via a 3.0-liter six that produced 32 more horsepower than the previous 2.8-liter. All 330 models had 17-inch tires. A power top with glass back window was standard on the 330Ci convertible, optional for the 325Ci. An aluminum hardtop was available, too. After a two-year absence, the high-performance M3 coupe was revived in the new style, packing a 330-horsepower engine and suspension modifications to match. The M3 also had a six-speed manual transmission, unique front/rear spoilers, 18-inch wheels and sport front seats.

2002 BMW 3-Series: The top-line M3 coupe and convertible got a new sequential manual transmission (SMT) for 2002. The computer-controlled 6-speed SMT didn't have a clutch pedal, shifted via steering-wheel "paddles," and could be set to shift like an automatic. Across-the-board changes included recalibrated steering, reshaped headrests, standard in-dash CD player, titanium-color interior trim, and revised automatic climate controls. Rear side airbags were now available for 2-dr as well as 4-dr models. Newly optional were high/low-beam xenon headlights. Sedans and wagons got a minor facelift, and the optional navigation system had a wider dashboard screen.

2003 BMW 3-Series: A new 330i sedan Performance Package option included a 10 hp increase, 6-speed manual, 18-inch wheels, exclusive trim, and sport suspension and exhaust tuning. Other model-year '03 additions included a standard sunroof for 325i wagons and an optional tire-pressure monitor for 330s.

2004 BMW 3-Series: A new sequential manual transmission is available on all 3-series models except the 330Ci for '04. Also new for '04 are standard rain-sensing windshield wipers and optional BMW assist emergency service.

2005 BMW 3-Series: The coupe, convertible, and wagon continue with the current design, while sedans get a makeover for 2006. In 2005, coupes (except M3) get a standard sunroof, and coupes and convertibles join the M3 in getting a standard tire-pressure monitor.

1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Cargo room (convertible)

Steering/handling	Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe/convertible)

Head-protection system	Rear-seat room (coupe/convertible)

Build quality	Ride (M3)

Exterior finish

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Spirited performance, great handling, high refinement, and terrific workmanship mark BMW's compact models, which mimic the feel of the German automaker's larger 5-Series cars. All versions shine for silky engines; solid on-road feel; modest noise levels; and athletic, class-leading rear-drive handling. The 2.5-liter six is a model of smoothness and performs nearly as swiftly as the 328i--which is among the segment's best-accelerating cars. A 328i accelerated to 60 mph in 7.5 seconds, and BMW claimed that the later 330i could do it in 6.4 seconds with manual shift, or 7.0 with automatic. All engines demand premium fuel, but economy is laudable. A 328i averaged 23.5 mpg. Automatic transmissions provide quick, velvety gear changes in normal mode. The sequential manual transmission that became available on M3 models in 2002 offers lightning-quick shifts, but isn't as smooth as traditional automatic or manual transmissions. BMW's forte is ride control and comfort, along with handling balance. Sport suspensions (standard on coupes) and bigger tires produce noticeably sharper grip and steering response, but don't absorb bumps as well as the base tire/suspension setups. They also yield some jiggle on rough pavement and lack grip in snow--despite traction control and antiskid systems. Interiors are cozy, with a rather narrow cabin feel. Head room is plentiful in front and adequate in back. Rear knee and foot room are tight with front seats moved fully aft. Coupe front seats automatically slide forward to ease entry to the rear, but it's still tricky. Large climate and audio panels are easy to use. Visibility is good, except in top-up convertibles--which are impressively solid, but suffer mild body shake on rough, broken pavement. Trunk volume is unexceptional, but space is usable and the opening is large.

Value for the Money
Unchallenged in sporting character, these are the true "driver's cars" of the near-luxury class. Some rivals offer more interior room, but none are more refined or as sporty. Price is the main drawback, because resale values are strong.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

BMW 325i automatic	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	6

Ride Quality	7

Steering/Handling/Braking	7

Quietness	7

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	6

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	2

Value within Class	5

Total:	56

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Engine knock: The 3.2-L (S54) engine reportedly suffers connecting-rod-bearing failures at a higher than normal rate, perhaps because some car owners are not using the required 10W-60 synthetic oil which is not readily available in the aftermarket. BMW is extending the warranty to 6 years/100,000 miles, (2001-03)

Exhaust system: BMW issued a voluntary emissions recall to replace faulty crankshaft position sensors. (1999)

Steering noise: Steering wheel buzzes or vibrates due to poor isolation of the power steering pump. (1999)

Transmission leak: Manual transmissions' drain plugs may leak. BMW also suggests replacing the fill plug. (1999)

Transmission slippage: Transmission may slip and/or check-engine light may glow due to torque converter clutch (TCC) slipping and/or TCC solenoid failure. (1999)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$770

Alternator	$640

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$810

Brakes	$445

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$725

Constant Velocity Joints	$1,235

Exhaust System	$895

Radiator	$650

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,320

Timing Chain or Belt	$415

NHTSA Recall History

1999 323i/328i: Retaining clip that secures brake-booster pushrod to brake-pedal arm could detach from pin, allowing pushrod to disconnect, causing brake failure.

1999: Side airbag system is unduly sensitive to certain noncrash impacts, such as contacting large potholes or curbs at substantial speed; could deploy without an actual side crash. Battery Safety Terminal could also activate, disconnecting starter cable from battery, so engine could not be restarted after being shut off.

2000 323i/328i: Brake-lamp switch could fail internally, remaining either in "off" or "on" position; brake lamps would then either not operate or be continuously illuminated.

2001 315i/335i: On some vehicles, tires could lose air suddenly, affecting vehicle control.

2001 M3: Screws could fall into the parking-brake drum, reducing effectiveness or making screeching noises.

2001: Failure of engine-fan motor can cause electrical circuitry to overload and fail, causing fan to stop operating, with consequent engine overheating and possible engine damage.

2002 325Xi: There may be a crack in the rear brake rotor(s) that could expand due to braking torque, separating the brake drum from the disc.

2002 325i, 330i: The front strut could separate from the upper mount due to an improperly installed thrust bearing.

2003 325Ci/330i: Antiwindow pinching devices are not functioning properly on some vehicles. Dealer will inspect and replace all affected parts.

1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1999
323i convertible	$10,500-11,500	$9,500-10,400	$5,600-6,100
323i coupe/sedan	$8,500-9,400	$7,700-8,500	$4,400-4,900
328i convertible	$12,000-13,200	$10,800-11,900	$6,700-7,400
328i coupe/sedan	$9,700-10,600	$8,700-9,500	$5,000-5,500
M3 convertible	$15,500-17,000	$14,100-15,500	$9,900-10,900
M3 coupe	$13,800-15,000	$12,600-13,700	$8,300-9,000

2000
323i convertible	$13,500-14,800	$12,300-13,500	$8,000-8,700
323i cpe/sdn/wgn	$9,700-10,700	$8,700-9,600	$5,000-5,600
328i coupe/sedan	$11,500-12,500	$10,400-11,300	$6,300-6,900

2001
325Ci convertible	$17,000-18,300	$15,600-16,800	$10,900-11,700
325i cpe/sdn/wgn	$11,500-13,000	$10,400-11,700	$6,300-7,200
330Ci convertible	$18,500-20,000	$17,000-18,400	$11,800-12,800
330i coupe/sedan	$13,800-15,300	$12,600-13,900	$8,300-9,200
M3 convertible	$24,000-25,500	$22,300-23,700	$15,600-16,600
M3 coupe	$22,000-23,500	$20,200-21,600	$14,300-15,300

2002
325Ci convertible	$19,500-21,000	$17,900-19,300	$12,700-13,700
325i cpe/sdn/wgn	$13,700-15,500	$12,500-14,100	$8,200-9,300
330Ci convertible	$22,000-23,500	$20,200-21,600	$14,300-15,300
330i coupe/sedan	$16,500-18,000	$15,000-16,400	$10,600-11,500
M3 convertible	$27,000-29,000	$25,100-27,000	$18,100-19,400
M3 coupe	$25,000-26,500	$23,300-24,600	$16,500-17,500

2003
325Ci convertible	$22,000-23,500	$20,200-21,600	$14,300-15,300
325i cpe/sdn/wgn	$16,000-18,000	$14,600-16,400	$10,200-11,500
330Ci convertible	$24,500-26,000	$22,800-24,200	$15,900-16,900
330i coupe/sedan	$19,000-21,000	$17,500-19,300	$12,400-13,700
M3 convertible	$31,000-33,000	$28,800-30,700	$21,700-23,100
M3 coupe	$29,000-31,000	$27,000-28,800	$20,000-21,400

2004
325Ci convertible	$25,000-26,500	$23,300-24,600	$16,500-17,500
325i cpe/sdn/wgn	$19,000-21,000	$17,500-19,300	$12,400-13,700
330Ci convertible	$28,000-29,800	$26,000-27,700	$19,000-20,300
330i coupe/sedan	$22,500-24,300	$20,700-22,400	$14,600-15,800
M3 convertible	$35,000-37,000	$32,600-34,400	$24,900-26,300
M3 coupe	$33,000-35,000	$30,700-32,600	$23,400-24,900

2005
325Ci convertible	$29,000-31,000	$27,000-28,800	$20,000-21,400
325i cpe/sdn/wgn	$22,000-24,000	$20,200-22,100	$14,300-15,600
330Ci convertible	$32,000-34,000	$29,800-31,600	$22,400-23,800
330i coupe/sedan	$26,000-28,000	$24,200-26,000	$17,200-18,500
M3 convertible	$40,000-42,500	$37,200-39,500	$28,800-30,600
M3 coupe	$38,000-40,000	$35,300-37,200	$27,000-28,400

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door coupe	4-door sedan	4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	107.3	107.3	107.3	107.3

Overall Length, in.	176.7	176.7	176.0	176.3

Overall Width, in.	69.2	69.2	68.5	68.5

Overall Height, in.	54.0	53.5	55.7	55.5

Curb Weight, lbs.	3560	3020	3153	3351

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	7.7	9.5	10.7	25.7-48

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.6	16.6	16.6	16.6

Seating Capacity	4	4	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	38.3	37.5	38.4	38.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.7	41.7	41.4	41.4

Rear Head Room, in.	36.9	36.5	37.5	37.7

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	32.0	33.2	34.6	34.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Two distinct inline six-cylinder engines were used in regular 3-Series models: a 170-horsepower 2.5-liter in the 323i, and a 2.8-liter that made 193 horsepower in the 328i. A five-speed manual transmission was standard, with five-speed automatic optional. For 2001, engines in the upper series grew to 3.0-liter displacement, and the new 2.5-liter six gained 14 horsepower (but lost a bit of torque output). A 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine, rated at 330 horsepower, drove a six-speed manual gearbox in the high-performance M3 coupe. For 2002, the M3 got an available 6-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT). In '03 330i sedans with the Performance Package got a 10 horsepower boost and a 6-speed manual transmission. Offered on all models except the 330i in '04 was the SMT.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc I6	2.5 / 152	170	181	5-speed manual: 20/29 5-speed automatic: 19/28	5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	2.5 / 152	184	175	5-speed manual: 20/29 5-speed automatic: 19/27	5-speed manual: 23.5 5-speed automatic: 19.7

dohc I6	2.8 / 170	193	206	5-speed manual: 20/29 5-speed automatic: 19/27	5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.0 / 182	225-235	211-222	5-speed manual: 21/30 6-speed manual: 20/30 5-speed automatic: 19/27	5-speed manual: 25.4 6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

dohc I6	3.2 / 192	330	225	6-speed manual: 16/24 SMT manual: --	6-speed manual: 18.7 SMT manual: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 1999-2005 BMW 3-Series Review:

BMW 3-Series

BMW 3-Series Road Test

BMW 3-Series Reliability

BMW 3-Series Prices

BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety

BMW 3-Series Photos

BMW 3-Series Full Review