2001 BMW 3-Series: Road Test
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2001 BMW 3-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $26,990 -$53,400
- Invoice: $24,450 -$48,220
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Our road test for the 2001 BMW 3-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2001 BMW 3-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 BMW 3-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 BMW 3-Series help you decide if a 2001 BMW 3-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Lively in any form, especially with manual transmission. M3 is ferociously fast. BMW says rear-drive 330s do 0-60 in 7 sec with automatic, 6.4 with manual. We timed a manual 330xi sedan at 6.8 sec 0-60 mph, an automatic 325i sedan at 8.1.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.4 |
A test 325xi averaged 24 mpg, a 330i 25.4, and a 330xi 20.8; all had manual transmission and benefited from lots of highway travel. With automatic transmission, test 325i sedan returned 19.7 mpg in hard driving, a 325Ci convertible 16.2. All require premium gas.
RIDE QUALITY
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5.3 |
Standard-suspension is a paragon of firm but comfortable composure regardless of body style. Available Sport Packages score style points, but turn the ride choppy and increase tire noise on all but unblemished roads, so try before you spend the extra dough. M3 is a bit harsher still.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 6.6 |
Still the class benchmark for agile fun. Standard antiskid system and available AWD add to safety, but rear-drive models have mediocre traction in snow with base tires and lack grip on wet roads with sport treads. Standard ABS and large 4-wheel disc brakes stop with swift, stable assurance.
QUIETNESS
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.2 |
Convertibles suffer the most wind rush, M3s the most tire roar, but all 3s are mechanically refined and pretty quiet overall.
CONTROLS
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6.5 |
Well-arranged dashboard and standard steering-wheel audio and cruise controls ease driving. Navigation system a chore to program. Standard cabin materials not as posh as in many class rivals, and leather is optional on most models, though BMW at midyear made cruise control and some other basic amenities standard on the 325i--long overdue on a $27,000-plus car.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.7 |
Upright cabin seems narrow, but isn't cramped. Leg room is plentiful. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps driver comfort, but tester complaints included subpar lumbar support and tight headroom for the very tall. Visibility fine except top-up in convertibles.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.5 |
Knee and foot space just OK in 4-doors with a front seat set fully aft. Much less room and trickier entry/exit in 2-doors.
CARGO ROOM
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.5 |
Decent in sedans, less so in 2-doors; wagons have scarcely more cargo space than sedans without folding the back seats.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 4 |
Still the class choice for driving enthusiasts. Some competitors deliver more room and standard features for less money, but none is more refined or dynamically capable. Resale values are strong, too.
Total Score
| 325i, auto. | 330i, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 58 | 57 | 57 | 56 | 51.3 |
Total Score: 57
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