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2002 BMW 3-Series Full Review
Date Published: 3/27/08
Also in the 2002 BMW 3-Series Review:
2002 BMW 3-Series Review
More standard features, subtle styling changes, and a new type of transmission highlight 2002 additions to BMW's most-popular lineup. All 3-Series models have inline 6-cyl engines. The 325i sedan and wagon and the 325Ci coupe and convertible have a 2.5 liter. The 330i and 330Ci versions have a 3.0 liter. The 325xi sedan and wagon and 330xi sedan have all-wheel drive vs. the other models' rear-wheel drive. The top-line M3 coupe and convertible use a high-power 3.2-liter six and either 6-speed manual transmission or, new for 2002, a sequential manual transmission (SMT). The computer-controlled 6-speed SMT doesn't have a clutch pedal, shifts via steering-wheel "paddles," and can be set to shift like an automatic. Other models offer a conventional 5-speed manual or optional 5-speed automatic. Traction control, an antiskid system, and front torso side airbags are standard; rear side airbags are now available for 2-dr as well as 4-dr models. Front head-protecting tubular airbags are standard except in convertibles. Other across-the-board changes include recalibrated steering, reshaped headrests, standard in-dash CD player, titanium-color interior trim, and revised automatic climate controls. Newly optional are high/low-beam Xenon headlights. Sedans and wagons get a minor facelift, and the optional navigation system has a wider dashboard screen.
Competition
This hotly contested segment has two clear benchmarks; the Acura TL and Lexus ES 300. Both succeed in blending comfort, style, luxury, and sport into an efficient package at an affordable price. ES 300 offers a little more luxury and TL, with it's Type-S, a bit more sport. We Recommend the sporty and Euro-flavored BMW 3-Series as a rear-drive alternative. The "3" has enough bodystyles and engine choices to suit anyone. At the other end of the near-luxury spectrum is the posh and comfortable Buick Park Avenue--an old-school luxo-cruiser from Detroit.
News
If you think there are more of these BMWs on the road these days, you're right. Year-to-year, U.S. 3-Series sales were up 27 percent in calendar 2000 and by 33 percent for the first half of 2001.
A new-generation 3, codenamed "E90", is on track for around 2006, but the current "E46" platform should sire a few more offshoots before then. The most definite is the X3, a kind of junior X5 sport-utility with a similar all-wheel-drive system, but derived from the normal 3-Series wagon and built in Germany, not the U.S. Look for it as a 2003 entry. Just released for Europe is a stripped-down M3 coupe called M3 CSL, with some 380 horsepower, a stiff price, and limited availability. It's aimed at occasional weekend track racers. An M3 wagon with the regular M3 coupe powertrain is also being mooted, but, like the CSL, can't be confirmed yet for U.S. sale. Due by late 2004 is the much-discussed 1-Series, a smaller and more affordable new 4-cyl BMW. It's being designed (as project "E81") to share many components with the next-generation 3. Pricing would fall between the 3-Series and BMW's new Mini. The 1-Series should debut in 2- and 4-dr hatchback models, with a 4-dr sedan and wagon following a year later. A sporty spinoff coupe and perhaps a convertible may arrive after mid-decade with the 2-Series badge. All these "Baby Bimmers" will have rear-wheel drive, not front-drive like the Mini. U.S. engines should comprise a 115-hp 1.8-liter and/or a related 140-hp 2.0-liter. Both are BMW designs sourced from the company newly opened British engine plant. They're also clean-sheet affairs featuring BMW's Valvetronic variable-valve-timing system and, by the time they reach us, direct fuel injection. A hot "M1" performance model with around 240 hp is also in the works, say European sources, but still several years away.
A new-generation 3, codenamed "E90", is on track for around 2006, but the current "E46" platform should sire a few more offshoots before then. The most definite is the X3, a kind of junior X5 sport-utility with a similar all-wheel-drive system, but derived from the normal 3-Series wagon and built in Germany, not the U.S. Look for it as a 2003 entry. Just released for Europe is a stripped-down M3 coupe called M3 CSL, with some 380 horsepower, a stiff price, and limited availability. It's aimed at occasional weekend track racers. An M3 wagon with the regular M3 coupe powertrain is also being mooted, but, like the CSL, can't be confirmed yet for U.S. sale. Due by late 2004 is the much-discussed 1-Series, a smaller and more affordable new 4-cyl BMW. It's being designed (as project "E81") to share many components with the next-generation 3. Pricing would fall between the 3-Series and BMW's new Mini. The 1-Series should debut in 2- and 4-dr hatchback models, with a 4-dr sedan and wagon following a year later. A sporty spinoff coupe and perhaps a convertible may arrive after mid-decade with the 2-Series badge. All these "Baby Bimmers" will have rear-wheel drive, not front-drive like the Mini. U.S. engines should comprise a 115-hp 1.8-liter and/or a related 140-hp 2.0-liter. Both are BMW designs sourced from the company newly opened British engine plant. They're also clean-sheet affairs featuring BMW's Valvetronic variable-valve-timing system and, by the time they reach us, direct fuel injection. A hot "M1" performance model with around 240 hp is also in the works, say European sources, but still several years away.
2002 BMW 3-Series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Cargo room (convertible) |
| Steering/handling | Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe) |
| Build quality | |
| Exterior finish | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Lively in any form, especially with manual transmission. BMW pegs rear-drive 330s at 7 sec 0-60 mph with automatic, 6.4 with manual. We timed test manual 330xi sedan at 6.8 sec, automatic 325i sedan at 8.1. M3 ferociously fast: 0-60 in 5.4 sec with conventional 6-speed manual. SMT delivers lightening-quick high-rpm shifts, but isn't as smooth as traditional automatic or manual transmissions in less-aggressive driving.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Lively in any form, especially with manual transmission. BMW pegs rear-drive 330s at 7 sec 0-60 mph with automatic, 6.4 with manual. We timed test manual 330xi sedan at 6.8 sec, automatic 325i sedan at 8.1. M3 ferociously fast: 0-60 in 5.4 sec with conventional 6-speed manual. SMT delivers lightening-quick high-rpm shifts, but isn't as smooth as traditional automatic or manual transmissions in less-aggressive driving.
Fuel Economy
Test 325xi averaged 24 mpg, 330i 25.4, 330xi 20.8; all had manual transmission and benefited from highway travel. With automatic transmission and more city driving, test 325i sedan averaged 19.7 mpg and 325Ci convertible 16.2. Automatic-transmission 325xi wagon averaged 27 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with SMT, but conventional M3 6-speed averaged 18.7 mpg. All models require premium gas.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.1 |
Test 325xi averaged 24 mpg, 330i 25.4, 330xi 20.8; all had manual transmission and benefited from highway travel. With automatic transmission and more city driving, test 325i sedan averaged 19.7 mpg and 325Ci convertible 16.2. Automatic-transmission 325xi wagon averaged 27 mpg in mostly highway driving. No opportunity to measure with SMT, but conventional M3 6-speed averaged 18.7 mpg. All models require premium gas.
Ride Quality
All models except M3s now use the firmer Sport Package suspension, but retain non-high-performance tires as standard. Result is a slightly harsh but still-acceptable ride, though comfort deteriorates noticeably with available 17-inch tires, so try before you buy. Stiffer-yet settings and high-speed low-profile tires make M3s thumpy, though not brutal.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 6.2 |
All models except M3s now use the firmer Sport Package suspension, but retain non-high-performance tires as standard. Result is a slightly harsh but still-acceptable ride, though comfort deteriorates noticeably with available 17-inch tires, so try before you buy. Stiffer-yet settings and high-speed low-profile tires make M3s thumpy, though not brutal.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The class benchmark for overall control and steering feel, though margin is slim over the best rivals, such as the Audi A4 quattro. 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. All stop with swift, stable assurance.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 6.9 |
The class benchmark for overall control and steering feel, though margin is slim over the best rivals, such as the Audi A4 quattro. 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. All stop with swift, stable assurance.
Quietness
Convertibles suffer the most wind rush, M3s the most tire roar, but all 3s are mechanically refined and pretty quiet overall.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 5.7 |
Convertibles suffer the most wind rush, M3s the most tire roar, but all 3s are mechanically refined and pretty quiet overall.
Controls
Steering-wheel audio and cruise controls complement well-arranged dashboard, but navigation system a chore to program. Fairly plain rather than posh cabin materials; optional leather for most models is penny-pinching by BMW at these prices.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6.3 |
Steering-wheel audio and cruise controls complement well-arranged dashboard, but navigation system a chore to program. Fairly plain rather than posh cabin materials; optional leather for most models is penny-pinching by BMW at these prices.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Upright cabin seems narrow, but isn't cramped. Leg room plentiful. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps driver comfort, but tester complaints included subpar lumbar support and tight head room for the very tall. Visibility fine except top-up in convertibles.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
Upright cabin seems narrow, but isn't cramped. Leg room plentiful. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps driver comfort, but tester complaints included subpar lumbar support and tight head room for the very tall. Visibility fine except top-up in convertibles.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Knee and foot space just OK in sedans and wagons with a front seat fully aft. Much less room and trickier entry/exit in 2-dr models.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3.8 |
Knee and foot space just OK in sedans and wagons with a front seat fully aft. Much less room and trickier entry/exit in 2-dr models.
Cargo Room
Decent in sedans, less so in 2-dr models; wagons have scarcely more cargo space than sedans without folding the back seats.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4.2 |
Decent in sedans, less so in 2-dr models; wagons have scarcely more cargo space than sedans without folding the back seats.
Value within Class
The class choice for driving enthusiasts. Some competitors deliver more room, standard features, and even more power for less money. But none is more refined or dynamically capable overall. Resale values are strong, too.
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 4.3 |
The class choice for driving enthusiasts. Some competitors deliver more room, standard features, and even more power for less money. But none is more refined or dynamically capable overall. Resale values are strong, too.
Total Score
| 325i wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 63 | 58 | 58 | 56 | 54.5 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 44 | |
| Average Score | 54 | |
| High Score | 63 |
2002 BMW 3-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 07/03/2002
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 325i 4-door sedan | $27,100 | $24,820 | $645 |
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| 325xi AWD 4-door sedan | $28,850 | $26,415 | $645 |
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| 325i 4-door wagon | $29,500 | $27,005 | $645 |
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| 325xi AWD 4-door wagon | $31,250 | $28,595 | $645 |
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| 325Ci 2-door coupe | $29,100 | $26,640 | $645 |
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| 325Ci 2-door convertible | $36,100 | $33,010 | $645 |
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| 330i 4-door sedan | $33,990 | $31,090 | $645 |
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| 330xi AWD 4-door sedan | $35,740 | $32,685 | $645 |
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| 330Ci 2-door coupe | $34,990 | $32,000 | $645 |
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| 330Ci 2-door convertible | $42,400 | $38,745 | $645 |
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| M3 2-door coupe | $45,900 | $41,930 | $645 |
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| M3 2-door convertible | $53,900 | $49,210 | $645 |
Price note: AWD denotes all-wheel drive. M3 adds $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
325i/325xi
Powertrain
2.5-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front side head-protection airbags, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering-wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, cupholders, split folding rear seat (wagon), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, remote fuel-door and decklid release, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails (wagon), full-size spare tire (sedan), 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, hill-descent control, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights.
325Ci coupe adds to 325i:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Split folding rear seat, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, full-size spare tire.
325Ci convertible adds to 325Ci coupe:
Safety
Rollover-protection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power front seats, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, memory system for driver seat and power mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front side head-protection airbags, split folding rear seat, full-size spare tire, sport suspension.
330i sedan/330Ci coupe adds to 325i:
Powertrain
3.0-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
6-way power front seats, driver-seat and mirror memory, center console, split folding rear seat (330Ci coupe), passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, Harman/Kardon sound system, trip computer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, full-size spare tire, 205/50HR17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, hill-descent control.
330Ci convertible adds to 330i/330Ci coupe:
Safety
Rollover-protection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front side head-protection airbags, split folding rear seat, sport suspension, full-size spare tire.
M3 coupe adds to 330i/330Ci coupe:
Powertrain
3.2-liter dohc 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/cloth upholstery, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature display, heated door locks.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 6-way power front seats, driver-seat and mirror memory, Harman/Kardon sound system, full-size spare tire.
M sport suspension, 225/45ZR18 front tires, 255/40ZR18 rear tires, chrome alloy wheels.
M3 convertible adds to M3 Coupe:
Safety
Rollover-protection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats w/memory and thigh-support adjustment, mirror memory, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front side head-protection airbags.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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M3 coupe
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$3,200
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$2,910
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Power sunroof, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats w/memory, mirror memory, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights.
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Sport Pkg.
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330Ci coupe
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$600
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$545
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330Ci convertible
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$800
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$730
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10-way power front sport seats w/adjustable thigh support, aerodynamic pkg., white turn-signal indicators, sport suspension (330Ci convertible), 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires.
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Power Seat Pkg.
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M3 coupe
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$1,200
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$1,090
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Power front seats w/memory, front-seat lumbar adjustment and seat-width adjustment, mirror memory, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid.
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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325i/325xi sedan, 330i
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$1,000
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$910
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325i/325xi wagon, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3
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$700
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$635
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Heated front seats, split folding rear seat w/armrest (325i sedan, 330i), ski sack, headlight washers.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed automatic trans. w/manual-shift capability
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330Ci coupe
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$1,275
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$1,210
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NA M3.
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6-speed sequential manual transmission
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M3
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$2,400
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$2,185
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Safety |
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Rear side airbags
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$385
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$350
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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325i/325xi wagon, M3
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$350
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$320
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$1,800
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$1,640
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325i/325xi require Premium Pkg. or trip computer. Replaces CD player w/cassette player.
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Wood interior trim
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330Ci coupe
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$500
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$455
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NA M3.
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Leather upholstery
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325, 330
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$1,450
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$1,320
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M3 coupe
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$1,100
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$1,000
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Std. 330Ci convertible, M3 convertible.
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6-way power front seats
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325i, 325xi, 325Ci
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$945
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$860
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Includes driver-seat and mirror memory, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid.
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Adjustable seats
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M3 coupe
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$500
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$455
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Front-seat lumbar adjustment and adjustable seat width. Requires Premium Pkg.
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Heated front seats
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330Ci coupe
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$500
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$455
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Split folding rear seat w/ski sack
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325i/325xi sedan, 330i
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$475
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$430
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Harman/Kardon sound system
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325, M3
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$675
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$615
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AM/FM/cassette
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$0
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$0
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Trip computer
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325i, 325xi
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$300
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$275
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Power sunroof
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 coupe
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$1,050
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$955
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NA convertible.
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Rain-sensing wipers
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M3 convertible
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$100
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$90
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Removable hardtop
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325Ci/330Ci/M3 convertibles
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$2,295
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$2,090
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Rear spoiler delete
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M3 coupe
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$0
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$0
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Xenon headlights
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$700
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$635
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Metallic paint
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$475
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$430
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Full-size spare tire
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325i wagon
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$250
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$225
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Double-spoke alloy wheels
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330
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$300
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$275
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Includes tire-inflation monitor, 205/50R17 run-flat tires. NA w/Sport Pkg.
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V-spoke alloy wheels
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330i, 330Ci
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$900
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$820
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Includes 225/40R18 front tires, 255/35R18 rear tires. Requires Sport Pkg.
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2002 BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe | BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible | BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 3-Series 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. | 53.5 | 54.0 | 55.7 | 55.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3020 | 3560 | 3153 | 3351 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 9.5 | 7.7 | 10.7 | 48.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.6 | 16.6 | 16.6 | 16.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.5 | 38.3 | 38.4 | 38.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 36.9 | 37.5 | 37.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.2 | 32.0 | 34.6 | 34.0 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | dohc I6 | dohc I6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /152 | 3.0 /182 | 3.2 /192 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 184 @ 5550 | 225 @ 5900 | 333 @ 7900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 175 @ 3500 | 214 @ 3500 | 262 @ 4900 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 20/29 | 21/30 | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | --/-- | 16/24 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/27 | 19/27 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automated manual | --/-- | --/-- | NA/NA |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe | BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible | BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 3-Series 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | NA | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | NA | 5 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | NA | 4 | NA |
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 6/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 3/36,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2002 BMW 3-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
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