2003 BMW 3-Series: Road Test
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2003 BMW 3-Series ▼
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- MSRP: $27,800 -$54,500
- Invoice: $25,460 -$49,755
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Our road test for the 2003 BMW 3-Series includes a full evaluation of the 2003 BMW 3-Series from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 BMW 3-Series, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 BMW 3-Series help you decide if a 2003 BMW 3-Series is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
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. In our tests, a manual 330xi sedan did 6.8 sec 0-60, an automatic 325i sedan 8.1, and an M3 5.4 sec 0-60 with conventional 6-speed manual. SMT delivers lightning-quick high-rpm shifts, but does not shift smoothly in less-aggressive driving.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 325xi 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, 325Ci convertible 16.2. Automatic-transmission 325xi wagon averaged 27 mpg in almost all highway driving. Test M3 averaged 18.7; 19.0 with SMT. All models require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 6.4 |
Firm and always composed. Comfort deteriorates noticeably with available 17-inch tires. Stiffer-yet settings and high-speed low-profile tires make M3s thumpy, though not brutal. Have not yet tested new sedan performance package.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7 |
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
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6.1 |
Convertibles suffer the most wind rush, M3s the most tire roar, but all 3s are mechanically refined and pretty quiet overall.
CONTROLS
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6.4 |
Steering-wheel audio and cruise controls complement well-arranged dashboard, but navigation system a chore to program. Fairly plain rather than posh cabin materials; making leather optional for most models is penny-pinching by BMW at these prices.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.1 |
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. Have not yet tested new adaptive headlamps.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 325xi 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
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 4.1 |
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
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 4.8 |
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
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 58 | 58 | 56 | 55.9 |
Total Score: 59
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