written by on 11/07/2010
I brought my first 330ci M Sport in 2006 it was 2 1/2 years old and replaced my 2000 325 ci convertible.... and what a replacement it was the power difference was staggering the styling was superb I missed nothing from having a hard top, everything was great until I hit 50,000 miles and the automatic gearbox went on me... £2500 for a fix or £4000 for a new gear box.
Since then I have read plenty of reviews and perhaps I was just very unlucky still I opted to part ex the car for a X5 which I enjoyed but very much missed the power from the 330.
Perhaps a blessing in disguise!?! the X5 was stolen earlier this year which put me back in the hot seat for a new car...not wanting to cover old ground I searched high and low for soething to match the power of the 330 to no avail... I am now again the proud owner of another 330ci this time a 6 speed manual, oh the smile on my face everytime I put my foot down! This car has been lowered by the previous owner and handles like a dream even more so after coming from an X5. I would recommend this car to anyone with a budget. When I have the money the next car will have to be either a 645 or an M3. But for now this will keep me happy i'm sure.
written by viacom1 on 16/11/2009
Bought a 2005 330ci Sport in September 2009. A lot of people seem to say this is an amazing car, and so far I would agree in terms of the performance. On my route to work, just as I'm leaving the town I live in, there's a 90 degree bend which needs to be taken at a careful 15mph, and once round it the road becomes glorious wide straight country road... perfect for kicking down. Personally I find the accerlation exhilarating! I've only owned 3 cars previous to this; A 1980 MKII 1600 Escort, an Astra 2.0 GTE and a Golf 2.o GTI. The Astra was the most fun - light and very quick, but the 330 is in another league. I always wanted a 'big car' with a big engine, in my opinion when engine size reaches 2.5 litre they sound different to 'ordinary' cars. The 330 has a gorgeous rich deep 'hummm' to it. Quite frankly I'd rather listen to the engine sound than the Stereo!
Ok, so it is obvious I love the engine, but I do have a couple of issues with the interior; generally it looks gorgeous. Mine is full black leather and is as comfortable as you could wish it to be. The bits that annoy me are;
Lack of storage. The glove box is ok but I prefer the high-level glove box in the Golf. The 330 has the old-fashioned low level one. Personally, I want to be able to jump in my car and toss a mobile phone and possibly a pint of milk in the cockpit and speed off - but the 330 dosn't really offer this. There's a tiny compartment below the climate contol dash which you can fit your phone in but not much else. My glove box tends to be full with maps etc, and I hate leaving stuff on the passenger seat. There's also a small compartment to the right, under the steering wheel, but this is still small. So, storage is not good.
The on-board computer is not as good as the Golf. The Golf's had 2 modes - one that reset itself every day, and one that was on-going, so you could compare speeds/times/mpg's for a specific journey against the average readings for say the past month. The 330 dosesn't really offer this. If you want to record data for a new journey you basically have to reset the memory and lose all information prior to that point. The Golf also timed the journeys whereas the 330 doesn't - something i really miss.
I find the wiper settings a bit odd. On every car I've owned, if you pull the wiper leaver backwards, it usually jets water and wipes at the same time. The 330 just jets the water and you have to then push the lever up to wipe the water you just sprayed. I don't get the logic there at all?
The interior clock is a let-down. Even more so because there are actually 2 clocks; the first clock is a mode on the computer readout - just below the speedo. But if you're like me, you'd probably have the computer mode set to either current MPGs, or possibly the amount of miles left in the tank. So, the other clock is a mode on the LCD of the stereo - the problem is if you have the stereo LCD in Stereo mode, you have to switch it to time mode. What is also very annoying is when you siwtch of the engine and then want to know what the time is you have to put the keys back in and turn to get the LCD readout's up again - very very annoying!!
The Stereo I have is the BMW Business model. Hate it. The Golf had an Alpine which even though didn't come as standard, wasn't expensive, yet still managed to show a time counter for tracks on a CD which is nice if you want to scan a track back to a specific point. with the BMW business stereo you are completely blind as to the position you are at in a track. I've found I really miss this. There is also no pause button. Love the sterring wheel controls though.
The climate control is again a bit weird. Lets say you have it set to full blowing power - when i park my car i like to turn all ancillary power off before i trun the engine off - personally i think it lessens the chance of a fuse blowing when you turn the engine back on - with the 330 you have to press the fan button continually taking it from full power down to zero just to turn it off - why didn't they just add an on-off button?? Logic is lost here.
Ok, last thing. The Speedo. But this isn't directed at BMW, but at ALL car manufacturers; I like my seat low, and my steering wheel low. I'm 6' tall which is not an unusual height - so why is it I can never see the speedo because the steering wheel is in the way?? In all the cars I've driven, this is an issue that still bugs me to this day - i've been driving for over 20 years.
Summing up, all my annoyances are fairly minor. The 330ci is by far the best car I've ever owned and driven in terms of engine power, comfort and looks. It is one sexy looking car and performs as good as it looks. and it sounds gorgeous too, and these plus points far out-weiggh the lack of compartment space or computer modes!
A quick thing about MPG - I don't use motorways. I use B roads and some A roads. The MPG in the Golf was 39, i'm getting about 25 from the 330 which means I get around 35% less miles than i did from the golf from the same amout of fuel - which for me adds about 14 quid a week on my petrol bill - but well worth it considering the performance you get!
Love the car.
Written on: 18/06/2012
I stand by my comments, most of your review is along the lines of 'My golf used to this, my BMW doesn't' Of course they are different, they are different cars in a different class made by different manufacturers. If you read your owners manual you can have a clock on display by pressing the clock symbol on the radio controls and the fan automatically reduces its speed when you start the car. Also the wipers do automatically work when the washers are engaged. I have owned sevral BMW's over a period fo 15 years and all do this. thanks.
Written on: 15/03/2010
Response to Big Dave Midlands comment on 1st Dec 2009
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<br/>Hmmm, I couldn't comment on ownership costs or dealership (Sytner) experiences because at time of writing I'd only owned the car about 8 weeks - but if you read the review again, you will see I did mention petrol cost which was the only ownership cost I could possibly comment on at that time. For the record, I have since bought 2 new rear tyres spec: 255/35 ZR 18 90Y MICHELIN PILOT SPORT PS1 and these cost £232 each - cheaper than Sytner supply them.
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<br/>The reason I compared it to my past cars was because it is all that I can possibly compare it to isn't it? I mean, if your first ever holiday was to spain, and your second was to france, would you not compare the 2? I thought my comparisons were significant because, considering the reputation BMW's have (i.e. very good), it was interesting that lesser spec cars were better in some areas - possibly BMW might learn from them and build the PERFECT car?!!
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<br/>If you felt my review was dominated by my annoyances, that is because I didn't feel the need to spend the entire review telling everybody what they already know; that a BMW is a lovely car. Since when did any critic ever praise anything 100%?! And in my defence, my summing up of the car was pretty positive; "an amazing car" "Personally I find the accerlation exhilarating" "gorgeous rich deep hummm" "Love the sterring wheel controls" "best car I've ever owned " "Love the car" - just a few of my comments.
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<br/>I agree the 'annoyances' i listed are fairly minor, but again, i did say this, and I quote; "all my annoyances are fairly minor".
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<br/>Regarding the clock; I disagree with you completely. Yes the car is fantastic, but not all of us wear a watch, which is why you don't find it annoying not having a clock on permanent show (my Golf did!). I personally want to be able to check the time without taking my hands off the wheel or my eyes off the road. And yes, if you're pleasure driving on a sunday then time may not be important, but sometimes people have to drive to a schedule which is when timekeeping must surely be significant.
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<br/>I hope my update helps.
written by on 17/01/2008
Engine, I mean wow, the performance is unbelievable, I've driven many a sports car even highly tuned raw cars but the 330 not only beats them but it does it with minimal fuss!
written by on 10/01/2008
I bought my 330Ci second hand. It's a 2001 manual 5 speed with 74,000miles. The thing I like most is the comfortable interior with TV, Sat Nav ,DVD, heated seats,, a must have with leather, that are electric with 3 memory settings apart from a couple of annoying rattles.
A lot of people say the car is very fast, I found that it could do with a bit more power as the car is heavyish although it's not slow. I feel it would benefit having a lsd. Handling is great, you feel very connected to the road with the help of 255/35/18 on the rears and 225/40/18 up front. Now for the mpg around town 22mpg is good whilst on a long run 30-33 is achievable. At the moment I get about 300-350miles per tankful and oil at 1 litre per 2000miles. Servicing is good £170 at a specialist garage.
Overall I like the car very much and I am pleased with it for £10,000 3months ago. I think it's great value. A lot of car for the money.
written by Indyjoe on 16/03/2004
I have had my BMW 330 Ci Coupe for 4 months now and just love it! I did install the Dinan S1 program. It has a great engine and handles great on the road. I love the sporty upper class looks.
The only bad points are that the doors do not close easily and the steering wheel needs to be lower.
written by Raj B. on 01/08/2003
I have now owned a new 330i coupe sports for about 2 months. Previously I have owned a VR6 corrado, Alfa Romeo 156 V6 and a few other lowly cars. I have to say, however, that the BMW is by far the most exciting and enjoyable car I have owned up to now. The handling is spot on, although the steering did feel a little light initially. Little things like auto windscreen wipers, auto headlights, the way the passenger wing mirror dips when you select reverse all make the ownership experience really special. The steptronic gearbox is great fun (the manual must be fantastic) especially if you switch off the DSC button. The thing I like the most about it is that it does not attract too much attention to itself. Only the people in the know appreciate it and realise how serious a car this is.
written by Paul. on 02/04/2003
I've had my '02 330 Ci (manual) for just over a year, and now that the thrill of owning my first high-end car has mellowed, I feel I can write an more objective review for prospective purchasers than the one I posted on this site a year ago.
First, let me say that I still think this a truly amazing total package. With a few extra options, the luxury level is top-notch for a car of its size and class, and tends to olverwhelm first-time passengers: most of the people who've been in it compare it to an aircraft cockpit. The interior looks particularly pretty at night, with lit-up controls strecthing to the ceiling console, and the nav-map tracking your position on the tv-screen. The luxury fittings are well designed - new drivers may have some difficulty in learning the controls (most switches and buttons move in multiple directions, and first time passengers always have difficulty figuring out the electric seat controls), but once you understand them, they are intuitive and well laid out. If only they'd bothered to produce a right-hand drive steering column, it would be almost perfect.
Handling is superb, and the side-padded sports seats really do their job of keeping you in position during a high-G turn. You need to drive a bit gentler when carrying rear-seat passengers though, as they tend to slide around a bit. I have yet to drive an M3, so cannot make the comparison, but must say that the 330Ci corners and brakes on a par (or at least very close) to my brother's Honda S-2000 roadster, and the nanny (stability control) gives you the confidence to push it to the max without risk of fishtailing.
Performance is very good, with plenty of power, and significant accelleration available at low rpm. However, if burning other cars off at the lights is your thing, then this car is not for you - you can buy many higher performance cars for less money, and I'm not just talking about the WRX. The newer Ford XR's and Holden HSV's have a clear advantage in accelleration, although you'll leave them behind when you hit the first sharp corner. The long first gear (0-60kph) is at least part of the reason for this minor weakness - in order to get the performance listed on paper, you need to disengage the nanny and allow for a fair amount of slip when dropping the clutch, as well as a bit more slip shifting from first to second. If you get the critical first clutch-drop wrong (which is easy to do), you'll be doing <1000rpm and there will be a second or two delay before your accelleration really kicks in. The car leaps from 30-60kph if you floor it in first, so I can't help thinking that having more (and shorter) gears would be a significant improvement. Once it gets up to a decent speed, things improve: accelleration in the 80-120kph range makes overtaking semi-trailers on the highway a breeze, but you need to keep the RPM up high to really perform at these speeds.
The ride is amazing smooth and quiet, even with the low profile tyres. Ventilation at high speeds is very good with the glass sunroof on 'vent', and the sunroof spoiler practically eliminates wind noise when it is fully open, even at 100+ kph. Rear vent windows are noisy and windy at any speed, and therefore I find I rarely open them. The front cabin is spacious (even for my 6'2" frame) and the seats are comfortable; I have driven for 5 or more hours without back pain, even without the lumbar support option. Don't take rear-passengers on long rides though, as leg and head room is very restricted in the back.
Overall practicality is great, as long as you accept that it is really a 2+2 seater car, not a 5 seater. The boot is a little small but through-loading helps with this. Wheel rims are probably the least practical part, with the soft alloy of the standard 17"x8" 7 spoke rims being very easy to scratch, apart form the brake dust problem. If you get premium metallic paint (I have titan silver), expect to have to get several panels fully re-sprayed to repair even minor paint damage.
Safety is superb, and the car is definitely built tough. After only two months on the road I was rear-ended while stationary at the back of a queqe: hard enough (70+ kph) to cause a four car pile-up, but fortunately no-one was seriously injured. Even through the shock of having my new toy smashed up, I was impressed at how well my car had protected me and how little damage it had sustained compared to the car that hit me (a large Holden sedan which was written off), and the car that I was shunted in to (an Impreza RX that suffered severe damage front and back and required towing). My car only appeared to suffer cosmetic damage to the rear bumper and front bumper/grille, and was drivable, at least for a short distance. Turned out the back of the frame had been knocked out by 12mm, but considering the impact, it held up amazingly well.
I have been very happy with my options: Sunroof, Navigation, Phone, Voice Recognition and Anti-Theft, although I will say that the voice recognition is more a gimick than a serious feature - dictating phone numbers while driving is about the only function I use regularly. The 'voice notes' feature would be useful, except that it often confuses the word 'map' with the word 'note', so I end up filling up my voice pad with recordings of me saying "map... map... MAP!...". When the car phone is on speaker, the person you're talking to experiences a fair bit of echo, often forcing you to turn down the speaker volume. This surprised me considering the phone is one of the most expensive options on my car.
Navigation is my favourite feature, and well worth the discounted price (due to the car already having a TV as standard). On the down side, Australian navigation coverage is limited outside major metropolitan areas (eg minor strees and house numbers in small towns are missing), and you have to pay for updates, but overall it is a top-notch system. One missing feature is the ability to auto-rotate the map so your car is always facing up on the screen - there is supposedly an option for this, but it involves waiting until your car leaves the stationary map and then re-drawing the new stationary map with your car (initially) facing up. This is difficult (you can't see what's ahead when near the edge of the map) and confusing (you are never sure which way is north), and the other mode with the car in the centre of a scrolling map (north is up) is always preferable. As for the standard features, the self-dimming mirror, park distance control, rain sensor, and auto-recirculate features work well and were a lot more useful than I expected.
Overall, if you're looking for a well balanced mixture of top-of-the-range luxury, style and handling, along with a good dose of performance, then the 330Ci is for you. If you want to be able to beat everything on the road (and you want a BMW) then go for the M-class - the ZM roadster retails for about the same as a 330Ci here in Australia. The 330Ci is a car for those who enjoy all aspects of driving, not just drag-racing. Having clocked up 30,000km in the first year (mostly business use), this is definitely the car for me, and it satisfies my wilder side when I feel the need for speed. Maybe I'll go for the M3 as my next car, but it seemt a little over-the-top for my taste - having no less than four exhaust pipes on the E-46 M3 really bugs me.
written by ncoble4. on 11/08/2002
I've had my '01 330ci for about 15 months. I love it! It handles great, is very comfortable, fast and reliable. The only complaint I have is that the wheels get caked with brake dust very easily and my dirver side door seal has had to be replaced 3 times. Has anyone else had this problem?
Written on: 14/10/2002
I have a 2001 BMW 330ci and my driver side door seal went bad after about 20k miles.
Written on: 17/08/2009
I have a 2002 330CI Sport and i have the same issue with the door seal. I have now exhausted my supplier as this is the third time of replacement. I need a nearside (passenger side) door seal requirement but cannot locate one can anyone help.
<br/>Regards
<br/>Les
Written on: 23/08/2007
Yes, I do have the dust problem I own a 2004 330 ci w/15,000 miles and most of its time is in the garage. I have seen the dust covers on other BMW's but was advise not to purchase them due to heat transfer. I then purchase the meguriers auto detail collection and this problem has almost stopped. After the wax was applied there is very little dust collection, no more scrubbing just hose it off w/H2O.
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As far as the window sealer the passenger side had to be replaced, last month @ 12,000 miles.......
<br/>It looks as if this should be a recall..............
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<br/>Mike
<br/>I still LOVE my BMW, and so does everyone else.
<br/>When I purchased this machine I fell in love with it, it's loaded and its very pretty, the best thing that I done was keep my old car prevent high miles + helps from others from bumping doors..
Written on: 04/05/2004
I've had problems with the door seals on my 330 Ci too. Drivers side was changed once, and the passenger side is having it's second replacement.
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<br>My dealer says that BMW was aware of the problem, and would cover it even though my car is a few thousand miles past the warranty. No guarantees are made after this replacement.
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<br>This appears to be a widespread flaw in the seals design. Does anyone know what BMW has done to really address this issue. Replacement of the door seal is pretty expensive (over $500 US).
Written on: 06/03/2004
Its not just brake dust but also road dirt which is picked up if you drive to close to the kerb...try it ...thats not too drive so close
Written on: 26/03/2003
I have problems with brake dust, but never had a problem with the door seal. I've had my car for almost 3 years now with 30k on it.
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<br>If I recall correctly, I read on another fansite that you can use the carwax that you'd use on the car, on your rims and it makes it easier to wipe off the brakedust.
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<br>--Chris
Written on: 19/02/2003
I just had it changed, seems to be a general problem. before i changed the seals the doors didn't close that good. Otherwise what a fantastic car (especially on German highways, you get the needle stucked in no time :-)
written by D.j.. on 07/08/2002
Come on mate!! Do you actually own a BMW? Or have ever driven a BMW? Its all about looks, then add performance and status.... Subaru, Who are they?
written by jared. on 01/08/2002
I purchased my BMW 330 coupe last year and i am thoroughly impressed with it, however, after test-driving the new Infiniti G35, I really wish I would have waited. I spent thousands more than I could have and the performance is better in the G35.
written by Sam Lombardo. on 15/11/2001
I just got my BMW 330ci and I have to say it is quite simply the best car I have ever driven, I had a Porsche Boxter for 2 years and I have to say the BMW 330ci is so much more complete. It has such good performance, performance of 300 bhp + car rather than just 231, quite brilliant. I don't think the 330Ci is over priced at all, but I do agree about the stereo. I bought a new kenwood stereo last week!
written by Jose. on 09/10/2001
I took delivery of a 2002 330ci yasterday and could hardly sleep a wink. Never have I enjoyed my drive to work as much. I contemplated purchasing a 325ci but opted for more power and better standard features. This car is a dream, perfect blend of sports and luxury. A credit to BMW and its' staff.
written by Mike M.. on 29/09/2001
For the past five years I have been driving a 1995 Honda Prelude Si, but last week I took the plunge and bought a 2001 330 Ci Coupe. I got the 5-speed manual transmission and the cold weather, sports and premium packages.
I've put about 300 miles on the car, and so far I am very impressed. No, it's not the fastest or most powerful sports car, but it is still great in those areas. (If you want more speed and power, the limited-production M3 has 333 HP.) What makes the 330 Ci superior is its combination of sports car power and handling, its silky-smooth manual transmission, and the great array of luxury features (steering wheel stereo/CD controls; semi-automatic interior temerature controls; onboard computer; power seats w/lumbar; the car even has headlight washers, for God's sake!)
Despite the luxury features, though, the 330 Ci is more sports car than luxury car. You will definitely feel the road--a good thing for sports car enthusiasts. As for safety features, the brakes are excellent. I've seen other reviewers talk about a shimmy in the steering wheel when the brakes are applied, and I have personally had that happen once when I hit the brakes really hard, but under normal conditions there is no hint of the problem. My particular vehicle was manufactured in April 2001; I understand that this problem was more pronounced on earlier models. The same goes for the "loose" steering on pre-April 2001 models; the steering on my car is tight and focused.
Also, a lot of people have complained about the Harmon Kardon stereo system. I agree that it could have better tone separation, but if nothing else it is very clear and does not distort at loud volumes. Hopefully BMW will upgrade the stereo system in subsequent models.
If you're considering a 330 Ci, you should be aware that there is a recall that applies to some of the 2001s. The recall is, I believe, for the cooling fan motor. My dealer told me they weren't aware of the recall, but after they researched the issue they determined that the recall applied to my car and replaced the necessary parts. Be sure to check this out before you buy.
Overall, I'm thrilled with 330 Ci. I gave my Prelude to my 73-year-old mom--she loves the car, as well as the smiles she gets from people who get a kick out of seeing her behind the wheel.
Written on: 27/03/2002
Very useful review
Written on: 28/03/2002
This review was excellent. Finally, a person who can express himself clearly. Thank you.
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<br>One question. Can you direct me to where you read about the steering wheel shimmying when the brakes are applied? I just bought a 2002 330Ci in December 01, and whenever I apply quick, moderate pressure to the brake peddal, the steering wheel jerks slightly to the right. My dealer says that they can't "replicate" the problem (just like they can't hear all the rattles in both doors, the sunroof shade, and the dash...I must be hearing things). So, any info I can get regarding this matter would be much appreciated. Thanks!
written by John. on 06/09/2001
A great car. But a faster power response and a sharper steering response would make it awesome.
Written on: 17/02/2002
I purchased my 330 ci last year and felt the same problem as you (not as much throttle responce as I imagined....and then I installed an Air Induction Kit....IT IS THE BEST MONEY I HAVE EVER SPENT!!!!! the responce was excellent, the car srated growling and the power is amazing. It cost me approx £280.00 (I had it shipped from the USA in a few days and I installed it myself, and I am no mechanic..or even close)
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<br>http://www.ecisbmw.com/product_files/intakes/01_E46intake.htm
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<br>good luck
written by Craig B. on 11/08/2001
I'll admit it, for 7 years I've never been able to finish buying a BMW for various reasons -- low *percieved* value for cost of options, many annoying interior qualities (all fixed in the current rev of the 3 Series), warnings from "more experienced" car owners that BMW's aren't worth the price, all the WOMEN who've asked me (in the past; I'm married now) if I own a BMW as a qualifier for them to spend their time with me, and all the jerks I've seen drive BMW's like maniacs over the years.
Whew! With that out of the way, I bought a 330Ci because I'm married with kids and care more about my driving enjoyment and their safety than what any immature women, or anyone else for that matter, think. Also, it helps that I couldn't find a single fault with this car other than the fact that I feel guilty for buying a manual transmission car which my wife can't drive. Oh well, I'm also mature enough to know I can't please everyone.
Facts: This car is FAST (especially with the manual transmission), exhilarating, and altogether practical in it's safety features and people-hauling capabilities. I have a car I drive to work, my wife has a car she drives to work and uses to pick up all the kids (4 total). For someone in this position who can afford this car, it is a perfect fit -- possibly the best car I have ever owned.
Considering the price for the lease of this not-so-cheap car (the BMW website is very accurate) and the fact that all scheduled maintenance for the first three years is free, there simply isn't a better deal out there.
written by Johnny Dollars. on 03/08/2001
The BMW 330 CI is a state of the art machine that is meant to be driven with excitement at all times. Combined with power and prestige, the all new 330 handles better than most cars on the road today. What that car can do for a six cylinder is absolutely amazing. The car goes by other cars like they're standing still. The 330 CI has excellent Luxurious options such as heated seats, one touch everything, radio on the stearing wheel, combined with pure power. Push this car to the max for full enjoyment. But, the most important quality is that woman love it.
written by Chad. on 26/06/2001
I ordered my BMW 330Ci in Sept 2000 and got it December 2000. I didn't really get to drive it till this spring, and it has been a joy, except for the stereo, which I think is horrible, I got every option you can order except automatic, and I think that the Harman-Kardon was a waste. It sounds like junk. The car has 1800 miles on it, and I have has it into the shop 5 times. First, the wires for the Navigation and radio were not insulated correctly and they rubbed against the metal in the trunk and blew a fuse, then the check engine light came on for a stuck thermostat, also, the steering wheel jerks when you tap the brakes, and BMW has no idea what it is, so they are going to "try" new control arm bushings, they don't know if it will work, but they are going to try it. I wish they knew, instead of me being the test pilot. But other than that, I love the car, the perfomance and styling are awesome. The sound of the tires catching 2nd gear is great! The exhaust tone is a little quite, but you can tell its running. All in all, BMW did a great job with the new 3 Series.
Written on: 28/07/2001
i own a 328ci and your problem with steering wheel judder while breaking seems to be a common problem.
<br>i find this very irritating yet my local bmw dealer tells me there is nothing wrong with my car.
<br>seems to me it's just a design fault.
written by John. on 22/02/2001
Absolutely thrilling car to drive hard. The car grows on you as you learn the engine/behaviour.
When the sports suspension is coupled with 18" M alloys it gives quite a hard ride that takes its toll on long jouneys.
The positives far outweigh the negatives giving it a high score of 9 for me.
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Big Dave Midlands's Response to viacom1's Review
Written on: 01/12/2009
I found this review only somewhat helpful because too much time was spent comparing previous cars to the BMW and not enough about the new car. i.e. ownership costs for servicing and tyres, experience of dealers etc... and although the reviewer did say the annoyances were minor, unfortunately the review was dominted by them!
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<br/>I have owned Golf MKIII and MKIV gti's and E46 BMW and the two are worlds apart in terms of driver appeal and quality. Yes ok the trip computer may be different on the BMW and the CD player may not be a flashy unit all signign and dancing affair, but if i need to know the time on the move, I wear a watch, and when you are enjoying one of the best driving experiences money can by this side of a Porsche, who honestly cares about what the elapsed track time is, the audio sound quality and build quality more than compensate.