You'll never want to give up the driver's seat again
Written: Dec 23 '04
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Pros: handling, fun to drive, small turning circle, beautiful design
Cons: price, less reliable than Japanese brands, rear seat room
The Bottom Line: Truly the ultimate driving machine.
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| podge8's Full Review: 2002 BMW 325 |
I used to think driving was a chore. Now I can't wait to get in my 325i and drive, even if it's just down to the supermarket. My 2002 325i is a replacement for my 1999 Infiniti G20, which sadly was smashed by a large Dodge truck on the freeway. I was ok, but I definitely wanted a safer car. You can't get much safer than BMWs. ABS, front and side airbags, excellent crash tests, and a whole lot of other features make BMWs some of the safest cars on the road.
But safety isn't why I fell in love with BMWs. They are just a blast to drive. There is a feeling of being connected with the road that you don't find in many cars. I never knew driving could be so enjoyable. The steering is heavier and requires more effort than most cars, but it gives you that feedback through the wheel that creates that connectedness. Handling is superb, and the 325i eats up curves like they are nothing. To save money, I opted not to get the sport package. The sport seats are VERY comfortable and supportive, but the ride was a little too firm for me with the sport suspension. The standard suspension on the 325i will have plenty of sportiness for most people and the ride is still smooth and compliant.
BMW puts inline six-cylinder engines in the 3-Series cars and they are silky smooth. Acceleration can get a little noisy, but you'll learn to love the sound of a BMW engine. Otherwise, the cabin is very quiet. The 184hp and 175 lb-ft of torque would be plenty of power for most drivers. It is more powerful than the numbers give it credit for. Acceleration and passing on the freeway are a breeze, especially with the automatic transmission's sport mode. You can also shift manually with the "steptronic" automatic. Most driving enthusiasts will opt for a manual transmission, which makes the car even faster. For everyday driving, the 2.5 liter engine is more than enough.
I listen to the radio or CDs all the time and I opted for the Harmon Kardon sound system. It sounds great! I love it and it produces rich sound. Is it the best sound system you can get? No, but for $650, it's a great value.
While being a very sporty car, it can also be very luxurious. I put the premium package on mine and that comes with memory power seats (the key remembers your settings and will automatically go to your seat setting, radio station, and climate control settings when you use your key--very convenient if more than one person will drive the car), auto dimming rearview mirror, moonroof, wood trim, onboard computer, etc. A lot of little touches make you appreciate the car even more. There is a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox, reading lights for the back seat passengers, the interior lights fade in and out, there is ambient lighting for the dash at night, etc. The interior is pretty tight in the back, but even tall people would have little problem in the front seats.
Again to save money on options, which can make the price skyrocket, I went with a leatherette interior instead of real leather. No one that has rode in my car can tell the difference. They all assume it's leather. Leatherette, which saves you over a thousand dollars, also wears better. It'll look brand new for years and is much easier to take care of. But it does get a little warmer in the summer and doesn't breathe as well as leather and your back can get sweaty in those seats. But for me, saving the money was well worth it and I don't regret it at all.
Speaking of money, since the 3-Series is the "baby" BMW, BMW skips over some areas. When you order or buy your car, you might want to negotiate in a car alarm and floormats, which are not included. This is very silly for a $30,000+ car but I got the floormats thrown in and I installed the alarm myself for much cheaper than the dealer. You still have to get it activated at the dealer through their computer, though, which will set you back about $50.
If you're coming from a Japanese car like I was, you might be a little dissapointed at the reliability. My 325i has been great, but there have been little problems here and there such as a rear window, the gas gauge, and a pesky light out reminder when there is actually no light burnt out, but I can overlook those things when the car is such a blast to drive. The Japanese cars I've owned have had zero problems so you have to be prepared to see some problems here and there, but nothing that will leave you stranded in the desert. Oh, and maintenance is included with the car, so I don't have to pay a dime for service. And you only have to take your car in for service every 15,000 miles, or about once a year. Amazing when my last car had to go in every 3,000-4,000 miles.
This is very much a driver's car so is this a car for everyone? No, but it just might make you rethink what driving is all about. Nothing drives like a BMW and until you get behind the wheel, you really haven't driven before. I looked into a VW Passat, MB C-Class, Saab 9-3, Audi A4, and Volvo S60, but the BMW was by far the best package of luxury and driving pleasure.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 32685
Condition: New
Model Year: 2002
Model and Options: 325i w/step, PP, HK, rear fold seats
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Epinions.com ID:
podge8
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Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 1 member
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