Any Car Buff's In The House? Test Driving a BMW 325i

[Marco Polo]

I'm test driving a 2003 BMW 325i tonight through tomorrow night. I currently have a 2001 Infiniti SUV but with the gas prices soaring up, I'm thinking about making a lateral move and getting a car so I can save some gas money. I did a cost analysis over the next four years and even in the modest increase in paying off the car, I'd still save on gas and not having to buy another car for four years.

Question is this: Has anyone had a 325 before? How is the reliability? Any problems? I'm used to the $50 oil changes so that doesn't bother me, but rather the potential bigger maintenance problems? Overall, is there a recommendation on whether or not it's a good car? In the brief drive I've had it, I love the handling and performance while the interior is just "eh".

[SBK]

Originally Posted by Marco Polo

Another thing that concerns me is that it is rear wheel drive and I live in KC. I'm guessing I'd have to put about 300 lbs of packaged sand (weight) in the trunk to help in the winter. Does anyone have experience of a RWD car in the winter?

No you won't, there's electronic gizmos today that old skool cars didn't have.

[Buzzsaw]

I bought one for my wife last year, it's a 2002 though. I LOVE driving it, it's truly awesome, a real drivers car. I'd trade her my loaded Chevy truck for the bimmer in a heartbeat. I could tell you about all the extra built-in goodies but that would be one long post.

And the cheapest oil changes I've found have been just over $100....

[Marco Polo]

This post has been encouraging. I really like my current car but I'm tired of the gas prices.

[SBK]

Oh, I forgot to add that you only need to change the oil every 15,000 miles, the car actually tells you when. Even if they're more money you only have to do 1 compared to most cars needing 5.

[rageeumr]

Originally Posted by Marco Polo

Another thing that concerns me is that it is rear wheel drive and I live in KC. I'm guessing I'd have to put about 300 lbs of packaged sand (weight) in the trunk to help in the winter. Does anyone have experience of a RWD car in the winter?

I had a Firebird a few years back. It had traction control, and did surprisingly well in snow. I'd say there was 1-2 days each winter when I just couldn't go out, though. Mostly for fear that I'd get stopped on an incline and not be able to get going again.

[Marco Polo]

Originally Posted by SBK

Oh, I forgot to add that you only need to change the oil every 15,000 miles, the car actually tells you when. Even if they're more money you only have to do 1 compared to most cars needing 5.

Did you always fill it up with premium?

[Simply Red]

Originally Posted by Marco Polo

I'm test driving a 2003 BMW 325i tonight through tomorrow night. I currently have a 2001 Infiniti SUV but with the gas prices soaring up, I'm thinking about making a lateral move and getting a car so I can save some gas money. I did a cost analysis over the next four years and even in the modest increase in paying off the car, I'd still save on gas and not having to buy another car for four years.

Question is this: Has anyone had a 325 before? How is the reliability? Any problems? I'm used to the $50 oil changes so that doesn't bother me, but rather the potential bigger maintenance problems? Overall, is there a recommendation on whether or not it's a good car? In the brief drive I've had it, I love the handling and performance while the interior is just "eh".

I had a QX-4, QX-56, Q-45, FX-35. A 03 S-500 and an 05 Audi a-4.

BMW's are fine. My `Ex,` had an O2 325I, I drove it often. It was nice.

[Marco Polo]

Originally Posted by Simply Red

I had a QX-4, QX-56, Q-45, FX-35. A 03 S-500 and an 05 Audi a-4.

BMW's are fine. My `Ex,` had an O2 325I, I drove it often. It was nice.

Thanks, Red. I currently have a QX4

[SBK]

Originally Posted by Marco Polo

Did you always fill it up with premium?

Yes.

[RustShack]

I have a Trans Am with an LT1 in it and its rear wheel, I live in Iowa and drive in the winter... no wrecks yet. I don't add any sand bags or anything either, I just don't drive like a dumb ass.

[stlchiefs]

BMW 3 Series Consumer Reports info on a 2003 325i:

Better, Good, Neutral, Bad, Worse

Engine Major: Better
Engine Minor: Neutral
Engine Cooling: Neutral
Transmission Major: Good
Transmission Minor: Good
Drive System: Good
Fuel System: Neutral
Electrical System: Worse
Climate System: Bad
Suspension: Good
Brakes: Good
Exhaust: Better
Paint/Trim: Neutral
Squeaks & Rattles: Good
Body Hardware: Bad
Power Equip.: Bad
Audio System: Good

Used Car Verdict: Neutral

[BigMeatballDave]

$50 oil change? WTF? I use synthetic(Mobil1)in my car. $22 for a 5 qt. container at Walmart. I do it myself.

[Dartgod]

"I'd love to be a car buff. ... What do you have to do to be a buff?

[StcChief]

If your looking at a 325i consider the Infiniti G35x or other 4wd sedans for winter conditions.

[Radar Chief]

Originally Posted by Skip Towne

It'll do if you don't have a motorcycle.

Preach on Brother Skip.