2003 BMW 3 Series Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003

Crash Test Rating

Source NHTSA

MPG (up to)

16 -21 City / 22 -30 HWY

Source FuelEconomy.gov

Horsepower

184 -333

Seats

4 -5

Positive Owner Reviews

Peyton L

The amount of gas you put will have an effect on the way the car rides.

Expensive gas. Reliable acceleration. Be sure to research which gas stations work best with this car label.

Alexis G

How durable and reliable it is.

My BMW is my best friend. Although my car is a older version of BMW (2003) it still gets me from point A to point B with little to no problems. Of course it can be a bit pricey when something goes wrong. Foreign cars can be a bit expensive but I feel that It's not a bad thing because the car is worth it. Smooth, still runs quick. Like anything if you can keep it clean and keep up with maintenance than you'll have a car you can hold on to.

Bailey D

2003 BMW 3 series Convertible

It's reliable and comfortable, fun to drive! Has all the features I need. Has been maintained well, had regular service and oil changes. AC works well, has seat warmers feature. BMW makes excellent luxury vehicles that can last a long time if you take care of them. My car has 150,000 miles on it, so that's not too bad.

Pauline R

Classic looking convertible stands the test of time.

Older but still runs fantastic, convertible top has real window with electric up and down button easy to use! Paint looks fantastic. Gas mileage still good for year of car. Interior is tan which keeps you cool when top down in hot sun. Engine is well placed for repairs.

LANCE L

Great car for the cost and repairs.

No major issues. Operates great on wet and snowy roads. The car is easy to repair if you do your own maintenance and cost for parts online is best. The car is comfortable for a smaller sedan and has plenty of legroom for all passengers. Great car overall for the price.

amber w

I love my car because its a bmw. Its blue and that's not my favorite color. I think it's pretty neat.

The one most important thing about my car that other people should know is that it's got a lot of miles on it.

Karen G

It has nice leather seats and a sunroof

It's expensive to fix. The car drives smooth and the get up and go is awesome. I love the sporty look it has too. It's a reliable vehicle that our family enjoys. The downside is there's not enough room for all 6 of us to fit in the car. I really love my BMW!

Stephanie L

The 2003 BMW M3 is amazing

Love absolutely everything about this vehicle. No problems so far... But I have heard they all have subframe issues. It's super comfortable and is amazing to drive. Great to take on long drives around on back roads. Manual is the best option as it really connects you with the car.

Negative Owner Reviews

Mariana C

It is great for beginners.

I love my car. I love that's it's a BMW and it's nice to drive and it drives nice too. I don't like that it's very small because I have a baby and not the best car for a baby. I really wish I could have a BMW SUV instead.

Kerrie C

Sport suspension vs luxury = dislike Premium fuel = dislike

It is a black car, it has 4 doors and a moonroof. Does not have cup holders in rear seat.

Amber Z

Done with BMW in my future

Tires rims steering brakes have been replaced. It's a sweet little car gets terrible gas mileage. I will not get another BMW when she finally goes to the dumpster in the sky. Lots of trunk space. Power windows. Good stereo system but will not but another BMW

Jarred P

2003 BMW 330XI short review

Problems for this car occur frequently. Could be an expensive investment. Sometimes a car part takes forever to be delivered because it's a foreign. The windows have tendencies not to work at times. I never had a problem with the vents for cold air/heat.

Sara F

My oldest car BMW 2003 series 3.

Our car is not so much comfortable because it have just 2 doors, it is a oldest car we have a little problems with this car. It is not too much stylish. But it is safety also with economy consummation fuel. It is a we like it because is the first one we bought it.

Doug S

BMW 328i very fast, very reliable, and very fun!

My car has been around for quite awhile as I purchased it pre-owned from a coworker. It has been a reliable mean of transportation to various locations. As time has went by more problems have started to develop as the check engine and oil light would come on, minor problems that would cost me a fortune to fix. It ran great for about 3 years and then boom the transmission line busted and I had it replaced as well as my windows tinted and there have no longer been problems since then.

Joanna P

Pay attention to it. The way it runs, sounds, is working together as a whole.

Our vehicle is nice to say the least. We are currently looking to invest in a family care for our first child is ready to make her debut. Our BMW will certainly be missed. It performs well when everything is intact, it requires lots of maintenance & keep up.

Leslie H

Some people have had transmission problems with this vehicle.

I like the power steering, the radio source that can be accessed through the steering wheel, but I hate the amount of money for upkeep.

BMW 3 Series Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

325i

184 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats

325xi

184 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats

330i

225 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats

330xi

225 HP 24-24 MPG 5 Seats

325Ci

184 HP 23-23 MPG 4 Seats

330Ci

225 HP 24-24 MPG 4 Seats

333 HP 20-20 MPG 4 Seats

Photos may not match model

2003 BMW 3 Series Owner Reviews

4.31

65 Reviews

Write Review

5 stars

49%

4 stars

34%

3 stars

15%

2 stars

1 star

Doug S on March 29, 2021

BMW 328i very fast, very reliable, and very fun!

Wendy M on March 29, 2021

It has rear air which is really nice for the people in the back seat during the summer.

I adore the sunroof and the heated seats. The back window opens on its own sometimes when I open the trunk.

View All Reviews (65)

Ranks #6 Luxury Small Cars by Owners

The 2003 BMW 3 Series has an average owner rating of 4.31 out of 5 which ranks it #6 of 9 other Luxury Small Cars.

2003 INFINITI Q45

2003 Lexus IS

4.7

2003 BMW 3 Series

4.31

Ranks #4 Luxury Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2003 BMW 3 Series has a combined MPG of 30 which ranks it #4 of 10 other Luxury Small Cars.

2003 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

32 MPG

Tie

2003 Volvo S40

30 MPG

Tie

2003 BMW 3 Series

28 MPG

Is The 2003 BMW 3 Series A Good Car?

Yes, this vehicle is Reliable, Comfortable and Amazing. Runs well and offers great features to make life easier as you go. Great town car and well made.

Angela W.

Yes it is a good quality vehicle I enjoy driving. I have had it a long time and aside from a few tire issues in the beginning I have no complaints

Sharon A.

Yes! It runs very well and looks very nice. It, like most BMW’s are a pretty penny to maintain, though.

Stephen P.

Awesome vehicle, it’s sleek tough comfortable. The car is great on gas although it’s a good idea to put premium gas every other half tank. Helps clean the fuel injectors.

Ben S.

How Reliable Is The 2003 BMW 3 Series?

This vehicle is very reliable. I haven't had a problem with the vehicle yet, but with all cars it needs to be serviced as lease every 3 months to make it last.

Melissa D.

It is reliable. I have found that servicing it on a regular basis ie oil changes etc has made for a more reliable experience

Ashley B.

All BMW’s eventually get small problems that are very manageable if you catch them on time. My BMW was not brand new, I had bought it off of someone, and it had a lot of problems that they put off... Read More

Linda J.

Is The 2003 BMW 3 Series A Good Value?

If the vehicle is used it can cost from $3,000 and up. If New, the vehicle can cost from $30,000 and up. All depends on the deal you get.

Anna Z.

I bought it off of someone but I have read that they can cost up to 4,500. Which is a great price for a BMW.

Tiffany C.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the 2003 BMW 330Ci oil type?

Answer: The 2003 BMW 330Ci uses SAE 5w-30 full synthetic oil. It has a capacity of 6.9 quarts. Oil keeps the internal parts of Your car's engine cool and lubricated and it also keeps the moving parts from grinding...

What's the 2003 bmw 330xi oil type?

Answer: The 2003 BMW 330xi oil type iS5w-30. Having high quality oil is key for the engine to run smoothly. You will run into issues with the oil at some point. A common problem is an awful burning odor. This needs to...

What's the 2003 bmw 330i wiper blades size?

Answer: The 2003 BMW 330i wiper blades size is 23'' driver and 20'' passenger. You will run into issues with this part. A blown fuse could come up and nobody wants to see that. The blades will become old and worn out....

What's the 2003 bmw 325i wiper blades size?

Answer: The windshield wiper sizes on the 2003 BMW 325iAre 22 inches on the driver's side and 20 inches on the passenger's side of the vehicle. You can purchase windshield wipers at an auto parts store or an online...

What's the 2003 bmw 325i wheel bolt pattern?

Answer: The 2003 BMW 325i wheel bolt pattern iS5 X120 mm. Making sure Your tires are in the greatest of condition is crucial to not crashing. You will come into problems with this car part at some time or another....

See all Frequently Asked Questions

Answers are provided by third parties. We do not guarantee accuracy of responses

Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated

*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

2003 BMW 3 Series Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Positive Owner Reviews

Negative Owner Reviews

BMW 3 Series Models

2003 BMW 3 Series Owner Reviews

Ranks #6 Luxury Small Cars by Owners

Ranks #4 Luxury Small Cars by Fuel Economy

Is The 2003 BMW 3 Series A Good Car?

How Reliable Is The 2003 BMW 3 Series?

Is The 2003 BMW 3 Series A Good Value?

Related Articles for 2003 BMW 3 Series

Frequently Asked Questions

Safety & Reliability