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By Jim FlammangCars.com
May 7, 2003
Following a modest face-lift last year, only a few small changes will take place on BMW’s entry-level series for the 2003 model year. A front armrest and a headrest in the center rear seat are now standard. A rain sensor with an automatic headlight control has been added to the Premium Package. BMW’s optional navigation system has been upgraded to DVD-based operation and can now be installed along with an in-dash CD player. BMW offers a broad selection of body styles. In addition to the four-door 325i and the 325Ci coupe and convertible, the lineup includes a 325i wagon. All models use a 2.5-liter inline-six-cylinder engine. Like other BMWs, the 325 Series is rear-wheel drive, but an all-wheel-drive (AWD) 325xi sedan is available. AWD models include Dynamic Stability Control to help prevent skids. Exterior The 325 sedans and coupes look alike at a glance, but the two body styles actually share no body panels. The coupe’s styling also serves the convertible model. All models exhibit BMW’s familiar look, with four round headlamps and a twin-kidney grille, but the sedan’s front end is different. The coupe and convertible are 176.7 inches long overall, while the sedan is fractionally shorter. All 325 models have a 107.3-inch wheelbase, and the two-door body styles are wider and lower than the sedan. The windshield on the coupe and convertible are slanted 2 degrees more than the sedan’s windshield. The convertible has a standard manual-folding top; power operation is optional. The wagon’s front-end styling and its twin-kidney grille are similar to that on other 3 Series models, but the sedan bodies are not identical to the wagon’s. The two-way tailgate at the rear has a glass window that swings up and a bottom section that opens down. A power moonroof is standard, and bi-xenon headlights are optional. Interior The 325 sedans hold five passengers, while the coupe and convertible are four-seaters. Space is ample up front with twin bucket seats, but passengers can’t really stretch their legs in the back. A typical BMW dashboard holds large, clearly marked gauges. The 325 wagon’s occupant accommodations differ little from the sedan. Both have a five-passenger capacity, but passengers may have trouble stretching their legs in the backseat. Cargo volume in the wagon is 26 cubic feet with the rear seat up, but both sides of the split seat can fold down. Drivers face a typical BMW dashboard with large, clearly marked gauges that are easy to see. Simple stereo and climate control push-buttons are in easy reach. Automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescoping steering column and a CD player are standard. Options include heated power front seats, leather upholstery, a Harman Kardon stereo and BMW’s navigation system. Under the Hood A 184-horsepower, 2.5-liter inline-six-cylinder engine in all 325 models mates with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed-automatic transmission. The automatic unit permits manual gear changes. Safety Side-impact and side curtain-type airbags for the front seats are standard for all 325 models. Rear-seat side-impact airbags are optional. The front airbags deploy with less force in low-speed impacts. Antilock brakes and traction control are standard. BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control system reduces engine power and applies the brakes to prevent skids. Driving Impressions For many enthusiasts, BMW is still the standard by which other makes are judged. That’s partly because BMW sticks to its roots in the performance-oriented arena by stressing the dynamic handling qualities of its products. Spirited performance and crisp handling are the 325’s bywords. Most drivers will be quite content with the performance offered by the 325 group, which can be at least as much fun to drive as the more potent 330 Series. BMW’s manual gearshift is an absolute joy to operate. Athletic maneuvers are the norm in both ordinary and demanding driving. The availability of AWD is a bonus for buyers in the Snow Belt, because a rear-drive BMW can get tricky on ice and snow. The seats are firm and driver oriented, but getting in and out of the 325 isn’t quite as easy as it is in some other cars. BMW’s prices are competitive with other near-luxury automobiles, some of which lack the German automaker’s performance and handling credentials. Find a USED 2003 325 for SaleFind used car inventory in your area.
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