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2000
BMW 323

Starts at:
$26,990
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New 2000 BMW 323
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 323i 4dr Sdn
    Starts at
    $26,990
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 323Ci 2dr Cpe
    Starts at
    $28,990
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 323i 4dr Wgn
    Starts at
    $29,200
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 323Ci 2dr Convertible
    Starts at
    $34,990
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 2000 BMW 323 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

Remember those little Beemers of the early-to-mid-’80s: They were petite boxes on wheels that became a status symbol for those just on the cusp of making it in the halcyon days of Reaganomics?

I always viewed them as BMW’s not-very-good answer to the surge of Saab and the endurance of Volvo. They weren’t really an enthusiast’s car but were more a rig built for those who wanted to at least play the enthusiast when pulling up for valet parking.

Thankfully, they evolved. Got more powerful. Got better engines. Stayed boxy until recently, but nevertheless became better cars. Cars even an enthusiast could appreciate.

So now comes the 323Ci, in a new generation that is the biggest of the little Beemers, a roomy, comfortable, rounded re-entry into the convertible field. And with it, BMW has built a car to run enthusiastically with the convertibles from Volvo and Saab. Own one of these and you’re driving more than just a badge.

Those 1980s Beemerettes, frankly, were not very plush inside. Lots of plastic, thin seats, noisy. Things change. In the 323Ci, the four seats are all deep buckets with great support beneath the butt and legs, lateral protection at the sides and up the seatback, and comfortable headrests.

With leather and nice touches of wood, there is a sense of luxury you should expect in a BMW. And with that, you get lots of room. Wide seats, wide tunnels for the legs up front, great space between legs and the rear of the front seats for those in back.

This is all because this is a longer car than the little Beemers used to be.

But long and open-topped can pose problems with ride, given greater risk of torsional bending, and that is a price you pay to a minor extent with this car.

It’s set up with independent struts, coil springs, and antiroll bar up front, with the rear being independent suspension with a trailing arm and two lateral links on each side, coil springs, and antiroll bar.

This combination does a good job of maintaining a smooth ride straight ahead over bumps and through smooth lane transitions. On sharper corners at high speeds, however, there is a distinct sensation of body twist – I swear I could see it in a shiver in the driver’s side windshield post.

It doesn’t mean it handles badly. It just means you need to know what you are driving. And what that is is a car meant for smooth travel, top down, in some luxury.

The engine is an in-line six-cylinder with chain-driven DOHC and four valves per cylinder. It delivers 170 horsepower and gave me just under 22 miles per gallon of gasoline in more than a week of driving.

Again, it’s not about performance, although it does whisk you smoothly along the highway once you are up to speed. But given what seems to be an increasing demand for horsepower and performance – and many companies stepping up to deliver just that even in cars that cost much less than this one – this car, with this engine, may find itself lagging on the h orsepower/torque curve.

The stability control system, standard fare now, takes away too much verve from this rear-wheel-drive car. Step on it from a stop and it feels as if it is bogging the Beemer down. Turn the stability control off and you get a better feel for the car (though the stability control will certainly be good in snow).

Shifting up and down was classic, clicking BMW, smooth and authoritative. It is certainly a unit that could handle more torque.

And like the five-speed tranny, the brakes were solid German engineering, bringing the car to sudden, straight stops with no sense of drift, no dive at the nose.

The roof – electrically controlled – took only seconds to raise and lower and the hard cover that dropped over the lowered roof gave the car a great look of class.

For safety in a droptop, round rollover bars spring from the rear headrests when sensors determine the car has tipped too far.

If you’re looking for zip and spunk, this is probably t the car for you. If you’re looking for subtle luxury, a stable ride, and quality engineering, then it very well could be just that. Drive the Volvo and Saab droptops, and then decide.

Nice touch: – The scratchless glass rear window. No more etched or fogged plastic.

Annoyance: – Too much convertible material back at the C-pillar. The view is blocked in a disconcerting way.

2000 BMW 323 review: Our expert's take
By

Remember those little Beemers of the early-to-mid-’80s: They were petite boxes on wheels that became a status symbol for those just on the cusp of making it in the halcyon days of Reaganomics?

I always viewed them as BMW’s not-very-good answer to the surge of Saab and the endurance of Volvo. They weren’t really an enthusiast’s car but were more a rig built for those who wanted to at least play the enthusiast when pulling up for valet parking.

Thankfully, they evolved. Got more powerful. Got better engines. Stayed boxy until recently, but nevertheless became better cars. Cars even an enthusiast could appreciate.

So now comes the 323Ci, in a new generation that is the biggest of the little Beemers, a roomy, comfortable, rounded re-entry into the convertible field. And with it, BMW has built a car to run enthusiastically with the convertibles from Volvo and Saab. Own one of these and you’re driving more than just a badge.

Those 1980s Beemerettes, frankly, were not very plush inside. Lots of plastic, thin seats, noisy. Things change. In the 323Ci, the four seats are all deep buckets with great support beneath the butt and legs, lateral protection at the sides and up the seatback, and comfortable headrests.

With leather and nice touches of wood, there is a sense of luxury you should expect in a BMW. And with that, you get lots of room. Wide seats, wide tunnels for the legs up front, great space between legs and the rear of the front seats for those in back.

This is all because this is a longer car than the little Beemers used to be.

But long and open-topped can pose problems with ride, given greater risk of torsional bending, and that is a price you pay to a minor extent with this car.

It’s set up with independent struts, coil springs, and antiroll bar up front, with the rear being independent suspension with a trailing arm and two lateral links on each side, coil springs, and antiroll bar.

This combination does a good job of maintaining a smooth ride straight ahead over bumps and through smooth lane transitions. On sharper corners at high speeds, however, there is a distinct sensation of body twist – I swear I could see it in a shiver in the driver’s side windshield post.

It doesn’t mean it handles badly. It just means you need to know what you are driving. And what that is is a car meant for smooth travel, top down, in some luxury.

The engine is an in-line six-cylinder with chain-driven DOHC and four valves per cylinder. It delivers 170 horsepower and gave me just under 22 miles per gallon of gasoline in more than a week of driving.

Again, it’s not about performance, although it does whisk you smoothly along the highway once you are up to speed. But given what seems to be an increasing demand for horsepower and performance – and many companies stepping up to deliver just that even in cars that cost much less than this one – this car, with this engine, may find itself lagging on the h orsepower/torque curve.

The stability control system, standard fare now, takes away too much verve from this rear-wheel-drive car. Step on it from a stop and it feels as if it is bogging the Beemer down. Turn the stability control off and you get a better feel for the car (though the stability control will certainly be good in snow).

Shifting up and down was classic, clicking BMW, smooth and authoritative. It is certainly a unit that could handle more torque.

And like the five-speed tranny, the brakes were solid German engineering, bringing the car to sudden, straight stops with no sense of drift, no dive at the nose.

The roof – electrically controlled – took only seconds to raise and lower and the hard cover that dropped over the lowered roof gave the car a great look of class.

For safety in a droptop, round rollover bars spring from the rear headrests when sensors determine the car has tipped too far.

If you’re looking for zip and spunk, this is probably t the car for you. If you’re looking for subtle luxury, a stable ride, and quality engineering, then it very well could be just that. Drive the Volvo and Saab droptops, and then decide.

Nice touch: – The scratchless glass rear window. No more etched or fogged plastic.

Annoyance: – Too much convertible material back at the C-pillar. The view is blocked in a disconcerting way.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

Consumer reviews

4.5 / 5
Based on 60 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.5
Interior 4.4
Performance 4.5
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • BMW will become a part of your family

    After 21 years & 127K miles, my 323I is probably the most reliable & cost effective vehicle I have ever bought. Since its purchase, I've created meticulous records of my expenses and can proudly report an annual cost of $2734.09/year -including maintenance, fuel consumption, insurance, recalls, etc. I love it as part of my family BMW may create a product that is way more expensive than Its US or JP or
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    12 people out of 12 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Custom ordered new in 2000 & still running strong

    Bright red 4-dr Sport Sedan. Currently at 200,110 mi. Has required only normal wear & tear. No major repairs. Admittedly haven't followed recommended maint, but that hasn't had any negative results. I recently had to replaced the starter motor. Hope I don't have to do that every 20 yrs. In NJ and no rust. (My 84 325e rusted from the inside out and became unsafe (possible engine dropping out if I hit a pot hole) and had to get rid of it after only 28 yrs and 370,000 mi. The 323i/e46 is that last generation of BMW that were still more sporty/fun and less cushy/complex & luxury. Personal taste! I like the handling feedback and sense of control. Safety note: do not drive a BMW in the snow without 4 real snow tires! Turns a deathtrap into a fun, easy to control snow car!!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I did 22k miles in one year torturing car

    Very good car for this money. Small things get broken , but I bought a car with 160K miles . Tortured on highways and city - nothing happened.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    8 people out of 10 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Great car.

    Great car. 1 owner female DRIVEN.Clean car for its age. Must see in person to see that.. just hitting 91,000 miles runs quite and smooth.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The most exciting car I’ve owned

    The car is excellent I love it and sad to see it go from it being comfortable to sit and drive and it gives you the thrill of putting it in sport mode the car whips and it makes you feel alive plenty of leg room in the front and back and spacious trunk room for all your needs
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Performance Reliability & Great Looks

    This car is built to deliver safety, reliability, and performance. Test drive it, put it through its paces. If you can find a car of this quality or better at this price point or $5,000 or $7500 buy it. This car competes with cars newer and fewer miles in terms of styling, finish, reliability and performance.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Really reliable & doesn’t let you down

    This car met all my needs and does not look bad and is a great first car to own doesn’t fit too much people but it’s average in size.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I bought one for $600

    Put a little bit of TLC into it when I bought it(cooling/air system) and it’s been great ever since. Reliable at 174k, fun to drive, also a car you turn around and stare at as you’re walkig away.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most fun I've had in all my cars

    I owned this car used as the 3rd owner from 2013-2016. It was slightly modified but strong as a horse. The interior was spacious, dash was clean, and the body was nicely designed. I owned the 323Ci. The small body and RWD made it a blast to play with in the snow. My only downside is that despite being 14 years old at the time, the repairs were still expensive. To replace my water pump, still costed me nearly $600.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • It was my dream car back in the 80”s,

    This is was my dream car, but couldn’t afford it back then, until my 2007 Chevy Malibu gave up on me, start looking for a used car and I landed to this 2000 BMW 323i Sport Premium Package, with 143xxx miles the previous owner drove the car 5k a year. I’m so lucky to have this Car is like my dream come true, I know is not new but when I got this there’s a car Fax and show that the owner bring the car back to the dealership twice a year just for maintenance everything was great 👍🏼..love it
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Excellent entry level BMW

    This was my Mom?s car that I found for her about 16 years ago at the local dealership where I took my M3 for service on occasions. One previous owner with car in pristine certified pre-owned condition and about 25K miles. My Mom drove it for about 12 years before she couldn?t safely drive anymore. It has been garaged since new and dealer serviced until my Mom got it and I took over the routine maintenance. Aside from brakes, one BMW battery, (4) tires and a radiator repair it has needed nothing outside of my annual oil changes as my Mom drove it about 1500 - 2000 miles a year. The 6 cylinder in line six engine is one of the best made by BMW according to enthusiasts. I recently installed a new set of high quality wipers and had a local shop install new OEM struts and shocks. The car now has just over 60,000 miles on it. I have washed it often for my Mom and recently clay barred, waxed and completely detailed the interior and engine bay. Looks almost new. It is a bright white w light tan leather interior. Find a clean one and enjoy.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Very fun, reliable, and practical car.

    This BMW 323ci I own is a very fun, reliable, and practical car. It has close to 200,000 miles and is still running strong with no real issues. I love having the all leather seats and dash, the interior is great quality and is only faded a very little under the windows from sitting outside for 18 years. It handles great around corners, especially with the KONI shocks I installed, it is kind of slow in a straight line. It gets very good mileage (around 25-28) and does have 4 seats, although the rear seats are a little small for people 5?10? and taller. Mainenance is easy to do by yourself, oil filter and drain are easy to access, as well as the spark plugs and air filter. Overall I would rate this car at a 5, and it is especially a great value for the money as you can pick these up used for under $7000 today.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2000 BMW 323?

The 2000 BMW 323 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 323Ci (2 styles)
  • 323i (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2000 BMW 323?

The 2000 BMW 323 offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 27 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2000 BMW 323 reliable?

The 2000 BMW 323 has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2000 BMW 323 owners.

Is the 2000 BMW 323 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2000 BMW 323. 95.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.5 / 5
Based on 60 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.5
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 4.5
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.3
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