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2000 BMW 323 consumer reviews

$26,990 starting MSRP
side view of 2000 323 BMW
(60 reviews)
95% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.5
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.5
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.7
  • Reliability 4.3
Explore the 2000 BMW 323

Would still be driving it today...

This car was my faithful companion for six years. I acquired it in early 2003 with very low mileage and then drove it regularly through the following six years until it was destroyed in a freak accident (tree fell on it during a storm). By the end, I was very satisfied with it for what it was, and would still be driving it today had fate not intervened. Fuel economy could be considered fairly good, even today, though power is somewhat underwhelming. Nevertheless, the engine is smooth and responsive, and I never felt as though the car truly wanted for power as a daily driver (you will have much better results with the five speed manual transmission). The sport suspension is ideal, as the standard suspension is too soft for extremely aggressive driving. The car was essentially reliable, though there were a few (typically minor) issues here and there. The manual transmission is much more durable than the automatic, particularly as the car ages. I also recommend overhauling the engine's cooling system (water pump, expansion tank, thermostat) before the car reaches 100,000 miles. The styling is conventionally handsome, inside and out - if perhaps a bit dated today. Though some might find it spartan and under-appointed, I'm one who appreciates the purposeful interior, particularly the driver-oriented ergonomics. Some of the controls are not particularly intuitive (if only because they differ so much from the norm), but make plenty of sense once you're accustomed to them. One final issue to note: early (1999-2001) base model (323/325) 3 series cars like these are not usually well appointed in terms of gadgets/features/interior amenities. Drive-centric items like four wheel disc brakes, electronic stability control and ABS are standard, as well as a few other niceties (one touch power windows). However, don't be surprised to find a car that lacks items such as map lights, seat-back storage nets, auto-dimming mirrors, auto-sensing wipers or headlights, or even cruise control. A good number don't have CD players, either. If you're willing to overlook this, you can expect to get a nice looking, fuel efficient car that's cheap to insure and a lot fun to drive. Just make sure the car you're buying has a well documented history, stay on top of maintenance, and you'll be fine. Good luck.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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A truly great car to drive

What can you say? A nice agile, sporty, compact BMW. Great engine, great handling. The actual mechanics of the car have held up beautifully over its near decade lifespan. The only qualms in reliability are the electronics, with door unlocker, power windows and some lights malfunctioning.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Transporting family
  • Does recommend this car
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This Car is Just Sexy

The BMW 323ci is indeed a very sexy car which has always got great reviews from passers by. Guys are impressed to see a female handling this type of vehicle. It picks up speed well and when you floor that accelerator the whipping back of your head into the seat is a rush indeed. Very good performance once well maintained. After 9 years it's only now giving the standard wear & tear problems where replacement of older parts is needed. But, very solid vehicle.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Best Car

This 2000 BMW is the best car I have owned. It has over 105,000 miles on it. The engine is so powerful and rides like a dream. I never had a problem with it. I just had an overall check on this BMW and it is in perfect condition. For an 8 year old car it is fantastic. I am not going to sell it as it still looks new and drives new. If you have a chance to buy one, you must!! You will almost always when you go to sell it get a very good price for it. You won't be sorry. Test drive it and you will see.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Do not buy this year

I love BMWs and would recommend them to anyone, however this year on the 3 series there are some horrible defects. One is the Interior trim and the second the rear Sub-Frame tears out of the body of the car due to the sheet metal holding it up is not strong enough to support the weight. I believe there is a class action law suit going on right now. When I get my next BMW which will be an M3 I will but 03 and up. they re-designed the whole support system for the rear subframe.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 3.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does not recommend this car
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fun car to drive.

could use more power and less creaks. one has to slide into the car. but once your buckled in its fun fun fun. handles great, solid with great brakes. looks sweet to.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 3.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I love this car!!! I wanted it for it' looks, but love the way it drives. I would highly recommend this car to anyone who wants a beautiful and well-built vehicle.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Good car. Expensive to maintain.

This is my second BMW and even though my car has low mileage and is under warranty, I've had a couple of unscheduled repairs and pricey scdeduled maintenance issues that have made me think twice about replacing this car with another BMW. For instance: a battery replacement cost me $500 through the dealer. There are more items like this that are not covered under warranty but still catch you a little off gaurd if you're prepared for the experience of owning a premium performance automobile. Overall this car is the best handling wagon I've ever driven, and is very easy to maneuver around town with a nice balance of power and fuel economy.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 3.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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Excellent Value...

Bought the 323iT used in 2004 with very low mileage, now has about 60k. Very reliable; one window regulator needed replacing. I would recommend this vehicle to anyone that wants a great handling car with great gas mileage and plenty of room!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 4.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
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best car

this is the best car i can imagine. it is reliable, and the handling is the best ive seen my whole life. it even has a six cylender engine which has really good gas milage. i would recomend this car to everyone.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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