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2001
BMW 325

Starts at:
$26,990
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New 2001 BMW 325
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 325i 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
  • 325Ci 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
  • 325i 4dr Sport Wgn
    Starts at
    $29,400
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 325Ci 2dr Convertible
    Starts at
    $35,990
    19 City / 27 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 2001 BMW 325 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Anita And Paul Lienert
Full article
our expert's take

A Dearborn reader wrote to us recently about some automotive arguments

taking place in his household.

“We have two kids and two separate ideas about vehicles,” this husband and father admits.

It seems that he loves sport-utility vehicles. But his wife hates them. Sedans seem boring, plus they don’t feel roomy enough. A good compromise vehicle? A station wagon, they agree. In fact, they bought one. And now the couple are arguing about which one they should purchase next.

In the interest of defusing future marital spats, we wondered: What could make a meat-and-potatoes station wagon more palatable to moms and dads than giving it a little European panache? With that in mind, we plunged headlong into the German family wagon face-off. The Teutonic contenders: The 2001 BMW 325xi sport wagon and what, on the surface, may seem a surprising sparring partner – the 2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX wagon with 4Motion.

Both begin with almost identical base prices. The 325xi is a variant of the 325i wagon, which has a starting sticker of $29,400. The Passat GLX has a $29,550 base price. We chose models that came equipped with all-wheel drive systems, something we figured would be important to families cross-shopping SUVs.

With the $1,750 all-wheel-drive system and other extras like $475 metallic silver paint and a $1,050 power moonroof, the BMW topped out at $36,795. All-wheel drive, which VW calls 4Motion, costs $1,750 on the Passat. A $1,075 five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission pushed the sticker to $32,925. We were anxious to see just how much buyers would have to give up if they opt for the less-expensive Volkswagen over the BMW. What we found out was quite reassuring. They don’t give up all that much.

After a two-week test drive of the two Euro wagons, our impressions are that BMW is the obvious choice if you always pick the Ralph Lauren Polo shirt over the generic department-store version and fancy yourself a driving aficionado. But if you can live without the glamour of the gaudy brand name, the VW is a great choice – and it can save you almost $4,000 in the process.

Paul summed it up perfectly: “The Passat is a better family vehicle with fewer compromises.”

The Passat, with its 190-horsepower 2.8-liter V-6 engine, held its own against the 325xi, which has a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder. Our test BMW had a standard five-speed manual transmission; the Volkswagen had the entertaining Tiptronic automatic, which can be shifted manually without a clutch.

The VW has more rear cargo space and a friendlier cabin, something that seems critical when you’re hauling kids and their gear. The BMW offers great handling and unbeatable build quality – better than the VW, which had noticeable gaps around areas like the glove box door.

Both vehicles had similar, classic station-wagon lines. But where the German-built wagons parted company was the interior. And that’s where we spe nt a lot of our time nit-picking. After all, to most families, the cabin becomes their rolling family room. It had better be roomy and comfortable. That’s where the Passat GLX has the 325xi beat.

The BMW wagon’s cabin looks like it was designed by Darth Vader, before he mellowed out and reunited with Luke. Perhaps it was the relentlessly monochromatic combination of the optional $1,450 black leather seats coupled with the weird gloss-black plastic trim on the 325xi that seemed off-putting to Anita. The seats in the BMW were comfortable, but nobody – driver or passengers – could get used to the complicated manual seat controls. We also heard complaints from back-seat passengers that the rear felt cramped. And while the gauges on the BMW’s instrument panel looked nice, the radio controls were tiny and overly complicated.

Intruding into the cabin was a bit of engine and tire noise. If you opt for the BMW, be prepared for a harsher ride than you get in the Passat – the price ou pay for the handling edge provided by the Bimmer.

The Passat’s cabin was pleasant, with power driver and passenger seats, wood trim and tasteful light leather. Heated front seats are standard in the VW. On the BMW, they are part of a $700 cold-weather package that includes a ski bag and headlamp cleaning system.

New for 2001 on the GLX model are the addition of steering-wheel controls for radio and cruise. Controls and gauges overall were easy to read and use. We heard no complaints from the rear passengers about feeling claustrophobic in the Passat. The cabin calm was broken by a bit of wind and road noise, however. Neither vehicle had a standard CD player, which we consider an oversight in this price class.

Gas mileage won’t be the deal-breaker here, since both wagons are very close. The 325xi gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway; the Passat GLX gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

New for 2001 on the VW are side curtain air bags, which protect front and rear passengers in a crash. They come in addition to front and side bags on the Passat. The Passat also has standard anti-lock brakes and height-adjustable front seat belts.

Of course, the BMW wagon also has superior safety features, including front and side air bags and a head-protection air-bag system for front seat passengers. The 325xi also features standard anti-lock brakes, traction control and dynamic stability control, which helps prevent skids and “fishtailing” on slick pavement.

The BMW wagon has the VW wagon beat when it comes to free maintenance and warranty coverage. The 325xi comes with three-year/36,000-mile free maintenance and a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. It also has a four-year/50,000-mile roadside assistance program. VW does free scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles and offers a two-year/24,000-mile warranty on the GLX wagon. The VW roadside assistance program is good for two years.

There are no arguments in the Lienert family about which German wagon is the best value. You may have more fun driving the BMW. But we’re recommending the Passat GLX wagon as our top pick for families.

2001 BMW 325xi VS. 2001 VW Passat GLX

BMW 325xi

Wheelbase: 107.3 in.

Length: 173.6 in.

Width: 68.5 in.

Height: 56.3 in.

Weight: 3,627 lbs.

Engine: 2.5L DOHC I-6

Output: 184 hp

Fuel Economy: 19/26 mpg.

Base Price: $29,400

Price as Tested: $36,795

VW Passat

Wheelbase: 106.4 in.

Length: 183.8 in.

Width: 68.5 in.

Height: 59.0 in.

Weight: 3,603 lbs.

Engine: 2.8L DOHC V-6

Output: 190 hp

Fuel Economy: 17/24 mpg.

Base Price: $29,550

Price as Tested: $32,925

2001 BMW 325 review: Our expert's take
By Anita And Paul Lienert

A Dearborn reader wrote to us recently about some automotive arguments

taking place in his household.

“We have two kids and two separate ideas about vehicles,” this husband and father admits.

It seems that he loves sport-utility vehicles. But his wife hates them. Sedans seem boring, plus they don’t feel roomy enough. A good compromise vehicle? A station wagon, they agree. In fact, they bought one. And now the couple are arguing about which one they should purchase next.

In the interest of defusing future marital spats, we wondered: What could make a meat-and-potatoes station wagon more palatable to moms and dads than giving it a little European panache? With that in mind, we plunged headlong into the German family wagon face-off. The Teutonic contenders: The 2001 BMW 325xi sport wagon and what, on the surface, may seem a surprising sparring partner – the 2001 Volkswagen Passat GLX wagon with 4Motion.

Both begin with almost identical base prices. The 325xi is a variant of the 325i wagon, which has a starting sticker of $29,400. The Passat GLX has a $29,550 base price. We chose models that came equipped with all-wheel drive systems, something we figured would be important to families cross-shopping SUVs.

With the $1,750 all-wheel-drive system and other extras like $475 metallic silver paint and a $1,050 power moonroof, the BMW topped out at $36,795. All-wheel drive, which VW calls 4Motion, costs $1,750 on the Passat. A $1,075 five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission pushed the sticker to $32,925. We were anxious to see just how much buyers would have to give up if they opt for the less-expensive Volkswagen over the BMW. What we found out was quite reassuring. They don’t give up all that much.

After a two-week test drive of the two Euro wagons, our impressions are that BMW is the obvious choice if you always pick the Ralph Lauren Polo shirt over the generic department-store version and fancy yourself a driving aficionado. But if you can live without the glamour of the gaudy brand name, the VW is a great choice – and it can save you almost $4,000 in the process.

Paul summed it up perfectly: “The Passat is a better family vehicle with fewer compromises.”

The Passat, with its 190-horsepower 2.8-liter V-6 engine, held its own against the 325xi, which has a 184-horsepower 2.5-liter inline six-cylinder. Our test BMW had a standard five-speed manual transmission; the Volkswagen had the entertaining Tiptronic automatic, which can be shifted manually without a clutch.

The VW has more rear cargo space and a friendlier cabin, something that seems critical when you’re hauling kids and their gear. The BMW offers great handling and unbeatable build quality – better than the VW, which had noticeable gaps around areas like the glove box door.

Both vehicles had similar, classic station-wagon lines. But where the German-built wagons parted company was the interior. And that’s where we spe nt a lot of our time nit-picking. After all, to most families, the cabin becomes their rolling family room. It had better be roomy and comfortable. That’s where the Passat GLX has the 325xi beat.

The BMW wagon’s cabin looks like it was designed by Darth Vader, before he mellowed out and reunited with Luke. Perhaps it was the relentlessly monochromatic combination of the optional $1,450 black leather seats coupled with the weird gloss-black plastic trim on the 325xi that seemed off-putting to Anita. The seats in the BMW were comfortable, but nobody – driver or passengers – could get used to the complicated manual seat controls. We also heard complaints from back-seat passengers that the rear felt cramped. And while the gauges on the BMW’s instrument panel looked nice, the radio controls were tiny and overly complicated.

Intruding into the cabin was a bit of engine and tire noise. If you opt for the BMW, be prepared for a harsher ride than you get in the Passat – the price ou pay for the handling edge provided by the Bimmer.

The Passat’s cabin was pleasant, with power driver and passenger seats, wood trim and tasteful light leather. Heated front seats are standard in the VW. On the BMW, they are part of a $700 cold-weather package that includes a ski bag and headlamp cleaning system.

New for 2001 on the GLX model are the addition of steering-wheel controls for radio and cruise. Controls and gauges overall were easy to read and use. We heard no complaints from the rear passengers about feeling claustrophobic in the Passat. The cabin calm was broken by a bit of wind and road noise, however. Neither vehicle had a standard CD player, which we consider an oversight in this price class.

Gas mileage won’t be the deal-breaker here, since both wagons are very close. The 325xi gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway; the Passat GLX gets 17 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway.

New for 2001 on the VW are side curtain air bags, which protect front and rear passengers in a crash. They come in addition to front and side bags on the Passat. The Passat also has standard anti-lock brakes and height-adjustable front seat belts.

Of course, the BMW wagon also has superior safety features, including front and side air bags and a head-protection air-bag system for front seat passengers. The 325xi also features standard anti-lock brakes, traction control and dynamic stability control, which helps prevent skids and “fishtailing” on slick pavement.

The BMW wagon has the VW wagon beat when it comes to free maintenance and warranty coverage. The 325xi comes with three-year/36,000-mile free maintenance and a four-year/50,000-mile warranty. It also has a four-year/50,000-mile roadside assistance program. VW does free scheduled maintenance for two years or 24,000 miles and offers a two-year/24,000-mile warranty on the GLX wagon. The VW roadside assistance program is good for two years.

There are no arguments in the Lienert family about which German wagon is the best value. You may have more fun driving the BMW. But we’re recommending the Passat GLX wagon as our top pick for families.

2001 BMW 325xi VS. 2001 VW Passat GLX

BMW 325xi

Wheelbase: 107.3 in.

Length: 173.6 in.

Width: 68.5 in.

Height: 56.3 in.

Weight: 3,627 lbs.

Engine: 2.5L DOHC I-6

Output: 184 hp

Fuel Economy: 19/26 mpg.

Base Price: $29,400

Price as Tested: $36,795

VW Passat

Wheelbase: 106.4 in.

Length: 183.8 in.

Width: 68.5 in.

Height: 59.0 in.

Weight: 3,603 lbs.

Engine: 2.8L DOHC V-6

Output: 190 hp

Fuel Economy: 17/24 mpg.

Base Price: $29,550

Price as Tested: $32,925

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
4 years / 50,000 miles
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

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Consumer reviews

4.3 / 5
Based on 45 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.3
Interior 4.2
Performance 4.3
Value 4.1
Exterior 4.5
Reliability 3.9

Most recent

  • 2001 BMW solid used car if you can make your own

    2001 BMW solid used car if you can make your own repairs. 2nd owner bought used form dealer Bellflower Ca. Good looking car. Solid. Thanks
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This car is worth it.

    I Brought this car 2minths ago for 1800 with 20005 miles on it one owner I have but about 600 into it nothing major runs great I drive to work everyday I even door dash on the side I guess it’s all about how you maintain your car I get compliments all the time. I definitely recommend it.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Fun car to drive and looks great for the age

    This is my second one and I enjoy the e46 platform. My first one was high mileage with 160k on it and I drove it everywhere here in SoCal, all the major beaches. I started having overheating problems due to the coolant system. BIGGEST ADVICE I CAN GIVE ANYONE is to fix ALL of your coolant system not just one piece you might have problems with. I’m onto my second one which i got at 69k miles I’m currently at 77k now and not having any major issues but a oil leak. Yes they love leaking oil it’s fixable but it’s definitely a thing with these older bmws. It’s not the hardest car to work on which is great, you can definitely run up a tab if you have a mechanic do your work.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    9 people out of 9 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Headaches

    Gas and money guzzler. It looks nice but has become an expensive project. I wish I could rethink my decision. Please don't do it. Bad buy.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 1.0
    5 people out of 8 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • runs great. Taken great care of

    Great little car, handles really good and has some power to it. Well taken care of, has new brakes and is fun to drive. Dependable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Excellent condition runs strong

    It?s a great car runs strong and fast good value for safety and for daily commuting and good efficiency for gas miles with heavy Desgin body
    • 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
  • LOVELY

    I'm getting used to my new vehicle. Loving the smoothness of it. And I have heated seats again!!! Love, Love, Love that feature oh so much... And... I was blessed that this vehicle only had one previous owner. I will enjoy my vehicle!!! It would have been nice if the vehicle's phone and mats were left behind. It wasn't. And if I could hear the alarm being set. It's okay... Thank God that I have my own cellular phone. And I will purchase some BMW mats.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Incredibly fun to drive

    This car has been a second car for me when I want to have some fun to go on an evening drive or weekend getaway. It's gets surprisingly great MPG and runs incredibly well given the miles. It's been much easier to work on than I thought it was going to be and isn't nearly as expensive as people perceive it to be to maintain. These cars are a STEAL right now!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This car is a clean machine

    This is a dealer serviced maintained vehicle, that looks great and runs great. New tires, belts , hoses, coolant, thermostat, oil & filter , cabin filter, new spark plugs
    • 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 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Most Fun to Drive & the Most Reliable Car!

    This car is amazing! It handles so well and the interior is laid out better than most newer cars. It's zippy! It still looks gorgeous, a true classic with Orient Blue exterior and Burled Walnut and Light Grey Interior. All the extras come with the Sports and Premium Package! And it has brand new tires!!
    • 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
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • This custimer is pleased

    This car far exceeded my expectations. I am very pleased. I can not believe I waited this long to purchase this vehicle. It drives and handles like a new car. The former owner cared for it very well
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    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
  • Great Car!!!

    This car is sporty and fun as well as reliable! We drove it from Boise Idaho to Asheville NC! The convertible top is AWESOME! Highly reccommended!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2001 BMW 325?

The 2001 BMW 325 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • 325Ci (2 styles)
  • 325i (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2001 BMW 325?

The 2001 BMW 325 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.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2001 BMW 325?

The 2001 BMW 325 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2001 BMW 325 reliable?

The 2001 BMW 325 has an average reliability rating of 3.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2001 BMW 325 owners.

Is the 2001 BMW 325 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2001 BMW 325. 88.9% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.3 / 5
Based on 45 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.3
  • Interior: 4.2
  • Performance: 4.3
  • Value: 4.1
  • Exterior: 4.5
  • Reliability: 3.9
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