2002 BMW 325i Sedan

Part of the seat-of-the-pants goodness also springs from the BMW's hell-for-stiff body structure. A stiff body cuts squeaks and rattles and lets the suspension do its job better. One of a handful of changes for 2002, the standard Dynamic Control System has been upgraded to work more effectively in low-traction situations. The system adds an extra level of predictability to the 325i's handling by integrating computer control of the ABS brakes and throttle—and provides traction control, electronic brake proportioning, dynamic brake control and stability enhancement, among other features. The system can be partially or completely deactivated (with the exception of the ABS) with the touch of a button.

All-aluminum straight-sixes power the 3 Series. The two levels are the 184-hp 2.5-liter in 325 models and 225-hp 3.0-liter for BMW 330 cars.

Now, the less. Power-wise, the 325i offers less than you would expect in a $27,000 car. The engine is a creamy-sweet but small 2.5-liter in-line six that develops a modest 184 horsepower and 175 lb.-ft. of torque. This is a sophisticated powerplant, with Double VANOS steplessly variable valve timing. To save weight, both the engine block and cylinder head are cast of aluminum. It's an enjoyable engine, but it trails some other powerplants in the class by as much as 76 horsepower, due in large part to its small displacement. It comes with a 5-speed manual transmission or with a 5-speed automatic available as an option for $1,275. Many competitors include an auto-shifter as standard.


The 325i also has less standard luxury equipment than some of its Japanese-badged competition. Standard upholstery is cloth (leather is an option), but nice features like Xenon headlights and a HomeLink-type built-in garage door opener are also extra-cost items. You don't have to do without, though; all it takes is a bit of extra cash. Optioned up to equal a class value leader like the Acura 3.2TL (about $29,000), the 325i costs about $34,000. Should you want to reduce the BMW's power deficit, you can always step up to the 330i with its bigger 225-horsepower engine; just be ready to spend around $41,000 to get the full roster of desirable items that are commonly stock in trade in the "near luxury" class.

Inside, an in-dash CD player is now standard, and trim is titanium-finish. The optional navigation system has been revised with rearranged controls and an easier-to-read monitor.

So just exactly what does a well-optioned 325i deliver to justify its asking price? Plenty, actually. Open the solid-feeling doors and hop inside, and you'll find useful interior proportions that make the 325i comfortable for four passengers, though five can fit in a pinch. The finish and comfort of the interior is excellent, and touches like standard titanium accents or optional real Myrtle wood trim take the ambience upscale. Handsome instrumentation includes steering-wheel-mounted controls for cruise and audio systems, a service-interval indicator that monitors actual vehicle use to tell you when service is due, and even a microfilter ventilation system that automatically switches to the recirculation mode when the outside air is polluted.


Beyond the nice accommodations, the 325i satisfies you with an involving driving feel. From the precise response of the steering to the suspension's capable combination of wheel control and comfortable compliance, the 325i speaks to the driving enthusiast in you. This sensory pleasure doesn't translate into any significant performance advantage over much of the front-drive competition, however. As a rear-drive car, you would expect the 325i to behave differently from front-drive competitors when pushed to its handling limits. It does, but the difference is surprisingly small. Given the 325i's modest power output and standard stability-control system, most drivers would be hard-pressed to tell you which wheels are doing the driving.