Who says the BMW 323i isn't a real BMW?

I do. Rather, I did. Yes, I've always been aware that the 323i shared the mandatory BMW virtures such a smooth running engine, near 50/50 weight distribution and a well tuned suspension but there was a period when I viewed the 323i as the poor man's BMW.

Perhaps that's why BMW offers a badge-delete option.

But after comparing a 2009 BMW 323i to the top-dog 328i of 10 years ago I no longer indulge in this automotive snobbery.

BMW fans will remember that a 323i was available in 1999 but let's see how the current 323i compares to the top-of-the-line 3-series sedan from 1999.

Here are the vitals for a 1999 BMW 328i:

1999 BMW 328i

Engine: DOHC 2.8L I6

Horsepower: 190hp @ 5500rpm

Torque: 206lb/ft. @ 3500rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic

Standard Wheels: 16" aluminum

Starting price (in 1999 dollars): $44,900

Now a look at a 2009 BMW 323i:


2009 BMW 323i

Engine: DOHC 2.5L I6

Horsepower: 200hp @ 6000rpm

Torque: 180lb/ft. @ 4000rpm

Transmission: 6-speed manual (opt. 6-speed auto)

Standard Wheels: 16" aluminum

Starting price: $34,900

And the BMW 323i also comes standard with dual zone automatic climate control (not available in the 1999 328i) and the usual advancements in technology, safety, and comfort.


So what say you about the 323i?

Comments

[Emro]

the problem with the 323i (along with the rest of the current 3-series lineup) is the plasticky interior compared to the previous E46-gen... i had a 2000 325i for a while, still miss it.

[Bigguy]

Nah, I'll still go for a used 330i

[RB]

I used to think excatly the same thing. Then I saw the 200hp and 0-60 times and reconsidered. Now I'm driving one and it's a great machine. I like a fast car and have owned a number over the years but I can honestly say that this 2010 323i doesn't leave me wanting for power.

It seems a bit of a waste to have 300hp in Canada. I can see it on the Autobahn where the status of your car is it's top speed, but here it just means I'd be more likely to be arrested. 200hp is plenty of fun. Try one out but just make sure it's a manual as the auto box sucks up the fun.

[323 Newmarket]

Sometimes its the new technology that helps you go from liking your car to loving your car.

[zombee]

I owned e46 325i 2004 before I got my new e90 323i 2009. Here is my take of it.

Initial feeling:
e90 is more luxury ride and feel. It is fast but does not feel like it is. The rev sounds more refined than sporty -a slight disappointment. During the first few weeks, I miss my e46 a lot. Then..... I took it for a summer road trip (Vancouver, BC to Los Angeles). The e90 rocks. It is a lot more fun and far more stable than e46 at high speed. This is perhaps due to a more rigid frame and improve suspension design. After the road trip, I am in love with my new car. e90 is great.

There are features in my e46 that I still miss. Solid door construction and feel. It just feel a lot heavier and more solidly built in e46. I love the sound when it is slammed shut (weird, I know). Low speed handling is better and more exciting with e46.

[Echan]

I own a 2009-323i at the current moment right now too. Not gonna complain but its just not as powerful as the 2005 325i that i previously have. Its like whenever i go on the highway its like it stays on 90km/h and as for the 325i before its at ease to balance at 110km/h just at regular speed without really giving it gas.
Overall looks a Lot Nicer tho but the interior just didnt change much =/ those lazy designers

[bmw parts]

I worked with many 3 series and all of them feels like BMW's. In overall they are great cars.

[323i2000]

i have a 323i of 2000 i love it :)

[Bluesteel]

I had my 2007 for just over 4 years now and the only reason to drop into the service centre was a week ago I needed a new O2 sensor. 80k on the odometer and Montreal to Vancouver on 5 tanks of gas, smooth on the Prairies and powers up the Mountains. Interior is OK but I would still have liked the leather door trims. Suspension is great and if you feel the road it is better to drive. No problems getting from 0 to 60 and easy to stabilize at 120kmH. Pushed her to 190KmH just once for fun and she ticks great. All 200 horses got quiet hooves.

[John O]

Loving my 323. Sits like a rock, rolls like a cheetah. Corners are the best. That sweet little inline six is a grumpy little growler when you kick it - it just kicks you back through the rear wheels, which after owning a couple of front wheel drives is like a breath of fresh air. All in all my overall favourite machine, and I've owned a few.

[Rob]

I just took a 2010 323 for a test drive. It was an auto and it was an upset. My current 04 mazda3 would destroy that car. Pulling onto the hiway was a long and difficult task with its anti horse power. Maybe I'm just a power whore but it was still a let down since it was my first BMW driving experience. I think I'll look into an M3.

[L C]

I am writing to prevent someone who is thinking of making a commitment to BMW to think twice. I purchased a 2011 323i and all I have had were problems. I have never had a car that I had to bring in for service 10 times during the course of the year. Technicians felt that re-programming the software would fix the faulty fuel sensor and low battery issues. In the end it they both needed replacing. Technicians at the dealer level can not make these decisions but have to take their instructions from BMW Canada who do not take into consideration the continual issues of the car. In the meantime continual servicing is not my idea of what should be a positive ownership experience. They do not deserve my business and they do not deserve yours. Over engineered, complicated cars...I feel as though I am driving a scam. My friends now call it the "broken machine weekly." There are better cars out there...German engineering is over-rated!