2001 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews Page 5

Beware Dreadful Seats

Written by: Robert Ruiz on 08/17/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Bought the car at 38,000 miles and have put another 30,000 on it in 10 months of driving. It's been very reliable and only needed one sensor replaced. Post-50,000 mile servicing seemed pricey (quoted $800) but I'm coming from an old Alfa Romeo. Very happy with the car overall except for things such as interior trim rattles (constant) and dreadful seats. My car came with the standard seats and they caused circulation problems and caused left foot problems (no support on left foot and overall it was like sitting on a beach ball with support at center and little on sides). I replaced them with the sports seats and they are much better but can be uncomfortable (very, very firm).

Favorite Features

Styling, interior and exterior, and Steptronic transmission (3 modes of driving, sport, manual or automatic, and the result is power when you need/want it but great fuel economy too), and having driving both the 325 and the 330 the 330 seems not worth the extra money. Love the car except as noted.

Suggested Improvements

Learn how to make seats, BMW. Neither of your seats works well and is more about looks and gimmicks than actual comfort. You seem to have a love/hate relationship with your customers. Love getting their cash. Hate seeing them after you've got it. I would never buy another BMW after this.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Total Experience

Written by: unix2me on 08/08/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I fall into the "always wanted one" category. I finally succumbed to my desire in Sept 04. I only wish I had bought one long before. I opted for the 330 because i wanted the additonal power and creature comforts standard on the 330. The minute I test drove the car I was grinning from ear to ear as the smooth acceleration pushed me into the seat. Stylish, fast with great brakes. Expensive to maintain. Don't buy this model if your not a serious driving enthusiast. Save yourself a few bucks and opt for the 325. But for those of you who love to drive and have the $$$... then this is the car for you.

Favorite Features

Smooth tranny. Powerful brakes. Sexy exterior styling. No nonsense purposeful interior. Cornering and oh the way the growling engine note turns my lady on!

Suggested Improvements

CD changer should be standard. Sport seats should be standard.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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I Miss My BMW

Written by: Miss my BMW on 07/30/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I just sold my 325Ci a week ago and miss it every day (2nd baby just arrived). What a great car! My fuel mileage was 34 (hwy + 5-speed trans), wonderful ride and better handeling. Very comfortable seats with the sport package. I think the tool kit and built in flash light are great.

Favorite Features

Handling, exterior design, automatic windows (they go up too). Exterior design. Fuel mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Interior storage places are limited. Would like to be able to lock the car with the drivers door still open (like to get out, lock car, and put key in pocket before collecting my belongings from the car)

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Wünderbar!

Written by: Tyree on 07/06/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Wonderful car! Plan on driving the car for years to come and then upgrade to the newer E60 530xi wagon. The exterior and interior design are flawless. The last of the great 3 series. Plenty of room, great gas mileage, comfortable. Great on road trips. Maintenance is affordable when DIY. This is my 3rd BMW and currently own 2. Will continue to buy only BMW's.

Favorite Features

Alpine White and Black interior combination. Steptronic. 184 hp. Easy to work on and for DIY projects.

Suggested Improvements

No problems whatsoever. Typical wheel bearing replacement taken care of under warranty as well as window motors. Hoping one day that BMW will again send diesel's to the states. A 325xid would be superior!

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Unreliable!

Written by: Brian on 06/11/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I just spent over $3,000 for numerous problems: A/C - evaporator leaking ($2,400), Window regulator, $450 - my second window regulator replacement! Also, strange thumping sound from right undercarriage (arm bushings?) $500. The next day the service engine soon light comes on and the oil pressure warning. Ridiculous at 69k miles.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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5 speed without the clutch

Written by: John on 05/22/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This was a great car. I had to sell due to it not being practical to carry clients in, but it performed well. The AC was a bit sporadic and I had to play with the control to get it to blow the right level.

Favorite Features

I love the transmission. I love driving a 5 speed , but hate the clutch in traffic. I guess the purist 5 speed driver thinks it's a knock off, but the car performs so much better using the Steptronic transmission feature. I can't say I ever drove it as an automatic. The performance was excellent

Suggested Improvements

Obviously...the cost of basic service. Parts are extremely expensive. Both control arms went before I sold it to the tune of $1,000. Having to set the vents for hot or cold air seems a bit ridiculous....When I had to do this I thought it was a KIA.

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Great car if you can afford it

Written by: OhioBoy on 04/29/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Car is fun to drive, comfortable, and good looking. I can't say enough good about this car. Little thoughtful features on the car make it fantastic to own, like the passenger rearview mirror folds down in reverse for parallel parking, there's a flashlight in the glove box charged off the car and the car comes from the factory already set up for a roof rack (my "official" BMW rack doesn't touch the paint). Big things that are nice are traction control (saved my behind in the snowy/crap weather here) & heated seats. Had to have one window motor replaced (under warranty thankfully). Maintenance is very pricey too ($800 for brakes, $100 oil change), as is the premium fuel.

Favorite Features

Seat heat has 3 settings and heats up fast. Engine has more than adequate hpower/torque for passing/merging/racing honda punks. Handles better than expected in winter. Little design features are extremely practical and useful. Other than window motor,never had any mechanical problems with this car.

Suggested Improvements

More or better storage for regular stuff (sunglasses etc.) & fold down rear seats would be nice. Front cupholder is a little weird to use with two cups. Car is very expensive to maintain, and requires premium fuel, but I guess that's to be expected with any premium type car.

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Flawless 4 yr 330xi

Written by: EJKrew on 03/05/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

The car has been trouble free and a blast to drive. No need to worry about the weather ahead of you with full time AWD! Oil changes and brake fluid replacement has been all that has been needed. Rock solid, no rattles or squeaks.

Favorite Features

All wheel drive plus BMW 3 series powertrain.

Suggested Improvements

Self dimming rear view mirror could respond to light a bit faster.

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best of breed

Written by: K-1 on 03/04/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

The three series epitomizes what BMW is all about; performance with a touch of class and understated elegance.

Favorite Features

Smooth engine performance, exterior style.

Suggested Improvements

At this price, lack of a six-CD player is inexcusable. The seats could be more comfortable and the cupholder design is flawed.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Its a blast !!!

Written by: Double D on 02/07/2005

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I purchased a 2001 BMW 330i CPO car, which is the only way to go but typically will cost you a few more duckies. Great car, tremendous torque versus the 325i and the steptronic AT is perfect. No complaints except for a tall person, its a little tough getting in and out.

Favorite Features

The engine and transmission.

Suggested Improvements

Better seating

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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