2001 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews Page 7

Lemon?

Written by: bhunter on 12/01/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

Have loved driving the car, although as mentioned previously, the sound system is lame, the defroster is 100% fullblast or nothing, and we too have had tire/wheel issues. We have had it in the shop 16 times in 3.5 years for various problems, almost every other month since we bought it.The service managers say, "It's a high performance vehicle", to which I reply,"It's a high maintenance vehicle." What about that famous engineering? I'd never buy another, it's not that fun, and the reality is, most driving is commuting in heavy traffic, little chance to enjoy the performance within.

Favorite Features

Power and handling. It is a blast to drive on open roads and in the mountains of Colorado. Behaves very well in snow too.

Suggested Improvements

Larger! The Nissan Altima feels like a750IL in comparison (leg-room, length,interior space), and 330xi performanceis not far enough ahead of the competition to warrant the price,especially with the reliability issues!

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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My fifth BMW

Written by: ecsail on 11/13/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

Yes, that's right. This is my fifth BMW. I buy these cars because they have excellent design inside and out, they are built well, and they are a lot of fun to drive. This car has been a little disappointing, however. Unlike every other BMW I have owned, this one has given me a little trouble. It cost me about $1100 so far. Hopefully,the problem is fixed. I have 121,000 miles on this car and not a rattle or vibration anywhere. Still rides and drives like new! I can't help it - I love these cars! This is the first one ever to give me a problem.

Favorite Features

High performance, high quality, and economy in one package.

Suggested Improvements

No recommendations for improvement. But, if you buy one, I would recommend avoiding the M sport package (which I bought). The tires are very soft, very expensive and need repalcing about every 15,000 miles. I would rather have the regular suspension and tires which last 60,000 miles.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love my car

Written by: Troy C on 10/27/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

The 325i is the best car Ive ever owned.It has plenty of power and drives like a dream.The only squibble is that its expensive to work on.I lovedriving it anywhere.

Favorite Features

Driving performance

Suggested Improvements

Make affordable to repair

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poor quality windows

Written by: martyd on 10/16/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought it through euro program (excellent option). Love to drive this car, but quality could be improved. It's great in the snow/ice - better than most SUVs. Driver side window motor failed soon after warranty expired. Already have full new set of brakes at 60k miles for $1100. Love only needing oil service every 15000. Fits family of four quite well with good trunk space.

Favorite Features

all wheel drive is awesome. manual seats are comfy and provide headroom for a tall guy. upgraded stereo is good. like the xenons too. My wife likes the heated leather seats.

Suggested Improvements

improved layout of console, better electric window quality. better cup holders in back. Vent fan also whines in 1st setting.

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BMW AWD Wagon

Written by: Matthew456 on 10/08/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

The all-wheel drive wagon is a great car. You don't see a ton of them on the roads, but that's a good thing in this day and age where everyone has the same maroon ford expedition. It is an absolute monster in snow and ice. The X system teamed with the DSC's ability to manage the anti-lock brakes one at a time for "zero-yaw" means you go exactly where you want to go in bad conditions. We went all over the Alps and US Rockies for three years in it. Holds a lot of gear in the back, but still looks and drives like a performance sedan... but with really good mileage. We've gotten ~23 city and 30 highway. Buy one if you can find one.

Favorite Features

Traction, performance, and mileage. Xenon headlights are amazing in bad conditions.

Suggested Improvements

The 2.5 doesn't exactly scream, but it is plenty fast. Buy the Harmon Kardon optional stereo if you like "loud". I also got the 16" rims and regret it. Looks much better with 17".

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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never again

Written by: lg72 on 08/16/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

In the 2 years I've owned this car I've had to replace 4 power window motors, 3 diff sensors and some temp gauge for the A/C... thank god it's under warranty. But the warranty expires in Nov and I'm selling and never buying another BMW. Way too high maintenace. The roadside assistance guy told me they're great in the Alps... but that's about it.

Favorite Features

Fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

power window motors that last more than 1-2 years.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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325

Written by: OKHunter on 08/12/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought the car for the wife, coming off a 3 year lease @2.9%, on a BMW CPO program. Have had to take back to dealership twice, once to replace a faulty intake cam sensor, and once for some minor adjustments. Handling is impeccable, and power is good for 184HP, but wish they would offer more power without having to upgrade to a 330. Haven't pushed the top end, but expect it's more than I would want. Dealership has been fair to deal with, but I just don't have that warm fuzzy feeling yet. Brake dust, of course, is an unsolveable problem.

Favorite Features

Dust is a curse, the brake performance is world class. Styling and fun to drive quotient are over the top. Seals and stability of the conv top make it feel like your in a hardtop. Memory seats are cool; I'm 5'11", my wife is 5'0".

Suggested Improvements

The Germans can build a car of this quality, but they can't fix the brake dust? Gimme a break; they don't wanna fix it; they'd rather sell brake jobs instead! Need some "tweakage options" to boost acceleration.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Low Mile's Bimmer

Written by: Chgo. Bad Boy on 08/06/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I have owned BMW'S since my 1988 M3 & love my 2001 330CI for all the review's are correct. The only problem I have had was a bad front windshield for there where air bubble's in it which looked like over spray, replace it & is fine. The only problem which the dealer tried to fix many time's is a rattle in the passenger door but I credit the dealership for they tried everthing possible to resolve the problem but it is alot better but still is there. Being a big guy(46" chest)the sport seat do not fit me well so the dealer change's the wheel's to the sport package wheel's & all is fine. I wish they would offer the M3 seat that have adjustable side boldster's.

Favorite Features

There really is nothing not to like.

Suggested Improvements

I bought my 330CI before the upgraded radio was made standard but the stereo is week in power & can not be up- graded. The adjustable sport seat in the bolster area.

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Be Afraid, Be VERY Afraid

Written by: DowninTX on 07/11/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I warn you - do NOT buy a BMW! I was very excited when I bought my BMW 325i new in 2001 - after shelling out lots of cash for the car, I expected it to hold up, but I was let down quickly. In the 3 years that I've owned the car, I've had to replace all of the window motors, sunroof motor, CD player, engine sensor, & now my air conditioner!!! CRAZY!!!!!!!

Favorite Features

None at this point.

Suggested Improvements

Everything - I'll NEVER buy a BMW again.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best car I have ever owned

Written by: Caduceus on 05/24/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

Awesome car. My wife and bought this car in May and love it. We fight over who gets to drive it. I also own a Corvette and can honestly say that the 2001 BMW 330i is more fun to drive!

Favorite Features

Everything!

Suggested Improvements

More leg room in the rear for teens to adults.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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