2005 BMW 3 Series Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

If you've got the bucks to spend, this is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.

Pros

Still the standard when it comes to perfectly sorted vehicle dynamics, high-quality interior materials exude luxury, wide range of configurations to suit any style, available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.

Cons

Still costs more than most of its competitors, limited rear-seat space and cargo capacity, confusing array of options and packages.

What's New for 2005

A power moonroof and Myrtle wood trim are now standard on all models. Brushed aluminum column trim is available as a no-cost option. Front lumbar support has been added to the Premium Package for all 325 models; a power top is now standard on the 325Ci convertible; and new star-spoke wheels are standard on the 325Ci coupe and convertible. The 330Ci convertible gets an auto-dimming rearview mirror, lumbar support and a universal garage door opener as standard. This year, the sequential manual gearbox (SMG) is available only on 3.0-liter models, and only in combination with the Sport Package. Buyers can now order both the Performance and Premium Packages together. Lastly, a flat tire warning and white indicator lights are now standard on all models.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Our Florida Dream Car

Written by: Frankie. & Sue on 09/02/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2005 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Having recently moved down to St. Petersburg, Florida from Collingswood, New Jersey, my wife and I decided to trade in our boring 2005 Camry XLE for a Certified Previously Owned 2005 BMW 330Ci Convertible. It is our first Beemer/Bimmer and we love it! There is definitely a reason they call it the Ultimate Driving Machine. It is that incredible connection to the road. Hugging the road as if on a rail and its smooth strong power make a good driver into an excellent driver. This is why it is always #1 in all the car mags...try one and you will be spoiled. It is our Florida Dream Car!

Favorite Features

Superb Handling and Power, Great Looks, Quiet Convertible, Great Sound System, Friendly & Responsive BMW Service.

Suggested Improvements

Hard to improve upon perfection.

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Ultimate driving machine!

Written by: Matt on 09/01/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

2005 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

This is truly a spectacular car. I bought it as a second car to use as a commuter vehicle between New Orleans and Houston. The car gets great gas mileage while delivering spectacular performance at the same time. It handles well and just has a rock solid feel to everything. I used to have a Jaguar X-type and this car just runs circles around it... so far, very happy. I hope to have this car for many years to come.

Well tuned V6, high gas mileage, solid suspension, rain sensing wipers, sunroof.

I really don't have any complaints, but I guess cup holders and climate control for the back seats would be nice.

I love this BMW

Written by: H&H on 08/02/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	10

2005 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

I bought this BMW 330XI used with 14000 miles on it. I have been driving this car for one year, no problem appeared. The car is very fun to drive, I feel very safe driving this car, it is heavy and it grabs the road very well unlike the Toyota which I traded in, we love it very much. My son and I had a lot of fun driving it from Canton OH back to Buffalo NY that day. This car is very responsive, very reliable. The dealership is very friendly in my city. I will recommend this car to all my friends. My next car will be another BMW. However, I don't like the style in new model of 3 and 5 series, the rear looks ugly.

Safety, responsiveness, fun to drive, quality.

Sound system, use Bose sound system wound be better. Fuel efficiency.

Fun car. Nice well-rounded vehicle

Written by: Nathan on 08/01/2009


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	9

Could use a little more power, but handling is excellent and corners like it's own rails. Very smooth and gets decent gas mileage (25 mpg combined @ 70% highway). Fun to drive on rolling hills and winding roads. Not great in snow, but not terrible either (if you know what you're doing). Cup holders aren't that bad. No major problems, but an occasional slight whistle from driver window (I think) and, separately, from climate system. BMW couldn't identify the former and the latter started after warranty expired. Neither occurs often, but a bit annoying when they do. It was in a accident before I bought it though,so all things considered, I'm satisfied. Not perfect, but well-rounded and fun.

Smoothness, handling, looks, climate control, 1-touch windows, audio controls an steering wheel.

More power and better fuel economy, of course.

You know you want the convertible

Written by: Lexventura on 05/26/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

Have owned this gorgeous pre owned (CPO) car for a month now. I routinely get stopped in parking lots for questions. The style has aged so gracefully, many people think its a new car with the top down. Car is composed at all times. My first BMW (after Lexus, Acura), I didn't expect the hype to be true, but it is: the BMW ride is firm but forgivingly compliant at the same time. No lean, no roll but my wife likes the smoothness better than our Lexus. Car has new Michelin Pilots. Power is more than sufficient. On starting, the exhaust note is a pleasantly refined but assertive rumble. You do sit very low in this car, so be prepared to look up at nearly every other vehicle on the road.

Top down, the car's lines are gorgeous. BMW ride and handling really are as good as the hype. Engine is refined, autotran is smooth. Automatic top is fast and easy. Here in SoCal, I only put the top up to park at work. Airflow is non-turbulent in front. Back seats are good for our 6 and 9 year old.

All pretty minor: Getting used to the BMW's audible valve train at cold start-up. Programmed shift from 2nd to 3rd is too quick. Audio quality is only fair even with HK. Some cowl shake, a few creaks and rattles, and poorer vis (expected with a convertible, but drive one to see if these bother you).

2005 BMW 3 Series Consumer Ratings & Reviews