Used 2001 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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I Miss My BMW
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.
2001 325i
I just got this car and am blown away by all the well-thought-out features. It's classy, fast and luxurious. This car combines sports performace with luxury. I don't feel like I'm in a tin can at all... VERY SOLID.
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $12,980120 mi away
- 325Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $10,500121 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $15,000131 mi away
Lemon?
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.
A Car You Won't Regret To Buy
Bought this car for almost 2 yrs, running as great as the first day it came out from dealer. The car has no any problem except the door seal/rubber was broken. Dealer replace both side of the door seal for me free. After I hit 19000 miles, the dealer replaced my front brake system for free.
Flawless 4 yr 330xi
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.
Cheap Materials
My biggest complaint after wrapping up my 2 year-22k mile experience with this car is the CHEAP plastic, dye, wood, leather, and moleskin used on the interior. I take very good care of my cars with weekly cleaning, detailing. The interior on this car was literally falling apart. The dye was lifting off the plastic console pieces, arm rests on doors and other areas. The moleskin material on the windshield frame was wrinkling up. The sunroof slide was falling apart from Florida heat I think. I have owned 13 BMWs and I will certainly stick with the 1988-older 5 Series, 1991-older 3 series cars for build quality and enjoyment of owning. Not to mention they hold their value better vs. new models
Still fun
Bought this car after owning a 95 M3 for its four doors, steptronic tranny and luxury features. Still fun to drive, always feel the difference after being in the wife's Lexus SUV. BMW engine, tranny and handling are great, but the interior and electronics are subpar. The newer ones are getting better, but I just don't think the germans know as much about electronics as the japanese do (I've owned 2 BMW's, 2 VW's, and 2 Honda's). On the flip side, BMW just feels better on the road than the japanese cars do. Overall a very positive experience!
WASTE OF MONEY
This is the second convertible BMW that I purchased. The first was a 2000 323CI, it was sluggish and had mechanical problems.I traded the car for the new improved 2001 330ci, this car is a nightmare. The car is sluggish - you have to slam on the gas to get the car to move, the doors do not shut properly and are hard to open; latch seems to get stuck. The top does not go down completely, the seat belts leave grease marks and are wearing the leather on the side of the seat. There is a rattle that no one can seem to fix. The rollover mechanism had to be replaced and the list goes. Good luck in getting someone from BMW to call you back.
I Wanted to Like but...
I would not recommend buying this car unless you have a warranty and an extra car. I have had this car 4 years and spent over $8k on repairs. Window regulators, water pump which took out the idler, drive belt, alternator and power steering, many gaskets. Covers for the side view mirror blew off while driving and the other detached itself somehow. Driver's side door leaks. Headliner is loose. The leather around the passenger door speakers is coming loose. The ac stopped blowing air shortly after the driver side window stopped working. Twice I've had a major stall in the fast lane on the frwy AND as if the car was finally ashamed if what is , the BMW emblem on the hood fell off!!
BMW's are VERY Over-rated
Found a 2001 BMW 325I with only 34K miles on it! Thought I had found a steal! Found out I was robbed! Had this car less than a year and have had to replace headlight assembly, front grille trim, rear window motor. Oil light comes on randomly! Worst of all, when it rains the interior leaks so bad it would make a great fish bowl! No one can find where it's coming from! Biggest piece of junk I've ever owned! Now I know why it only had 34K miles on it, no one wanted the piece of junk! My first and last BMW!
German Junk
What a piece of junk! I couldn't get to town and back (10 miles) without having to work on it. Water kept disappearing from the radiator, Leaked oil, head lamps kept going out. Replaced the whole cooing system and sold it. New owner didn't even make it home and had cooling problems. He tells me the head gasket is blown although it had no water in oil or oil in water? Ran smooth and engine made good power. The car is over engineered. Why use a complemented cooing system with the crazy O rings when a hose and clamp work fine? Easy to see why Germany lost WW2. I will never own another.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Another Great One
I've had my 325 for a year now, and I love it. It's the total package, great looks and performance. I have the sport package, which I think is a must have. The beamer looks great with the upgraded wheel package. I would recommend this car to anyone who enjoys driving. I love driving it.
Unreliable, Buy Japanese
This car has been in the shop for numerous problems. The most extensive was when the car was in the shop for two full weeks. Serious transmission problems(electrical), air bag problems. It doesn't run smooth but the dealer says there is nothing wrong. 6 months of research with reviews to back me up all wrong. CR did rate it correctly. Average reliability. Mine has been less than average. Buyers remorse.
Problems consistently
The front plate of the BMW was damaged with the outside temperature sensor after 3 months. BMW refused to replace on warranty. The generator failed, the bolts on the underpart of the car were replaced at a cost of $250 within 3 years and no warranty. Note I had the extended warranty purchase for 3 years. Generator replaced after 5 years. Oil leaks valve gasket cover replaced by dealer yet the oil leaks are from the hoses and oil filter area which was not replaced. Total amount spent is 5K which I have not spent with an American car driven to 170M miles.
325 Ci Coupe
This is a very nice car. I fell in love with the front looks of it! It handles very nice. I absolutely love the body style of the new BMWs!
Update from Last Review (mnfsto)
I have replaced all 4 tires at 21,500 miles. The air conditioning is now cutting out. No fun when it is 90+ outside and no air coming out. Was talked about a buy back then stonewalled. Once I start to feel good about the car again it decides to have a failure of some sort. "German Engineering" is not inspiring words. Looking to sell when 350z conv. comes out.
Best Cabrio on the Road
This is the best 4 seater convertible ever.
325 xi winter driving
Bought our new 02 325xi in november after selling our 92 325 w/210,00 miles. My wife drives 20,000 miles per year and loved her 92, except that it tended to slide around in the wisconsin winter. I used to drive the 325 then, and she took my jeep. Since getting the new 325, I hardly ever get to drive it. She loves how it handles in the snow, and ice. Likes it better than the jeep actually. Highly recommend the car.
Unreliable!
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.
I LOVE MY CAR!
I would buy this car again in a heartbeat. I have never had a problem with it. It's fun to drive, zippy! With the exception of a couple of dings, still looks, feel and drives as if it was brand new.
AWESOME
I DROVE THEM ALL......NOTHING CAME CLOSE, HANDLING SPORT PACKAGE A MUST! TRY S TURNS IN SNOW, NOTHING DOES IT LIKE THIS BMW.
This Car Is The Standard
This is my fifth BMW. I've had a 635, two sevens and an E36 M3, and this one is every bit as much fun as those, even if it isn't as flashy. It's the perfect integration of performance, style and practicality.
Needs more power
This car needs just a little more power -- 20 hp. Also, BMW does not finish the car out with the extras -- you have to pay for every little thing, like garage door opener. A car this price should include these things.
2001 BMW 325xi
Was a little afraid of purchasing this car up front based on what I have heard from other people about BMW's having bad electrical problems, etc. This car has been a very reliable car. No major work other than front CV joints at 110k miles, and front rocker arms at 120k miles. Other than that car has had very minor work... things like thermostat, rear brakes, and front window motor. Car actually gets about 25 mpg, not 20 which is what everywhere has it rated as. Vehicle is expensive to work on but rarely needs work. Not fast by any means but handles amazing. Mine is a manual transmission as well.
BMW's review
The car is wonderful driving machine. It handles very well. I had a few problems with some fixtures but overall I am very satisfied.
South African Lemon
I have a 325I that was build in South Africa, not Germany. extremely unreliable. The car stalls during starts any time it's below 70F. Not impressed with BMW service either. Perks are not up to luxury standard. My advice, buy a Lexus, Mercedes or new Infinity G35. I will never buy another BMW again.
Nice Car!
I purchased this car used in January 2004. Engine is really smooth. Don't worry about the power of this car because it has lots of power. Fuel economy is excellent too. I Highly recommend this BMW!
LOVE IT!
LOVE IT EVEN MORE EVERY MINUTE!!!!!!!!!!
Love The Look, Too Many Little Problems
I bought the 325i sedan used in July 2002. I loved the look and passed up a similarly priced Lexus because of the look and nameplate. It was a mistake. I must have had it in the shop at least 6 times in the 15 months that I had it. The window came off the track (2x), the front passenger door leaked (2x), brake pad replacement, and even once when the engine just started smoking and stalled at a stop light! The leather interior is inferior to the Lexus as well. Overall I really wanted to like the car, but too many little problems will keep me from buying it again.
dual personality: driver / track toy
one must take this car to a drivers school to appreciate the brilliant work the bmw /M folks did in the suspension tune. superb handling. the track is the only place one can sanely extract the performance this car offers, which is considerable: i chased down a pair of itb racers in my run group who were leaving me for dead on the straights. better still, the car does not beat you up day-2-day, offers quite good fuel economy, is reasonable to insure, and is drop-dead gorgeous to look at. the price of admission is high, but in this case you do get what you pay for.
2001 330i Convertible
This is a well designed and great performing automobile with a convertible top that requires no effort to retract or put up.
My car
I looooooooove my car!
BMW 325ci
Simply the best BMW I've ever had. Hands down beat the Mercedes,Volvo,Lexus alternatives when I was shopping.
The Best BMW Convertible Yet......
I ordered my 330CI 3 months before it went into production to replace my 1997 328 convertible. My new ride made my '97 feel like a go-cart. Huge improvement and they both had the maximum options except for the hard top, which would be a waste of money. This time around I got the Automatic Steptronic. It is the best of both worlds and worth the extra cash, although my wife wants and can drive it more often now.
Awesome
Just brought home my 330ci and love everything about it. Acceleration is smooth and quick due to the well engineered inline 6. Braking is best in its class as is handling. I could write a book on the wonders of this car but will simply sum things up with a rock solid "awesome." Drive one and you will know why BMW's are the Ultimate Driving Machine.
YOU MUST GET THIS CAR
I got my 330 i at age 18 and i dont think i am ever gonig to get rid of it. For anyone who wants car that is fast look great and had a good name get this car. Driving has never been this fun. Getting stuck in the 405 trafic will never ever be a drag if its done in thsi car.
Slightly disappointed
I love the performance and handling, I could use 330 power but I expected this when I bought a 325i. Steering could be tighter. Looks and comfort are superb for my needs, friends love it. But I had problems especially with the and dealer. Car had musty smell in vents with air, it was fixed and now the odor is back. Both front windows off track adn repaired. squeaky trunk. Fuzzy AM radio. Car didn't start and was towed. Dealer found nothing wrong and it started for them? Otherwise car is a dream.
Top notch car !!
Excellent car all around !! Best handling and braking and great acceleration makes this more fun to drive then any other car in it's class. This car is also a great investment because it has some of the best resale value anywhere...
325i is Beautiful
I love my 2001 BMW 325i. I got it in Titanium Silver Metallic with Gray Leather and it is clean as a whistle. I bought it new and it still rides smoothly. I didn't expect to purchase one after I test drived one but this car is irresistable. The only car I would trade this in for is a BMW M3 Coupe.
back-n-black
what a car! I have always dreamed about owning a bimmer and this car does not dissapoint. nothing like smokin' other cars (supposedly with more horsepower) day & night. truly the ultimate driving machine.
Still Fun
I love my BMW, but I too experienced the aux. fan failure two months into ownership. In my instance, I was left stranded in 95+ heat with two very young children. BMW Roadside Assistance took over two hours to arrive and sent a hook! I refused and one hour later a flatbed finally arrived. The dealership provided a 5 series loaner for almost six weeks...until they finally had aux. fans that worked. Since that time(18 months) the car has never missed a beat and is a wonderful car to drive. It is not "just another car."
Best car I have ever owned
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!
330 CI
We purchased this car from a dealer in Fl. and took delivery at the factory in North Carolina. It was a great experiance we reccomend to any one buying a new BMW. The car has meet or exceeded our expetations. The car has 6000 miles on it with NO problems. It is a fun car to drive. With the new 3.0 engine it has good power,the sports package gives a sports car feel to the handeling.Only drawback is unability to rotate tires. Fit and finish is very good,car is easy to keep clean except wheels due to brake dust.We would buy another one.
The best sport sedan.
This car rocks, hands down the best car you have ever driven!
never again
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.
Low Mile's Bimmer
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.
330Ci - Ultimate Grinning Machine
My 330Ci puts a smile on my face every time I get in it, drive it, or wash+wax it. The car is literally a feast for the senses; the styling is pleasing down to the smallest detail, the exhaust note is throaty and powerful, the acceleration/handling is nimble and quick, and the Montana leather adds just enough to the atmosphere. Simply put, the car inspires confidence in its abilities and nurtures the drivers' abilities through the responsive feedback system and a generally forgiving nature. You feel safe in this car-- the brakes, the Dynamic Stability Control, the six-pack of airbags and the visibility at night with the Xenon headlights.
fun reliable to drive
fun to drive coupe. i love its handling of corners. after bmw i cant go to the others
Can't Imagine Driving Anything but a BMW
I have had the car for 13 months and still can't believe it took me 31 years to discover BMW. The chasis design, coupled with the outstanding braking power and old-school steering (mine was made after 5/1) make this one of the funnest cars I can imagine. The acceleration is smooth and refined. You will not experience torque-steer or fading of the power band at any speed. The balance in the car is indescribable. The make-to-order buying experience was fantastic and I can't imagine owning anything else at this time.
Average Car
I have been buying 325is since '92 and this one is the I've kept the longest. These are fine cars but little things bug you and are expensive to fix. I'm sure I will switch to Honda, can't be any more trouble and a lot cheaper. Just finished a 3000 mile trip and averaged 32.2 with the automatic. I was pleased with that.