Used 2001 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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fun reliable to drive
fun to drive coupe. i love its handling of corners. after bmw i cant go to the others
Love my car
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.
- 330i SedanMSRP: $3,45094 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $12,580352 mi away
- 325Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $6,999388 mi away
My fifth BMW
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.
Yeah Baby
This car has it all. Unbelievable handling and amenities. I got mine for $32,000 with the Sport Package, Premium Package, and Cold Weather Package. Once they take the major part of their depreciation hit, the car is a good buy. Test drove the Infiniti I35 which is a nice car but did not get me nearly as excited as the 330Ci.
Excellent Car
The BMW 330I is always fun to drive. It has excellent performance and very reliable. It gives me sheer joy just driving it.
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.
Gold Plated Brakes
Love the car! Bought it used from a Ford Dealer...HA! BMW dealerships were very reluctant to negotiate any. Car is just great. After 1 year, we had to replace brakes and rotors... typical for BMW. Cost around $800. We have good milage on brakes, but rotors usually have to be replaced with pads.
The Perfect Car
I just purchased this car used, with 42K miles, White, Sport pkg, 5 spd, Premium pkg, Leather, & Xenons. I believe that this car is the perfect combination of sport/balance/speed & comfort/everyday livablity. It houses two car seats in the back (although the back seat is a little tight) which is great for the family; yet, is a blast to drive on your favorite backroad. The silky smooth six is just as advertised ...PERFECT! If you've got the extra dough, the 330 is definitely worth it over the 325 ... but you'll be happy with either one. I highly recommend owning a 3 series (w/the sport pkg & manual tranny), you won't regret it!
Excellent Machine
I have been using this machine since 03/01 and running great till date. I never worried for any thing with my BMW. The customer service is excellent. I truely recommend to new buyers, before making a decision, drive once then make a decision.
First BMW
This is my first BMW, and I am very pleased. The response is good, gas mileage is around 23 in local driving. I have the optional hard top which is great for the winter months and makes the lines of the car look fantistic. Interior roominess is lacking and rear seat passenger leg room is tight. The car is fun to drive and handling is excellent. I may opt for a 7 series in the near future.
Its a blast !!!
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.
AWESOME MACHINE
Bought my first BMW in December of 2000 and love it, love it, love it. 24K miles now. Should have bought the sport package and exact opinions I wanted, but got antsy and bought one off the dealers lot. - a mistake you should not make. Premium package is a rip off, You can get most of the options seperate. I'm experiencing my first problem. Need to take it in next week - a creaking noise sometimes when turning the steering wheel. I am hooked on BMW!!
Great car
The 330Ci is a great mix of handling, speed and comfort.
2001 330i
Coolest car I have ever owned by a long shot. This car is a rocket, but I can still get 31 mpg on the highway (if I drive the speed limit).
excellent ragtop
excellent car,my 3rd 3-series and the best by far. A great suspension--not too rough but very athletic. Top is a work of art going down and when it is buttoned up.
Wünderbar!
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.
Fun and Reliable
My 330xi is by far the best vehicle I have ever owned. Not only is it extremely safe, but it's performance and handling is better than any other car I have driven. Before purchasing, I test drove several others in this class, none of which compared to BMW.
BMW 325i
This is my first BMW and I have to admit I a sold! Best drive of all the cars I have had or been in. I travel a lot and rent many cars. I have also tried to keep US automakers in mind when purchasing but BMW wins hands down. This is a solid car with great all around appeal. It is also rated safer than the volvo on independent crash test. Finally the service is outstanding and hastle free. I recommend the 3 series to someone who wants quality and performance. It is a great car!!!
Pathetic quality
The total of 10(!) window regulators have been replaced in just 21,000 miles. In addition, had to be repaired: electric sunroof, A/C fan speed regulator, windshild (replaced due to bubbles in glass), engine RPM sensor (car began stalling), MPG sensor. Also noticed a leak (on a rainy day) on the floor by the driver side (front). I am not a lawer, but in my book I've got a lemon. BMW must recall all the cars with substandard power window regulators and replace them with the re- engineered ones since the replaced regulators are failing as well. While I like the performance and the look of my car, I am not buying another BMW any time soon. A car is more than just a smooth drivetrain!
Awesome
We have driven coast to coast twice and love this car. It helps that I lost weight some weight. It is easier for me to get in and out of now at 210 compared to 250 pounds. Handling is superb.
The Best Car I've Ever Owned
I've had this car for 2 months and I can honestly say it's the greatest. The performance, engineering, and looks are second-to-none. I've never had so many compliments from total strangers, which really makes me feel good. I've had absolutely no problems with the car since I've had it. The only downside might be the high-cost maintenance procedures. I can do them myself, but if they are done by the dealership, prices are quite high. If you can bleed brakes and change brake pads, change hoses and flush coolant, and change engine belts, then you'll have no problem with this car. Buy a manual, and you'll be fine.
Love my BMW
the greatest car I have ever driven
Terrific all-around car
My 330Ci was purchased BMW Certified w/16,000 miles and it flawless shape. Dealer service is superb and is always "no questions asked" WRT my requests. The car is very quick, handles well (sport package), looks very sharp, and has numerous luxury features. The car has few faults. The steering wheel positioning (even w/tilt/telescope) takes some getting used to. Body roll is slightly excessive, given the sport suspension. I have owned an Audi TT and Lexus IS300 and I can say w/certainty that this car is a significant step above both of these cars, dealer service included.
good car
The car is fun to drive. Handles well in dry summer driving. I'm not impressed with the all wheel drive in DSC mode. My 1990 Coupe Quattro could run circles around the 325xi in snow. With the DSC shut off the car is very unsafe unless you have a good snow tire on it. I also removed the CDV which made a HUGE difference in clutch/shifting performance. If you have a manual get rid of the CDV and save your clutch... I also don't believe in the 15ooo mile oil service. Take oil filler cap on your valve cover after 7k miles and look at the yellow and white sludge in there... Change the oil every 2500-3000 miles and you will not see that build up. If buying used have the car inspected at indep. shop
Fast and fun... refined and reliable
I bought a certified used vehicle with 13,0000 miles. This car is very refined and smooth and fun to drive. The amount of money that I spend on the monthly payment is worth every cent. I have never driven a car that is so refined, smooth, and performs so well. The way the steering is so accurate and the way the car handles at high speed. Also, on the freeway the car rides so smoothly and on rough roads you can feel the bumps with the sports suspension but it is worth the trade off for the superior handling. I know of no other car in this price range that combines the quality, refinement, ride control, and handling of this vehicle.
Nice but ....
This is a nice car, but lacks the fit and finish expected in a car of this price. There are numerous squeaks and rattles that are quite annoying. It is fun to drive, lacks power in the low revs, but around 3500RPM it picks up nicely. One major complaint is the Auto-Manual shifter. To upshift you push forward, and pull it back for downshifting. This seemed backwards to me. Only trouble I had is a peice of door trim came loose, and the shade for the moonroof came off it's track once. Both issues were fixed by the dealer under warranty and without hassle. Overall, it's a good car, but a little overpriced for the quality.
Best car I have ever owned!!
Before I leased this car in 2001, I had driven much larger sedans, (Audi, Acura, Infiniti) and never considered a much smaller car. That is until I drove the BMW 330xi. I bought the car in 2004 when it came off lease and have continued to enjoy as much as the first time I drove it. I have enhanced it's performance with several Dinan add-ons. and it performs like a bat out of hell. Other than routine maintenance, and the addition of the Dinan equipment, the car has not required any service. The AWD feature is a great in the winter, in the rain, on the highways and on the track. Most of driving involves road trips and I generally average almost 30 mpg. The car handles like a dream.
Solid Car
I've loved this car and am loathe to part with it (I've owned it for over 7 years). All is running great..knock wood. Never had any major maintenance issues. I love the way it drives...solid. Exterior is sporty. Interior is functional, yet basic. No complaints.
Beemer smiles per mile
The BMW 325i--what a dream car! It has luxury, power, awesome handling, safety and quality finishing inside and exterior. One awesome feature is the programmable door key that allows the electric seats and mirrors to be configured separately for two different drivers. The car also has enough rear legroom for the mother-in-law.
Great car to have and own!
I make excuses to drive my car anywhere. It has plenty of power, for normal driving that is. The looks are great and the 330Ci draws a lot of attention. I have never had anything go wrong with the car and don't expect to either. My only complaint is the dealership, the two that I have to go to are pretty snobby and since I look so young I must not be worth helping. If you are considering buying one, make sure you have the sport and premium package.
You must be ready to comprimise!
I have had my car for a little while now and it seems to be holding up I had a few issues - the moonroof headliner is defective and BMW tried to charge me $1000.00 to fix it - just recall it please, it is defective! My driver's side window is sticking and I am afraid to get it fixed after reading the reviews here that say the window leaks after the repair! I keep burning oil and I will have to see what is causing that. Brakes go fast and cost $800.00 to change. And I had some loose exterior trim through seemingly no fault of my own. Loose interior grill on speaker. Loose mat anchor.
a winner
I have never driven a 'tighter' vehicle in all of my driving years (40 years+). I am impressed with everything about this vehicle...from the design to the power and added amenities. It is a 'fun' drive. The only issue that I unwittingly experienced was the 'service engine soon' light coming on unexepectedly once. For fear of causing damage, I immediately called the dealer. They suggested that I probably didn't put the gas cap back on correctly after a recent gas fill. They were right...a simple fix. I love the car and will buy again.
Awesome!!!
This car does what you want it to do, and that's almost anything. Great car, a lot of power, great handling. Everything i wanted in a car, I've looked at Audi, Lexus, and others and nothing compares to this one.
Fantastic car
We bought this car new to replace my aging Integra Hatchback. Essentially, I wanted the 325i sedan but we needed the larger trunk space and utility of a wagon. This vehicle sacrifices none of the sedan's handling and performance. We included the sports package, which I believe is a must have for the 325. The handling is sharp, telescopic, and easy to manage. The car simply loves being tossed into a corner. The exterior also benefits from a true wagon design, not the hatch on the sedan design that you might see on some others. The only mechanical issue this car encountered was the faulty auxillary fan.
Like true love, I'm head over heels.
Now, I've only had my 2001 BMW 325i for a week, and who knows what will happen, mechanic wise. But, I have never had a car that made me grin ear to ear like my BMW has. Even though I bought it as a used car, the car looks brand new, and feels brand new. Acceleration is smooth and has good pick up especially in higher RPMs. Fantasic exterior, and interior! That being said I can tell already my rear pasgr window is sticking, and will probably need to be replaced! Lucky for me 2 year factory warranty for 3G was not something I was going to gamble with! So, off to the shop in probably in a month! But, it dosn't change the fact that my BMW is the most fun car I've ever driven.
After one year...
Okay, so after one year of having driven this vehicle, I can truthfully say that it's the best car I've ever owned. Still looks "showroom", solid build, handles well, excellent interior materials, etc. I too had the fan replacement, then ANOTHER just 6 weeks later! BUT, they were very courteous and had my vehicle back to me in less than one day on both occasions. The Sports Package would have been a nice addition for the lowered suspension and bolstered seats. I find that my center of gravity is simply too high to perform some of the driving I like/attempt. I just felt that I had to chime-in to offset that previous, completely bad review.
My 2nd 3 Series
After owning a 91 318is, I knew that my next car would be another Bimmer. My new (to me) 01 BMW 330i, white/tan leather, 5 spd, premium pkg, sport pkg, HK sound system & Xenon, is a major step forward. Everything from the silky smooth I6 and perfect manual tranny to the beautiful exterior (especially the M style double spoke wheels included in the sport pkg) and purposeful interior are BMW perfect. The mid range torque is neverending and the car corners like it's on rails. I find the lighter steering effort around town to be fine; however, a little more feedback wouldn't be a bad thing. This is a great car that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a TRUE SPORTS sedan.
I love my BMW!
I was not exactly looking to buy a BMW, but once I test drove the 330Ci, I had to have it. And I have loved every minute I have had it.
Simply the Best
After driving this car for one year, I will only buy BMWs from this point on. The car is not only fun to drive, it is reliable. After owning American and Japanese cars, it is apparent that German engineering is the best. BMW's offer both performance and superior build quality. About the only problem I have experienced with this car is the scheduled maintenence indicator, which can be annoying and expensive to get rid of (you have to spend a lot at the service department or buy a service tool.) I would definitely suggest buying this car to anyone looking for a luxury/sport sedan.
Great Car
This car is fun to drive, very safe, and a great snow performer. This was a tough winter, and the car handled perfectly even in the worst conditions.
Awesome car
Brake system is best in industry. Great handling, straightens out the curves. Instant response can avoid problems on the highway.
BMW Rocks!
I got everything I want from a car in my BMW 330i: the look, the speed/power, agility, and the passenger space. However, this is not the most ergonomically designed car in the world, especially when used for telecommuting through LA highways. The narrowing cockpit shape can be quite unfriendly to the right knee after frequent braking and accelerating.
Quality & Performance
No problems yet. Fun to drive. Great interior look and feel. No detail overlooked. Great car!
Sleek
I purchased the 330Ci used w/ 45K miles. This car definitely turns heads. It's style and handling performance is quite impressive. We've encountered a few minor problems with sensors for the ABS and transmission but were easily resolved.
Almost Perfect
I have to say that this is the best driving car I have ever owned. I bought a 2001 steel metallic blue 325i with sport package, premium package, heated seats, Xenon and purposely ordered a 5-speed. Believe it or not, only 1 in 10 3-series made are manuals. Why would you get an automatic for the "Ultimate Driving Machine"? The transmission on this machine is so smooth, it is just short of orgasmic! If you like to drive, buy a 3-series manual transmission, you'll save $1500 as well.
The best car I will ever own
I bought this car pre-owned from the dealership. It is definitely the best car I have ever owned. Despite a high resale value (one of my major purchase considerations), I just have no desire to give it up. A good detailing job and it still turns heads. I have had no serious problems with this vehicle. Its power, responsiveness and handling are legendary.
Nice car
Bought my car with all the features, except GPS and wish I did. Car drives beautiful. Wanted a luxurios and sporty car and this bet my wishes.
2001- BMW 330i - little problems a pain!
I bought the vehicle new in 2000 and within a month had to take it in because the sunroof wouldn't open. It was repaired and within 1-wk had to be taken back for the same problem. Less than a month later the driver side window became stuck and wouldn't close. I had it repaired - twice. Now the passenger-side window is having the same difficulty. On the "up" side, the car has EXCELLENT pick-up and maneuvering and is a absolute BLAST to drive. I have not had a moment's trouble with the engine or computer systems. And despite the annoyance of the little problems, I wouldn't have anything but a BMW. I've almost got my spouse talked into the new BMW SUV.
I love my 330i
This is by far the best car I have ever owned. It is very well engineered and a joy to drive. I have a manual transmission and the sport package, which includes staggered wheels and low profile tires. It is the equal of any sports car I have driven. The best word I can think of to describe the car is "balance". Besides its 50/50 weight distribution, it has a great balance of engine power -- not a lot, but fine for this car. The suspension is a good balance between between handling and a comfortable ride. The car is a good balance between sport and luxury. The only negative is that the car has a rattle. I don't mind it, but I'm sure it would annoy some.
The Ultimate Driving Experience
I bought this car brand new and have owned it for over 6 years. Driving this car is one of the few enjoyments of going to work in the morning. The maintenace could get expensive so I've herd, I've been working on cars as a hobby since before I could drive and do most of my own wrench turning. I've had some minor mechanical issues that are out side of the routine maintenance stuff that I was able to repair on my own. The only disappointment was the automatic transmission It needed to be replaced after a little over 100K. Lifetime fluid does not mean lifetime. I only have on regret and that is not getting the manual tranny.