Used 2001 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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Noisy Engine
First time BMW owner. Heard engine noise from front. Drove with a BMW senior technician. He said it's normal. You can notice the engine noise is louder than a 323i. I was told it's b'coz the engine is smaller compare to 323i but produce same power, and more noise! You can hear the car scream when it climbs a hill.
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.
- 325Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $8,300102 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $7,900106 mi away
- 330i SedanMSRP: $3,495167 mi away
Makes my commute a everyday Picnic Trip
Excellent tight handling in the curves. Its a dream in narrow long winding road - never driven a car that loves the road this much. Majestic dangerous bully look... I LOVE IT!
Check before you buy
I got it used at 69000 miles. Amazed by low end torque, but annoyed by DSC intervention at quick take offs. Engine sounds nice even at high rpm, exhaust as well all the time. Quiet and comfortable ride. Nice and precise handling all the time. Lots of available upgrades for power, styling and suspension, although most are gimmicks. The car is fun as she is, but supercharger will make her a beast. On the bad side: door and window trims loosen and need to be glued over and over. Stalls due to needed software update. Control arms and bushings need replacement after 70000 miles. Sunroof shade fixed due to poor materials used. Snow tires are a must in snow. High maintenance unless DIY.
Smooth as Silk
3.0 litre engine packs nice punch, with tight handling to go along. Comfortable cockpit with great adjustable leather seats.
The most fun in a vehicle
I love this car. It is the most fun that I have ever had driving. I prefer a performance/luxury car and this one exceed my criteria on both ends. This car handles and brakes better unbeleiveable well. I am slightly dissappointed in the acceleration. I would expect it to be faster because of the M3.
Can't go wrong with one of these.
There are faster cars, there are better handling cars, there are more luxurious cars - BUT nobody has the whole driving package as well balanced, in this car category, as BMW does. 6 months later and I still have a big grin when I'm walking out the office door to the parking lot. If your shopping around, drive your other options first. That will save you the return trip to the BMW dealer.
Completely Happy
This is my first BMW, I have had almost one of the other german autos and I have to say this is the finest of the bunch. Great style, excellent interior, plenty of power, and as good fuel milage as my past VW. THe other up is you don't feel like an old timer driving this car like I did in my Mercedes.
High priced sportsedan.
The list of standard features do not include leather, powerseats, or even center armrest. However, this is the ultimate driving machine with the utmost finish quality. Get one if you can afford one.
Know your preference
Without a doubt the performance is outstanding and the exterior design is quite elegant. I enjoy driving this vehicle. However, problems have made ownership much less satisfying than it should be. (MINOR: window squeaking, passenger door hard to close, moonroof shade off track, loose DSC related connection, popping noise in rear, clunking noise in 1st gear, bulbs frequently failing. MAJOR: failed ?sensor leading to engine overheating, vehicle shutting off at low speed while stopping). In sum, know your expectation (performance or reliability) and pick accordingly. Consumer Reports removed its recommended rating due to reliability problems.
Another happy driver w/ silly ass grin
I absolutely love this car.
Compare to my Lexus RX300
Love my Bimmer, great performance 225- hp, good handling (I don't have sport package, so handling is just good not great). No overheat, no water leak or anything. No visit to the dealer until the 1st oil change just like my Lexus.
love the car, hate cleaning the rims
I love the car, a 330i sport package w/ xenon, split seat, and the 5 speed manual. It's fast (especially if you have the engine computer reprogrammed) and it handles like a sports car but rides better than any sports car I've been in (I even get about 26 miles to the gallon in the city).
325 isn't what it was
Don't think BMWs are what they once were. Window motors have failed on 2 windows, water leaks due to faulty seals and more have happened so far. The car is totally babied and it should be better than this.
Bavarian Headache
Beautiful, graceful, hard charging people mover. Ergonomics are perfect and interior finish superb. Most comfortable and fun BMW I've owned.....when it isn't in the shop. Replaced auxillary fan twice, bearings in rear wheel, front control arm, and I have to bring it in now for a faulty rear brake caliper and a loud suspension rattle. The car just broke 30000 miles. The car gets a higher overall rating from me due to fit, finish, and fun factor but reliability just is not what I know from BMW. Unfortunatley my third will be my last.
Magnificent!
great for a fun and convertible car. This was a total plus for me and my family
WOW!
Over 16,000 miles of trouble free driving. The 330i is fast smooth and quite except for the great sound of the exhaust note. Everything is quailty and I have been getting 28-29 mpg mixed driving. On one trip it got 33mpg this is all with the manual transmission which to me is the way to go. And get the sports package!
They dont make em like they used to
Technologies perfected since the Model-T break on this car, which casts a terrible pall on an otherwise great car. Some components are well-built. Most notable of these is the engine. Unfortunately everything around the engine tends to fizzle. The suspension is great, but I burned through wear items like ball joints and control arms in under 50k miles. You need a great repair shop to keep the car running well. Warranty is out, so were shopping.
A Head Turner
This car has it all--style, performance, and quality-built features apparent even at a casual glance. It has real "get up and go" even though I wimped out and got the steptronic automatic transmission. In steptronic manual gear you can pretend you're driving a five-speed and merging into interstate traffic on a short ramp gets fun in sport gear! My only gripe with the 325i is the relatively cramped passenger room in the backseat. You'd better be close friends or family to ride three in the back. But, hey, this isn't a mini-van. If you want a performance car, get a BMW.
All Beamers are fun to drive!!!
I purchased the 330 convertible with sport and premium pkg. Love the heated seats, BMW doesn't scrimp on anything. This is my 6th one. I always buy manuals. Car has power (my last car was a Porsche) so I know what I'm talking about. Have had to replace power steering pump and the fan changes speeds at it own desire. Ice cold air conditioning when the fan decides to work. Harman Kardon sound system. Top goes up and down quickly and effortlessly. Not as solid as my previous 5 series but safe, beautiful, and a blast to drive top up or down. 21 mpg city and I drive hills daily. Uses 1 qt. synthetic oil every other tank of gas. BMW says this is normal but expensive and excessive,
window's elevator problems
great car! but already had 3 problems related to the windows. they get stuck! first it was the passenger side, then the drivers side now it's the rear right, in that aspect it has been a nightmare! great car to drive though.
Blue Streak 330i
Had some initial problems with a bad batch of cooling fans. Mine failed 3 times! The dealer was great through the problems and I got a free loaner each time I needed one. Haven't had any major problems since then.
As sour as a LEMON
AT the time of this writing we were in process of a settlement from BMW on the LEMON we've filed on our car. First, the front driver-side window didn't work. Then, the front passenger-side didn't work, we were told the regulator for both sides went bad. Eventually, all four regulator was bad and replaced. The most important problem we had was the rain leaking through the interior and soaking our front driver- side, the problem never stop since. Also, there were times when we had the BMW emblem falling off, clear coat paint was so thin that bird droppings peeled the paint.
Beware Dreadful Seats
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).
Love BMWs
I love my 330i since I bought it. The best gas mileage I have ever seen. This is my second BMW. I go typically one full week and two days off of a full tank, using 91 octane. My ultimate goal is to get a 5 or 7 series though. This car handles great at 120 mph plus. Mine is a 5 speed w/ sports pkg. Regretfully, I will have to sell it soon to get an SUV. I would highly reccommend this style for anyone looking to purchase one that has a smaller family and wants a head turner. They are not hard cars to work on. Servicing and tire rotation every 3000 miles help to keep from having any unforeseen problems, but only take to someone you trust to work on.
Unsatisfied
Bought this car for reliability, but it is anything but reliable. There are lots of badly engineered parts that go bad and should be recalled but are not and you are charged for their replacement. Everything seems to cost over $500 to repair. A regular oil change and inspection costs $250. The brakes and tires don't last long, the water pump, alternator and other parts die suddenly before 100K. Now at 120K the car has broken down and left me stranded on the side of the road three times this year. The car does not deserve its reputation.
WOW
Test drove the Audi A6 and the Acura TL and there is nothing like the BMW 325. It drives like a dream because of its silky smooth transmission, fast acceleration, and great suspension. Once you drive this car not other will fell the same.
2001 BMW 325 Ci
My experience with this car has been excellent. The fit and finish, along with the design, are top notch (as I would expect from a German manufacturer). I'm sold on BMWs and will plan on upgrading to a 5-series for my next car.
Shop Visitor
The BMW 325xi is a well-built, sporty, exceptionally-handling vehicle. It's fun to drive, handles well in snow and ice and very well designed. The only problems I've experienced is that it's difficult to keep out of the dealer's service department - have had many, many minor headaches, electrical bugs, warning lights, and other minor headaches.
Performs, but sensors and cold not good
For the first 3 years I owned the car, I only needed to change the oil and some minor maintenance, but in Feb of 2007, it was a chilly -20 degrees Fahrenheit and the crankcase vent froze up and it hasn't been the same sense. In fact, it happened again in Jan 2008. I was able to have it brought to BMW who graciously covered $3800 of the $4000 repair bill. Since then, I have had an oil sensor replaced, dipstick brake off and now my rear suspension coil needs to be replaced (not sure how that could have broken). My next car will be a Honda or Nissan..
Best 30 Grand Sedan
Great car for the price.
Great!! Just as imagined!
Bottom line: it's an excellent car. I have owned the car for almost 2 years and has been great. The only problem I have noticed, as many other BMW owners realize is that the window regulator (not motor!) fails frequently. It is a pain and can be extremely embarrasing; driving in the winter with your window down because of a failed regulator does not encompass the ideal of a luxury car. Other than that problem, the car is fun, sporty, and drives like a dream after 78K miles. The best feature of this car is its performance; it feels like a true sports car, not a family transporter like many Japanese and American cars.
Nothing beats the Cote d'Azur in 330CiC!
This car is amazing to drive. Overpowering engine with an easy cluch. I picked it up a year ago through european delivery, and it is worth the time to drive around the sourth of france if you can afford it. It's been very reliable over the alps and through normal rush hour commuting. I'd definitely recommend this over the 328 cabrios because of the real rear window and the trunk space which justify the markup. Note: Wind deflector is required and heated seats should have been standard.
Best car I have ever owned
I bought this car new, and one of my initial reasons for purchase was the excellent resale value of BMW. However, I immediately decided I was going to keep it at least 10 years! What a fun car to drive! It's comfortable, the MPG is tolerable (esp. with $4/gal premium in Chicago), and it has held up very well over the past 7 yrs. I have heard of E46s from this model year suffering from poor workmanship, but I've not had that with this vehicle. Other than traditional maintenance, I've not had any major failures/repairs. And, yes, maintenance IS pricey, but there are plenty of "foreign car" shops to use.
BMW 330i
Flawless performance. Never been to the shop. Corners like it is on rails. Excellent acceleration
DON'T DO IT !
The car is nice looking and fun to drive but if you expect it to be quality you are dead wrong. My coolant tank bursed after 100K which caused my head gasket to break and now the care is basically worthless. If you want to drive this car for a few years and have fun fine. But I wouldn't hold it after 70K miles! Little things go on it all the time. BMW is over rated!
Responsive Handling on Autobahn
I factory ordered my Bimmer last year and I must say that I've not had any problems with it. It is the best handling vehicle I've seen and experienced on the Autobahns in Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Austria, France, etc. I'm very fortunate that I could drive this car to its limits (until the governor kicks in) and never have to worry about loosing control. I love BMW performance so much that I'll order a M3 next year.
Pure FUN
This car is pure fun. It goes as fast as you want to make it w/o hesistation. Even though it's not the fastest car on the road, it feels that way. I drove it from MD to montreal during the winter months on summer tire (I have the sport package) and the car was extrememly drivable in the snow. The reason is because of DSC (dynamic stability control), it worked extremely well. By the way, it also saves you from getting into an accident by helping you not loose control of the car. In terms of realiablity, it's been great so far and I'm also not worried because I have extended waranty.
A beautiful friendship
Purchased CPO with 31,000 miles in 2003. Dealer maintained with 112K on the clock. Runs and drives as new. Still returns 24.7 avg city/hwy mileage. Recent tires and shocks have restored the ride quality. Engine is simply superb. Still gets compliments and turns heads. I think the secret is to keep up with the BMW recommended maintenance, don't beat the car, and to use a cover if parked outside during the work day. We liked the car so much that we went out and bought an X3 so we no longer argue about who gets the Bimmer today...
BMW The Ultimate Driving Machine
The title says it all. The car handels great, except has a tendancy to hydroplain in wet conditions. Over 22,000 miles and have had no problems. Tire wear is a problem, so expect to pay a big price for moderate sports tires.
Great Car but Expensive to Maintain
While I love driving this car I can't recommend it due to the expense of maintaining the vehicle. Shortly after the warranty expired the vehicle needed $2,000 in repairs.
For Entry Level BMW,Just plain nasty!
I purchased this 2001 BMW 325i on Jan 31,2004 in Dallas and drove home to Memphis(500 miles) the same day.I still have a smile.What looks!What handling!I was worried about acceleration and power of 325 vs 330.Don't be.I had trouble keeping the car under 80-90 MPH!At this speed,it feels like 60 in most cars.The xenons and Harmon Kardon are marvelous.Get the Sports package.Why didn't I at least test drive and thus buy a BMW 15 years earlier!
Always a Charming Happy Car to Drive
For a 23 year old car, my 2001 330Ci coupe still charms with its looks, excellent interior and handling. Highly recommend either an automatic or a manual trannsmission. If you find one in great condition with maintenance records I say go for it!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great, if onyl the windows worked
The BMW 325i 2001 was a great car to drive, handled the winding road up to Tahoe very well, looked good and sounded awesome. Probably the best driving experience of my life. They really designed it so the driver could hear just enough of the engine to feel like they were driving a sports car. Unfortunately it was all the little features that were crap. Both power windows had to be replaced twice (each) within a 3 year period. After about 4.5 years the electrical component that controlled the car shorted out and the car died in the middle of the highway. Once left the gas cap open and had to go to dealer to reset warning light.
What a car!
I can only say that I am one satisfied customer. I previously owned a '95 325i, and though these two vehicles are light years apart in some ways, they both reflect the quality and driver enjoyment that is synonymous with BMW. I love my 2001 330i, and can honestly say that I look for "excuses" just to get it out of the garage and drive it. . . somewhere. . . anywhere. As for complaints, I really don't have any. Sure, the cupholders are the makings of a minimalist, and BMW's are the pricey selection in their respective categories. However, my father always told me, "You get what you pay for," and once again, good ol' Dad was right.
Beemer
This car is fun to drive. The five speed is very responsive and the power curve in the upper gears is thrilling to use on the open highway and interstates. Need to be sure and have a radar detector installed or the insurance costs could be prohibitive. Ride is excellent and we were amazed at the fuel economy with the amount of power.
Love this car
Only thing to watch out for is the Harmon Kardon audio system. It sounds great with the top up but just isn't quite loud enough to give enough 'punch' when you're cruising at 65MPH. Needs more audio power.
Dream come true
Since I drove my neighber's BMW 2002 ti in 1981, my dream was to own one. Last year I picked my 330i Bimmer from Munich and since then " I can't stop loving you ". The sport package is worth every penny ! In order to feel the thrill one should drive this beauty on a twisted moutain road because on the autoban there is no diference between 60 and 130 mph - the car and my wife were sleeping very comfortably.
Just bought and will give hones updates
So far I am loving it. 5 speed convert. Handles excellently!!!! Looks beyond great. Now the real test will be how well the service people treat me /car and how well the reliablity of the vehicle holds up. I will NOT be banging the car. More for show. BUT I WILL push it from time to time so it "stays in proper shape":) But I will post here so anyone looking can get an honest perspective.
BMW 330i
Great car, but lacks all the extra "gadget" goodies of the Infiniti brand.