Used 2001 BMW 3 Series Wagon Consumer Reviews
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This car is like a needy but beautiful girlfriend
Colin, 09/01/2015
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
72 of 73 people found this review helpful
Seriously. This car needs attention. Do not buy it if you are not willing to give it attention. I'm not sure if I can make that any clearer. I purchased this car as a graduation present to myself with money that I had saved up working throughout high school when I graduated in 2011. My dad and I are both car nerds. I wanted something that was sporty and had a manual transmission and wasn't your typical Mustang etc. I settled on this car after finding a 2001 Sedan with the manual with ~63k on it. I will admit that the first ~20k miles were somewhat rough. We probably spent an additional $2-3k catching up on some maintenance that the previous owner had neglected to do, and the dreaded Check Engine light did come on more than I would have liked. Honestly, the vast majority of those repairs were things like oxygen sensors where we could've just fixed it ourselves and have been done with it. This car really isn't terribly hard to work on. I am no mechanic, but I've fixed quite a few things on this car, and it's saved me a ton of money. If you don't feel comfortable fixing it yourself find a good independent shop in your area. The dealer will screw you out the butt when it comes to repair costs. I will say that the car has never left me stranded, and that's not something you can say about a 2001 Mercedes. Trust me. Like I said earlier. The car needs attention. Make sure to change its fluids and keep a watch out for weird noises, smells, and drivetrain peculiarities (read driveability issues). Doing this will eliminate over half of the possible repair scenarios people have described in these reviews. I'm quite positive that the majority of those leaving negative reviews bought an older BMW expecting it to be just as great on maintenance as a Honda. It is not a Honda; however, if you take care of this car, it will take care of you. Over the last 40k miles or so the only money I have put into this car is consumables (oil, tires, spark plugs, etc), an ignition coil ($75), power steering hoses (~$250), and a dirty injector. I would also like to point out that I would get the manual if I were looking to purchase another one of these, as there are a lot of complaints related to the automatic. The stick is way more fun, it makes the car quicker to 60 (by a full second!), and it's pretty bulletproof. Nuff said. Now to the part about this girlfriend being beautiful, and I'm not just talking about this car's good looks. This car is THE BEST car when it comes to driving. Not even a modern BMW rivals the steering feel and handling these old E46's have. With the manual transmission this car is sublime. The 330i is comfortable, it's powerful, it handles, and it's relatively quiet. It's not a drag car, but it is amazingly well balanced and fun to drive. Relatively good gas mileage too. In short, this car is so much fun. Sure, the interior plastics do have a tendency to be brittle after 15 years of sitting in the sun. Sure, parts are more expensive than parts for a Civic. And sure, there are cheaper cars to buy. What there aren't are better driving cars. I've had mine for four years and 60k miles, and the only car I would dream of getting rid of it for is an M3.
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Worth Every Dime
MotoMook, 05/31/2006
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Having put 6-figures on both Hondas and Acuras, I was a "reluctant adopter" of the blue propeller. After my first 160,000 miles I cannot say enough about the fabled BMW experience. Not a rattle, timeless looks (IMHO) and the standard suspension splits the difference between firm and comfy brilliantly. The 6- banger is the smoothest ever and the "mere" 175 hp feels like a lot more. Durable? I hit a cow at 60 mph and drove my car home UNINJURED without ANY leaky fluids ($8000 damage). I swear by the 3 platform...
2001 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
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2001 Xi Wagon
ARP, 05/02/2010
2001 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I just passed 245,000 miles and am still using the original clutch, AC compressor, starter, window motors, engine computers and most other parts. With proper maintenance it has been a great car. I average about $300 per month in maintenance but keep it in perfect condition which is far cheaper than buying another new car. At 150,000 the entire suspension was replaced, new brakes and tires. It was like a new car. Still uses no oil, changed every 10K.
AWD BMW Wagon is hard to beat
MYBIRD67, 01/17/2006
2001 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I was looking for a small SUV when I found this jewel. I was sold by the combination of the AWD and manual transmission. It handles like you would expect a BMW 3 series would, with the amazing bonus of all-weather traction plus 30 mpg highway. This car takes me and my ski-racing kids to ski areas all winter long and has not let us down. Once the vehicle went out of warranty I turned its service over to an independent BMW mechanic. So long as you stay current on recommended maintenance. Only issue has been a water pump failure requiring a tow - $380 later back on the road with no problems. The sport package is worth it for the bolstered seats. My favorite winter driver ever.
2001 BMW 325i Sport Wagon
BimmerDrvr, 06/23/2007
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My E46 wagon has 108k miles and is an automatic. I have owned Audi A4 and S4 wagons prior to this. The BMW has better interior leg room and cargo room than the audi. I just made a 1600 mile trip in the BMW and averaged 31.7 MPG at average 71.3 MPH. So far the BMW has only needed basic maintenance with the exception of window motor problems (warrantied) and the rear seatbelt stuck and won't work (out of warranty). The AC evaporator also needs replacement due to a leak, but has worked flawlessly since refilling with a leak stopper. Overall the BMW is a great touring car and safe family cruiser.
My second 325xi wagon!
Cessna67304, 08/11/2006
2001 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This is my second 325xi wagon. I love them. Versatile, fun, looks great. I'll drive them until they die.
It's a beast with feminan figure
Baryalai Arsala, 10/28/2015
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
If you know how to fix it, buy it; mechanics charge a lot.
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Cheap Materials
Stickwithpre1991BMW, 12/04/2008
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
Wagon utility with sedan performance
mybird67, 11/09/2003
2001 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I live in northern New England. I have two adolescent ski racers who go in different directions all winter long. My wife drives a Toyota Sienna as the family hauler. I needed a daily driver work commuter that could double for weekend jaunts to races in ME, NH and VT. This 325xiT suits me well. It gives me SUV utility without having to drive an SUV. It gives me handling and driving pleasure comparable to my 325iC but with AWD and extra storage space. From the outside it looks like a sporty wagon, from the inside it feels like a sports sedan.
Great car if you can afford it
OhioBoy, 04/29/2005
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Car is fun to drive, comfortable, and good looking. I can't say enough good about this car. Little thoughtful features on the car make it fantastic to own, like the passenger rearview mirror folds down in reverse for parallel parking, there's a flashlight in the glove box charged off the car and the car comes from the factory already set up for a roof rack (my "official" BMW rack doesn't touch the paint). Big things that are nice are traction control (saved my behind in the snowy/crap weather here) & heated seats. Had to have one window motor replaced (under warranty thankfully). Maintenance is very pricey too ($800 for brakes, $100 oil change), as is the premium fuel.
Great car
mgibson, 11/06/2003
2001 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned. The AWD is awesome, have spun all the wheels just once, in a high-speed accelleration 90' turn on wet pavement for about a second.
Sporty Fun for your four legged kids
Sporty Furry Fun, 04/05/2006
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a SPORTS WAGON at its best. It drives like a small sports car, yet has the capacity of most larger SUVs. We load our dogs and bikes for weekend camping/hikes and golfing trips. The built in pet screen is great for safety and keeping the furry snouts in the back of the car. We love this car, plan to keep it for years.
Fun family hauler
boombatz, 03/21/2006
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Sport / Premium package a must have! Corners on like it's reading your mind first. Immediate response from the wheel with minimal body roll & incredible balance for a wagon. For extra fun, switch off DSC & find the twistiest road around. Excellent build quality & reliability, no major problems. I use it more than my Trailblazer for family trips. Cargo area is cavernous, easily fitting a double stroller & weekend luggage for wife 2 kids & I.
SuperWagon!
Edgett, 03/16/2002
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I was basically looking for a Miata which could also carry bicycles, groceries, etc - the 325 wagon fits this bill perfectly. It is an incredible car to drive (does very well for itself on the track even) and a real pleasure to own. Unfortunately, I have gotten to know my dealer's service department a little more intimately than I had expected to, with a couple of computer problems and a dead rear wheel bearing. Still, there is nothing else like it on the market - it is only 2" longe than a Porsche 911 and carries a great deal.
German Junk
Joe, 08/31/2015
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 15 people found this review helpful
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.
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Excellent Machine
Sreeni Gaddam, 07/13/2003
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Fantastic car
ekuo, 03/01/2003
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Simply the Best
Jon, 12/22/2004
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Bavarian Headache
Kline47, 11/21/2003
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Needs more power
ken325i, 03/14/2004
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Wünderbar!
Tyree, 07/06/2005
2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.