Used 2005 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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Never anything but BMW!!!!!!!
I love driving this machine (cannot call a BMW a car). I purchased a pre-owned BMW for value and price. I use the 325xi for daily driving and I enjoy the rides to work and elsewhere. It has speed when I want it and it is great to cruise in. Absolutely beautiful design interior and exterior, leather seating and sharp looking instruments. Engine sounds incredible and the AWD corners like it is on rails. Are there faster cars, yes, but not as sleek and stylish as this BMW. AWD is great for severe rain and snow 15000 m oil changes and routine maintenance are not issues. Machine runs beautifully and feels strong, sound and safe. Do not mind buying premium gas. BLUF: Machine is amazing.
05 330ci ZHP
Get the Performance package! Great option. The Alcantara interior is second to none. Smooth and effortless driving.
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $10,995173 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $7,600176 mi away
- 325i SedanMSRP: $4,698176 mi away
Love this car
Purchased used in '10 with only 20K miles. It now reads 45K and has just had it's first 'major' service at my local dealer and it was a shock! Folks say that they are expensive to maintain? First year was cheap! The dealer had all it's service history and all it needed was an oil change. My last service shocked me at how components wear quickly on these cars. Yes, you could probably go 100K with just oil changes/inspections but you are asking for trouble down the road if you plan to keep it. Control rod bushings @ 40K $650, brake and cooling flush @ 40K $289 each! etc. etc. If you want to make the car last AND maintain PEAK performance/handling these things are necessary.
Like new
I have just bought an 05 325I with automatic and manual override, 77,000 k, and it literally looks and drives as if I have just taken delivery of a new vehicle. The leatherette interior is immaculate with no signs of wear that you would have from leather. It drives like a dream and looks great. At the price I paid I feel like I won the jackpot
best car
i bought my 2005 bmw 330xi in 2010 with 80k on it it ran just like new the only thing i had to do to maintain it was change the tires and brakes which in any car you have to do. now today it has 125k on it and it runs better than ever this is a great reliable car and fun to drive it wont let you down
fun but expensive to drive
The Germans know how to make a great driving car. The combination of ride and handling, performance and comfort has been elusive for North American and Asian car manufacturers alike - but the Germans have been doing it for years. I bought my 2005 330Ci M Sport used in 2013 with under 40K miles to replace my 2001 Porsche Boxster (also with 40K miles) because I needed a back seat for my kids in my summer daily driver. Having owned a BMW before, I knew I was getting into a high-maintenance car. In my experience, these cars cost more to run than modern Porsches. Be prepared to buy the parts and do the work yourself, or pay big labour bills.
You know you want the convertible
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.
perception is the name of the game
We have owned it since new. It was maintained by the dealer of course until 50,000 which came quickly. The only two complaints that I have is that the skip plate is too fragile. If it touches the curb it will come off and sometimes you drive over the parts before you know it is failing. ($700.00) each time. So you learn not to park near the curb. A few times preminum gas was not available had to use 1/2 & 1/2. The back seat is hard to get any use out of. THe seat belt sets too far behind you when you first egage it. People (service personnel) are always surprised that it takes 8 guarts of oil.
Car great , reviewers bad
I have added a second BMW to my stable and this one was a gamble. 146k miles but it looks like it just left the showroom. How many cars can still handle like new after this kind of mileage? Reviewers complaining about their car turning off or tires that need replacing or khigh cost of oem parts should get a clue. Get a good mechanic. Buy tires when worn ( hey it's not unusual), check into replacement parts if genuine BMW or oem parts give you $ agita. What about the guy that just figured out that a rear wheel drive sucks in snow?? Hey, ever heard of the all wheel drive xi model??? Lexus? You want a cushy drive? Get a bigger car but don't try to compare these to Japanese cars Ugh
Fun first car
My 05 325xi auto runs like a champ! 176k on the odometer mainly highway miles by the previous owner. It was purchased with 171k. I am the second owner and the exterior is beautiful, interior is a little worn but expected of an 11 year old car. Performance wise it gets up and goes at peak power but nothing crazy. I have a tendency to let that inline 6 scream. Overall great car! I've owned for a year with minimal cost of maintenance except typical breaks, fluids, etc. does leak oil but is typical from this generation.
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Not a problem 60k to Now 98k
Bought this car when I got tired of my Mazda6, I dont know why the other reviewers seemed to have such bad problems. I have only had to do normal maintenance ie brakes ect. The only thing I did have to replace was the front control arm bushings which is normal on these cars and can be done cheaply if you do it yourself vs go to a stealership. The car handles great and made me a lifer with BMW always puts a smile on my face and is extremely fun to drive. I will drive it till I cant drive it any more. My next car will with out a doubt be a BMW, it may be an older gen but still looks great and the people who have driven it ended up selling their cars for a BMW. Once your hooked your hooked!!!!!
Above expectations
I have been contemplating buying a BMW for over seven years. I am glad tht I waited. I wanted a vehicle that had performance but I live in the snow belt. I need something so that I can get to work on time. BMW answered my prayers with the 330XI. I have a vehicle that I can drive all year long. This vehicle is just right for me. This vehicle has speed, power, smoothness, and looks. I was thinking about adding some Dinan modifications to it. At this point, I do not think that I need them. I thought at first that I would need more power because I was going from a Chevy truck with a V8. I do not miss the torque of my truck at all.
Ready to TRADE!
I purchased this vehicle in 2008 and 2wks after purchase I had a ton of issues. Had new engine dropped in the car after purchase due to dealership negligence. After the repairs I have had minor issues nothing major. So far I have spent about $500 on repairs not covered under warranty so I consider myself lucky compared to most 3 series owners. Just dropped $800 on new tires and now need an alignment that will total about $240. This car looks nice and rides sweet, but once they go down you're out of luck! The maintenance is absolutely ridiculous and the rear wheel drive is CRAP in snowy weather. So I have decided to trade this money guzzler in for a low maintenance ride.
I love this car
Have owned it since 2005. Love this car!
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Blast to drive but tons of problems
This car is a blast to drive but I have had numerous problems. 45k headliner began sagging 47k both front door window cables had to be replaced 50k rear doors began leaking rainwater (vapor barrier) 70k hood mounted logo fell off 72k oil sending unit replaced 73k o2 sensor replaced.
Love at first drive
I have wanted a BMW for a long time and I finally got rid of my old car and bought a certified pre-owned 2005 330xi. I could not be happier. I was driving a Subaru and (as expected) the experience is completely different. The ride is smooth but I have complete control, the gas mileage is solid but it has plenty of power, and, despite the reviews, I am very pleased with the Harmon Kardon sound system. Now I just have to quit my job so I can spend all day driving!
325ci Manual is much better than Auto
Ive owned this car twice. Once new as a 330ci and now used as a 325ci both manuals. My 325ci is much faster than my 330 was because of the many mods I've down. CAI,exhaust, intake M3 bumper all cosmetic mods. Performance clutch flywheel,headers, HR springs Billstein shocks,struts,sprint booster, slotted rotors, makes this car much quicker. 0-60 in under 6 seconds and if I add turbo would be 350hp and prolly 4.5 -4.8 sec 0-60. Cars are slow OEM but can get quick pretty easily. Automatica will never be quick tho so don't buy thinking its a muscle car. Also BMWS are meant to outhandle any other cars and this e46 chassis is one of the best of all time. I'd take a automatic 320ci vs a 450hp mustang gt on a road track any day. The BMW will run circles around most cars. The handling and weight distribution is perfect. So to summarize: don't buy to drag race although can be quick w few boltons, car is best handling car ever, value is incredible as u can get low mileage manual trans for under $8k and also they still look terrific especially with some 18 inch rims. Also don't bring to mechanic and let them buy your parts. Buy your own parts do your own work when possible and maintainence is cheap. Slightly higher part(s) prices is a very small price to pay to drive one of the GREATEST cars ever made!!!
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Great used car
I bought this '05 in Jan/2012 therefore was a 7 yr old car with only 48k mi when I purchased it. It came with most goodies except for Navi or leather. It's my wife's car so we have put only 7k mi in a year. I love the weight distribution of the car. The dimensions are flawless and it trully drives like a new car. It was well taken care of by prior owners and it shows. MPG is ok, I get usually 23.5 combined. It gets way better once on the road, I can get about 27 under normal driving conditions. I was hesitant to get a used/out of warranty BMW as repairs could be costly but so far it was been pretty reliable. I do recommend this as a used car purchase.
Horrible
I have owned my 2005 325i Automatic for a little over a year putting 14k miles on it (Im 17). I have had so many problems, I purchased the car for $10k with 116k miles on it. I have put over $5000 in repairs, every month it seemed to be a new problem. I still have yet to fix a leak in my power steering rack that will cost about $1700. Worst first car. Too much to take care of, sadly the carfax is clean on it too which makes it really strange. Take my advice and do not but this car. I feel I just got a problematic car. Shunned upon BMW now, I love how it runs just too many repairs. Getting rid of it hopefully soon.
I love this BMW
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.
If you want value, don't buy a BMW, lease it instead
I purchased a new BMW 325xi in the spring of 2005. It ran great the first 4 years without many problems. Then when the warranty expired 4 years later it all went south. My bills at the mechanic (not the dealership) were regularly in the thousands, not hundreds. I had to have the control arms replaced twice--fortunately the second time was under the mechanic's warranty. I then had to put about $3K into the engine 7.5 years after buying it. Finally the last straw was when the control arms had to be replaced for the third time. Got me for a tie rod assembly too-- almost $3K. This car is like an abusive spouse. Each time I thought it would be the last expensive repair. It never was.
E46 - The Good and the Bad
My wife bought a used '05 325i in mid '09 with 80k miles. There were a few minor things the car needed and I am a former mechanic, so I had checked the car over well enough to know it wasn't in terrible shape. The issues were minimal at first but then the list started and hasn't stopped. We have put 60k miles on this 9 year old car and have done the following; various plastic clips/parts all over the car, windshield washer pump, coolant hoses and expansion tank, oil filter housing gasket, front control arm bushings, belt tensioners and idlers, A/C evaporator core, transmission service, two window regulators, fuel pump & filter, etc. I could go on but I'm out of space. Plan on spending a lot.
Still Fun After 15 Years
My car was first owned by in-laws for 5 years and I’ve had it since. It has the sports package and the performance package with 5 speed steptronic trans. I have kept up the maintenance and had some major repairs (new trans, AC, suspension, etc), so it’s in top shape for 15+ years old. The new trans seems better than the original. My 330i is in great mechanic and cosmetic shape, and has awesome performance (responsive off the line, instant speed for passing and smooth handling). It’s not an economy car to maintain, but I will keep it and repair it until I can’t get parts.
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I become more impressed each passing day
In order to validate BMW's trademark cliche, The Ultimate Driving Machine, you need to sit yourself behind the wheel. The BMW brand is a timeless vehicle that always seem to stay in style much longer than its competitors. I am impressed how easy the 3 series is to drive. The vehicle is so balanced and follows your commands so effortlessly. I have heard some negative remarks about the 3 series. Preventive maintenance is necessary for a vehicle that offers so much. If you do not take care of it than you can't expect excellent reliability. Take care of it and it will not let you down.
Super Little Coupe!
Positives: Smooth and steady power, silky gearbox, and better than advertised fuel efficiency. Dead solid road manners, cat-like road stance...A/C holds up to the Florida summer heat, wipers and xenons take care of the Florida rain...my wife is sold on her little coupe...and no trips to the dealer for silly stuff. Thumbs Up! Negatives: You gotta reach waay back to grab the seat belt.
Love AND Reliability
Have had my 2005 325 convert for 4 years (bought it used), put 40k miles on it, and have treated it well. In return, it has been a joy to drive, beautiful to look at, and way more reliable than the Ford and Chevy I've owned--on a par with the stalwart Altima on which I put 100k miles. This is the best car I've ever owned, and I've owned a few. There are things I'd change (some of the interior fixtures could be better quality). But nothing beats hearing that growly engine and feeling the car drive like a part of myself.
Does not get any better then this
Bought this BMW 325xi with only 9000 miles on it, not even broke in. First snow and drove real nice. I live in Ohio so I need the awd. Wanted one for years and found this car and my lord with only 9000 miles on could not pass it up it is the light green color. Not many with that color. What a dream. That is all I can say. And the warnty runs till 12 23 2011. At no cost to me.
New to me!
I picked up a used 2005 325xi with 34k miles. Silver-gray metallic with the sport package. What a great car! Handles beautifully! Decent gas mileage as well (overall 22 / 28+ on hwy). Classic BMW style and comfortable too. Go and get one!
Not a muscle car - a driving machine
Needing a second commuter car and having owned BMW's before, I chose this high mileage 325i as my toy/commuter. It was not a mistake. After a thorough check up by a good BMW certified mechanic, I was off. Now after adding another 7k miles to it, still no problems. This car rips through the turns and has the size and punchiness to get through heavy traffic but gives u a thrill each turn when the road opens up. It's style is classic and turns heads in the parking lot and at street lights. This is a driver's car and it gives you a sense of control you won't get from any other "luxury" car. Some people won't like the firm ride, for others, that's what its all about - being one with the road.
BMW 3 series is the best in it's class
I have spent months shopping around for a car that is luxurious, sporty, reliable, classy, a head turner, and has a low depreciation rate.I looked up BMW 3 series, Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, Audi and Mercedes Benz CLK. I came to the conclusion that the BMW 3 series is the one that met my entire criteria and exceeded the rest of the competition cars by miles. This car is a world class car and I am not saying that because I bought it, but because I shopped around smartly and took my time doing it. The performance is great, the looks speak for itself, the interior design is luxurious and very comfortable and the handling is superior. Worth the money. Must consider
Love my Beamer baby!! =)
So far Ive had my car for almost 3 months I have driven a few other cars but the driving of a Bmw omg! This car flies and it feels like youre gliding very good on gas $35 to fill the tank drop top roof and heated leather seats
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325 Pleasure
Love my 325i. Didn't spring for leather, not at all disappointed with leatherette. Handsome car, not at all skimpy. If you drive a standard there is plenty of power with the 2.5 engine. My only disappointment is with the 5 speed manual transmission. Wish that there was an overdrive to reduce the revs on highway driving. Also find the shift from 2nd to 3rd very squishy.
Unbeatable package!
You will not find a similar package of handling, power, space, luxury and economy. Yes, it's not a drag racer, not a 48" TV hauler, not a Cadillac, not an ultra luxurious butt massage machine and not a 50mpg machine - BUT it's an extremely well executed compromise of all of the above that no other car I've driven or owned car copy. Read reviews of all competitors and you will find that they all compare with BMW 3-series - it's not a coincidence.
Always the Ultimate Driving Machine
I have been a BMW owner for many years and will only ever buy myself a BMW. My 2005 325i with the sport package is the best one to date. I had a 1990 325i and loved that car but this is a true joy to drive. I bought my 325i new and have had no issues with it, she has been very reliable and kept me happy on many road trip. The power and balance are perfect for a car like this, its fun but not so much to get you into trouble. I am very complimentary of my car and will be sad to see her go next year when I take delivery of the new V8 M3 Coupe!
Thrilling ride !!!!!!!!!!!
This is the first BMW I have owned but it will not be the last. From the moment I drove off it was like I was in another world. One of the first things I noticed, besides the fast acceleration, was the lack of outside noise. This is a great first BMW to get into--it's pricey but worth every penny.
2005 325 CiC Private Party Purchase
Purchased this vehicle used in San Diego with 37K miles. All package options. What a fun car to drive; looks great; rides great. Mileage is good for this type of vehicle and this is a relatively heavy vehicle; you can feel the soundness of the car and you can hear it as the doors close. Best part for me is that I prefer the E46 styling over the newer look and by buying used I paid circa $20K instead of $50K plus new. Large enough for a family of four for drive arounds, and perfect for two.
2005 330i Sedan
Just purchased an 05 330i Sedan and love it. Great blend of power, style, and grace. Took a road trip with the car after the first week and averaged 27.7 miles per gallon over the 550 mile trip! Almost as good as a Honda! The automatic is very smooth and the xenon lights do a great job of lighting up the road. The car feels very solid and road noise is very minimal. If I had the funds, I would probably opt for the performance package as well, but it depends on what you are looking for if it's right for you. I would recommend the 330i sedan to everyone who doesn't mind paying the premium for owning a well designed automobile.
The Best Car You'll Ever Drive
We bought this used 2005 AWD Wagon with only 19,000 miles on it in April 2008. This car is as good as it was the day it was delivered new to the dealer. It has every possible option available at the time. Ride, handling, comfort, features are all beyond my expectations. I will probably never buy anything but BMWs in the future. As a certified used BMW, the warranty and financing cannot be beat.
Awesome car!
Once I drove a BMW I never went back to anything else and I doubt I ever will. This car has the power and looks that you'd ever want in a car and as long as you have a good trusting mechanic to do the work it will run way beyond 200k miles. I had my brakes replaced 1 yr ago and the mechanic said it still had the original ones when they built it that included the rotors they've lasted for over 100k miles! Can you say that about any other car? No. And the interior still looks new! I don't know why there are so many people complainers about this car. I think it's just negligence. Like anything else you have to take care of it, if you want it to last.
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Awesome!
All in all this is an awesome car. Ride is a bit stiff over MNs many chuck holes. This could be the suspension option but the 3 series model is known for this trait. It matters more to me since its difficult 'for me' to manually shift between gears moving over a rough road. Its sporty suspension makes handling/cornering great The stereo sound quality is incredible but the radio/ipod interface need improvement. Its basic and you cant tell what song you have playing on your ipod on the radio display. Just playlist/track (01-001 etc) Other than that, its a great ride. Quiet. Fast. Relatively efficient and very very reliable. The missed 10s are my personal opinion. They may not matter to you
Ultimate Driving Machine!!!
Amazing vehicle! Consider the M Performance Pkg., extra horsepower, plus M3 handling pkg in a 4-door. BIG wheels and tires, firm sport suspension and HUGE brakes makes this a true driver's machine. Haven't had this much fun in years!!! Also, the standard stereo is awful, so consider an upgrade (although the high-end stereo is standard in 2006). Yes, the new 2006 is a great car, but if you can find a "leftover" 2005 with the M Sport or M Performance package, don't miss it!!!
3 yrs old and going strong
This car was the first car we've ever bought that cost more than $20K and we remain in love with it 3 years later. It drives like a dream, gets decent MPG (btwn 25 and 30 mpg) and I think it looks very sophisticated for a wagon. There have been a few electrical issues since day 1 that we vaguely annoying but didn't affect performance and which have finally been diagnosed and fixed. All the maintenance and repairs have been covered by the BMW service plan which is unparalleled. We haven't had any mechanical problems at all.
Love this car
I would have never expected to loke a car this much. Great car to drive. It feels like it is part of you. Could use air outlets in the rear with maybe a little more rear leg room when front seats are all the way back. I'm extremely happy with the car and have no regrets.
Run Forrest Run! (Do NOT buy this car!)
All of the hype you hear about German engineering is pure unadulterated bugle oil. I'd take any car built in the orient, including a Hyundai, before I'd ever own another BMW. Parts literally fall off (outside mirrors, vent controls), the power top has malfunctioned on many occasions, this thing EATS tires, the water pump went out, the coolant reservoir cracked, brake life is a joke, brake dust is never-ending, the windows squeak, and that is just what I can remember off the top of my head. The dealership is the only one in town, and believe me they know it. Not once have I ever taken it in for service that I didn't have to leave it overnight! And all this for a sticker price over $50K!
New to me!
I bought a used 2005 325xi with 34k miles. I took her on a trip from CT to NC (with 2 other people in the car and luggage) and got 481 miles to the tank. That's 32 mpg! What a great car! I would totally recommend getting one! So much fun to drive!
Update: Ultimate Costly Machine
Update: I have had my car for about four years now and this car is very fun to drive, the handling is undescribable. However, this car is not reliable in any way. I realize that BMWs are meant to be toy cars- just cars you keep in the garage and drive on the weekends. I have drain sooo much money into this car, that I could have possibly bought another car-cash. I purchased my car at 60k and only placed an additional 65k since getting the car. Suspension goes out completely, window strips wears easily, and to top it off the windshield motor has gone up. I have spent annually 2k a year in repairs. BEWARE! I am going to a Acura in a couple of weeks, is it a BMW? No, but at least its reliable
bmw cars all have problems
2005 bmw 325i. Nothing but coolant problems that leave you stuck on the side of the road, they are among the most unreliable cars. Don't trust driving your car on the highway or long road distances. Be prepared to get stuck. I've had the expansion tank break twice, leaving me stuck twice. Lucky I was only 25 miles away on a street road the first time. Then a month later, had an antifreeze leak, couldn't figure out where, so the mechanic replaced the water pump and thermostat and hose, another $500, then 2 months later another coolant leak. This time it was the coolant pipe, which is under the intake, another $500. Then 2 months later another leak, the radiator and hose was replaced. Now 2 or 3 months later, another coolant pipe. Then awhile later, the expansion tank again blew-up ( this was in front of my driveway when I returned from the gas station. then another time later the expansion tank bracket left me stuck. Everytime it cost me an average of $500 for each repair, in just a 1 1/2 year time. All these problems are normal on all 3 and 5 series bmw cars. Just Google bmw common issues and read, all bmw cars have coolant problems. All coolant problems will leave you stuck, period, that really socks if your riding on the highway. That is a regular problem bmw has to address. I live in Florida and I wouldn't trust driving any bmw on the highway, unless they are very brand new. I've had several bmw cars on several time period and the all had the same issues. Most unreliable cars on the market. Mercedes is the same crap.
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I love my BMW!
This is a great car! It rides beautifully, quietly, and accurately. I bought it on eBay from just a picture and it was such a great purchase. When I saw her, I fell in love. I don't want to sell her, but I think I need to get my life back and I need the money. Whoever gets this car is going to be very happy.
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I'm Hooked!
Ever since I was 10 years old - I have found a least one aspect about any high priced purhased item that was disappointing. I am almost 60 and this BMW has not disappointed me in the least. It is so much fun to drive it is almost hard to describe. You can feel the obessive drive for quality embued into this vehicle by the German engineers.
BMW 330i 2005
This car is expensive, but the more you pay the better car you get!!! I could tell that this car is made for youth and its classy. Its superb and it's outstanding specification ( spe. when it comes with SMG gearbox ) can make everyone to be proud of the expense. Overall I love this car, way much more than an old Mercedes.