Used 2006 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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BMW Owner Since 1995
I've owned 2 and leased 6 BMWs since 1995. I love them so much I purchased the 2006 so I didn't have to turn it in after the lease expired. While the car is almost the same quality as all previous ones the run flat tires have been replaced with go flats along with a membership in AAA. Bumps make the car feel as though something will fall off or the tire will explode with the run flats. The rubber paint on the driver side door handle is peeled off and embarrassing but the car rides like a dream and I feel safe driving it. My only regret is that I chose to buy this one and not my previous 3 series. Local driving results in only 17 mpg but highway an outstanding 33 mpg.
Too Expensive
After shopping BMW, Acura, Lexus and Honda, decided on the BMW. It was my wife's choice of cars. Bad choice. My neighbor bought the Acura TL and it runs circles around the BMW in performance, luxury and price. The BMW is slow, very loud and rides horribly. I know it is a road car but the ride on the run flat tires is absolutely terrible. Speaking of the run flats, these tires were a huge mistake on the part of BMW. Mine have 11500 and will need replacement in another few hundred miles. The car also won't hold an alignment. The paint quality is also very poor. Next time I will buy the Acura with better engineering, performance, price and quality.
- 330xi SedanMSRP: $6,99078 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $8,39095 mi away
- 325Ci CoupeMSRP: $10,995100 mi away
Last BMW
I have driven BMWs for years but this is my last. Replacing the run flats at $1300 every 8 months didn't make sense. Plus, run flats gave it a terrible ride and handling and very noisy. I replaced tires with non run flats. Handled like my previous BMWs but no spare, no room for a spare. The resale value didn't hold up well. I bought a new Audi A4. Handles better, more features. I will not buy another BMW.
Amazing performance, the true driving machine!
I owned the car for two years. The warranty and maintenance plan will help you not worry about its bills. It is an engineering marvel, it shows unmatched performance. It is in a level no other car in it's class could match. On the negative side, the interior is poor and has no sense of luxury. especially the door panels. Anywyas, keep in mind when buying from BMW dealers, that BMW Financial services is such as disgusting company to buy from! If not really into the car, I'd suggest opting for Mercedes C class, on performance it falls much shorter than the Bimmer, but it has a nice interior, it's more comfortable and Mercedes dealers and MB Financial service know how to treat people well!
Still smiling....
I still have not got the smile off of my face from my first drive. The salesman told me if I drive it I'll buy it. I drove it and I bought it. This is the funnest car on the face of the earth.
Not worth the aggravation!
My 8th new BMW is a 330xi. It looks good & it drives good, however, all the aggravation related to the run flat tires has not been worth it. At 30,000 miles, I am on my 3rd set of tires. The bottom line is I don't enjoy this car and I resent BMW for my unhappiness with the car & the company. All the tire noise, the rough ride and all the inconveniences have really soured me on the car. In addition, I find the turn signals and the start button to be needlessly annoying.
Adios, Bimmer
My 1st Bimmer & due to RFT's, my last. I enjoy driving long distances on week-ends & wanted to experience the ultimate driving experience after 20 yrs w/ Audis. I liked the power and pep, but it's not my preferred ride in wet or snowy roads. The RFT's are nice but the ride is so rough on less than perfect roads, it outweighs everything else. Dissatisfaction shows: 24K miles after 4 years. I use non-RFT's now w/ a jack & spare, w/c BMW does not offer, until trade-in time. Bottom line: too much money for mediocre design/planning, arrogant & unfriendly customer service.
Poor reliability
I've had my BMW since 10/2005. Though I LOVE the way the car drives, that love does not offset the dissatisfaction I get from living with this car. It cannot last more than a few months without some problem that needs to be resolved at the dealership. I've had a bad fuel line, grinding noise in the front suspension, failed power locking mechanism x2, failed power window regulator, broken front headlight washers x2, peeling paint from the interior handles x2, random steering wheel locking, active cruise control faults, and more. I've never had a car with so many problems, and I'm terribly disappointed in it. My dealer is not the most helpful either, which compounds my dissatisfaction.
Perfection Perfected
What's not to like? The new BMW 3 Series is faster, smarter, sleeker, more solid, and more efficient.
I love my first Bimmer
I've had this car for 4 months and 6K miles, and it seems to drive better each day. The RFTs are no issue, and I have not taken it back to the shop for any reason. the handling with the steering and SP is awesome. It is a little bumpy on bad, patched up roads, but 90% of the time I'm on decent roads and its a blast to drive, especially in manual.
Still King of the Hill
Just purchased this new 330i last week and have fewer than 400 miles on it. Tremendous engine and legendary BMW handling. Previously had a 2001 330Ci and a 2002 325iT. New 3-series is better, overall, than either of the previous cars. Only complaint is visibility is less in this car than in E46 models. Run flat tires are a bit stiff also. Ours has Sport Package; like the Sport seats and suspension. Goes around corners like it's on a rail. Satellite radio and BMW assist are great features. Best feature is the feeling you get when pressing the accelerator. BMW claims 255 horsepower for this engine. It feels much stronger than that and yet gets about 30 mpg on the highway. Awesome.
2006 330i - Beautiful Car
Car is the complete package. Sport & Premium Package. Love the wheels, looks and performance. Transmission is smooth. I owned a 1995 325i for 9 years and it was the best car I ever owned. This vehicle is very nice as well. Run flats aren't cheap. $510.00 per tire at the dealership. Radio rocks, car handles great, looks outstanding and my wife steels it from me 3-4 days per week. We fight over this car. Lots of fun! Black on Black. Highly recommend this vehicle. After these run flats wear out may just switch to normal tires and a can of fix a flat. Outside run flats car is outstanding!
Great car that needs minor tweaking
This is by far the most fun car I've ever owned. I own the 330i with the premium and sport packages. I drove the car from NC to OH and the car did great. What's not to love about the car? I have only two major complaints. The use of the navigation system, and not being able to change my own oil. The iDrive/nav is a complete pain and utter frustration. That, and the unavailability of oil filters at your local auto parts is about it. 4yr maintenance is included with car, but I prefer to change my own thank you. However, once you get the car dialed in from the iDrive, it's a BLAST!
Can't beat this car!
Ive had my 330xi since January, and the driving experience gets better each day. The power and handling, as well as the 50/50 weight distribution make this a very fun automobile. I can't say much about the iDrive, I opted for the six speed manual with no navigation. I would recommend this car and BMW to anyone interested in purchasing a new car.
330xi
This is my second 3. There seems to be some similarities with the run flat issues, My dealer had to replace them at 8500 miles. Having no spare is a bit concerning but have not heard of anyone getting stranded due to this. The new design and controls are excellent. Peformance is far superior than the previous 3. Car rides extremely smooth. You really need to experience the ride; it is worth the extra $$. BMW really is the Ultimate Driving Machine. this does come with a price and if you need a budget car then this is not for you but if you want to drive as you have never driven before then buy the bimmer. It will not disappoint.
Too Much Fun
I purchased my 330ci in November 2006. It drives like a dream and because I am a rather short individual, the seats fit better and are more comfortable than any other vehicle I have ever owned. BMW must have listened because my car does not have run flat tires and I have a very quiet ride. I didn't think I would enjoy the convertible as much as I have. It is so easy to use that I take the top down every opportunity I get. I also have the interface for wireless blue tooth that provides total hands free driving. I am so spoiled, I will never have another car without it. Likewise, the heated seats are such a pleasure! Yes, I love my car.
BMW has raised the bar on sedans!
I just bought a 330i and it is hands down the best vehicle in the 35-45K class. I test drove the Acura TL and the G35x AWD and the BMW blows them away. The ride is great and the suspension handles everything well. You never feel like you're not in control of the vehicle. I love the new styling and the extras on the vehicle put it in a class by itself. Bluetooth phone system, BMW assist, Xenon headlights, heated leather seats just to name a few. The 8-way power driver and passenger seats are very comfortable and have good support. If you are looking for a entry-level luxury sedan, look no further than the new 3-series.
As good as it gets
This is a 2nd BMW we have. We have a X3. I have this new 2006 325xi for about 1 month now. It has exceed my expectation in many ways. The combination of power and handling is just about perfect. I thought X3 was great until I brought the 325xi. The handling is so precise and fun to drive. I am very glad that I chose the 325xi instead of the Lexus 250 or Acura TL. I read many negative comments about run flat tire. So far, I did not have any problem or complain about them. They are doing just fine.
The Reference Car
Driving BMW is as if you own the road. So far, I have been in full control of the car under all conditions, including on snowy and icy roads. The highway mileage is beyod expectation. In short, the car is a joy to drive.
The 2006 BMW rules
I have nothing but good things to say about my 2006 330i. After test driving it I traded in my 2003 G35. After driving the BMW my G35 felt like a tin can. The G35 was only fun to drive when I beat the hell out of it. The BMW is so sweet you do not have to beat it to enjoy the ride. I have the sport package so the ride is a little bouncy at times but is worth it as you do not even have to slow down to take corners if do not want to. If you love to dirve the BMW is for you. If you like to be driven, Japan has many options for you. Do not test drive the 3 unless you plan on getting one.
franks findings
Took a week to really learn everything- I have the 330i with performance tires, seats are a little tight for my sit down and its a little bumpy with 48 lbs of air in the tires, but a real joy to drive. In sport mode it jumps to 90 in breathtaking fashion, brakes are stop now dandies with no fade at all. If you know how to get your line and move into a corner with power, its like driving a bed i.e. flat no lean at all, no nose drop on hard braking. Worth the money
Tires, Tires, Tires
The run flat tires on this car have been a nightmare. I have owned 6 3 series since 92 and loved, I repeat loved every one of the until now. The noise coming from these tires at speeds lower than 60 mph all the way down to 3-6 mph is unacceptable. I was told at 8K miles that I had to replace all four tires. The controls are also very difficult to reach. I am tall and I have trouble but anybody with short arms is in trouble. The outside is very nice. The auto traction does some strange things at low speeds and when I pull into the garage it actually brakes when I contact the lip to the floor.
A Solid Luxury Performance Convertible
This is without doubt, the best luxury performance convertible I have ever owned. I traded a Honda S2000 which I thourghly enjoyed as well, but I'm getting up there in years. I will miss the Honda but, NOT FOR LONG. We now own two BMWs; the X5 and this 330CIC; I think I can honestly say we are a BMW family from this point forward. Build quality is second to none and, based on our experience with the X5, we do not anticipate any problems service or performance wise.
Best car I ever had!
I absolutely love this car. Its not perfect, it has a few lingering issues. Leaky fuel line, bad windshield washer pump and reservoir, headlight washers dont work. Other than that, this car delivers an exceptional world class ride. Susprnsion is tight, braking is second to none. I have the sport package with manual 6 speed trans and to say this car is fun to drive feels like an understatement. Add to the scenario, the X-Delete app, I am allowed to turn the AWD on or off anytime I want, can also adjust the power distribution to front/rear with sport mode, snow mode, and custom settings. All through my mobile phone and a special cable that connects my phone to the OBD2 port. If sonrbody offered me $10k for this car I would respectfully say no. (Already turned down an offer for $8500) I just dont think I will ever find a car as fun as this one has been and continues to be. I truly love this car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Surgical handling!
As an owner of 10 BMW's over the years, including a new 2002 (in '75) and at least one of every 3 series, I was anxious to check out the '06. Thank German Engineers (or God) this story has a happy ending. The car I ordered/leased is a manual, sports, premium, cold pkgs, plus sat radio and elec shades. Compared with the '02 the steering is more precise, it feels almost surgical. Over irregularities the suspension absorbs and does not tend to push you off line as the predecessor did, fantastic! The engine, gearbox, & clutch work great. I had it over 150 coming home from dealer (I-5/night). The interior just plain works. The seats are substantially better. I'll take the long way home.
2nd BMW misses a little
Very beautiful looking both inside and out. Excellent body lines and performance under the hood. This car has the horses when needed and handles extremely well. This is a feel good car.
BUY IT !!
I just recently bought a 330i 2006 BMW. I previously had a 228i. This car is awesome. It is sleek, fun, fast, and has all the luxury that BMW promises. You can't go wrong with this one!
BMW ROCKS WITH AWD
Love it, tested the 5 series and liked it but the cost was not worth the difference in auto. 325 xi handles great in the snow of Wisconsin. Get the power seats!
Wow
After 30 years owning Japanese designed cars & trucks (240-Z, Corolla, Maxima, Accord, Legend, 4-Runner, IS-300, ES- 330) this is our first German car. It is as much fun to drive as my 240-Z was: smooth, linear, predictable. I hear it will not be as reliable and will cost big bucks to maintain and repair but it sure is a blast to drive!
The Baby Beemer
This car is incredible. I mean when you buy it you think it's great. But when you get to use to it and drive it for a while the BMW experience just keeps getting better - from engine performance all the way down to comfort and looks. It's got all you need.
So far, so good
I bought a CPO 325i (my first "luxury car") with sport and premium packages and about 36K miles in December 2009, as it was coming off of lease and still under factory warranty/maintenance. So far, so good, although I have had several incidents with the rear passenger window staying down until the engine is turned off and re-started - I took it into the dealership and it worked perfectly so there was no way they could diagnose the problem. Anyway, the 325i sport handles very well, and has a very solid "feel." However, when I replace these tires, I will use standard rather than run flat tires as I am convinced the ride will be much smoother, even with the sport suspension.
New 2006 BMW 330
Once you test drive this car, it's difficult to find another one that compares to the driving experience. If you like a boring car that wants to keep you home, don't buy this one. The safe and solid feel of the car is great and overall, it is a lot more refined than the previous model years. You do have to up the price to get the right blend of optional items but it is well worth it.
BMW 330
This is a great car and gets great gas mileage for the performance! The styling is much better than the 5 or 7 series. This one has more room than the outgoing version and Sport package is not as harsh either.
Super
I have driven this car for about a month and it responds in everyway, steering, acceleration, look. We'll have sometime to really find out the true car.
325xi wagon
This car comes as close as I could imagine to an ideal all around car. It is entertaining to drive, exceedingly competent in all weather conditions and has attention to detail and build quality that are both beyond reproach and a source of joy everytime I drive the car. The wagon version gives a lot of flexibility to configure the space behind the driver and front passenger to accomodate a variety of gear and from my perspective the rear hatch is actually more attractive than the trunk on the sedans.
One of the best
I recently purchased a 2006 BMW 330i with the sport and premium packages as well as an automatic transmission. I love this car. My only disappointment is the initial acceleration. This could be due to the automatic however once the engine is at a high RPM, the car flies!. I floored it to 100mph and it was amazing. I strongly recommend this car. The build quality is great and the comfort level is top-notch. The fuel economy could have been better but overall this car will not disappoint! Firm steering, excellent handling, BLUETOOTH!!! Excellent brakes, adaptive headlights, "will not roll backwards on a hill" feature. This car is amazing.
Fun to drive - horrible electric problem
I've had to have the entire electrical system replaced twice now in 9 months. Because of the electrical system meltdown I lost the ability to use lights, windshield wipers and turn signals among other things. Average time to replace is 1 week. As a result, I have major concerns about the reliability of this car. Drives great, but I'm not sure it is worth the constant headache.
Confirmed: Ultimate Driving Machine
Prior to purchasing my 330i I owned a 528i, and the difference between the two cars is remarkable. I miss the comfort of the 528, but the performance, styling, features, and feel of this new 330 are, in a word, inspirational. Options I ordered include the premium, sport and cold weather packages. The cabin is nearly perfect, from the sports steering wheel to the aluminum trim. Handling and road feel are superlative; acceleration is wonderful. Like many others who have posted reviews of this car, I look forward to every next opportunity to drive!
very disappointed
this is my third 3 series... previously drove a 2000 323i and 2003 325ci. One half mile from the dealership on the day I took delivery the bluetooth became inoperable. works intermittenly. the car just spent 15 days in the dealership trying to fix this-- still not right. car also shimmys at 70 mph.. bmw knows there is a problem --- they are looking into. don't buy a car the first year of a major re-do. wait for the kinks to be ironed out.
Great Automobile
This was my first choice purchase and after looking at many, many competitors I know I was right to buy this great, great automobile. It's the perfect combination of luxury, style and performance. The iDrive is a good option, despite what many reviewers say about it, and make sure to get the Sirius satellite radio option. The traction and handling available from the all wheel x- drive option is perfect for Illinois winters.
enjoying it
So far so good - nice ride quality, great fit and finish, good power in midrange, and responsiveness of controls (steering, brakes, shift lever)is spot on. Mileage so far is quite good (about 30 on HWY), and car still only has 2300 miles on it, so it will only improve. Interior is a truly pleasant place to be. Dealership experience has been very good so far - they have been courteous, informative etc. No complaints there. I'm surprised the guy below has had such problems with his wagon over the last 5 months. Especially considering that to my knowledge, the '06 wagon only hit the showroom floor in November...
BEST BMW EVER
My 06 330i just arrived after 7 weeks of waiting and it was worth the wait. The Bluetooth phone is incredible, navigation is great and iDrive is so easy to use. The courtesy door lights is an awesome feature and the brakes are the best in any car I have driven. Get the sports and premiums packages.
Great car, overall
This is a great car but definitely a product of a different design philosophy from past BMWs that we knew and loved. Thankfully, it has not been as 'Bangle-ized' as 5's and 7's have. I agree with the reviews that some of the original 'purity' has given way to more of a luxury driving experience. Engine, steering, suspension, and braking are typical BMW - great - as are seating and general interior ergonomics, and the sound system is superb. There are a few cheap interior bits and pieces, but the big miss is the total lack of any engine temperature reading other than an idiot light and no real dipstick in the engine compartment.
Great car
2006 bmw conv
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Lured by 0.9% CPO...
I traded my original 5 speed 525i for this 330xi after prowling the lot for months. Same color combination, 4 years newer. Wow. I guess there comes a time when you have to admit that time marches forward and the new features are awesome...bluetooth, Logic 7 and AWD are light years ahead of the 02 525i, plus this is faster and tighter on curves.
The Ultimate Unseen Cost Nightmare
Sell your BMW before the warranty runs out. Don't bother to buy a new BMW with run flat tires unless they give you tires for as long as you own the car. The front tires cost about $425.00 and the rear $375.00. I have had to replace 9 tires in the 3 years I have owned the car. They don't last and the 'flat tire' sensor comes on all the time. If you take it to a BMW dealership they will not give you the car back unless you replace the tire. There is no fixing it. I'm not even sure if there was anything wrong with the tire. They never let me see it. The passenger air bag sensor will cost you $1500.00. I have no idea what the LCD display for the stereo will cost, but it has completely faded.
Excellent car with few flaws
As a driving machine, it is unparalleled in class. Styling is great. Power is biased toward higher RPM, but fits my driving style. Automatic transmission is smoothest I have experienced, superior to Japanese counterparts. Extra large sunroof opening is nice.
Fun
A fun car to drive. I love the solid feel and its handling on the curves. It has great power once it gets going but the initial acceleration is a bit disappointing, maybe because of the all wheel drive. All in all a great vehicle.
Great Car
Traded in a C320, not even a comparison, great handling, better gas mileage, fun for short drives and comfortable on longer commutes over 40 miles a couple days a week, premium packege with bluetooth and leather is a must. The factory 10 speaker stereo is excellent, love the subs under the seats.
Superb Sport Wagon
The new 325 XiT is a superbly designed wagon that is a joy to drive. Coming from a 330i sedan, I was somewhat skeptical that the 325 engine would have enough power, but it is more than adequate unless you are seeking a dragster. The versatility of the wagon, the X-drive, the exterior design and amazing features like the panorama sunroof all combine to make this machine the ultimate wagon. With perfect 50:50 F/R weight distribution and X-drive, this car has amazing cornering capabilities and the same wonderful steering found all of the 3 series.