Used 2006 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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Gotta luv the Bimmer
I traded my 2001 325i for this new and improved model. I am so impressed. I thought my first one was great, however everything i thought it should have had was put into this one. The Ipod jack, and running tires floored me. I will probably never own another brand. How can you go to a regular car after driving a Bimmer?
Sweet Ride
Just bought a new 2006 325i this summer in electric red! Drives like no other car I've owned. Factory stereo totally "BUMPS", Love everything about the car except, the "SHARK " fin on the back! (satellite receiver) Wish they could have done something different there. ( more compact perhaps).
- 330xi SedanMSRP: $6,99078 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $8,37595 mi away
- 325Ci CoupeMSRP: $10,995100 mi away
Not second guessing
I purchased my 06 325i with Automatic, Premium package and gray leather interior in November of 05. I got the sparking graphite and it is a beauty. I am very impressed with the torque and performance of the engine. What's really amazing is the gas mileage. I am averaging almost 25 city and 34 mpg highway. The 34 mph is at speeds of 70 to 75 mph and occasoinal 80 mph. If you are considering the 3 series, make sure you give the automatic some consideration. This transmission is more consistent than the manual. When in sports mode (If you know how to drive it) it will blow the doors off the manual. Handling is superb and the ride is excellent for a vehicle this size.
Passenger Side Sensor
I am happy with my 2006 BMW 325i. This machine is the first luxury vehicle that I have ever owned and I am very pleased with it.
Excellent
I have had the 2006 325i for a 1 1/2 years and loved every minute of it. The only and I mean only problem that I have with the car is its cup holders. My wife had a flat tire once and she pressed the BMW assist button and was directed to the nearest dealership for repair. I have taken the car in once for maintenance! Once! I love this car and so does my wife.
My first Bimmer 2006
After owning 3 Toyotas, I decided to purchase a BMW and WOW, now I know what they mean by the ultimate driving machine. I drove it to see my parents for XMAS, which is a 3hr drive from where I live and oh, what a performance. I got 34 MPG at speeds of 70 & 75 (mostly speed limit) and the handling was superb. The enjoyment of sitting behind that inline six, knowing that the only reason that Acura can pass me is because I let it, is a wonderful experience.
Great drive
I have been very impressed with the drive and handling. This is my first BMW and will not be the last. Solid power in the smaller 325 engine but still very adequate. Good sound system comes standard and the extra couple of inches over 2005 model helps.
Excellent Entry in BMW
This is an extremely excellent vehicle. The maintenance program is by far the most superior program ever. I have only paid for tires since owning this car. I am tall, 6'4". I am ready to upgrade to a larger model. That is my only complaint, is that it is a little tight for taller people. I knew that when I bought the car, so I can't complain. This is an excellent start for someone that wants to get into a high performance luxury vehicle.
Re-connected to the Road
Driving this car is pure pleasure. The interior ergonomics are excellent, and very intuitive. The steering, braking and suspension are superb, putting me in very close contact with the road surface. I can feel this car the way a driver wants to, as an extension of my will.
Great
The car is great. It is a go getter and has plenty of pep. The body, interior and all the bells are another good feature of this car. I would have liked the tires to be of the old school.
All that we expected, and more.
We were somewhat concerned about reliability but the 330i we test drove sold itself to us. We have had the 330i for 3 weeks and we love it. It has performance, handling, luxury features and best of all, it has given us piece of mind while driving it.
Great Ride, once you replace the tires
First BMW, bought after much research, to replace a faithful Nissan Maxima, which I loved. Best car I've ever owned or driven. I had reservations from the start about the Run Flat tires. Nobody will repair them, they ride harsh and loud, tramlining is horrible, they only last 12k miles, and are very expensive to replace. Replaced with regular "go flat" tires, and it's like a different car; amazing what a difference regular tires makes. Now I just carry a couple cans of fix-a-flat and my triple A card. 2 problems: driver's side mirror and steering wheel lock had to be replaced.
Ultimate Driving Experience
I purchased the 325i to replace my Acura RL. The driving experience is like no other. Six speed manual versus sluggish Acura RL automatic transmission defines the driving experience. Quick, fun, and sporty. Integrated iPod auxillary port was a nice bonus making a CD disc changer obsolete.
2006 330i Sport Pkg
All around super car with a balances level performance and comfort.
My Dream Car...is no longer a dream
Thus far, I absolutely love this car, previously I owned the X-3, and I find the Sedan much more powerful and with more features for the money. Great on gas, great new look, and great power
First BMW, mixed feelings
Bought the car over some competitors mainly due to leg room (I'm a bit over 6'5 and about 195 pounds). Certainly the fit is better for me than my previous Nissan Altima, but, when it comes to interior squeaks and rattles, this car comes up a bit short. Squeaky dash, especially when accelerating in chilly weather. I get 24 mpg with premium with little interstate driving. Paint finish is horrible, I've never owned a car whose hood is so susceptible to chipping off (and I owned a Skoda at one time!). These days, I always look at other BMW hoods in parking lots, and sure enough, their hoods are dotted with paint chips as well. Disappointing.
Nice car
No major issues with the car in 4 years. Bridgestone run flat tires started "cupping" at 16,000 miles creating more noise. BMW gave 50% discount on new Continental tires which are holding up well. The run flat tires have a harsher ride than I would like. Fun to drive and gets around 22 MPG in the city and around 30 MPG on the highway. Great brakes. BMW free maintenance program works well and oil changes and wipers are replaced without complaint. Only other warranty claim was to replace front door armrest where the plastic was looking tacky.
Good times
300i w/Sport and Premium packages = a winning combination of four door utility and near perfect handling. Run-flats will prove harsh for some, spot on for others. Rides on the stiff side of things - immense fun if expected behavior. Not a car for Lexus fans. Surprisingly good bluetooth integration, down to phone's address book access. Sport seats are unrivaled among comparable vehicles, as well as many more expensive types in support, comfort and perfect proportions for an average person.
My best car ever
This is the first car that I have ever owned that made me want to drive around the block after ariving home after a three hundred mile trip.
The new E90
Having owned 3 E46's since they were released, and just purchasing the 3rd one (330cic w/ performance package) a month ago, I was a bit worried about the new model. So far, I LOVE this car. Internet pictures and reviews do not do this car justice. I purchased a 330i Silver on Black w/ Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, and iDrive/Nav. The car is fast, comfortable (larger interior), fun to drive. It's everything you'd expect from a 3 series plus more. The sound system is excellent, and I love the ability to use voice commands to control the iDrive. Add in a bluetooth phone, the ability to make calls with one push of a button without ever touching your phone is a really winner in my book.
Unbelievably fun to drive
I have to say that I was expecting a lot when I ordered this car. And I wasn't disappointed. It's everything I could imagine and more. Driving has never been so enjoyable, and I've always loved to drive. The comfort access is a must have option, as is the sport package and Xenon headlights. It's not a BMW w/o the tell tale headlight "halos". I love the look of the new 3 series, and the fit & finish is all, if not more than I would expect in a $40k car.
BMW 325i
Wonderful vehicle.
great car
330i fully loaded, 18-s, sport suspension, 6 speed and everything else. This car is a pleasure to drive. I'm in love with it. Since I got this car, 6 months ago, I still feel like a little baby who just got his toy for the first time. I mean, everytime I get in the car I feel like a different person. I just LOVE IT.
WOW, Finally got the BMW 3
Had Acura TL & Lexus IS300 before the 330i. My take: Ordered steptronic, way good but I just drove my buddy's M3 w/SMG. Should of got SMG. Performace: I drove his M3 before picking up my 330, thought I be discontent, nope! Got Nav: isn't intuitive as Acura but does the job. Idrive: can't believe all the bad press, wouldn't have ordered it but comes w/Nav. Anyway, I love the custom programmable settings. No wonder MB, Audi & Porsche are all coming out with their own versions. SIRIUS: I like programing better than XM but the reception blows, not BMW's bad. Terra seats look sweet! Only one CD but it reads MP3 too. On SIRUS or IPOD exclusively anyway. Overall, the 330i is a complete package!
new 3 series a big step up
I was at the "coming out" party for the new 3 at Chelsea Piers in New York and fell in love immediately. I traded in my 2002 325 and just picked up my new 3 on May 10th. I got the sport package, and the only down side is the ride is a bit choppy on bad roads. Could be the run-flats. iDrive is greatly simplified; most controls are off the steering wheel. Great seats, much more refined than the previous 3. Much quieter with extraordinary feel and a real luxurious cabin that oozes sophistication. Stereo upgrade is just so so, but the iDrive gives the dash a second hump which looks much better than the regular interior. iDrive is a cinch...no big deal. What an engine; silky smooth, no growl.
Better Every Day!
Pictures and quick test drive do not do justice for this car. It excels in every arena; from getting 40mpg on the fwy to having tons of power to the interior comfort, I can't wait to drive my 325 each morning and look for excuses to go somewhere.
BMW convert
I have always owned Japanese import cars, and had never driven a BMW. Now I know what I was missing. This car is simply one word--JOY. The technological prowess the BMW engineers is exceptional-nothing can touch the performance of this "ultimate driving machine". Although Japanese electronics seen to be more reliable over the long run, BMW has far exceeded any other manufacturer in terms of safety (including Volvo) and performance. After all, the safest airbag is the one that doesn't have to go off.
Awesome Car!
I have had my new 325i for almost three months now and still make excuses to drive my car. I have found myself driving around just to drive this car. Can't say enough about it. Love, Love, Love it!
Labor Day Trip
Just took my new '06 325i for a trip this Labor Day weekend. It was just fantastic! Felt like I was gliding on air. The transmission is so smooth and the steering makes you feel so in control. I got 32 mpg highway so the cost of gas was not as tough to handle. I thought the space was great. We got 3 suitcases and 3 shopping bags easily in the trunk. I also have the open space in the rear seat to put a long pole we go for our garden. The navigation and satellite topped it off for us - the best road trip ever by far!!!
My Sixth and Best BMW
The new 330i is a fabulous machine, a huge leap ahead from the previous E46 series in every way. Build quality and interior ergonomics are vastly improved.Handling and performance are exhilarating. Sport package is a must have option. The new steptronic is light years ahead of the previous generation - much faster shifting and more intuitive in sport mode or manual. Tested the 6spd manual; it's not as slick as a Honda manual. This car is so much fun to drive, I look for excuses to drive it.Very hard to stay close to any legal speed limits; this is a car that loves to run fast,so be warned. You could pay $10-$20k more for a different car and not have as much fun as in the 330i.
Awesome Car
This car is awesome. It has enough space to accommodate 2 adults in the front and 2 kids and a baby carseat in the back, along with 3 duffel bags, one giant bag, and 2 carry-on bags in the trunk. Going on I-5, we got from San Jose to Los Angeles on 1 tank of gas!! Best sedan ever.
The best 3-series yet!
This car is a beauty to drive, be in, and look at. It hugs the road, has virtually no lean in tight curves, accelerates well and is ohhh so smooth and quiet. The inline 6 is peppy, and the handling is what you would expect from BMW. The interior well appointed (with the premium and winter packages) and the finish is flawless. Try the automatic transmission if you are uncomfortable with manual: the difference in 0 - 60 is there but is not that significant. All in all this is a fun car to drive to work, on weekends, or whenever you just feel like tainkg a spin.
It's a sexy car!
I purchased my 330i 4 months ago and I just love the handle. It hugs the road and corners as I move in and out of lanes. This car has great acceleration and swift movement. To me there is no better car on the road. I am a BMW driver for life.
Not a bad ride!
I really like this car, but I was well aware of most of it's flaws before purchasing--so do your homework! It handles better than any car I've ever driven (had Audi S4 before this)! It's got good acceleration than in years past (although slower than the S4). The audio system sounds about like what you'd expect for a car in this price range. The iDrive isn't nearly as bad as everyone has said, but you must spend a few hours with the ops manual AS SOON AS YOU GET THE CAR - or at least soon after to enjoy all of it's features. The NAV works pretty well, and the cd plays mp3's. However, whatever CD you have in plays continuously-the "off" button is only a "mute" button, so it keeps spinning.
Excellent Car, Questionable Value
This is by far the best car I've ever owned. The engine is smooth and feels more powerful than its advetised 215 hp. Manual transmission is slick and precise. Base model is well equipped, which is fortunate because options make the price unreasonable very fast. Keep the pedal off the firewall and fuel economy is average. Zing it to the redline between every stoplight (much fun!) and economy will suffer greatly. Ride is firm and controlled with base suspension, but not harsh. Have had no mechanical problems in the 3000 miles I've owned it. Base stereo is passable, but disappointing in a car of this stature. A great car, but probably not the best value available for your money.
2006 BMW 325i
In having new performance cars for years, this the best car I've had thus far. Absolutely no regrets in buying it! The 5 series is more car than I even wanted, a little big for me and pricier for things I wouldn't use anyway now, but I noticed that in 06 the new 325 has features built in that the 5 and 7 series have (some optional though) so when it comes to luxury and performance and good residual value, I think they're an excellent choice, plus they handle like nothing I've ever had before. I just picked one with the options I wanted vs paying extra for options I'd never use anyway in a car so for me it's perfect.
Somewhat disappointed
This is my third 3 series BMW in the last 5 years. I've previously owned a 325xi and my last 2 have been 330xis so I feel I'm fairly qualified to write an objective review. The 2006 body style is terrific and the interior appointments are far better than previous years. The seats are comfortable and seem to wrap around your body like a glove. The overall ride experience is firmer than my previous cars and I do not seem to get the same "rush" when stepping on the gas as my 2003 330xi. The lack of body side molding is a problem as I already have dings where side-molding should have been. The radio (even with Sirius) is average and the cup-holders are woefully inadequate. This car is just Ok.
Love my new 330
I've got 1,200 miles on mine and I absolutely love this car. Traded a 2002 CTS. The 330 blows it away off the line. I love the sporty ride and all the tech gizmos. Only complaint so far is not enough storage space. I think BMW has hit a home run with this car
Initial impressions.
These are just initial impressions after only 600 miles. I can't comment on reliability. I replaced a 03 330Ci for a 06 330i and I also drive a 04 Audi A4 1.8T. All of these cars with sport package. I am both a BMW and Audi fan btw. This 3er is by far the best handling car out of the three. I did not imagine that the new 3er would outperform my old Ci because that vehicle was already excellent. This car is ridiculous in cornering and has 30 horses more. I don't think I will ever be able to push it its limit. The car simply beats the the current A4 as well. In short if you are in for a car in this segment do yourself a favor and at least test drive one with a sport package.
2006 BMW 3 Series 325i
Silky ride and excellent road feel. Very good build quality (mat'ls) and fit/finish.
325xi a must in the snow belt!
I absolutely love my new 325xi. It is amazing in the snow and a true sports car to drive on dry pavement. Interior room is superb for a car of this size and the features are like that of a James Bond car! I truly believe it handles better than my old Corvette! If you are looking for a luxury sports sedan and you are in the snow belt, you will love this automobile!
Love this car
We had a Camry. This rides so much better and is more comfortable. FREE maintenance. Dual zone air conditioning. VERY adjustable seats and steering column. On Board computer--NO DIPSTICK---run flats
Good but with questions
Door handles had to be replaced. My 6- speed manual has a 4th gear that disengages between 60 and 75km/hr. No good for Prairie winters, even with new snow tires - xdrive might be better. Vehicle is generally too light for snowy climes and icy roads. Fun in the sun, though. Great handling. Good warranty and servicing support and dealerships offer very good customer service.
What a car...
Just got my new 325i with Sport Package. Wow, for years, I have driven VW's, Hondas...but this is totally different thing. I am glad I got it and it is definitely worth every dime. Outside is beautiful, compact, but just the way it's supposed to be. Inside is perfect, from the layouts to the available room, which is great for the class of this automobile. The car is super quiet, but roars nicely when stepped on it. Sport package is definitely worth the money. Leatherette looks and feels great. I could go on, and on...
330xi 6-sp man sport, premium and cold
Traded in 2003 330i for this. Initially, I have some reservation. But only the second day of owning it, I can't even find enough excuses driving it. The engine is superbly smooth. The 6-speed manual executed perfectly. Got it black on black with aluminum trim. I'm loving it more each day. Best decision ever made. Pick up is excellent even in 6th gear.
Lots to smile about with the 330i
Picked up the car 12/31/05. Since then, I have put on ~3,900 miles. Some in snow, some in rain and now quite a bit in sunshine... all of it has been a pure joy to experience. From interior/exterior fit & finish, to overall esthetics & overall performance, this car is HARD to beat, if NOT impossible. Oh, did I mention it gets great fuel mileage & I'm talking a 21.1 avg since I picked it up (I DON'T drive slowly either ;-) If you're in the market for an upscale sport sedan and have ~$45k to spend, look no further!
Fun in the Sun
I just sold my 2001 330I and bought the new 2006 model and I couldn't be more happier. I got the sport package and premium package as I had before and the extra interior room is more than adequate. I have had several compliments on the new look and design. It doesn't seem as quick as my 2001 from the start but the ride is alot more comfortable and smooth. I recommend it to anyone who can afford it, but make sure you get the sport package with the upgraded rims etc.!
My new love....
The car drives absolutely amazing. It grasps the road like no other car. My car was custom made to perfection and the way I would want it. I have not seen anyone with my Barrique Red color, thankfully. The car is truly and absolutely amazing! This was definitely the best 18th birthday present ever!
After 8 months
Window buttons hard to reach, cup holders useless, iDrive is finicky, A/C and heater not as powerful as my Honda Accord, voice command option is all but useless. That being said I love my 325i. I've got 10K miles on it now. MPG is okay, handling is fantastic, acceleration is good in auto, great in semi-manual. A young guy in a 2004 330i thought he'd get the better of me at a light - he was wrong. Ride is firm but smooth. Car paid for itself when a much younger girl said "Wow, very nice car" to me the day after I bought it - very shallow of me, but it was still reaffirming.
Excellent, highly refined sports sedan.
This BMW is faster than most cars (got the 6 speed), excellent acceleration. I drove a 7 series before this, so the Sport Package and short wheelbase on the 3 ride pretty rough for my taste. The car feels like its glued to the road though. Stunning looks, very fun, Bluetooth is awesome,Sport seats too, Stock base stereo jams.