Used 2006 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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Fun To Drive But Very Poor Reliability - Automotive Engineer
tomkat2kid2, 01/19/2011
2006 BMW 3 Series 325i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
133 of 148 people found this review helpful
I am an Automotive / Commercial Vehicle Engineer. I am also the original owner of a 2006 BMW 325i with 75K miles, and while I like the cars handling and styling, the quality and reliability of this vehicle has been extremely poor. I have owned many different brands of vehicles, and this vehicle by far has had the most problems under warranty. Luckily I purchased an extended warranty (which I had never done before) but it is due to expire in 5K miles. See below for a list of issues with this vehicle over a 4 year period. While the vehicle is fun to drive and has good styling, I would caution anyone considering this vehicle due to the risk of significant out of pocket repair costs.
260,000+ miles still runs strong, best car ever!
tom, 08/25/2018
updated 08/31/2023
2006 BMW 3 Series 325xi 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Literally the absolute best, most reliable car I've ever owned. 270,000 + miles on the odometer, with only wear items ever needing replacement. Less troublesome than my Subaru with half the mileage and 10 years newer. BMW knocked it out of the ballpark with the E90, mine was equipped with the 6-speed manual, which is a dream. I’ve since sold the car for a down payment on a nee car for my wife. I begrudgingly took over her Subaru just because it’s newer and has less miles on it (but fortunately also a stick shift). I only parted with the car because I had too many cars.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great Car but its all in the details
rm332, 05/04/2013
2006 BMW 3 Series 325i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
39 of 43 people found this review helpful
This is the entry point BMW, the 2006 325i. You can get them cheap. But this was the 1st year of the E90. This model was ambitious, alot of new technologies were introduced. The exterior redefined what cars look like. This car has a huge battery for the mind numbing amount of electronics. So the thing to keep in mind was it was the 1st year. Also know that BMW mechanic rates start at $90/hr. But the great thing is that all the diagnostic and repair software the dealers originally used is freely available to everyone on the web. I've diag problems, the VANOS and coil issues we've seen on here are extremely easy to fix. I have a fully loaded 2006 325i with no faults, 78K!
Love the car, but a little bit paranoid
arpy1, 11/05/2012
2006 BMW 3 Series 325xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
30 of 33 people found this review helpful
I have always been a huge fan of BMW, and I was so excited to be able to buy my first one. I bought my 06' 325XI in Sept of 11 with just under the 100K mark (98K). It is now Nov of 12, so, I have owned it for a little over a year. I now have 120K on the car and it is still going strong. In the year I have owned it I have had to change the oil, spark plugs, a headlight, and one pack of ignition coils. It truely is like a dream come true, but I always have a sense of doom in the back of my mind after reading a lot of these reviews.
E90 6MT 330i is a very balanced drivers car
MountainDriver, 11/30/2016
2006 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
Previously driving a 1994 325i that was a really great car, in addition to a saab 9-3. I've been driving my 330i for 5 years now having purchased with 88k, and now at 174k. It has been a very reliable vehicle WITH proper maintenance. I have done the normal items on these cars- water pump, thermostat, control arms, shocks/struts. My factory clutch is still holding fine. I have done rear wheel bearings as well, and adding adjustable rear camber has greatly increased my tire wear on the staggered sport wheels. I highly recommend it, it will save you money in the long run. Lifters can be noisy if you take short rides, or long rides at low rpm... just run the engine above 2k for a few miles to circulate oil up top and you won'd have any problems. I have the BMW performance suspension, on Eibach pro-kit springs, and while it handles beautifully, the ride is a bit harsh on bad roads. The sport seats are firm, but supportive and do a great job of holding you in place in the twisties. The ergonomics are "BMW" That is to say they are excellent. The only thing I would change is the distance between the brake and throttle pedal. My e36 was much easier to "heel/toe" during shifting. I've gotten used to the switch from right to left with the cruise- I love the simple BMW cruise interface and I don't understand why other manufacturers go with buttons and switches- just a simple stalk works great. With over 170k on the odo, I wouldn't hesitate to hop in my car and go anywhere. The 2006 has the controversial "Mustache" grill and I have to admit-I like it. I don't feel like most BMS's ever look dated- and this design is the same. Although its obviously not new, it still looks muscular, serious, & classy. I have my chrome either plasti-dipped or vinyl wrapped for a "shadowline" look. I honestly can't get very excited about the latest line of 3 series- They seem vague when driving, but hopefully BMW will get their Electric powersteering tuned in a bit better. The 330i e90 is a rare classic. Although it doesn't have the power of the 335- it also doesn't have the problems. Its beautifully balanced and very linear. I always feel special driving my 330, and I can drive it hard out of corners without it getting out of shape. Its been a great car.
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