Used 2006 BMW 3 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Not as expected
Owned a '93 325i. this is my 2nd 325i. I am so disappointed. stereo sound quality is substandard, acceleration is poor, transmission screams noisy "whirr" sound (done intentionally by BMW), shifting D to SD is awkard, front cupholder spoils liquid onto stereo and shift gears, not iPod-ready, combo computer-stereo display is hard to reach and adjust, center dashboard casts a large distracting shadow while driving under blazing sun, various warning signals come on and off by itself, car jerks during quick stops (BMW says it's normal), little storage space, window switches are too far front. Sadly, after 5mo, there is nothing I can brag about as a owner. I regret it.
First One On the Block
This is my first BMW, have always owned practical japanese cars. Mine is basically stripped, only added the bun warmers. Checked out all of the competition first, this car wins (even though I'm not crazy about the new styling), hands down. The ride in the BMW is firm, sporty as it should be, but unlike the Acura, you do not feel every pimple in the road. I've driven a manual transmission for 20 years, and I'm still getting used to this one. The more I drive it, the more I like it. The sound on the base stereo is wonderful. I paid $1,000 to "upgrade" the stereo on my previous car, and it doesn't even come close to the sound quality of this one. The start button is a hoot!
- 325xi SedanMSRP: $5,900350 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $7,499114 mi away
- 325Ci CoupeMSRP: $10,995473 mi away
Great Car for the Money!!
We found our 330xi to be a great car. It's comfortable, has BMW build quality and reliability. We found the run flat tires to be annoying, so we replaced them. Now our ride is much smoother. Great snow traction, and handles the road very well. Cheers!
A fan of German Autos no more
I've owned German cars my whole life but this will be my last. The AWD is similar to that of Audis, but too many electrical issues. The runflat tires are awful, the cupholders are inconvenient, the leatherette interior leaves much to be desired, and dealerships are few and far from my home in NH. Thanks to the runflat tires wearing unevenly and the pressure being off all the time I've had to take it in at least once a month. The steering wheel lock sensor also went off causing the car to shut off completely and leave me stranded in the middle of nowhere at temperatures below zero and had to be towed. I was without a car for 2 weeks while it was being repaired
Glad I bought it
I bought my 325i as credit union repo. We got it well under what dealers where asking for the same car. It's a blast to drive and fuel economy is good. The drawbacks are the run flat tires they are very noisy and ride rough. I put new tires on it (non run flat) and made a world of difference in handling and ride noise. yes the cup holders are a bit quirky. Overall a great purchase.
2006 BMW 325i
This is my first BMW and I am extremely happy with my purchase. I haven't had to replace my tires yet at 19,000 and am glad the car comes with a warranty. It will be very difficult to buy a different car after this experience.
Great car!
I ordered this car back in November of 2005 after seeing one cruise by me on the highway. Received delivery on Dec 14th, 2005 with less than 8 miles on the car. Driving this car is such a pleasure in every way. 42 months, and 52,000 miles later and the car still feels almost as tight as the day I picked it up from the dealer. No squeaks, no rattles, nothing loose, nothing has stopped working. Nothing has discolored. Just an extremely well built car. Even the headlights are still crystal clear, unlike Mercedes headlights after a year or two. My only regret was ordering the beige interior instead of something darker since even the floor carpets are beige.
Great car - a few niggling issues
I previously owned a 2002 325i - the new model is significantly upgraded and updated - more of a "Lexus-ized" version of the 3-series than ever before. Only concerns: Satellite radio cannot be added to the car radio by the dealer unless pre-wired by the factory (?) - cupholders are a bit flimsy; the headliner is decidedly cheap and rough; no spare tire - apparently BMW thinks the $350/per/tire run-flats are another great innovation - all I see is an unnecessary cost for me should a tire blow prior to wearing out thru normal wear and tear. Ah, yes - but I DO so love driving this car! Terrific driving dynamics, wonderful to throw into corners.....just wish they would allow the use of regular!
In my wildest dreams!!!
I just picked up my new 06 325i yesterday, I have owned a lot of cars from Japanese to American made, but this one is out of my wildest dreams! The handling is superb!! Very comfortable seats, with the extenders in the sport package and the stereo system is awesome! Like everyone else is saying, Im finding reasons to just get out and drive. I got the black leather interior and bright red on the exterior, what a head turner! The dash is driver friendly with lots of info. Cup holders in a funny place, but I think I can get used to that. I think I have finally found my dream car! Best thing was I wasnt even looking to buy at the time, just went looking at the bimmers. Awesome car!! Buy one!!
First BMW
Love this car after trading in runflats for AAA and can of flat fixer. Mixed driving get 25 mpg, at 72k miles still feels new, minimal problems after tires (ac needed work and peeling door handles replaced at 25 k) best mileage when averaging 80 mph. Need radar detector as I can't tell how fast I'm going due to smooth ride. Will definitely buy another BMW in 2016.
A true "Driving Machine"
This is my second 325 in the last 4 years and this is quite the improvement over my 2003 325xi! I didn't think that was possible! The only thing I have a problem with at times is that the voice activation doesn't always pick up my commands on the first try, And the iDrive is a bit slow to respond at times as well. Overall, this car has great acceleration from a dead stop and lots of power to spare while cruising down the highway. It takes a 35 MPH exit ramp at 60 MPH with a squeal in the tires. Handling and cornering are perfect. MPG with my car is 19 mpg/city and 30 mpg/hwy (a bit worse when I get aggressive with the gas). It is a beautiful vehicle and is a true "Driving Machine"!
A dream that became a nightmare!!
I was very excited after purchasing my first BMW. Shortly after that the nightmare started with low oil level warnings. I took the car twice to the BMW dealer who recognized the faulty design of the oil level sensor. Also had valve ticking engine noise: bad exhaust valve lifters. Another issue happened when the vehicle stalled in the highway and could not start it again. The problem was found to be the tone wheel became loose (where the position picks its signal from front of the crankshaft). Very disappointing.
Greater Than The Sum of It's Parts
I've been waiting for BMW to build this car! The design is masculine and evolutionary, exactly what it should be. The interior- beautifully tailored and comfortable, materials are excellent not cheap like you find in the competition. Still very much the drivers car it's renowned to be...but better. Stereo - awesome and standard equipment in this car. Xenon lights also standard with the look of it's older siblings - very cool. Excellent six speed transmission. 32.1 mpg with just 100 miles on the odometer!! Take a lesson Infiniti, Lexus and Audi - you can add all the horsepower you want, but you'll never be this good. Excellent execution!
OK Car but you can get a better car for that money
We bought the vehicle on june of 2015, we owned 3 previous MB GLK's (totaled 2) and a C240. We had great expectations about this car since supposedly is the Ultimate Driving machine. Steering wheel is extremely stiff, I know that's how german cars are but this was beyond any other VW or MB I have driving before. Brakes are great, and acceleration, oh man, pfffew, IT GOES!!!!!!! It is super fast. Fuel economy is OK for a 3.0 engine. X Drive works good in the snow but it's height does not compensate the 4x4. The bad, YOU WILL HAVE A MISFIRE! For sure, ignition coil will go bad any time after 50.000 miles, for some reason most of them burn oil even with low mileage. That is what I have been told. BMW dealer maintenance is really expensive. HID bulbs cost about $300 in the dealership plus $100 labor. I know crazy! Oil change about $300. The interioR quality is HORRIBLE, It just feels cheap. The plastics, even the wood trim. As of 2/16 we ended up getting another MB GLK 350. And now we have the car for sale. Overall, OK car. Better than any [non-permissible content removed] car, not as good as other european.
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Worst car on earth! Disapointed by BMW
I bought a 325i 2006, second hand in 2011 it had about 62000 kilometers (not miles). Since then I was disappointed: the grey interior is now on a bad shape, on of the cup holders doesnt work at all, the button for the headlights felt apart and this is just the beginning. I had to change the water pomp ( 1100$) the service department told that it happens sometimes. 85 000 kms cover bolts that i have to change + camshaft and valanos solonoids total 1865 $. Plus many maintenance that I had to do. I will never buy a BMW again. The person who works at the sales department told me that once the warranty expires the real problems begin. Even people who are working at BMW dont trust the company
Overrated 325I
By far the most overrated car I have ever owned. Interior is slightly above average. Craftmanship is fair to poor. Paint is poor. Tires (Bridgestone RFT's) are the worst ever. BMW NA is the least consumer oriented company I have ever dealt with. I would never buy another BMW again. There are many alternatives in the $35-50,000 range that are considerably better in many ways. Don't be sold on the "Ultimate Driving Machine" hype. Good marketing program but no substance.
Best car ive ever owned!!!
only had this car for a few days, but so far it is the best car i have ever owned. awesome combination of luxury, performance, and economy. everything about it has great build quality except for some of the interior-the paint on the plastic components wants to flake off very easily...i would expect more out of a German luxury sedan. other than that i would recommend this car above all else.
Almost Perfect
True to the hype, this car delivers. I've had it for 10 months and put over 15,000 miles on it already. Overall, it exceeds my expectations for a sport sedan in terms of handling and driver excitability. The brakes are fantastic and a valuable asset in city traffic. New styling is not over the top like some in its class, and definitely not too conservative. It has exterior styling that is not turning vanilla like some of its competitors.
Dependable but fun!!!
I've had my 2006 BMW x i for 14 years it has been the most dependable car I have ever had, fun to drive very little maintenance great little car I have put a hundred and sixty thousand miles after I bought it at 30,000 miles still running strong ! Love them beamers😁
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Would not purchase another BMW
In 2006 I purchase a new 325I. Have own many different type of cars and none have disappointed like this 2006 325I. Here is the history of the money pit; In 2006 I purchase a new 325I. The bad; head replaced, valve cover-broken bolts, door handle sticking, water pump, rear window replaced because of faulty defogger grid , rear windows sometime work, starter motor, ignition coils, less than 90k on my car. No more than a money pit. The Good; fun to drive. the car now has 125k on the clock, oil pan gasket replace, another starter, more broken valve cover bolts, oil filter housing gasket replaced. 2017 on the flat bed again with a bad hose fitting, not the hose the plastic fitting bolted to the head has disintegrated. You can not just get the fitting, part of the hose assembly. Cross over coolant vent pipe also disintegrated, i replaced with it with a copper line. Head bolts on cam chain end of head shear off like many bolts in the car. Motor mount bolts also sheared off. Upper radiator fitting started leaking. I also own a 07 Jeep liberty, 240k on the clock and just replace the standard stuff, alternator, water pump, fuel pump, two wheel speed sensors. Runs like the day it was new.
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You will not regret buying this car
Awesome car, I got the premium with the sport package or what not. I spent $45,000 cash - no finance. The car is great in all respects. Handling is unmatched in any car I've driven for the mid- century price point. I wish it was 300 HP but then I might have killed myself. The music system is the bomb. Car came with bluetooth and Ipod jack. Two power points. I got the all leather in gray. Still smells new after 42,000 miles.
You wish they still would build it....
car has always been garaged, no accidents, no smoker, handling is really great, sunroof, leather upholstery, HID headlights, CD player, very powerful in -line 6 cyl., automatic sport transmission,
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Worst car ever
Purchased car new. I had nothing but problems. Engine needed all new lifters. Dealership fixed it, but then the engine started making other noises. Care was in shop for 24+ days. Dealer bought back car and had given a deal on a new 2007. That one lasted about 10,000 miles before I traded it in. It has front end issues and kept destroying the tires.
BMW = Been My Worst!
I wish I had nothing but rave reviews on this car and that I have had an enjoyable experience owning the 325i, but unfortunately I don't. I purchased the 325i as a CPO with the extended warranty/maintenance and road hazard for the tires. I am so glad I did because it was heavily used. The service people know me by first name here in Houston and that is not good. I go there on schedule with some sort of issue every other month. I have lost time from work and weekend days having to take it to the dealership for service and I have spent my patience with the BMW brand above and beyond what I should have. I regret purchasing this car & now I have anxiety attacks driving it. I'm done w/it!
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.
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.
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.
Exceptional!
Wow. First beemer, but not my last. 21K incredible miles w/very few problems (rear lamp bulb & driver's side mirror motor). Smooth engine and auto transmission, shifts "like butter." Responsive... just point and shoot... it goes where you aim. 25K miles on the run flat Continentals and they look like they'll last to 50K+. Not sure why so many RFT complaints. Radio, Bluetooth, Homelink are flawless. Did I mention this car drives like a dream. Haven't met an on- or exit-ramp I didn't like. Need to merge ahead of that 18-wheeler doing 80MPH, just floor it and drive, the lane now belongs to you.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
Perfection Perfected
What's not to like? The new BMW 3 Series is faster, smarter, sleeker, more solid, and more efficient.
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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.