Used 2006 BMW 3 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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.
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.
- 325xi SedanMSRP: $5,900350 mi away
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $7,499114 mi away
- 325Ci CoupeMSRP: $10,995473 mi away
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.
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.
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.
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!
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 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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
ABSOLUTELY THRILLED!!!
I've owned my '06 330i (White with Beige interior, premium package with extras) for approximately 1 week and I absolutely love it! Quality, quality, quality... that is the best way I can describe the 330i. I can't believe it took me so long to pay attention to the Bimmers. My family thinks I'm nuts because all I talk about is my 330i and all of its features. Wow!!!!
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.
Beat BMW I've Owned Yet
Exhilarating to drive. Fun, fast rides on rails. Stereo sounds great. Very quiet. Fuel mileage better than all of it's nearest competitors. Clearly the best yet to come from Munich. Keep up the good work BMW!
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.
Love it
I'm really enjoying this car. The handling is sweet. Transmission is smooth. Interior is comfy. Getting lots of envious looks from people at work and passersby.
330i - my third and best BMW ever
Traded in my old 325i, could not believe I found this maxed-out 330i in like-new condition (kudos to previous owner). All 3-Series are great cars, but the 330i has great balance of luxury, performance, and economy (mpg). Looked for premium pkg only, but this also came with sport pkg and its awesome handling. Truly a "muscle car in a tuxedo". Standard BMW build quality and design, understated but comfortable seats & interior, a real driver's car. No substitute for RWD, near-perfect F/R weight balance, and very connected steering. Steptronic A/T is a delight for someone who is used to manual shifters only. Buy a clean used BMW instead of new Honda/Toyota/Chevy sedan, and you will never go back!
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.
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.
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.
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.
7 month review
I have owned the car for about 7 months and the car is a dream to drive. I have no complaints. It truly delivers on performance, style, and quality. However, I truly regret not getting the iDrive when I ordered the car. I took the bad advice from Edmunds, Car and Drive, Motor Trend, and other car magazines. The iDrive is not hard to use and it's very easy to operate unless you are computer illiterate. It provides so many features that are useful, including the NAV. I am thinking of getting a new 330i just to get the IDrive. Thats how disappointed I am for not getting the IDrive. My advice, test the iDrive and then make a decision. Do not listen to these editors because they are not computer savvy.
DONT DO IT
I brought this car in 1/17 and had nothing but problems. 1st someone side swiped my RED BMW. that cost 950 . after my car being in the shop for a week two days after I got it back it just stop working. took it for service at BMW of Catonsville and not only was the service crappy it will extremely over price. My starter needed to be replace and battery which cost 2200. A week later my car started over heating and when I called BMW back they said it's not there problem. so I warning you they look nice but my experience has been horrible as an owner.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
The 2006 BMW 330i is FUN
I own a 2006 330i. The car has very pleasing power, and a very linear characteristic: you can get good uniform acceleration at whatever speed you are driving. Engine is an absolute peach. Performance is very good. Could have done with a little bit more torque though - but I am definitely not complaining. Steering is very sharp, but could be heavy for some. The quality of the ride is quite bumpy - and that is mainly due to the compulsory run-flat tires. Also, the stiff tires make the car track all road imperfections rather strongly. Users should be careful. BMW will do a lot of 2006 330i owners a favor by suggesting alternate tires. I definitely am disappointed in the tires.
A joy to drive
This is by far the best car I have ever owned! Pure fun to drive, power when I need it and safety all around. Would I buy another? You bet I would!
Wait for a later model
The sport suspension is too firm for highways and city streets riddled with pot holes and bumps. Too stiff for a daily commute, but not bad for a weekend drive with twists and turns. The interior is plain, cold and somewhat stifled. The cup holders are too small and not deep enough. Turning the corner could knock your coffee onto your leather seats and stain the carpet. Plus, the driver's cup holder is on the passenger's side. Simply put, ill interior design. I would expect more luxury from this brand for the price and reliability and longevity.
nice ride
Love the car but had some problems with driver side mirror, driver side seat control and do not like the cupholders. They are flimsy and had to have one replaced and also do not like where they were placed. Also, there is nowhere to put sunglasses and CDs. Inside door handle on drivers side was peeling and had it replaced.
You won't want to drive anything else
Bought the 06 325 about a month ago and haven't stopped driving since. I've driven a lot of cars and this is one experience that can't be beat. Controls took some getting used to, but once you're educated it gets even better.
Solid
After considering almost any sports sedan in the segment, I was blown away by the complete package that I found in the BMW 330i. After 5,000 miles so far, I have no complaints. Great handling, great power, luxury on the inside, taut lines on the outside. Even better was that you can get it with a true manual transmission. My first BMW and definitely many more to come in the future hopefully. I have Sparkling Graphite with the Gray Interior with the Aluminum trim, and I think it's a great color combo. Also got the Sports Package and Cold Weather Package, and Leather interior. Wasn't interested in BMW Assist or the Navigation.
Nice car
Handles very well and looks great. Not as fast off the line as I'd like for the money. Looking into aftermarket parts to fill the gap here. Still more fun to drive than most competitors. Not the best value in it's class (G35) but it's worth it if you can spare the extra change. Test drove a WRX STI just for fun - if you could put that motor in the 330i, you'd have the worlds most perfect car.
RIDES LIKE A ROCK, Road vibration
This new 06 330 rides like they forgot to put tires on it. Road vibration works its way up the steering wheel and after an hour of hi-way driving your hands start to tingle. Car shimmies at 50mph. The I-drive system has the speed of a 15 year old computer. Too much road noise enters the car. My old 01 330 much much better. One would think that they could consider the ride and some confort on newer models but they took it away. Great car if you travel over 75 mph all the time & take almost any corner at that speed and you really like feeling the road. I don't recommend it to the people that drive the speed limit on average roads. This car is not worth the money if you drive the speed limit.
Defective key
I have a 2006 330xi with 24,000 miles. Paid about $400 for Comfort Access. Engine should start with push button with key in my pocket. Key stopped working. Clearly defective. Wont work with key in dashboard slot or with new battery. Dealer wants new key for $480. No wear and tear involved. Customer relations wont replace defective key at no charge. This is clearly technology gone mad.
I call it my elegant little tank.
After 20-plus years of driving and loving Honda Accords, I decided to go the BMW 330i route, and so far it is great. It drives as if it is a slot car on a track. Very stable, solid, responsive ride. The 255 hp inline 6 is marvelous. The look is smart. The interior, though, has less storage space than my last Accord (1998) but I am getting used to it and don't consider it a problem -- I don't know where they could build in more interior space. The electronic controls are marvelous, though one has to think a bit like a computer geek to grasp it all. My only problem so far (I have fewer than 1,000 miles on it) is that the power seat memory doesn't work. Needs a fix, which I am waiting for.
Awesome
BMW has done a great job enhancing the 3 series. More rear seat space and trunk space, improved transmission, great stereo and of course great looks. Bought my 2006 325i last week and the dealer service was excellent. Performance, fuel economy and free scheduled maintenance were huge factors in my decision to buy this car.
still love it the 2nd time around
My 2nd BMW 325i, first is 1993. and I still love it, though performance under "D" shift is sluggish and a bit weak, and I'm still not sure if the auto-tilt-downward side mirror when in "R" shift is helpful or not; however, there are no blind spots with these new mirror shapes. Exterior is still elegant and fun, but much more aggressive looking than its predecessors. The Start/Stop button and the remote control are just out-of-this-world cool. Interior Radio console has become hugely sophisticated with an array of A/V entertainment input choices. The new plushy interior covering is soft and gentle to the touch. Overall, this is still a great sports sedan that is also pricey.
Great car, great value!
Have owned this car for over two years and with a Lexus before this, and a Mercedes prior to the Lexus, I am simply amazed at how great the 3 series is! The exterior design is tame, yet very mature, and as a dentist, I am pleased with taking this car to work (it has a grown-up, serious look to it). The interior is amazing - very classic, and timeless. I like simplicity, and the smooth uncluttered lines of the interior are always pleasing for me and passengers. Drives really great and it's so reliable. I have 27,000 miles and have only had to service the car once! The car tells you exactly when (date and mileage) and what to service.
Awesome
The car is just awesome. It drives like a champ. The Auto DS mode always shifts right. You gotta have the sport and premium package. The bluetooth is really useful. It's very simple... it connects with you!
BEST ALL AROUND CAR EVER!
I just had my '06 325i delivered to me on 10/15/05 and all I can say is that it was worth the wait!!!! I test drove the Infinit G35 2-door coupe and the Jaguar X-type and researched all three cars and read countless reviews and message boards before forking out $$. The BMW was a classier car and I am happy I bought mine. There is only (3) things I don't care for and that is the door locks are in between the vents on the dash! It took me awhile to figure that one out.The Glove box is set alittle far back and hard to get to. I am not fond of the push button start with foot on brake to start. Didn't know this when my car was deliv to me from Atlanta and I had to read manual to know this
OHHH Yes
I drove a C class MB before, and had a love/hate relationship with the "ZR" radial tires. GREAT performance but wore out at 20,000 miles and every pothole lead to a slow leak... so when I heard that BMW had run flat tires standard, I took a look then we went for a test drive and as soon as the salesman took off I could feel the 50/50 suspension. This car is made to drive on a race track! Great handling, a bit stiff with the sport package until about 1,500 miles then it smooths out and isn't as jarring. You can take any corner at any speed and never hear the tires squeal. If anyone isn't happy with the standard trans. which holds you back, shift it over to manual (steptronic) and hold!
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).
6-month review
I've had this car for about 6 months and I still get excited to get in and drive as I did the first day I got it. Excellent car. Compared to the vehicles I had before (Honda, Toyota, VW Passat, Golf, Mazda), this is a completely different feel. I would definitely recommend it to everyone. Absolutely no issues after 6 months. If you're so concerned about the tires, get the replacement plan.
Even "base" sedan is awesome!
Used 2006 325i 4-dr, only options are A/T and power seats. Even in "base" configuration, this is truly the nicest sport sedan around. I've had Saab, Audi, VW, Mazda - all good. But no one seems to have nailed that elusive ride- vs-handling balance like BMW. Not to mention "fun-to-drive", along with timeless styling inside and out. Sewing-machine-like drivetrain, thanks to silky I-6 engine. I was not considering an automatic until I drove it and felt how smoothly it shifted without sacrificing power. Even standard "leatherette" (German for vinyl) interior looks great. I've heard it's quite durable and outlasts leather. A solid near-luxury sedan value if you can find a clean, lo-mileage sample.
I absolutely love it
Absolutely great! Great ride, handling and more than adequate power. I was pleasantly surprised by the fuel economy. I-6 and 6 speed manual are velvety smooth.
Key Fob Easy on Your Pocket
When BMW came out with start button and keyfob-slot in 2006 3 series I questioned the rationale. Now I know one reason. The nagging stab of a car key in my back pocket has been replaced with a small light weight key fob. It's the small things in life that give me the most pleasure. If my old compact sedan is the "Wild Mouse", driving a BMW 3 is best compared to riding an inverted steel roller coaster. Excellent investment.
Small problems, but good car overall
I've had my new car since May 2005, and each few weeks there are new small problems. The car came to me out of alignment, the stereo completely broke after 2 weeks, the Blue Tooth works part of the time, one cupholder broke, and there are about a dozen other small things that have broken over the 5 months that I've owned this car. It's frustrating to have to keep taking my car back to the service department when it's a new car and shouldn't have these problems. My advice? Wait until this new model gets all the kinks worked out before buying it! Great car, it just needs some reworking.