2001 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

Best car I have ever owned

Written by: frp on 04/22/2008

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car new, and one of my initial reasons for purchase was the excellent resale value of BMW. However, I immediately decided I was going to keep it at least 10 years! What a fun car to drive! It's comfortable, the MPG is tolerable (esp. with $4/gal premium in Chicago), and it has held up very well over the past 7 yrs. I have heard of E46s from this model year suffering from poor workmanship, but I've not had that with this vehicle. Other than traditional maintenance, I've not had any major failures/repairs. And, yes, maintenance IS pricey, but there are plenty of "foreign car" shops to use.

Favorite Features

Styling is just beautiful - interior, seating surfaces, trim. Everything functions as it should, and is where it should be. Handles surprisingly well in winter weather, with the exception of deep, deep snow (where a 4X4 would be your only choice).

Suggested Improvements

At this point, not much to say. Leather on driver's seat has worn in an odd way. Had to replace window control arms (?), and THAT was annoying. Wish that the rims were NOT staggered, so that I could rotate the rather expensive A/S ultra-hi-performance tires.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Performs, but sensors and cold not good

Written by: John on 04/04/2008

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

For the first 3 years I owned the car, I only needed to change the oil and some minor maintenance, but in Feb of 2007, it was a chilly -20 degrees Fahrenheit and the crankcase vent froze up and it hasn't been the same sense. In fact, it happened again in Jan 2008. I was able to have it brought to BMW who graciously covered $3800 of the $4000 repair bill. Since then, I have had an oil sensor replaced, dipstick brake off and now my rear suspension coil needs to be replaced (not sure how that could have broken). My next car will be a Honda or Nissan..

Favorite Features

Handling is incredible, a great car to drive on curves and it is fast from a stop and stops on a dime

Suggested Improvements

BMW's cold weather testing facility in Sweden may need to moved to Canada or Minnesota. It gets much colder here.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love BMWs

Written by: D on 03/24/2008

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I love my 330i since I bought it. The best gas mileage I have ever seen. This is my second BMW. I go typically one full week and two days off of a full tank, using 91 octane. My ultimate goal is to get a 5 or 7 series though. This car handles great at 120 mph plus. Mine is a 5 speed w/ sports pkg. Regretfully, I will have to sell it soon to get an SUV. I would highly reccommend this style for anyone looking to purchase one that has a smaller family and wants a head turner. They are not hard cars to work on. Servicing and tire rotation every 3000 miles help to keep from having any unforeseen problems, but only take to someone you trust to work on.

Favorite Features

Great gas mileage!! Fast, dependable solid engine. Comfort. Heated seats both passenger and driver. Tail pipe sound. Harmon Kardon radio has a lot of bass. Windows roll down and up with the key.

Suggested Improvements

The vinyl the doors are made of. Needs another material that is easier to keep clean especially having beige interior.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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325Ci, fun but not cheap

Written by: killorhome on 03/16/2008

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Right from start of ownership, several trips to shop (moonroof, front passenger seat, trunk lock, body molding, O2 sensor) thank good covered by new car warranty. Car not aging well. While still looks & drives great, several sensors (MAF,PCV & steering angle) all have gone bad within 1 year. Total expected cost $1600! Not to mention several interior trim pieces (C-pillar liner, both driver/passenger window moldings & the gear shift knob are either broken or falling off!!) I got a feeling I'm getting ready for a major break down & it might be time to sell.

Favorite Features

Driving performance. Meant to put to the test. I love taking this car on any twisty road. This car makes me a much better/more confident driver. Also exterior styling still turns heads wherever I go.

Suggested Improvements

Better reliability. Not exactly Ford territory but definately expected more from a BMW. Parts & service are simply way over priced.

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Check before you buy

Written by: hadjistefcho on 03/09/2008

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I got it used at 69000 miles. Amazed by low end torque, but annoyed by DSC intervention at quick take offs. Engine sounds nice even at high rpm, exhaust as well all the time. Quiet and comfortable ride. Nice and precise handling all the time. Lots of available upgrades for power, styling and suspension, although most are gimmicks. The car is fun as she is, but supercharger will make her a beast. On the bad side: door and window trims loosen and need to be glued over and over. Stalls due to needed software update. Control arms and bushings need replacement after 70000 miles. Sunroof shade fixed due to poor materials used. Snow tires are a must in snow. High maintenance unless DIY.

Favorite Features

Power at first and second gear. Precise manual shifts and stick shift feel. It has a spring that returns the stick back to neutral. Very addictive engine sound. When not listening to the engine, audio systems is a nice alternative.

Suggested Improvements

I can't think of any. If you want more power, get E46 M3 or install upgrades. If you want more luxury and room, buy 5 or 7 series. If you are annoyed by entry/exit the car purchase sedan version. I am so sorry that I sold her. The car handled exactly the way I wanted her to.

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The Ultimate Driving Experience

Written by: fjd330Ci on 01/01/2008

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car brand new and have owned it for over 6 years. Driving this car is one of the few enjoyments of going to work in the morning. The maintenace could get expensive so I've herd, I've been working on cars as a hobby since before I could drive and do most of my own wrench turning. I've had some minor mechanical issues that are out side of the routine maintenance stuff that I was able to repair on my own. The only disappointment was the automatic transmission It needed to be replaced after a little over 100K. Lifetime fluid does not mean lifetime. I only have on regret and that is not getting the manual tranny.

Favorite Features

Excellent road hugger. Most fun to drive on a curvy mountain road even if you're only doing 40 in 2nd.

Suggested Improvements

Unless you do a lot of city driving get the manual tranny. If you get the steptronic plan on changing the fluid every 50-60K my local indy shop charges about $400 most of that is the cost of the fluid.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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They don’t make ‘em like they used to

Written by: Ray in Northern VA on 12/01/2007

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Technologies perfected since the Model-T break on this car, which casts a terrible pall on an otherwise great car. Some components are well-built. Most notable of these is the engine. Unfortunately everything around the engine tends to fizzle. The suspension is great, but I burned through “wear items” like ball joints and control arms in under 50k miles. You need a great repair shop to keep the car running well. Warranty is out, so we’re shopping.

Favorite Features

Positives: handles extremely well, decent gas mileage on the highway, some high-quality components (like the engine block, frame, thicker sheet metal in doors, etc.), and availability of manual transmission.

Suggested Improvements

Get the small things right. My light sockets melted (parking and tail), windshield wipers work 25 minutes, then need to rest, horn broke blaring until I pulled the fuse, endless list of sensors regularly go bad, climate control system, window regulators (all- some twice), gas cover release, etc.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The best car I will ever own

Written by: Pat E on 09/16/2007

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I bought this car pre-owned from the dealership. It is definitely the best car I have ever owned. Despite a high resale value (one of my major purchase considerations), I just have no desire to give it up. A good detailing job and it still turns heads. I have had no serious problems with this vehicle. Its power, responsiveness and handling are legendary.

Favorite Features

Some of my favorite features include the fold down seats, the key activated power drop of the windows and sunroof retraction (helps defuse the built up heat in Houston summers) and the black sapphire paint which minimizes swirls that can occur with plain black cars.

Suggested Improvements

This model year could really benefit from a sentry lights (lights left on just power down into parking lights... hard to see if they're really on in the daytime) and the low grille in the front always gets trapped over concrete parking guards in parking spaces.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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2001 BMW 325i Sport Wagon

Written by: BimmerDrvr on 06/23/2007

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

My E46 wagon has 108k miles and is an automatic. I have owned Audi A4 and S4 wagons prior to this. The BMW has better interior leg room and cargo room than the audi. I just made a 1600 mile trip in the BMW and averaged 31.7 MPG at average 71.3 MPH. So far the BMW has only needed basic maintenance with the exception of window motor problems (warrantied) and the rear seatbelt stuck and won't work (out of warranty). The AC evaporator also needs replacement due to a leak, but has worked flawlessly since refilling with a leak stopper. Overall the BMW is a great touring car and safe family cruiser.

Favorite Features

Front/rear leg room and rear cargo room. Comfortable seating for long trips. Rear seatbelt design and tethering straps are great for car seats. Easy to work on for a do-it-yourselfer with a Bentley manual. Online forums make troubleshooting easy and save you a ton of money!

Suggested Improvements

Better leather quality. Sunroof sliding panel is cheap and gets stuck.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Lemon after 100K miles

Written by: Tom on 04/11/2007

Vehicle

2001 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 5M)

Review

Great name except it is always in the shop. Car troubles include high pressure A/C hose, crankcase vent valve and accessories, hazard switch replaced, front window going down slowly,computer module needs replacement; total repair costs of $1,585. I have burned oil from the moment it left the showroom. One quart every 1,000 to 2,000 miles. I will never buy a BMW again. I thought BMWs last 200K- 250K. It might cost me that in repair bills if I keep it that long.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage at 26 town 32 on highway.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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