2006 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

The Ultimate Unseen Cost Nightmare

Written by: I Want My Lexus Back on 09/28/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Sell the extended tire warranty to all BMW owners, not new purchases. Sell an extended warranty service. I was planning on keeping my BMW 330i for a long time. With all the money I'm spending on tires and service I could pay cash for a new luxury car in a few years. It won't be a BMW!

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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2006 325i

Written by: dmitry on 09/01/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 325i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I bought my 2006, new body, 325i about 3 month ago, love the way it looks, although rims could have been bigger than 16 inches. Interior is not so impressive, handles awesome and highway passing power is great, but, lacks off line power. Fuel economy so far averages at 24 mpg while using 89 octane every other 2 full tanks using 87 octane. Furthermore, as of 3 months, a tire pressure sensor, air bag sensor, driver seat belt, radio and shift knob has been replaced, boy am I glad for warranty and maintenance plan. Although I would not want another vehicle, I think BMW could have done better.

Favorite Features

It's a 3 series BMW.

Suggested Improvements

More standard features (power seats), larger rims (not 16 in).

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Spectacular BMW 3 Series

Written by: NL on 08/27/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 325xi 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This is a car for people that enjoy driving. I have had the car for over 2 years - it still exceeds my expectations. By far the best car I have owned. Great handling, brakes and power. The engine revs like a turbine, it is silky smooth all the way to the limit, torque is constant. Keeping the rpm above 3500 will delight the most performance minded driver (manual transmission recommended). And since this was designed for sportiness, it will do this all day long. The car seems to glide over the road, over rough surfaces and in turns. Inside the car is amazingly quiet and extremely comfortable (possibly a little low for some to climb out of). It is the right size for just about everything

Favorite Features

Stability in all conditions - perfect combination of suspension, all wheel drive, unobtrusive electronic intervention (aka DSC traction control) and braking. Xenon headlights swivel with the steering. Reliability. Quality. European delivery.

Suggested Improvements

Bridgestone tires became very noisy after 15000 miles. I have been satisfied with Continental replacements. Displays are not compatible with polarized sunglasses. Sun roof no longer closes perfectly - too much wind noise with shade open.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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325 ci Convertible - Awesome Car

Written by: Paul G on 07/23/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 325Ci 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

I can't tell you how happy I am with this car. The quality of the build and handling are superior. The driver and passenger seats are a little cramped for long road trips, but acceptable for day drives and cruising. I've owned the car for two years and about 18,000 miles - NO issues to date (except for my aftermarket iPod cable which I needed to replace because it shorted out, but BMW took are of that for me). While I like my ragtop, I am looking to move to the new 330 hardtop convertible probably in a year or two. I highly recommend this car - it's a pleasure to own and to drive!

Favorite Features

Performance, styling, and high end sound system (Harmon Kardon).

Suggested Improvements

Improve the driver right side room especially near the console - too tight. Improve the placement of the cup holders - without the center console up, only one of the two cup holders is accessible. I think SAAB has the right idea here with the cool dashboard cupholder I had on my 2003 9-3.

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The Best Car I ever Owned

Written by: Mark on 07/08/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 325xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

As of 20000 miles there are virtually no negatives other than a minor computer glitch when I first purchased the car. Well worth the price. Excellent in all categories

Favorite Features

Handling and a first class engine and transmission

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Best Car I've Owned

Written by: johnny e on 07/07/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 330xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This 330xi is amazing. Quality is superb. I know not all folks have had good experience but this car handles out of this world. Suspension, brakes, etc. Highly recommend this jewel! RFTs? Hmm, still not sure I'm a fan but so far, so good!

Favorite Features

Handling, handling, handling!

Suggested Improvements

Little more power would be nice.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Good times

Written by: GW on 06/26/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

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.

Favorite Features

Sport package with 18" wheels transforms the look of the car and the overall performance. Technology is finally working (a big pleasant surprise after 4 BMWs)

Suggested Improvements

iDrive - while not a monster made out to be by car magazines, is not the prettiest interface in town. Simplify that, throw in iPod interface at no charge and I shall complain nevermore. Except for the cup holders!!!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Great Car but Uncomfortable Seats

Written by: NYC Owner on 06/05/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I wanted to provide a quick word of caution to anyone in the market for a BMW - thoroughly test the seats before you buy! I absolutely love the performance, handling and features of the BMW 330i, even the much maligned iDrive. I found the seats unbearable though and was thus forced to sell the car after only one month. The seats were just too stiff for me and would cause pain in my lower back and the right side of my hip. I am young, health guy of average size and weight (5'10/170 lbs), so ordinarily comfort is not an issue. My girlfriend and mom found the car perfectly comfortable, so perhaps the seats are a better fit for smaller folks. Such a shame, as I otherwise loved the car

Favorite Features

Looks, engine, iDrive

Suggested Improvements

Provide an option of more comfortable seats!

2 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Good deal

Written by: Michael on 05/22/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 325i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car in 2006 was overall the best value I could get. I test drove Lexus IS 250 and Acura TL which both have nicer interior layout. However, to get comparably equipped vehicle (leather, power seats, automatic, xenon lights) I would end up paying $2K - $3K more for them. Besides, BMW has smarter transmission and higher torque at lower RPMs that well compensates for lower horsepower, and a better feeling drive line. So, in all, it is a fun to drive car, performing somewhat better than competition and at a better price, plus the maintenance is included. I have never regretted getting it! P.S. Its OEM tires were awful, and I needed to replace them at 18K miles.

Favorite Features

Higher torque at low RPM, BMW assist button, directional xenon lights, stability.

Suggested Improvements

Needs better interior design. Not enough storage compartments inside. Steering is just a bit too tough for my taste.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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BMW 330xi

Written by: U.D.M. on 04/07/2008

Vehicle

2006 BMW 3 Series 330xi 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

The car has not disappointed me. Once you put your foot on gas it shoots like a rocket. The handling, turning and braking is superb. Ride is actually very smooth even though i have Sport package. The iDrive is also easy to use. Seats are pretty comfortable too.

Favorite Features

18 inch wheels, bluetooth, nav, Sirius sat radio, push of a button to bend the side mirrors, iPod connectivity, keyless ignition, Xenon lights, thigh rest on seats.

Suggested Improvements

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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