Used 2006 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M) Consumer Reviews
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Very Solid Great Driving Car!
Had it 3 1/2 years. 72k when i bought it, 107k now. One owner trade in at the same dealer it was bought new from. I had an issue with the steering column security lock(common) if your handy you can get in there and do some lubing n probably solve the problem. It happened within the first 30 days of ownership, so the dealer replaced it free of charge. gave me a 2013 328i loaner. I was a little disappointed in the new 328i at first, with the new body style, but it eventually grew on me. but my sports seats vs the standard seats, was a huge difference. Mine is also a 6sp manual, that with the sport seats really make a difference. The N52 engine also has a lifter issue(ticking in the top of the engine) doesn't really hurt anything n the only reason I had them replaced was b/c my extended warranty paid for it, otherwise I probably would have left it alone. the lifters will tick on the rare occasion , but a quick trip with the revs up a bit to pump up the lifters n its quiet as can be. Some people are just not really car people and sometimes are the blame for all the repair bills. I pretty much keep up the maintenance, mostly just keeping the fluids nice an clean. Mine still has the original spark plugs. I will change them soon n probably replace all the coil packs while I'm there. People complaining about coil packs, you can buy a whole set for like 175$ n they are easy to install. Water pumps can be a little pricey, but if you buy the parts online(same as dealer) you can save hundreds of dollars. I still have the original water pump n I've seen them go to well over 150k for some people. It's only a one time repair so it's not that big of a deal. If you take care of the car n don't beat it up, it will give you many years of great service n be a pleasure to drive. Many of these on the road now with well over 200k. Just don't go to the dealer every time you hear a little squeak b/c they will find something wrong guaranteed! If you suspect something, google it or ask some honest mechanics, most of the time it will be something minor or nothing at all. Also has some great bun warmers!! n yes the window switch is a little too far forward for some, but not a real issue for me. It's nice just touching the door handle and it unlocks n no need to insert the key, as long as its in the car somewhere, it will start. (convenience access option). N most of the cooling system parts other than the water pump are actually very reasonably priced. Check around b4 you buy anything from the dealer. I got my battery from walmart (made by the same people n looked identical except for the color. $119 at walmart n $300+ at the dealer. but always check b/c the dealer will surprise u sometimes. Great drivers car( not a drag car), but has a nice smooth engine that seems to pull forever and it's at home doing 100mph on the freeway on cruising a nice curvy back road. I luv it as much now as when i bought it. I can drive my dads honda accord(very good car), and when I get back in the 06 bmw 330i, I really appreciate the bmw. drive it responsibly and keep your fluids up and it will give you many years of service. Don't forget that automatic trans, find you someone that is competent and let them do a fluid n filter change, then maybe a drain n refill sometime soon after that and it will serve u well. Great Car!
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E90 6MT 330i is a very balanced drivers car
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.
- 330xi SedanMSRP: $6,49938 mi away
- 325i SedanMSRP: $5,84940 mi away
- 325Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $6,40044 mi away
Fun to drive, but...
This is a car that could have been great, but was let down by lots of details. My car was equipped with the sport package, which is uncomfortable for around town driving and causes the wheels to pick up excessive road damage. The run flat tires tramlined dangerously at the slightest rut in the road. This car had serious reliability and quality issues. My car was delivered with a coolant leak. Also, the steering wheel lock failed leaving me unable to start the car. The passenger airbag failed in the 3rd year. There was a rattle in the dash that wasn't fixed despite several trips to the dealer. The driver's side door pull is made of painted plastic and was peeling when I returned the car.
Too Sporty For Me
This car is a nice car and very fun to drive. It's very fast with great mileage. I get about 26mpg around town and 33 or 34 on the highway. The engine is quiet along with the cabin but the exhaust is too numb for me compared to the Infiniti. The sport ride is way too stiff even without runflats. The only reasons I wanted the sport package was for the better seats, steering wheel and rims but the ride is just awful, especially in the winter when the roads get bad. It's too small on the inside for three people and a little too small for two people. It's difficult to get into because it's so low but the driving position is fantastic but the previous generation G35 was much better.
The new 3- series the E90
The new 3-series is a technological marvel. The styling may be a little questionable, but the car is supurb. Underneath the new sheet metal is a whole new driving dimension that enables the E90 to surpass the e46. The new inline six rev's smoothly-as any BMW should. The six speed manual seems to be a little faster, and that shows in the faster 0-60 times. The new 3.0 liter six helps out as well, with 255 horses.