2006 BMW 3-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.60/5 Average
446 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

The BMW 3 Series sedan and wagon have been completely redesigned for 2006. Major highlights include new features, more powerful engines, a slightly larger interior and the incorporation of BMW's latest exterior styling elements. The 3 Series coupe and convertible are unchanged this year but will eventually move over to the new platform being used for the sedan and wagon; expect to see a new hardtop convertible for the 2008 model year.

Pros:
  • Still the standard when it comes to perfectly sorted vehicle dynamics, high-quality interior materials, wide range of configurations to suit any style, available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.
Cons:
  • Still costs more than most of its competitors, lacking in interior storage space.

User Reviews:

Showing 21 through 30 of 446.00
  • After I get rid of my 2nd BMW I will be FREE - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I bought a 325 for my daughter and unfortunately I made the same mistake by buying a second one for my other daughter. They are fun to drive and stay on the road very well. But German engineering is just a myth. EVERYTHING breaks after the original factory warranty runs out. The money I spent in repairs I could have bought a new Honda. And that is what I have done. Traded the first one in for a New Acura. My daughter loves her new Acura and very soon I will get rid of the 2nd one. And I will be DONE!

  • Its great, when it works - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    My husband had this car built in Germany to U.S. specs. It is his pride and joy, & has lived up to his expectations as far as the driving experience. We live in PA and the car performs great on narrow, winding roads in all conditions - though the suspension is WAY too tight for Pittsburgh potholes. Unfortunately it is constantly in the shop, & repairs are not cheap. My husband travels a lot & has been stranded multiple times, and been towed multiple times. He was stranded for two weeks when the steering lock went, but usually it is the tires - one FELL OFF about a month ago on the freeway. My advice - dont try this without a 100K warranty. And dont expect it to reliably get you anywhere

  • BMW, our Ultimate break-down machine - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    So, we bought this (2006 325i/E90) car last year for 16K. In the following year its needed (all prices include installation) 1. $600 Oil Pan Gasket 2. $1500 Passenger seat weight sensor 3. $1200 Radio Dash LCD display 4. $1300 Electric Water Pump 5. $150 Electric thermostat 6. $500 shaped coolant hoses 7. $350 Oil Filter Adapter Gasket 8. $500 replacement alloy rim 9. $200 spark plugs 10$700 VANOS solenoids Once you get past the questionable maintenance costs and the uncomfortable side bolsters the car has a lot of good points. Its good fun to drive with excellent handling and decent throttle...it just shouldnt cost this much to maintain a 5 year old car.

  • Stays in the shop - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I have always heard about how great a BMW car is. I bought mine about 3 years ago, and have had nothing but repair issues since. First it was a steerind lock sensor prioblem. Next was a brake sensor problem on the front and back. Dealer says brakes are fine. within the last 2 months, I have had both rear window regulators go out. Now I HAVE PAINT PEELING. I would caution anyone about buying a BMW. You had better set aside plenty for repairs

  • 75k miles later - I still love my car! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    This is my third BMW 3 Series, and after five years of ownership and 75,000 miles I still love to drive my car. It still handles beautifully, jumps up to 85 mph in a flash, and takes the curves as if it’s hugging the rail. Gorgeous car in and out. Love it, love it, love it! Every time I think about getting that new convertible, I remember I still love my car and Im not quite ready to part with it. Maybe next year...

  • BMW = Been My Worst! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    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 dont. 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. Im done w/it!

  • Love to drive, pain to own - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    This is the best handling and most fun to drive car I’ve owned. Its glued to the road. Great cornering, steering, the best brakes, feels very safe. Good acceleration. On other hand: run-flat tires became very noisy at 15K mi, and had to be replaced at 22K mi. No room for spare if you want to buy one. I’ve been to dealership at least 12 times in 5 years. Solenoid valves needed to be replaced 4 times in 2 years. Passenger seat airbag sensor replaced, ignition lock replaced & more. Cosmetic issues too such as paint peeling on the roof after 1 year, inside door handles needed to be replaced, improperly installed panels after service appointments that need to be reinstalled & more.

  • Too Sporty For Me - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    This car is a nice car and very fun to drive. Its 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. Its too small on the inside for three people and a little too small for two people. Its difficult to get into because its so low but the driving position is fantastic but the previous generation G35 was much better.

  • Fun To Drive But Very Poor Reliability - Automotive Engineer - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I am an Automotive / Commercial Vehicle Engineer. I am also the original owner of a 2006 BMW 325i with 75K miles, and while I like the cars handling and styling, the quality and reliability of this vehicle has been extremely poor. I have owned many different brands of vehicles, and this vehicle by far has had the most problems under warranty. Luckily I purchased an extended warranty (which I had never done before) but it is due to expire in 5K miles. See below for a list of issues with this vehicle over a 4 year period. While the vehicle is fun to drive and has good styling, I would caution anyone considering this vehicle due to the risk of significant out of pocket repair costs.

  • Best car ive ever owned!!! - 2006 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    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.

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