Overview & Reviews

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.

• 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.

• Still costs more than most of its competitors, lacking in interior storage space.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 446.00

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  Would not purchase another BMW - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By h13cyl - March 5 - 3:09 pm

  In 2006 I purchase a new 325I. Have own many different type of cars and none have disappointed like this 2006 325I. Here is the history of the money pit In 2006 I purchase a new 325I. The bad head replaced, valve cover-broken bolts, door handle sticking, water pump, rear window replaced because of faulty defogger grid , rear windows sometime work, starter motor, ignition coils, less than 90k on my car. No more than a money pit. The Good fun to drive.

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  2006 Break My Wallet 330i Sedan - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By tggary - February 9 - 4:53 pm

  My 2006 BMW 330i Sedan auto is a lot of fun to drive when it is operating without problems, Repeated ignition coil breakdowns, bad bushings, oil gasket leaks, run flat issues - all in 47K mileage range - I long for the 04 Jaguar X Type 3.0 which was totaled by another driver - it never broke down and was great on ice and snow too with the stock All Season tires. I do love the 330i, Black / Black Leather Premium Package and very quick, but it is just sad how the so called superior Bavarian Engineering is a joke. Then again, our 2002 Benz has been perfect to 87K, just tires, oil and brakes. Next time, I go Acura, Lexus, if Germanic - Audi or another Benz. BMW stands for Break My Wallet.

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  Read before you purchase - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By as28 - January 23 - 6:18 pm

  Pros: Performance, drive experience Cons: Reliability, cost to own. Either lease this car or make sure you can afford to be late to work - to drop it off at the repair shop a few times a year. Read the common issues on the web from most BMW owners. - Water Pump, Shift Display unit (sport mode), engine coils, cylinder head (known issue), bushings, differential, tensioner pulley and on and on. Issues so common, I sent BMW corp the web links and they paid for the repairs. Car is not worth the trouble. Due diligence and experience has dissolved any brand affinity I have for BMW. Good luck with the techs -if the computer doesnt show them whats wrong they have to rely on trial and error

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  great handling, suspention, poor qulity and reliability - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By pux - July 27 - 5:48 pm

  got used 06 325xi 6sp in 10 with 62k. Its fast, handles great, holds road great, design is superb. May be a short on space for families, and bigger people. Very pricy to maintain especially if you dont know much about cars or prefer dealership service but the car is intended for richer audience hence the costs. But its very poorly built(German assembly), front handles began sticking and you cant close the door after you already got in, so you have to reach out to push the handle!! every time!on a Bimmer, come on!sticky buttons inside!i mean you have to push with all your power! within 1st year 3 check engines.2 times parts sending electric impulse to sparkplgs, anothr VANOS problem.

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  After I get rid of my 2nd BMW I will be FREE - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By andew_steel - May 28 - 12:30 pm

  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!

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  Stays in the shop - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By gksouth - October 23 - 9:25 am

  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

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  Fun To Drive But Very Poor Reliability - Automotive Engineer - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By tomkat2kid2 - January 19 - 9:53 am

  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.

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  Defective key - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By ecs148 - November 10 - 2:00 am

  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. Won’t work with key in dashboard slot or with new battery. Dealer wants new key for $480. No wear and tear involved. Customer relations won’t replace defective key at no charge. This is clearly technology gone mad.

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  Poor reliability - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By Freshies - December 11 - 2:15 pm

  Ive had my BMW since 10/2005. Though I LOVE the way the car drives, that love does not offset the dissatisfaction I get from living with this car. It cannot last more than a few months without some problem that needs to be resolved at the dealership. Ive had a bad fuel line, grinding noise in the front suspension, failed power locking mechanism x2, failed power window regulator, broken front headlight washers x2, peeling paint from the interior handles x2, random steering wheel locking, active cruise control faults, and more. Ive never had a car with so many problems, and Im terribly disappointed in it. My dealer is not the most helpful either, which compounds my dissatisfaction.

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  Is BMW taking its customers for granted? - 2006 BMW 3-Series
  By 3rd and Last Bimmer - October 2 - 10:46 am

  I was excited to purchase my third 3 series, but the excitement wore off pretty quickly, as I discovered that the pain of the rough ride more than offset the fun of the handling. I have had petty-but-significant problems with the car and a very poor dealership warranty response to things that have just taken the fun out of the car. While the handling is good, the fun of the handling is more than offset by the rough ride. The tires were defective, but no one told me and I had to pay a pro-rata portion to replace them as a result. The radio failed, sun roof failed, steering interlock failed - all within months of purchase. BMW quality control is questionable. Next time I will buy a Lexus!