Overview & Reviews

A boost in engine displacement and technology, plus an available all-wheel-drive system keeps BMW's venerable 3 Series at the top of its game in the competitive entry-level luxury market. Larger wheels and brakes are part of the engine upgrade. Two-stage front airbags, reduced steering effort, a Cold Weather package and Dynamic Brake Control round out the major changes for 2001.

• Luxurious, powerful, exceptional road manners, available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.

• Pricey for their market segment, limited cargo capacity.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 243.00

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  Do Not Buy This Car!!!!!!!! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By kdub12 - November 8 - 7:02 pm

  Yes, I bought this car and ALL The Drama That Comes With It. This is the Worst BMW I have ever owned, and I have owned 4 others throughout the years. Sadly, I could not recommend any current BMW based on this one, as unfair as that may be. I bought this less than 1 year ago and 4 mos later, started dumping in money. The check engine light comes on about every 1-2 months. I have had to replace all 4 oxygen sensors to the tune of $800+, new trans. cause the reverse went out (inherent problem whether 27 or 150,000mi. I found out. All new tires, for various reasons, now needs an air flow sensor, hopefully all.

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  330 Ci Bought Based on Reviews Here - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By taggart01 - November 4 - 7:39 am

  I bought my 01 with 124k on it back in 08 based on a bulk of the reviews from this site and research Ive done from other sites. Sure youre going to find people that complain that things went wrong but I was thinking of a used car with a lot of miles. Ive replaced control arm bushings, water pump, coolant resevoir, valve cover gasket. I learned how to do most of the work myself so the cost is minimal and at times the work enjoyable/rewarding. Expensive to maintain? Sure as with ANY car if you take it to the dealers. If youre looking for low maintenance neither this car nor ANY used car is it. Leasing is your option.

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  Problems consistently - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By moras - October 31 - 9:49 am

  The front plate of the BMW was damaged with the outside temperature sensor after 3 months. BMW refused to replace on warranty. The generator failed, the bolts on the underpart of the car were replaced at a cost of $250 within 3 years and no warranty. Note I had the extended warranty purchase for 3 years. Generator replaced after 5 years. Oil leaks valve gasket cover replaced by dealer yet the oil leaks are from the hoses and oil filter area which was not replaced. Total amount spent is 5K which I have not spent with an American car driven to 170M miles.

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  I Wanted to Like but... - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By butterflyp - August 8 - 3:44 pm

  I would not recommend buying this car unless you have a warranty and an extra car. I have had this car 4 years and spent over $8k on repairs. Window regulators, water pump which took out the idler, drive belt, alternator and power steering, many gaskets. Covers for the side view mirror blew off while driving and the other detached itself somehow. Drivers side door leaks. Headliner is loose. The leather around the passenger door speakers is coming loose. The ac stopped blowing air shortly after the driver side window stopped working. Twice Ive had a major stall in the fast lane on the frwy AND as if the car was finally ashamed if what is , the BMW emblem on the hood fell off!!

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  Fabulous Buy - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By ptarmigan - February 10 - 10:32 am

  I bought my 330xi over 11 years ago and now have 110,000+ miles with it (still without having to replace brake pads!). Most recently I put Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus tires on it which improves its already impressive handling in bad weather. Its incredibly fun to drive and has been relatively economical to maintain.

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  BEST car I have owned! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By cathomp5 - January 21 - 10:50 am

  This car is AMAZING! I have the 330i with automatic transmission, the sport package and the premium Harman Kardon sound system(Which sounds like a movie theatre in your car). Ive had the car a little over a year and bought it with aprox. 93,000 miles. The exterior styling is timeless, the interior is of higher quality materials and the engine and body are very solid. Only thing I would change is the window up and down assembly inside the doors. They seem to break easily, which Ive read in other reviews. Other than that Ive been very happy with this car and will probably purchase another one when the time comes.

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  Great Car! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By chamoh78 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  This was a very used car when I got it. I purchased the vehicle with approx. 90K knowing that BMW is of higher quality and the car would last longer than most. The 100K service wasnt cheap, but I knew this before I bought the car. This is my first Bimmer and it certainly wont be my last. I may never own another brand, unless I want a truck...

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  5.5 years ok to review now - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By cj - October 23 - 2:00 am

  purchased with 15k miles on her. First of all dealer maintenance is costly. I have learned to do a lot of diy jobs and that makes the cost of ownership reasonable. handles great and engine smooth as silk. the car has never let me down but i do all the recommended service. gas mileage on the highway gets me 30-31mpg.Many of these e46 models on the market now are worth more than they are selling for. bmws just do not hold there value well these days. My car runs as well as the day i purchased it and nothing leaks and for a 9 year old car with 125k i am happy. I gave reliability an 8 and not higher because i do a lot of preventative maintenance.

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  Had it for 10 years and 150K miles later - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Beamer family - September 30 - 2:00 am

  and still drives great! We bought our BMW 10 years ago at 40K miles from a friend. Since we have owned it, we have been in a couple of fender benders, got paint splashed on it, and now the power windows are going out but the original transmission still drives like the first day we bought it and very strong! You feel the difference in a BMW vs. say a Lexus or any other Japanese car! It hugs the road and you are total control of your car. Were expecting to get another 50K miles on it and plan to hand it down to our son then we are upgrading to a 330 convertible.

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  Love This Car - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By Jeff - September 6 - 8:08 pm

  Ive had my 330i for 10 years and dread the day I have to give it up. Ive had some minor problems, but over 6 years out of warranty Ive spent less than $1,000 on repairs and maintenance. User forums have saved me considerably, e.g., found good replacement battery for $75 at Autozone repaired runaway blower motor by replacing a resister replaced brake pads and preserved wear sensors. The real joy is in the ride great handling and a feel for the road you just dont find in other cars. I test drove this car down a winding road and was sold at the first hard turn and lost all my bargaining leverage when I gave a little moan of pleasure(the dealer knew what he was doing).