06 330i, worth it???

[Lightngsvt]

Hello, I've been out of a BMW for over 3 years (had an 02 E46 M3 convertible) and looking to get back in one. Yesterday I looked at an 06 330i, it is titanium silver, black Dakota leather, 6 speed, Sport, Premium, xenon, heated seats, power seats, power sunshade, moonroof, convenience, Logic 7. It has 48k miles and is BMW Certified plus it qualifies for the 0.9% financing.

I went for a test drive and the car seems tight, runs great, is quiet and the Carfax is clean. The exterior looks new except for a couple of stone chips in the paint. The interior is nearly new except for a few scuffs on the aluminum (?) center console trim.

So how are maintenance costs / demands on a normal 3 series? What would this car have cost new, around $45k? Will these cars really get 30MPG on the highway?

The dealer is asking $21991 for the car and will not budge on the car, is this as good of a deal as it seems to be? They have 2- Titanium silver 06 325i's with closer to 32-35k miles for $24.9k and an 07 335i for $26.9k. Wasnt really looking for a car right now but this 330i seems like a great deal and I really didnt want to spend much over $20k anyway. I would almost wonder if this car is to cheap, but it is Certified so that is piece of mind. Thanks.

[Kredithai]

Yes, the titanium trim has been known to get damaged quite easily.

Car should still be eligible for the 4 year free maintenance. No recalls so far that I know of.

I have averaged 29.6 mpg on two road trips (city and highway).

$22K sounds fair to me. I could be wrong, though. Might wanna check KBB

[Lightngsvt]

Thanks. Deal seemed fair, KBB lists the car at $26300 and trade in between $18950 - 20050. I thought it was good enough that I picked the car up last night.

[Georgere]

good decision

[S197GT]

yesterday my wife and i bought a 2006 330i auto, silver, 29k miles, got it for $20k. But it's not CPO and no sport package.

[Lightngsvt]

Well you got me beat. But the CPO, Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Logic 7, etc would make up the difference I hope. Regardless this is an awesome car! And in the 150 miles on i so far Im already averaging 26.5 mpg! And wow, the brakes and handling are amazing!!!

Hope you love yours as much as I love mine.

[Skully]

Seems like a deal to me.

[S197GT]

we've got the premium and cold weather packages, but not CPO or Sport. (found out we do have logic 7; standard on 330i.)

I wish I knew what all the packages/options that were available for that year. I haven't been able to find a US brochure for the '06 330i. Yeah, you can research on cars.com but the options/packages are not easy to understand as far as what came with what.

We LOVE the car. It's my wife's DD but I'll drive it every now and then.


Well you got me beat. But the CPO, Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Logic 7, etc would make up the difference I hope. Regardless this is an awesome car! And in the 150 miles on i so far Im already averaging 26.5 mpg! And wow, the brakes and handling are amazing!!!

Hope you love yours as much as I love mine.

[bluskye]

I purchased a 2006 330i last spring, 17k mi. Premium/Cold weather packages only, 6 speed.

The car is amazing, much more refinement then the e46 interior. Dakota leather feels more durable. Surprisingly "stiff" considering it doesn't have the sport pkg like my past e46. Peppy engine all the way to redline. Has great mpg in the city, 24mpg avg overall for my driving habits.

Tight ride, you will not regret it.

From what I can tell, the E90 fixes ALOT of the issues from the e36/e46 generations as both had the same suspension issues/maintenance. The E90 seems more toyota-ish in terms of "maintenance". Basically more of scheduled visit rather then unscheduled visits.

[abtmuda]

I am trying to buy one myself. Does anything go wrong with these cars?

[Blue330i2006]

I am trying to buy one myself. Does anything go wrong with these cars?

No, I lost a water pump at 4k miles that is it. She sees 120mph every day and canyon carves every weekend. 2 sets of brakes and 3 sets of tires and NOTHING has failed in 41k miles. She is a workhorse. If you drive them like they are on the autobahn they do well as that is what they are designed for!!!! Shortshifting and easing around corners is hard on them. Run them to 5k and shift.

Have fun.

[S197GT]

where did you get your brakes done? was that still under the free maintanence?

we are still under warranty but our dealership said a complete brake job (pads and rotors i presume) is $700 EACH AXLE!

i'm thinking indie shop... if not DIY.


No, I lost a water pump at 4k miles that is it. She sees 120mph every day and canyon carves every weekend. 2 sets of brakes and 3 sets of tires and NOTHING has failed in 41k miles. She is a workhorse. If you drive them like they are on the autobahn they do well as that is what they are designed for!!!! Shortshifting and easing around corners is hard on them. Run them to 5k and shift.

Have fun.

[mryakan]

She sees 120mph every day and canyon carves every weekend.
:eek:

[outofmoney]

My lease ended for my 06 330i in November 08. I loved that car. I had absolutely no problems with it. I averaged 23mi/gal on 70%highway miles although i have a bit of a heavy foot. I am sure I could have done better. I recently ordered a 335d due to the great experience I had with the 330i.
Cheers.

[Lightngsvt]

I would have loved to get a 335d if it were in the budget. All that torques must be a fun drive! But in almost a week of ownership I am very happy with my 330i. Did have one wierd issue yesterday in the rain, while on the freeway all of a sudden the cruise kicked off and I got the ABS warning light. It went away after restarting it, is this "normal"? Car still drove fine.

I have maintenance on my car too, but my dealer told me that brake jobs (4 wheels) run around $1200 and clutches around $1500. I looked online and you can get the parts to do a 4 wheel brake job for around $400.

How is driving a BMW "easy" going to urt the car? Not all of us are lucky enough to live in an area where we can open the car up regularly (at least not safely).

[bluskye]

I would have loved to get a 335d if it were in the budget. All that torques must be a fun drive! But in almost a week of ownership I am very happy with my 330i. Did have one wierd issue yesterday in the rain, while on the freeway all of a sudden the cruise kicked off and I got the ABS warning light. It went away after restarting it, is this "normal"? Car still drove fine.

I have maintenance on my car too, but my dealer told me that brake jobs (4 wheels) run around $1200 and clutches around $1500. I looked online and you can get the parts to do a 4 wheel brake job for around $400.

How is driving a BMW "easy" going to urt the car? Not all of us are lucky enough to live in an area where we can open the car up regularly (at least not safely).

My E46 was given up wtih 90k, the clutch was still good, and I drove the car like I meant it. No peel outs or anything, and I shift properly. The clutch is not expensive via a Indy mechanic who knows the car.

The brakes are definitely a DIY type of job, literally 4 bolts to get the pads/caliper off the car, and one hex bolt to get the set screw off the rotor. So that's 5 bolts total to get the brakes off with the help of a rubber mallet.

Over the years I found that BMW's pad material is still the best. Great cold bite and great fade resistance but QUIET. The E90 has pad material that dusts a hell of alot less then the E46 so dont hesitate to simply use the pads from the dealer's parts center.


As for the CRUISE control on the highway while raining, I believe the rain sensors will tell the brakes to "clean" off the rotors slightly to keep them dry in wet driving. I am not sure how that reacts with cruise control.

[Blue330i2006]

where did you get your brakes done? was that still under the free maintanence?

we are still under warranty but our dealership said a complete brake job (pads and rotors i presume) is $700 EACH AXLE!

i'm thinking indie shop... if not DIY. First set at stealership free, second myself as didn't want to raise flags.


:eek:

Yes that is just getting into 4th gear and there is a deserted shortcut for 7 miles of straight 2 lane blacktop between freeways on the way to work. Usually everyday she gets wound up if no traffic or not raining. And when I had her in Spain it was literally every day 120+.


Did have one wierd issue yesterday in the rain, while on the freeway all of a sudden the cruise kicked off and I got the ABS warning light. It went away after restarting it, is this "normal"? Car still drove fine. Never happened to me. :)

I have maintenance on my car too, but my dealer told me that brake jobs (4 wheels) run around $1200 and clutches around $1500. I looked online and you can get the parts to do a 4 wheel brake job for around $400.

Cost me $370

How is driving a BMW "easy" going to urt the car? Not all of us are lucky enough to live in an area where we can open the car up regularly (at least not safely).

It doesn't really hurt them,,,, it is like eating a cheeseburger before bed, It won't kill you just makes you fatter. when you exercise you stay slim and trim.

[majcar]

we've got the premium and cold weather packages, but not CPO or Sport. (found out we do have logic 7; standard on 330i.)

I wish I knew what all the packages/options that were available for that year. I haven't been able to find a US brochure for the '06 330i. Yeah, you can research on cars.com but the options/packages are not easy to understand as far as what came with what.

We LOVE the car. It's my wife's DD but I'll drive it every now and then.
I found this summary of the 2006 330i packages which may or may not be comprehensive:

Sports Package
M Double Spoke alloy wheels (17x7.5" front, 17x8.5" rear)
Tires are Michelin Pilot Sports (225/45/17 and 245/40/17)
3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel
10-way adjustable front sport seats
M aerodynamic package

Premium Package
Montana leather upholstery (I chose gray leather)
2-way power glass moonroof
Genuine Myrtle wood trim
4-way power lumbar support for front seats
Rain-sensing windshield wipers
Automatic-dimming inside rearview mirror

Cold-Weather Package
Retractable, high-intensity headlight washers
3-stage, thermostatically controlled heated front seats
Split fold-down rear seats with center armrest
Ski bag

[IlliniDave]

I just got my 2006 CPO'd 330i (sparkling graphite; 40k mi) over the weekend for $26.9k, and had Premium/Sport/Nav/Logic7/Sirius/xenon/heated seats/steptronic.

I love it. It is so choice; if you have the means I highly suggest picking one up.

Getting some wheel scuffs and slight window tinting damage repaired tomorrow at the dealership, along with a fresh pair of floor mats and maybe a nice chrome bimmer decorative plate.

[tjc81216]

I picked up a 2006 330i (Monaco Blue Metallic/Beige Leather) on Valentine's Day and have been nothing but pleased (well estatic really) with it so far. It is a CPO with 45K miles, Premium/Cold Weather pkgs and Logic 7 with Sat radio. No Sport pkg, but simply the 330 over the 325 is a pleasure and I agree the brakes are awesome. Do them yourself, especially if you get to them before things go too far south and you just have to replace the pads. I paid $23,400 for everything (including tax/title/prep/doc fee etc) and I think I came out OK on the deal.

I do have the actual 2006 brochure (PDF) if someone was still looking for it.

[Lightngsvt]

I wouldnt mind a PDF copy of the 06 brochure.

[kwayne]

I picked up a 2006 330i (Monaco Blue Metallic/Beige Leather) on Valentine's Day and have been nothing but pleased (well estatic really) with it so far. It is a CPO with 45K miles, Premium/Cold Weather pkgs and Logic 7 with Sat radio. No Sport pkg, but simply the 330 over the 325 is a pleasure and I agree the brakes are awesome. Do them yourself, especially if you get to them before things go too far south and you just have to replace the pads. I paid $23,400 for everything (including tax/title/prep/doc fee etc) and I think I came out OK on the deal.

I do have the actual 2006 brochure (PDF) if someone was still looking for it.
Greetings:

If you still have the PDF of this item, I would appreciate a copy?

Thanks, Wayne

[tjc81216]

The PDF brochure is 2.2MB (too big to upload). send me your emails if you want to email it to you outside the forum.
Cheers.

[rdadhania]

Just make an account with BMW via this link, espcially if you are financing through BMW: https://www.bmwusa.com/Secured/Content/Forms/Login.aspx

Once you create an account, you can d/l all of the PDF's there....as well as access other important information such as amortization tables that show the balance of your loan and how much is interest vs. principle...

[montydm59]

MY daughter picked up her 2006 330I with the sport & premium package on Valentines day . It had 41,000 miles sticker was around 27,000 we got it for about 23,400 +T&L. Glad we got it before CA raised the sales tax. 0.9% was the trick. She's averaging 28 MPG better then her trade in 05 Scion TC which was getting 22MPG. The dealer tried to scare her about the maintenance. She's real happy with the car.

[tjc81216]

Sounds exactly like mine (except swap sport for cold weather pkg). I am averaging a shade over 27 and it is soooo worth it. Fantastic car.

[rdadhania]

Damn, I average only 18-21 mpg....But then again, my car does not really see any highway driving...My 12 miles commute to work is all local roads with traffic and traffic lights. Plus I have a lead foot.

[Lightngsvt]

sounds like a pretty good deal.

Im not sure what to think about maintenance costs? Ive had my car a few weeks and its already had the computer reflashed, a new cam position sensor, rear wheel speed sensor and axle. But Im not to worried since Im covered up to 100k miles.

[rdadhania]

I have had my car for six months, and now have 40k miles (purchased at 32k miles), and I have seen no major maintenance issues. I have only had to take the car in once for a scheduled oil change and while I was there I fixed a small issue I had with a speaker rattle. Aside from that, its been all smooth sailing. The car has been a pleasure to drive each and every day!

[NHskibm]

sounds like a pretty good deal.

Im not sure what to think about maintenance costs? Ive had my car a few weeks and its already had the computer reflashed, a new cam position sensor, rear wheel speed sensor and axle. But Im not to worried since Im covered up to 100k miles.

Get Full Maintenance on your car up to 100k too! It covers brakes, clutch, etc. Just like the original 4 year 50k.

And the deal you got was smoking.

In August I paid 27,888 for my 330i with 29k on the clock. CPO, 6spd, sport, premium, nav, cold, etc. Values have decreased significantly. The Full maintenance was like another 1800 but is WELL worth it as you only have to concern yourself with tires and alignments up to 100k.

Totally the way to go.

[Lightngsvt]

Actually I did buy the maintenance plan too. I negotiated it down to $889 so I couldnt resist!

[NHskibm]

Actually I did buy the maintenance plan too. I negotiated it down to $889 so I couldnt resist!

Nice! Then you have nothing to worry about up to 100k!

[rdadhania]

They would not budge from $1800 on the maintenance plan...so I did not get it. I figured I would get brakes serviced at an independent shop instead. But for 889, that is a steal and well worth it!

[jaegare]

we've got the premium and cold weather packages, but not CPO or Sport. (found out we do have logic 7; standard on 330i.)

I wish I knew what all the packages/options that were available for that year. I haven't been able to find a US brochure for the '06 330i. Yeah, you can research on cars.com but the options/packages are not easy to understand as far as what came with what.

We LOVE the car. It's my wife's DD but I'll drive it every now and then.

I have found this site to be fairly good to see what options where available each year http://www.carsdirect.com/2006/bmw/330/specs

[M3Eater]

Been poking around for an '06 330i for a bit now while I get my E30 ready to sell. Has anyone else noticed a sudden jump in CPO car pricing in just the last two weeks? It's like 1st day of Spring == raise prices!