330i and 330Ci Reliability: owners with 15K miles plus

[brooksidegolfer]

Hey folks -

The only reason why I have not yet bought a 330 is reliability concerns - now, I realize that I will give up some reliability for getting a BMW, but I want to know what owners with 15K miles, 25K miles, 50K miles, 75K miles and beyond have experienced in terms of troubles (electrical, mechanical, I'm getting a manual so the Sliptronic is not an issue). Have there been any problems with the manual tranny?

I will not get the Performance Package. Only sports package with leather and moonroof.

Perhaps merely asking this question points to the fact that reliability is maybe the top priority for me, and thus I should go with a G35, TL, TSX, etc... The thing is, my heart tugs at the 330i or 330Ci...I've been going back and forth for over 6 months...

All your comments are much appreciated. Thanks guys.

 

[epj3]

I know newer cars have different problems than older cars -- but my 16 year old 325is has NEVER let me sit and runs healthy.

I usually see 5's, 7's, and X series bmw's at the dealer being worked on when I go there for parts. I would say the 3 series (being their most popular) is very reliable.

 

[rjp325i]

I too had an E30, a 1989 and it was great and this years photo contest winner from Bavarian Autosport. It unfortunately got totaled on Jan 1, 2004 and insurance gave me $4500. I bought a 2004 330i with ZHP, leather, fold down rear seats, xenons and more on Jan 2. It now has 9K miles on it, not the 15K you asked for but it has yet to be back to the dealer for anything. It has been totally trouble free. I changed the oil once so far because I do not like 15K mile oil changes.

 

[MrElussive]

If your heart is leaning for the BMW, then go with that. Better driver-vehicle communication and the car makes you feel good driving it hard. I can't speak for the TL or the TSX, but I can tell you that the G35 is not problem-free at all.

If I were you, I'd go for the BMW assuming pure driving pleasure is your #1 concern. The TL and G35 are cheaper alternatives, but Japanese cars typically have a more bland drive to them.

 

[TheBry]

Get the B'Mer and don't look back. I had similar concerns when shopping for my convertible. I'd just come out of a VW Passat V6 which had a ton of problems over the five years I'd owned it. I wondered if I'd be better off with a Japanese car. Unfortunately, (or fortunately depending how you look at it) no Japanese maker has a convertible as "complete" as the BMW 3-series. So, I took the dive and have been totally happy with the quality. I've got nearly 13,000 miles on my car and haven't had to return to the dealer for anything -- I drive hard, always use the convertible top (it's up and down at least three times a day). I've got the steptronic tranny and haven't had any problems with that either (I think "sliptronic" was restricted to cold starts in states with super-cold winters anyway).

I'm due to go to the dealer for oil service in about 1000 miles (according to my service interval indicator). By that time I will have had the car for six months without a single bit of service -- that's total peace of mind.

So, go for it. I'll bet if you get the G35 you'll always see the 3-series on the road and wonder "what if".

 

[Dave J]

My 1998 E36 328Is is my daily driver and has 104k trouble-free miles on it. I would like to think there isn't much of a reliability difference between the E36 and E46. The only trouble I had was early on and was regarding the fuel gauge readout. Dealer kept changing out the fuel senders under warranty. Just before the warranty ran out, BMW sent out a fix that said the connectors had to be gold plated. The dealer made the switch and the gauge has been accurate every since. Everything else is sound, no leaks of any kind, just solid. I've been toying with the idea of replacing the 328 with an E46 M3. When I get around to eventually doing it though, I've decided the 328 isn't going anywhere.

 

[deutsch100]

When it comes to looks, pure performance and prestige....I say go for the BMW. If you are more concerned with reliability, I hate to say it, but go for the Infiniti or Lexus or Acura. There are a few replies to your question that praise BMW's reliability, but after reading almost all postings...there are probably more E46 owners (at least new E46s) that are having tons of problems. I have now 1,700 miles on my 2004 330cic....and it has been very problematic. (Electrics, transmission, windows, mirrors, cabrio top....). It is very disappointing. Everytime I look at it in the garage, or sit in it....I think "how can something this beautiful have so many problems?"

Our 2004 X5 and 2003 Z8 Alpina have been amazing though. Got all 3 about the same time, and besides from the 330cic....the experience has been awesome. I love that X5!!!!

 

[tmoody]

i traded my 350Z for the 330i sp/prem and have no regrets. now while the Z had it's "bugs" as a first year production car, the BMW just continued to tug at my soul. i'm coming up on 15K in about 250 more miles......no issues. i purchased in March CPO with 6k miles on it and the only time it's been in the shop was recommended by the dealer to change out a the front tweeter after they sat with me to get my car washed (sales guy lets me go through the wash whenever i want). the same 9K miles had the Z in the shop 4 times for a variety of issues. i've never looked back on the decision and look forward to many more years in the car.

 

[Nelson330ci]

I have a 01 330ci with 34k miles. Once again I went through a very difficult tug a war regarding my purchase - looked at Acura, Lexus IS, Infiniti G35, Nissan 350z - I didn't drive them all, but read everything about all. I come from owning mostly jap cars which were bulletproof - still own a pathfinder with 178K miles runs great.

I would say BMW has more boarder line Lemons made, so you run a higher risk of being the poor owner of a lemon. Myself I love this car, I have had to take it in for a few very minor repairs (speaker raddle, loose trunk lip, weather stip neaded replace) all minor, but then agian should not have gone bad. I don't care - the driving pleasure is worth little things every now and then, so long as it's under warranty!

I would go for it - like the others said, you know you want the BMW, drive a few others and make the choice. Let us know your outcome.

 

[MY2003-330CIC]

2003 330 Cic

I have 31k on my 2003 330CIC and it runs like a champ. Just take care of your car and it will take care of you.

 

[Bullfrog]

My e46 was absolutely reliable, but expect to do the following routine stuff:
Brakes and tires at about every 30k.
Control arm bushings at about every 45k.
Front window regulators at about every 50k.
And for heaven's sake, change the oil more often than the 15k intervals BMW recommend! Look after it and it will look after you.

 

[BBARON]

The BMW's that I've owned have been very reliable. I put 173000 miles on a 2000 323 with no issues other than normal wear and tear. I sold it when the automatic transmission started to slip. Currently I am driving a 2003 530i that I have put 206000 miles on. Recently, its starting to have some electronics issues and is using a quart of oil every 1300 miles, but I have had no major mechanical problems yet. This one is a 5 speed and still has the original clutch. As far as oil change intervals are concerned I'm not sure if the 15000 mile recommendations are sufficient or not. I followed them with the 323 and had no problems. It never used more than a quart in 15000 miles. I have also followed it with the 530. It used a quart every 7000 miles up until 150000 miles then started to use more.

 

[The Kid]

I have a 04 330 CI automatic with approx 34k miles. Never had a problem other than being in the shop for tire changes and oil changes. Greatest car i ever had bar none.

 

[wildhare]

Very reliable

I would say the 3 Series is very reliable. It was one of the recommended vehicles for used cars in Consumer Reports. I just bought a 330xi with 32k on it and have no fear at all. Never had any issues with my BMWs where reliability was a concern. I did hear that the 5 and 7 Series had some problems last year, but I'm going to say that the 3 Series is definately the way to go. Good luck to you!

 

[newbold1]

2005 330CIC - 35k Miles

I bought my 2005 330CIC new and it now has 35k miles. I have followed BMWs maintenance schedule and so far I have had absolutely no problems. My wife has a 2005 325CIC that we also bought new and she has about 37k miles on her's. Her car also has had no problems.

These two cars are our first experience with BMW vehicles and I have to say that we couldn't be happier.

 

[Kirby]

04 330cic

My 2004 330cic has been reliable for the most part. I have had three problems:
- At 3 months old: The infamous "Sliptronic" problem. My car was built in the first month of 2004 model year production (March 2003) and they changed the transmission design and software. After a new transmission was installed, and the problem continued, a software patch fixed it.

- Last year: Coil pack recall - never let me sit, but it runs better now.

- Last month: Fuel tank sensors replaced. Ran out of gas, gauge was showing 1/2 tank!

Overall, I have been happy with the reliability.

 

[4Charlie]

I have had my 03 325I since 06 and the only problem i have had is the secondary air or somethnig like that. It kept the check engine light on. Now it just needs brake job. But I love to drive it anywhere I go. Just get a good set of tires and you will have a great time. ohh I got it with 47k now its at 112k and still strong