2005 BMW 3 Series Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003
Crash Test Rating
Source   NHTSA
MPG (up to)
16 -20 City / 22 -30 HWY
Source FuelEconomy.gov
Horsepower
184 -333
Seats
4 -5
Front angle view.

Positive Owner Reviews

accountCircle Elizabeth T
The 2005 BMW 325i Is Amazing
If you do the upkeep and maintenance, these cars last. Great mileage on the interstates. I have had to replace key things though due to its age. A fuel pump, starter, alternator, brakes, tires. The oil changes and tune up are a little more expensive as well as parts. I think because it is a foreign car.
accountCircle Estelle E
If proper maintenance is done it is very dependable
I love my vehicle because it is dependable. I like the way it looks very stylish. It is very fast. I get many compliments for it. I dislike the cost of the parts, very expensive.
accountCircle Charles C
My model has the adaptive headlights. While the halo's may look cool, I prefer having headlights that change their aim based on steering position. I am still getting used to the low profile tires though, you feel every bump in the road, but it handles great.
Recently I have been having some minor issues, mostly due to my lack of regular maintenance. The car is solid, comfortable and pretty reliable. The car is 13 years old now and in the 4 years I've had it the only time It broke down was when a belt broke. Any other time I was without it was for planned work where I drove it to a scheduled appointment.
accountCircle Lisa H
It is fast, sporty and I can let my top down.
Upkeep, so many computers. The parts do crack over time, but that is just the year of my vehicle. I do love my car, it has it is problems though, like any other vehicle. I just take my time a replace things as needed that cracks due to weather and sun factors.
accountCircle Anna F
The speed and gas usage of this car.
I love this car. It drives very nice. I feel like I am driving and huge safe car. The way that it has a get up and go when you accelerate is my favorite. The only thing I do not like about my car is that it is not the best on gas. It takes premium gas which is fine but it goes through it very quickly.
accountCircle yaz s
BMW 2005 E46 (330CI with M package)
Solid car especially if you keep up with the maintenance/ oil changes. Wash it weekly to minimize brake and engine dust. Stereo is ok but could be better. Rubber seals will eventually rot, but that is common on these cars. Replace is a pain in the neck but is usually a diy effort.
accountCircle Chris B
E46 ownership 3 year experience
I love the ride quality of the BMW E46. I have a black coupe with the cold weather package and so far I have enjoyed all of my time with it. It did however require would when i bought it. It needed brakes badly and was involved in an airbag recall. The BMW dealership could have used better communication with this.
accountCircle Joanna S
It is what it's advertised as: The Ultimate Driving Machine.
I like the classic styling. I also like the power and prestige it gives me. The one pain in the but is that the repairs can get expensive.

Negative Owner Reviews

accountCircle Mary G
Looks nice but is expensive to maintain.
As far as the cosmetic features go, this car is great. It feels very “luxury” on the inside. This car has been very expensive to maintain. I have spent almost $1500 this year to maintain it, which is ridiculous. It is broken down on me on several occasions. If I had the financial means, I'd sell it tomorrow if I could.
accountCircle Emily M
It is affordable and gets you from point A to B.
My vehicles ac does not work and all the molding in the front is coming off like the glue stopped sticking.
accountCircle Frances S
Problems with my BMW but I do enjoy driving it.
I have had problems with the front abs. I have also had problems with the water reservoir. I have had to replace it twice. I am now having problems with the vehicle overheating. My fianc' is a mechanic and cannot seem to locate where the leak is coming from. The car drives nicely.
accountCircle Billy W
It's very fun to drive. It is very overpriced when it comes to repairs. After 100,000 miles everything starts falling apart and you think you're rebuilding your entire car.
Repairs and maintenance cost more than the car. Make sure you have funds set up for repairs only.
accountCircle Reyes E
Invest your money in a vehicle long lasting!
Many problems appear out of nowhere. Pieces are expensive and labor as well. No matter what you fix something else keeps breaking down. You would have to invest all year long if you have this vehicle. Not an easy vehicle to deal with. Owner has to constantly be on top of the issues that occur to the vehicle or it will give you a tough Time overall.
accountCircle Tyson N
My car is fast and looks good.
It is lasted a long time but in need of a new car soon. Will not buy BMW again due to bad experience with a different one.
accountCircle Sam N
It's cool to drive that car. Great mileage.
It's good. Gives good mileage. Sometimes heats up little bit in long distance. It's great for normal and regular use. Great for hanging out with friends.
accountCircle Blake W
The overall structure of the car is relatively nice but the tires that came with are kinda weak and the air pressure of the car is not stable
The car looks nice from the outside but it constantly needs to be checked because of the air pressure, and oil changes

BMW 3 Series Models

Models also known as Trim Levels, are used to identify a vehicle's level of equipment or special features.

car
325i
184 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
325xi
184 HP 23-23 MPG 5 Seats
car
330i
225 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
330xi
225 HP 25-25 MPG 5 Seats
car
325Ci
184 HP 23-23 MPG 4 Seats
car
330Ci
225 HP 24-24 MPG 4 Seats
car
M3
333 HP 20-20 MPG 4 Seats
Photos may not match model

2005 BMW 3 Series Owner Reviews

4.39
51 Reviews
close Write Review
5 stars 59%
4 stars 25%
3 stars 12%
2 stars 4%
1 star 0%
accountCircle Estelle E on March 23, 2021
If proper maintenance is done it is very dependable
I love my vehicle because it is dependable. I like the way it looks very stylish. It is very fast. I get many compliments for it. I dislike the cost of the parts, very expensive.
accountCircle Dee D on March 21, 2021
Gorgeous, enviously wanted by many
The machine is like no other the only issue we have is the car needs only BMW parts and can only be worked on by a BMW specialist. Now the greatest of all is heated and cooled seats all electric seats fit for how tall or small you may just be. The factory stereo is amazing and has enough room for a non BMW owner to think it's not factory. The rims that come with this machine are aluminum alloy rims and are absolutely gorgeous on this particular case
View All Reviews (51) chevronRightAlternative

Pros from Owners

likeFilled Caeleh H.

It is a smaller car and it has nice upgrades. My car happens to have leather seats and it has an option of getting it automatic or manual. The driving is really smooth and the turning radius is also really nice.

likeFilled Jayme M.

Pros: handling is amazing can make narrow turns at high speeds and accelerate from 0-60 pretty fast. The speakers in the car are very loud and very nice as well as the seats being controlled by a button with a memory button to save your favorite seat position. Steering wheel volume and cruise control buttons. Sport mode.

Cons from Owners

dislikeFilled Caeleh H.

The cons of this vehicle include its an older model and that everything wears and tears. There is no aux cord or Bluetooth so you cannot hook up your phone to the radio. It can be a smaller car for people who are not used to riding in smaller cars.

dislikeFilled Jayme M.

No aux cord, must install one. Gas mileage isn't the best. Small. Small trunk. Seats don't come down. Expensive to replace parts. Fabric in interior isn't put on the best way so it comes off and must be glued back.

Ranks #5 Luxury Small Cars by Owners

The 2005 BMW 3 Series has an average owner rating of 4.39 out of 5 which ranks it #5 of 12 other Luxury Small Cars.

1
car
2005 Lexus IS
4.6
2
car
2005 INFINITI Q45
4.5
5
car
2005 BMW 3 Series
4.39

Ranks #4 Luxury Small Cars by Fuel Economy

The 2005 BMW 3 Series has a combined MPG of 32 which ranks it #4 of 12 other Luxury Small Cars.

1
Tie
car
2005 Acura TSX
31 MPG
1
Tie
car
2005 Volvo S40
31 MPG
4
car
2005 BMW 3 Series
27 MPG

Is The 2005 BMW 3 Series A Good Car?

Yes it is perfect for our needs we enjoy driving around especially summertime with open top the kids love it.
Sandra T.
This 2005 BMW 3 series is amazing. It has powered and heated seats. Touch screen and backup cam. DVD players in the headrest.
Kevin M.
No. I would never buy this car again. Has a lot of mechanical issues and is expensive to repair. It’s not reliable.
Markus R.

How Reliable Is The 2005 BMW 3 Series?

No it is perfectly good car as all BMW cars. Have the comfort space speed which makes it more enjoyable. We just love it that why is our primary care.
Sandra T.
As of now the car has no issues. I love the gas mileage and the ease it drives with. Even though it is an older car I plan on driving it until the wheels fall off.
Kevin M.
No. Several mechanical issues. Windows stop working, drive shaft needed replacing, radiator had to be replaced, fuel pump regulator had to be replaced, etc.
Lisa T.

Is The 2005 BMW 3 Series A Good Value?

9000 $ having in mind that the car have only 80000 miles for the year is produced. It is perfect value. It fits our budget. We love it.
Sandra T.
As of now the car has no issues. I love the gas mileage and the ease it drives with. Even though it is an older car I plan on driving it until the wheels fall off.
Kevin M.
In 2012, I paid $10,900. Not worth it considering all the issues it has. I believe my value now is only in the $3000s.
Amanda P.

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Safety & Reliability

NHTSA Logo
NHTSA Crash Test

Overall

Front

Rollover

Side

*National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
IIHS Logo
IIHS Crash Test

Moderate Overlap Front

Side

Not Rated

Roof Strength

Not Rated

Driver-side Overlap Front

Not Rated
*Insurance Institute for Highway Safety