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 1 through 10 of 243.00

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  GREAT CAR! - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By JB GARRISON - January 5 - 12:56 pm

  Owning my 2001 325i for 8 years, 80K+ miles, only replaced battery, cooling system (just last month) and rear window motors (both in one week). But overall, GREAT! Handles very well, stops on a dime! comfort and great mileage: drive from Indy to Destin FLA only 1.5 tanks. Dont want to get rid of this beauty. Now at 120K+ miles, may sell. But do not want to.

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  I get why theyre so notoriously popular - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By cactusleaf - March 12 - 11:14 am

  I feel more confident in this cars handling, safety, and build quality than Ive felt with any other car Ive driven, even much newer cars. Its like a suit thats been tailored to your every curve and line and fits like a glove. Nothing is out of place. Then again, nothing is extremely endearing either. Its staid and true, if a little conservative. But damn is it great! Despite its age, everything works and it feels like a car thats been around only a few years. Its timeless styling still holds up on a road full of cars 10-15 years newer youd never know it was designed last century. Its faults are few, some significant, but none deal-breaking. Dat engine tho! My God, that engine.

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  Optimistic first-time owner - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By cactusleaf - February 4 - 12:31 am

  I just got a 325i with 143k miles, and Im loving it so far. Compared to my past Saabs, this thing beats all. Super quiet, supremely comfy, surprising luxuries, and sexy to drive. Styling is essentially timeless so simple and solid, but very thoughtful. The engine feels perfectly matched to the car, silky and on a hair-trigger. Youd never know it was sub-200hp! Handling, obviously, is absolutely superb. Mine was very well maintained before me, and the thing has held up like a new car. Interior build quality is insane. Everything works, down to the glove box flashlight. Ill report back in a few years, once I experience the inevitable ups and downs, but for now, I must say.. wonderful car.

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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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  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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  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).

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  2001 BMW 3 Series - 2001 BMW 3-Series
  By SaLiMoS - August 18 - 1:23 pm

  I purchased my BMW 1 week ago and i am loving it, well its fun Driving it and its very comfortable and Powerful. All what i did to the car after purchasing it is changing Filters and Engine Oil, which is a normal service check after buying a used car.