[martieg]

// Updated October 4, 2008 - with mods and pictures! //

My car just passed the 2 year and 18K miles mark, and wanted to take this opportunity to provide a long term test report based on my experience with this car.

Specs:
Model: 2006 330i
Color: Black Sapphire, Black leather, Light Poplar Natural Wood trim
Factory Options: Sports Package, Premium Package, iDrive / Navigation, Steptronic, Sat Prep
Mods / other options: Blacklines, tinted windows, rear deck spoiler, iPod adapter, // Full M-Tech Aerodynamic Body Kit //

General Comments:
I love this car! And I love it more every day. It’s amazing; I actually look forward to my daily commute. The car drives very well, I enjoy its fluid motions, its sleek and powerful engine, and the luxury of the interior. I couldn’t live without the iDrive, and the iPod adapter. Definitively worth every penny I spent in it.

Picking the car and options: would I do something different?
I definitively picked the right car; at that time it was the top of the line E90, since the 335i was not available yet, nor did I know it was coming. The E46 was available in coupe, convertible and M3, but I really wanted the new E90.

The color was also a good selection in my opinion. A friend of mine had a Jet Black and was tougher to keep clean. I definitively love the look of black compared to other colors.

I knew I wanted the 330i, ZSP, ZPP & Navigation, and I wanted it in black (on black). Nothing like that was available on the floor, so I picked from the list of cars that were on their way. I passed on some cars that had cold weather package, satellite radio, park distance control, active cruise control, active steering, comfort access, etc. I don’t miss any of these.

I had to wait about 6 weeks. Good enough for me.

Something I would have probably considered had I known about it was European Delivery; the dealer didn’t mention it.

Quality issues
I had more issues with the service than the quality of the car.

When the car was fairly new, during the first months, I took it for a rattling noise that apparently was a defective rubber mounted on the exhaust system. Since I was taking the car in, I ordered the rear deck spoiler and the iPod adapter. The installed the spoiler incorrectly (slightly tilted) and forgot to update my software for the iPod adapter. I had to go several times to the service shop until they got it right.

During these first 2 years I had 3 flat tires. Luckily I have the EasyCare insurance, and therefore I saved tons of $$. This insurance was really a good investment. The run flat tires are very expensive, so the cost of the insurance is already paid for. As a result of several flats my tires are still in good shape after 18K miles!!

At only 8 months my car started to show warning lights for an electrical problem. There were no noticeable problems except the warning light which stood there for less than a second. I took the car the first time and they said it was probably nothing, as they couldn’t replicate the problem. The problem at the beginning showed up once or twice a week, but then it was several times a day. The second time I took it to the shop it was very evident there was a problem, and they took it in. You won’t believe the following - It took them 4 weeks to identify the problem! At the end, looks like it was a faulty key fob receptacle. When I finally got he car it had to big scratches, and many parts on the interior were not installed correctly, and the interior was very dirty. They fixed everything though.

Accidents
I have had two minor accidents with the car. One involved a motorcycle passing me and taking with it my rearview mirror. The other one involved a hit and run at a school parking lot. In both cases the problems were solved ASAP.

Trips
I went once to Key West and another time to Orlando. I love driving, and I long trips, however most of the time is my wife and kids and we prefer my wife’s Dodge Durango. I really enjoyed the trip to Key West, which I did with my dad.

Fuel economy
Remember I drive this car mostly as a commute car, so most of the miles are in the city. I get an average of 17 mpg. I seldom reset the mpg gauge to analyze fuel economy vs. driving style. The car fuel economy varies between 15 mpg (very aggressive) and 24 mpg (very conservative). By very aggressive I mean M mode (Steptronic), sudden starts, 5000 RPM gear changes, and harsh braking. Conservative means soft starts, smooth slowdowns, D mode with 1-2K RPM gear changes. Judging by the average of 17, you can guess what my style is. I drive mostly on DS to start with, but very often manual shift. Hey, I didn’t buy a Cadillac or a Lexus, but a Bimmer, and that’s how you’re supposed to drive it, right?

Future Plans
I plan to keep this car at least 5 years and probably up to 7 years. To keep it interesting, I plan to mod it gradually. The next mod will probably be the M-Tech Aerodynamic kit, including the front and rear aerodynamic bumper, and the side trims (done!). In the future, when tire replacement is needed, I would probably upgrade the wheels to 19 inches and go for wider tires.

// New Picture //

[jackieboy]

great read, you definitely enjoy it! 330 is a great car!

[benny90]

Good to hear everythings going smoothly

Definitely go for the aero kit, best decision I've made!

[spacedogg]

Good to hear you are satisfied.

I am too. I'm racking up the miles on my 325i. Two years old and over 50,000 kms logged (about 31,000 miles). Do you plan on getting the oil changed more frequently if you plan on keeping it for more than 5 years?

[Year's_End]

You must do a LOT of city driving because I get about 20mpg average and I redline it multiple times everytime I take the car out. I'm in manual mode 90% of the time too.

[Dipdidi]

Awesome read! You sound like you're truly happy with your purchase.

[just4kickz]

glad you still enjoy it, i know i still do. i should write one of these someday as well...

[voltron1011]

I plan to keep this car at least 5 years and probably up to 7 years. To keep it interesting, I plan to mod it gradually. The next mod will probably be the M-Tech Aerodynamic kit, including the front and rear aerodynamic bumper, and the side trims.

It's funny because I've been thinking the same thing about getting the M-tech body kit.]

[E90SLAM]

Good to hear it!!!
I love mine as well...

[bud001]

My car is almost the same age too (July 2006) but I have 21K miles now. There are a couple things that irks me:

1. the peeling steering wheel trim (where the buttons are, the softish rubber is peeling, can i ask them to replaces under warranty?)

2. The leather is showing its age quick. The seat edge on the side booster is starting to look a bit aged. I need to feed it some moisturizer or something (makes me think of Silence fo the Lambs: "Rub the lotion on the skin....."

3. The passenger seat has a rattle that wont go away. I forgot to tell the service guy about this. I need them to fix it asap because its bugging me big time.

[martieg]

Originally Posted by bud001

My car is almost the same age too (July 2006) but I have 21K miles now. There are a couple things that irks me:

1. the peeling steering wheel trim (where the buttons are, the softish rubber is peeling, can i ask them to replaces under warranty?)

2. The leather is showing its age quick. The seat edge on the side booster is starting to look a bit aged. I need to feed it some moisturizer or something (makes me think of Silence fo the Lambs: "Rub the lotion on the skin....."

3. The passenger seat has a rattle that wont go away. I forgot to tell the service guy about this. I need them to fix it asap because its bugging me big time.

1. my steering wheel trim hasn't peeled off yet, but the thin skin covering the black area under the iDrive button is. Also, the door handle rubbery skin is also damaged (probably because I use as a storage place for my Listerine strips!!)

2. same here - the seat edge on the side buster is wearing off.

3. No issues with rattles on the interior, however I do have a rattle on the exhaust system that is coming back again. I had it once and they repaired it.

I guess cars are supposed to have normal wear and tear, however let's take advantage of the 4 year / 100K mile free ride, and let's report anything - we don't lose anything by trying.

[martieg]

Originally Posted by spacedogg

Good to hear you are satisfied.

I am too. I'm racking up the miles on my 325i. Two years old and over 50,000 kms logged (about 31,000 miles). Do you plan on getting the oil changed more frequently if you plan on keeping it for more than 5 years?

I actually had the oil changed once before the initial time recommended by the car's computer. It was done at the BMW service shop for free at their suggestion. I might try the same thing again before the next scheduled oil change service.

[Big Windy]

sweet. thanks for the update..my 335i is doing well also. love it!

[E90330iS]

great write-up!

[Neurorad]

Good read.

Sounds very similar to my experience, except I have a decent local dealership; good service there.

[BK]

I'm not quite at 2 years, but I'm at 22K miles now. I have to say, I still am completely enamored with my car. At the time, I was cross-shopping the C350, IS350, C35, TL, A4, Passat 3.6 and a few others, and I am absolutely certain I made the right choice. I don't think I could be any happier with the car than I am. I love driving it and still look forward to driving every single time I do -- even the daily commute. I didn't think the infatuation would last this long, but it has.

Occasionally, I toy with the idea of getting an E90 M3, and occasionally, I regret getting a black car because it is so hard to keep it in perfect condition. But nothing seriously makes me want to sell this car and get something else.

FWIW, I haven't had any issues with peeling trim or leather wear, but I'm pretty careful about detailing and upkeep. The one thing that bugs me is the usual wear and tear of rock chips on the hood, front bumper, and pitted windshield. The only service issues I've had are an iDrive software update, which went smoothly. Otherwise, it has been rock solid. A huge thumbs up from me.

[dth656]

nice write up.

i also bought my e90 TiAG 330i back in july of 2006. i'm at about 33k miles right now.

pluses:

-i like my mileage a lot, although i haven't reset the computer, i average around 25 mpg (this includes a lot of stop and go driving). i was averaging 27mpg w/ more freeway driving and also a more conservative driving style. this is the primary reason why i went for a 330i vs. the upcoming 335i..

-acceleration, torque-i feel for the weight of the car, and the HP, it accelerates quite well, and there is plenty of power for me. i have also come to like the manual transmission (although the shift feel isnt nearly as nice and precise as in my honda prelude)

-i've got the BMW roof rack system, and also folding seats, so i feel that the car offers quite a bit of utility in addition to the fun factor

minuses:

-i've had that dreaded ticking noise that afflicts many of these engines (you can see the details in the maint. forum sticky threads). this makes me question the long term reliablity of the engine. hopefully i can get the cylinder head changed under warranty, but the dealer is telling me that they wont get any until nov/oct 08.

-i've been using the zaino leather treatment, but again, the leather is showing some signs of wear. my pref would have been cloth seats, but those are not avail to US buyers.

[KL2DC]

Nice write up It is owner's account like yours that validates my purchase decision

March 2006 (Feb 06 build) E90 325i, here with 35k on the clock. Except for an ELV steering lock episode that left me stranded, the car has proven to be a reliable and solid daily runner.

Warranty claims in the 2 years that's passed covered a defective passenger airbag sensor seat mat, rattly cupholders, roundel-falling key fob and a rear door lock mechanism and of course the ELV.

Aside from scheduled oil changes (2), I've gone through an entire set of brake pads and rotors and several wiper blades. Also a couple quarts of oil.

Current issues, minor to be honest. I have a mid dash rattle thats getting more pronounced and squeaky suspension bushings. Also, the shocks seem looser.

The interior is holding up well, no issues with trims and such (I went with leatherette).

All in all a very satisfying relationship

[martieg]

Originally Posted by KL2DC

Nice write up It is owner's account like yours that validates my purchase decision

March 2006 (Feb 06 build) E90 325i, here with 35k on the clock. Except for an ELV steering lock episode that left me stranded, the car has proven to be a reliable and solid daily runner.

Thanks - I'm glad you're satisfied with your car.

I forgot to mention my steering lock episode as well. They fixed it quickly, but it was a bit annoying while it lasted.

[martieg]

Updated initial post!

[MB330]

Originally Posted by lecatrache

Updated initial post!

Great post!
I use my car as you - commuter. But on weekend we like to drive around LA - and on FWY I got around 30 mpg !

[iheartsole]

nice car.