[bmw325]

I was looking at the JD Power survey for 2001 models the other day- and it showed the 3 series has 101 problems per 100 vehicles. I thought it might be interesting to do a similar informal survey here and see what results we get.

 

[hts]

I suspect that a lot of us will have been plagued by the same problem--bad auxiliary fan (in my case, I couldn't it as 2 probs, since they had to replace it twice).

 

[Kaz]

What counts as a 'problem?' Bad aux fan is definitely a problem, but are the skipping CD player, B-pillar rattle, and clunking seats problems?

 

[IndyMike]

Almost 1 year and 7k miles later and no problems here. So far everything has worked first time, every time!

Best Bimmer I've ever owned.

Might be the last one too if Bangle continues his Bungle act throughout the model lineup. But I'll save that for another thread.

 

[nate]

A few minor problems and one VERY major problem...

 

[ff]

I thought I had a problem with the HVAC output. Turns out that you just have to forget about using the AUTO mode, and pick the fan speed and vent locations manually. Now 68 degrees is too hot for me. I generally keep it at about 64 or 66, and that's just about right for any outside temp down to about 0 degrees.

 

[Dr. Phil]

Very minor HK plastic rattle in passenger door.

 

[in_d_haus]

Only 1 and it was taken care of promptly by the dealer.

 

[bol]

Only one major problem - when my throttle body died.

 

[ride365]

data as of now

so far we show 125 problems per 100 cars
(counting the last category as one big problem)

 

[ride365]

oh and i haven't had a problem, but i do have one complaint: DBW software sucks.

kurt

 

[Cowboy]

1 problem in 3 months: my glove-box flashlight doesn't work

 

[Spiderm0n]

5k miles, 5.5 months and 0 problems :thumb:

 

[Big Al 330i]

1 problem. Aux fan at 2k miles.
1 annoyance. Rattle of pass seat belt on the pillar

 

[ff]

Re: data as of now

so far we show 125 problems per 100 cars
(counting the last category as one big problem)

You can subtract all the "problems" that were described as rattles and squeeks. These are not problems, rather normal things that happen to all cars when they are subjected to temperature extremes, abuse/wear and tear, and days at the race track.

 

[MAK]

:yikes: So far, so good. However, I don't consider rattles problems.
Mike

 

[bmw325]

Hmmm- I believe that rattles and squeaks do count as problems on the JD power survey....Anyway-
i'm hoping that atleast 100 people respond-- it'll be cool to see if we get similar numbers to the real survey.

 

[alpinewhite325i]

9 months, 9,500 miles and not ONE problem. i did have the fan replaced twice under warrenty, but neither time was it not working. initially, in terms of reliability and build quality, this car has my old honda civic beat hands down.

i love my E46!!

 

[ict330xi]

No rattles, no squeeks, no problems

 

[LosAngeles330i]

7200 miles and no problems, aside from the minor rattles which I consider normal. Oh wait, I had the problem of pain in my neck as I rotated it while looking back at the r*ce r**ket trying to chatch me.