2006 bmw 3-Series Saloon reviews

BMW 3-Series Saloon 330d 2006

I bought it because of the reputation for speed, quality and economy. If you do the same.. be prepared to be sorely disappointed. The biggest problem with this car is the tiptronic gearbox called ’steptronic’ by BMW... IT WILL FAIL and YOU WILL BE SPENDING MINIMUM £1500 ON A REPLACEMENT. I have been unlucky enough to have 2 gearboxes fail on me.Tthe issue is the sealed for life fluid. BMW used to say that the gearbox fluid never needed to be replaced and sealed the gearboxes. when so many started to fail they changed this policy but have never accepted that they had a problem with the gearboxes. These gearboxes fail and if you were within warranty BMW might have helped. Most are too old now to be within a BMW warranty so it will fall on you to fork out the money. Dont take my word for it, just research on the internet. The problem is well known and widespread in the USA and owners there are taking BMW to court. Where my gearbox was reconned they said they are getting a regular supply of BMW diesel cars with failed steptronic boxes. Since owning this car I have spent over £4000 on repairs from aircon, suspension, gearbox, electrics, alarm, brakes, transmission. In contrast, during the same period my wife’s Citroen has had a bulb fail and nothing else... says it all really.