Name: 2006 BMW 3 Series
Brand: BMW

BMW 3 Series

RECALL ALERT: There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 14 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

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Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

2001

2002

2003

2004

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

2023

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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2006 All-wheel drive Wagons Ratings

2006 BMW 3 Series

$5,000 - $7,225

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Audi A3

$4,475 - $5,625

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Audi A4

$4,400 - $6,600

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Saab 9-2X

$4,600 - $5,100

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Subaru Impreza

$4,125 - $13,050

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Subaru Outback

$4,925 - $6,550

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2006 Volvo V70/XC70

$ NA

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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Seating

2 front, 3 rear

Drive Wheels

AWD, Rear

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

wagon

convertible

coupe

sedan

6-speed Automatic
6-speed Sequential
5-speed Manual
5-speed Automatic
6-speed Manual

2.5-liter 6 (184 hp)
3-liter 6 (255 hp)
3-liter 6 (225 hp)
3-liter 6 (235 hp)
3-liter 6 (215 hp)
3.2-liter 6 (333 hp)

Model History

2019-

Current Generation

The redesigned 3 Series sedan brings new infotainment tech, standard advanced safety features, improved handling, and better fuel economy. The 330i is fitted with a punchy 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available. Handling is nimble, but the ride is firm. Seat comfort and fit and finish are first rate. The latest iDrive infotainment system is logical to use once mastered. Forward collision warning and city-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection are standard. All-speed AEB, blind spot warming, and lane departure warning are optional. The M340i, powered by a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder, and the 330e plug-in hybrid arrived in 2020.

2012-2018

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign is a bit larger, softer and a little less fun than previous versions. BMW even offers hybrid and diesel versions for those who want frugality with their fun. Within this generation, we think the best bet is a 328i with the Premium package. We'd also get the backup camera, which is included in the Driver Assistance package. If it snows where you live, you'll want xDrive all-wheel drive and the Cold Weather package. Dyed in the wool driving enthusiasts might prefer to keep things simple, going with a 320i with the manual transmission and the Sports package. This adds sports suspension and seats, along with the choice of summer or all-season performance tires. Throw in heated seats and the folding rear seat, skip leather and a moonroof. For 2017, BMW introduced new four-cylinder engines, changing the 328i to the 330i, and cars with navigation get the latest (and somewhat simplified) version of the iDrive infotainment system.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

The 3 Series is almost universally considered the benchmark sports sedan. Offered with rear- or all-wheel drive, the model delivers pinpoint handling and a snug, but impeccably finished interior. Over the years it has been offered with a wide variety of four-, six-, and even V8 engines, as well as in sedan, convertible, and wagon formats. Regardless of the version you choose, the compliant ride, punchy engine and fun-to-drive formula remain. While this version of the 3 Series BMW offers more interior room than the previous version, responsive steering and handling make it as nimble as some sports cars. Track-monster M3 versions tilt the needle all the way toward sportiness.

1999-2005

1999 Redesign Year

The 3 Series is the car that defines a sports sedan, with rear- or all-wheel drive. The model delivers pinpoint handling and a snug, but impeccably finished interior. Over the years it has been offered with a wide variety of four-, six-, and even V8 engines, as well as in sedan, convertible, and wagon formats. Regardless of the version you choose, the compliant ride, punchy engine and fun-to-drive formula remain. While this version of the 3 Series BMW offers more interior room than the previous version, responsive steering and handling make it as nimble as some sports cars. Track-monster M3 versions tilt the needle all the way toward sportiness.

BMW 3 Series

2006 Wagons Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2006 All-wheel drive Wagons Ratings