When considering a used BMW, reliability is often a primary concern. The 2006 BMW 325i sometimes gets a mixed reputation, especially as an early model year of the E90 generation. But what’s the real story? Let’s dive into the long-term ownership experience of a 2006 BMW 325i to see if it holds up.
One owner’s testament provides compelling evidence. Purchasing a 2006 325i brand new and driving it for over 330,000 miles offers significant insight. This isn’t just casual driving; it’s described as driving the car “hard.” This high-mileage example showcases the inherent robustness of this model when properly maintained.
The heart of the 2006 325i is the N52 engine. This inline-six is known for its durability. Owners frequently cite the N52 as being “tough as rocks,” contributing significantly to the car’s overall reliability. While early model years of any car can have teething issues, by now, many potential problems with the N52 in the 2006 325i are likely to have surfaced and been resolved by previous owners. Common concerns like water pump and thermostat failures on the N52 are well-documented and repairable.
Maintenance is always a factor in vehicle longevity. The 2006 325i, with the N52 engine, is reported to be reasonably low-maintenance for a BMW. While gasket leaks—specifically oil pan, valve cover, and oil filter housing gaskets—are common BMW issues, they are generally manageable. Even coil pack failures, another potential N52 issue, appear to be infrequent, with one owner experiencing their first coil failure at an impressive 287,000 miles. The original clutch in the reviewed 325i even lasted until 293,000 miles, replaced only due to flywheel wear, indicating robust componentry. Importantly, the 2006 325i avoids DISA valves, which can be problematic in some other BMW six-cylinder engines, potentially simplifying maintenance.
While a minor AC compressor failure occurred at 82,500 miles in the reviewed car, it was potentially linked to prior accident damage and not necessarily a common 2006 325i fault. The body and interior electrical components of the 2006 325i are also praised for their durability, with no reported electrical issues in the cabin. A known quirk is the radio display fading in heat, a cosmetic issue more than a functional problem.
For those seeking more power, the 330i from the same era offers a performance upgrade and additional features. However, the 325i provides a balanced driving experience, with a reported 0-60 mph time of around 6.1 seconds when equipped with the sport package and manual transmission. Later 328i models (from 2007 onwards) also utilize the N52 engine but introduced a plastic valve cover, which some consider less robust than the magnesium valve cover found on the 2006 325i and 330i.
In conclusion, the 2006 BMW 325i, particularly with the N52 engine, appears to be a surprisingly reliable used car option, especially when considering examples that have been well-maintained. Potential buyers should be aware of common BMW maintenance items like gasket leaks and the water pump, but overall, the 2006 325i can offer a rewarding ownership experience for those seeking a dependable and engaging used vehicle.
