Faults:

- Ball joint developed play, and replaced the lower control arms.

- Rear coil springs broke (common problem among E46 models).

- Strut tower deformed (common problem among E46 models).

- Replaced front CV drive shafts (this is AWD).

- Replaced steering rack boots (torn) and tie rods (seized).

- Replaced power steering reservoir housing gasket (was leaking oil).

- Replaced VANOS oil line and copper gaskets (was leaking oil).

- Replaced windshield washer pump and strainer (was leaking washer fluid).

- Replaced coolant tank (cracked).

General Comments:

I bought this car for its AWD as I live on a hill which gets quite a bit of snow in the winter. Since I already had an E46 330ci convertible, which I bought new, I decided to get another BMW E46. I bought the 330xi cheap ($5200) which had 128,000 miles, fully expecting I would need to spend some time fixing it before driving it daily.

Overall, this is a great car to drive, once the major items are fixed. With a fixed torque split between front and rear wheel (37-63), it's got great traction on rainy and snowy roads.

Reliability-wise, it's not on the same level as my Toyotas. Several unexpected things have gone wrong, such as broken rear coil springs and deformed strut towers (which evidently are common for the E46 models). I find it incredible that BMW would have such design/manufacturing/sourcing flaws. If I didn't do most of the repairs myself, it would be too expensive to own after a certain age.

Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

Only had the vehicle for 1 month and it is the most enjoyable car I have ever had. Driving is a blast, and this thing flies out of the gate in 'S' mode. Nothing inside this vehicle makes a noise... I have punched the gas and driven over gravel, and I cannot get the interior to squeak or rattle!

I pray it has no mechanical issues down the road as I plan regular maintenance care. If this vehicle provides me the driving enjoyment over the next year as I have recently experienced, I will never buy another make beyond BMW.

We are now planning to trade our second vehicle in for a 2007 330xi next week.

Faults:

The idler pulley replaced due to squeaking noise.

General Comments:

This is a great car to own.

Granted, repairs are expensive, but my experience is you seldom have to undertake them if you keep up with the scheduled maintenance.

The car is a blast to drive and has tremendous acceleration for a car of 225hp; handling is even better.

On cruise control the car will return 31.6 mpg hwy, and city will range from 19 - 21 mpg.

The AWD - coupled with traction control - will get you through any winter circumstance as long as you have ground clearance (I live in Buffalo, NY.)

Any E46 will not disappoint, but the 330 is truly a great car. Manual highly-highly the transmission of choice.

Faults:

Owned this car for past 3 years, and since I bought it, besides basic service, I never had any problems.

General Comments:

Outstanding performance, great comfort, unbeaten reliability.