2003-2006 BMW 330 ci Poor Quality Car or what? In 2003 I bought a new BMW 330ci. It was a beautiful car and so fun to drive. At some point (25k mi) I decided I would by a beach house and get back to the very nice car when I got a chance later. Also this car had this mysterious problem that when I pulled out in the morning and then put it in drive to go forward it would sometimes not move for 30 seconds? The BMW dealership said that unless I could produce it in front of them the problem didn't exist. I sold it not knowing if it was or wasn't a problem. Fast forward, to 2015, 12 years later I'm ready to get a used 2004-6 BMW 330ci with low mileage (less than 70k). I start off ready to buy a guys 2004 BMW 330ci which is gorgeous and in perfect shape at 52k miles. Right before I take ownership the guy tells me about the cold start morning problem and my memory of my earlier cars problem comes back. The guy is honest and wants to make sure I know about it before I buy it. The car does drive perfectly though on the test drive. I read up on the Internet that night before buying it and find out that those automatic GM transmission in 2003 to 2004 have the cold start problem and need to be replaced under warranty or for $6-8k rebuilt. Okay now I can see what problem I had in 2003 that I might have let go until I was out of warranty and hopefully the person who bought my car got fixed under warranty. So I do not buy this guys used car but I really did love it. What a shame. Three months later, after looking for a low mileage beauty, I find another a near new looking 2006 BMW 330 CI with 58k miles and in fabulous condition. I take it to Edge Motors in Pleasanton, Ca and this guy Sam is like the BMW super expert. He puts it on the lift and in 20 minutes produces this problem list: Air conditioning inoperable Windshield washer sprayers inoperable Oil filter housing gasket is leaking recommend replace High pressure power steering line is leaking recommend replace Differential pinion seal is seeping recommend replace Engine cooling system actively leaking with radiator hose not properly clipped, non OEM radiator hose installed recommend replace Intake air boot is torn and fault codes stored recommend replace Rear trailing arm bushings do not have limiting shims installed , recommend instal and align vehicle, Rear shock mounts are torn, recommend replace One rear camber arm is bent recommend replace and align new vehicle Engine mounts appear to be original and are worn and sagging, recommend replace Transmission mounts appear to be original and are torn recommend replace Oil pan gasket is leaking, recommend replace Both front fendor wedges broken, recommend replace Rear bumper paint overspray visible, improperly fitted. Then SAM shows me every item under the car and he is correct on each point- I don't know cars but I can see each problem and he clearly shows me the flaws. Then I talk to the guy at Edge, who does the billing and he informs me that all these repairs will be close to $5-6k. He tells me that these 3 series BMW cars need between $1-3k of cost repairs a year after 50k miles. (best $159 I ever spent by the way). This car was being sold at a nearby independent dealer in Pleasanton who was asking $15k; the car was bought after two owners at an auction (I checked CarFax). At this point I'm like okay this is a crazy crazy bad automobile. I saw all the leaks and problems and my prior 2003 had a cold start transmission problem on day one. Is it just me or is the engineering here so off that spending any time with a BMW is going to be the biggest nightmare of my life. I love the drive and look but this seems beyond ridiculous. Did any of these problems get fixed with their modern cars? Can anyone talk me into going with the beautiful fun to drive BMW? To bad Click and Clack the Car Talk guys are only in post syndication or I would take it to them for some laughs.