2005 BMW 3-Series BMW 3-Series 2005

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2005 BMW 3-Series repairs by problem area

Engine (39%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (7%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (15%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (24%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (5%)

Other (5%)

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Chart based on 407 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2005 BMW 3-Series.

2005 BMW 3-Series body repair cost distribution

$2500+ (6%)

$1000 - $2499 (13%)

$500 - $999 (6%)

$100 - $499 (13%)

< $100 (63%)

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Chart based on 16 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2005 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

235-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

62000 mi

US $130
Replaced the windshield cowl/cover at base of windshield. Cowl had become extremely cracked and brittle. $80 for the replacement cowl through ECS. 
64000 mi Upper headlight cover strips had degraded to the point that they were disintegrating. Replaced upper headlight cover strips, left and right. 
167000 mi

US $300
Replace broken underpanel. Not aware of hitting anything. At high speeds it just started flapping. 

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2005 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

235-horsepower 3.0L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

45000 mi Replaced steering wheel, Alcantara covering was worn out Window trim moulding was loose, clip broken. Clicking noise while driving next to a curb on drivers side. Only present when there was a source to echo the noise back. They could not duplicate the problem. 

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2005 BMW 3-Series 4dr Sedan

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed shiftable automatic RWD

111600 mi

C $767
headlight refresh 
36580 mi Upon taking the final test drive I noticed some wind noise so the dealer put new sealant around the doors/windows which alleviated the issue. 
120800 mi

US $90
Re-glued fabric covering A-pillar. Time / sun had caused fabric to sag. 

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2005 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed manual RWD

52000 mi Headliner came loose at rear window and was hanging down. I re-glued it.  
56000 mi

US $16
Hood emblem flew off while driving down the road. Replaced emblem. New emblem flew off same week. Glued emblem w/ weatherstrip adhesive which fixed it.  
104000 mi Right/Left driver/passenger Combo Front/Back OEM Electric window switches R/R center console R and L of man tran shifter 10 minutes... easy repair Insurance covered Front windscreen replacement During repair, tech damaged rearview mirror Contractor accepted responsibility My independent shop R/R mirror with updated OEM mirror, apparently stock M3 part leaks under certain conditions 
32000 mi Various rattles and squeaks. 

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2005 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

333-horsepower 3.2L I6 6-speed automated manual RWD

87000 mi

US $3500
replaced trim on interior a and c pillers 
84000 mi

US $2100
Bumper needed to be removed and parts repaired and repainted. Quarter window gaskets needed to be replaced, other minor body touch-ups were also completed 
66000 mi

US $1200
Repair hail damage and repair prior paint repair that was defective. Insurance covered most of hail damage, owner paid for paint repair. 
41000 mi Door panel 

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2005 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

235-horsepower 3.0L I6 6-speed manual RWD

83000 mi

US $92
Left engine grill fell out. Owner purchased new part from dealer and installed it himself. 

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2005 BMW 3-Series 2dr Coupe

184-horsepower 2.5L I6 5-speed manual RWD

37000 mi Headlight taking on water at carwash. 

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2005 BMW 3-Series Body Problems

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2005 BMW 3-Series problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.