2004 BMW 3 Series Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

If you've got the bucks, this is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.

Pros

Luxurious, powerful, exceptional road manners; available all-wheel drive for sedan and wagon.

Cons

Pricey for its market segment, limited rear-seat space and cargo capacity.

What's New for 2004

A six-speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) transmission is now optional on select 3 Series models, while a five-speed Steptronic automatic is now offered with the 330i Performance Package. Rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and hands-free wireless cell phone capability are now standard features on the sedan and wagon. There are new alloy wheel designs for the 325i, 325xi and 330xi Sport Package. All 330i sedans get a revised grille -- a new black grille instead of silver, with a lower grille combination of body color and black. All 3 Series coupes and convertibles receive a revised front fascia, plus new front and rear bumper contours, Adaptive headlamps and taillights and new designs for both the standard and optional wheels. Interior changes are limited to a revised climate control panel. Finally, Sirius Satellite Radio is now available as an accessory on all 3 Series models.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Great combo of Fun/Practical

Written by: Ernie on 08/24/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2004 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Purchased used w/ 18K miles almost 2 years ago. My driving is both suburban and highway, mostly conservative but I like to open it up once in a while. I drive about 20k per year. As title says, this car is a great combo of features when you have to use it to bring a kid to soccer practice, etc and like to "play" a bit. Not as comfortable on a long trip as our Volvo but it's livable. We have extended service plan up to 100k and it is worth it as with almost all Euro cars everything is very expensive and BMW takes full advantage.

Favorite Features

Solid construction, we get the feeling that this car for its small size can take a hit. Entering a 90 degree off-ramp and maintaining 70 mph.

Suggested Improvements

Tires, tires, tires. Standard low profile tires damage easily (I've "lost" three in 40k miles) also they wear out at less than 30k miles and are also worthless in the snow even w/ 4wd, so plan on "special" snow tires if you live in a winter environment and depend on the car to commute.

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Great car - but probably overhyped.

Written by: BR on 07/31/2008


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

This is a great car and deservedly a benchmark for the class, but don't blindly drink the BMW kool-aid. Overall I'm very happy with my purchase after a little over a year. There are faster, plusher, and overtly sportier cars, but really very few that do everything as well as the 330 does. As long as it stays reliable, I'll be a happy owner. Keep your expectations in check though as in 80% of everyday driving, many of the qualities of a 330 are pretty subtle improvements over the competition and even down-market vehicles. The superior handling, performance, ride often are most noticed by their absence when you're driving a different car...

Exterior styling - to my eye much better executed than the newer e90 models. Simplicity - no overwrought techno-glitz to muck up the driving experience. Handling - sharp without a harsh ride in the daily commute. Highway fuel economy - just shy of 30 under a modest right foot.

The auto (in any mode) isn't slow - but it's just not very fast. City fuel economy - 16-19 depending on how aggressively driven. Back seat - quite snug. This is most definitely a compact car. Trunk - see above. Avoid the fold-down rear seat - it creaks and rattles.

BMW 325xi Sedan

Written by: alaskanamber on 06/21/2008


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	9	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

I bought my 325xi sedan in 2007 and have had a great experience with it so far. The car handles like a dream and hugs the road. It also has good fuel economy despite the fact that premium fuel is mandatory.

Road handling/manuevarability, size, styling, reliability, quality

Suspension is a bit tight and could be improved to allow for an even more comfortable ride.

BMW 330i SPEED :-)

Written by: patrick on 05/30/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

I have had this car for 1 year now and love it. It has the zhp package which makes it like a 4 door m3. Its very fast. I recently learned of a race mode for it. Put it in sport mode then the button (DSC) push and hold for 4 seconds a dsc light comes on allong with a orange light that says brake. When you get it in this put your foot on the floor from a stop and feel the POWER.

Performance

nav system

Great car, however...

Written by: BMW Driver on 05/28/2008


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Too many issues. I love my car, however I am taking it in for service at least once a month. The moldings around doors, windows, and fan motor break on a regular basis.

Everything about the car is great! Fun to drive.

Door trim moldings, power window tracks, and ac fan.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

2004 BMW 3 Series Consumer Ratings & Reviews