2004 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews Page 5

Almost perfect

Written by: Sean Craft on 11/07/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I am a huge BMW fan. Once you get them into your blood, they are impossible to get out of your system. This model is small with very limited rear seat room and a tiny, shallow trunk, so try it on for size. While very sophisticated technically and engineered to perfection the interior is looking dated. The 325's smaller inline 6 is a little weak down low, but is fine for passing and highway work. Very smooth powertrain, great ride, smooth in every way. The last two year's models have much more standard equipment then older models. They had standard sunroof and rain sensing wipers, CD and full power. They could use standard driver's power seat at least for this pr

Favorite Features

Engine smoothness, auto transmission's responsiveness and smoothness, great looks, ride, handling, quietness, standard features in later models, one touch sunroof and windows, keyless window and sunroof openening feature, warranty, first three years of service paid by BMW!

Suggested Improvements

Standard power driver's seat, bigger trunk, bigger rear seat, More sophisticated interior design, better storage, more power from base engine. Most issues seem to be solved with the new model...sooooo......

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report It

Follow-up Review 1 Year Later

Written by: TechJunkie on 10/10/2005

Vehicle

2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

The driving experience dramatically improved after I replaced the stock Continental tires with Pirelli PZero Nero. The cold start issues I had were resolved with a software update. The flickering trunk light was resolved by replacing the locking mechanism. The felt next to the weather stripping on both doors were replaced as the original glue did not hold. The moon roof's sliding shade was replaced as the plastic clips broke off. I'm currently getting 27 MPG on the HWY with conservative driving speeds. I have put over 43k miles. I took it on a cross country 6.2k mile road trip, and received compliments at gas stations and in Canada.

Favorite Features

Smooth, sleek, beautiful and sexy exterior and interior! Acceleration and handling. Auto-dimming rear view mirror. Seat & mirror memory. Radio/ Cruise control on the steering column. Right side mirror adjusts automatically for parallel parking. Full Maintenance!

Suggested Improvements

Add ID3 Tag support for iPod, 6 CD in-dash changer (like Honda). Design console for CD sleeves or cases. Remove the R/T button from the steering column. Remove the red nipple from the rear view mirror. Add rear cup holders. Reduce rattles. Have option for built-in AC vents in seats.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report It

'04 BMW 330 Performance Package

Written by: Bill on 10/06/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I'm 6'1" 220. A little small and under powered for me. Matters not, it's the wife's car, never was about me. She loves everything about it. No getting rid of her baby. Things that are important to me. No problems mechanically, not even waranty issues. Never had to bring the car in. 12000 miles before oil change as per onboard computer. Tires wearing well, that's a good thing because they're */- $300.00 each.(Z rated tires). I find it fun to drive on short trips but highway driving, well, give me my suburban or a 540i any day.

Favorite Features

Mechanical reliability excellent to date. Tire wear to date 14k miles better than expected. Tires wear even. really no problems period. Amazing. She will flat out run on the open road and handling in the squigglies is superb. Compliments all the time.

Suggested Improvements

Power this baby up. You are not going to straight line out run any performance car with this little toy. Drop the 540i price to the 330i price.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report It

What 3 series is all about

Written by: pazman on 09/07/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I've owned 2 E30 body style 3 series (early 90's), as well as a Z3. This 2004 325i gets me back to my roots and back to what i expect from a BMW - riding on rails, good acceleration, and feeling like I am in a solid car. Unfortunately, the car has become the symbol of the yuppie. If you are a true car afficionado - a true lover of what BMWs mean (and call them properly a bimmer and not a beemer - which is reserved for their bikes), than you won't be disappointed. I looked at Mercedes, and they are great cars, but if you are focused on performance, take a ride in this one and see how well it picks-up and goes and corners.

Favorite Features

The ride. Remote opening windows outside of the car. Large glove compartment. Trip computer.

Suggested Improvements

Better radio. More storage room. Improve city gas mileage.

Report It

Simply the best

Written by: bmw4life on 08/02/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I have owned my performance package (ZHP) for just over 1 year and it has been wonderful. I have two small kids and had to find a sedan that fit the family and was still fun to drive. The 330i is simply the best. There is a reason why all other manufacturers try to imitate the 3 series, it is the perfect balance of fun and functionality. If you want to have the best than look no further, I have owned many cars and have never been happier. The acceleration is amazing, the fuel economy is great for a "performance" car, the handling is uncomparable. Other cars will outrun in a straight line, but he fun is in the turns!

Favorite Features

Styling, handling, performance, alcantara (cloth) interior. Every time I go for a drive, I remember why I bought this car. No other vehicle made can match the quality and experience of owning a 330i.

Suggested Improvements

Rain-sensing wipers could be improved upon, more rear seat room (for kids) would be nice, but if it was a major problem, I would have bought a bigger car.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report It

the new 325i rocks

Written by: InHoff on 07/12/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I'picked up my European deliver BMW 325i 2006 in Munich in June and drove about 2.5K miles through Southern Germany and the mountains of Italy. This is the best car I ever drove. It offers a seductive mix of sportiness and elegance. The handling on narrow mountain roads was superb and the car was incredibly stable and at peace irrespective of speed (the top was an effortless 135 mph) and weather. This car rocks - it makes driving a spiritual experience.

Favorite Features

steady in curves, good feel for the road, sporty feel, good visibility a superb rain sensor distinct trunk and door opening responses

Suggested Improvements

Report It

My 1st BMW

Written by: Tom Feddor on 07/10/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

All in all I have enjoyed this car. I wish I could afford the bigger model, 5 or 7 as the only drawback I've had is the small back seat in the 3.

Favorite Features

This car is a blast to drive!!! I love the throaty hum of BMW's inline 6.

Suggested Improvements

The interior is small & tight in the back and the cabin looks cheap.

Report It

Disappointment

Written by: eatwell on 06/29/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased the vehicle new to replace a 318i that I loved and drove for 8 years. This car has been a nightmare. First, the dealership messed up the installation of the BlueTooth. Then the engine wouldn't start, and the car, which was less than one years old, had to be towed in for service. It took one week to repair! Then the car needed brake service. And the turn signals have never worked properly, nor the door locks, even after multiple servicing.

Favorite Features

Body design & color (mine is red).

Suggested Improvements

Improve quality control and/or improve the electrical components of the car, since this continues to be the problem in my case. Really disappointing for a BMW.

2 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report It

The Ultimate Driving Machine

Written by: DaveK on 06/22/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

We've had our 325xi sedan for just over a year now (bought new), and we still absolutely love it. The BMW slogan "The Ultimate Driving Machine" is apt; this is an exceptionally well-designed car, whose handling and comfort are unsurpassed. If you want to forget you're on the road, buy a Lexus or Mercedes; if you love to drive and want to enjoy it, buy this car. And yet it doesn't sacrifice interior comfort--this is a luxury car at the same time in creature comforts. It's been highly reliable so far; the only problem we've had was the oil light coming on, which necessitated a replacement sensor (but which didn't affect driveability in the meantime).

Favorite Features

Responsive steering; powerful brakes; a smooth, powerful engine; and an intelligent automatic transmission--in short, the driving components. It also handles wonderfully in snow and ice; the AWD and ABS can pretty much handle sheet ice. Off ice, it's almost catlike in its agility.

Suggested Improvements

The trunk is a little small, and the sill is a bit high for long things (even with the flip-down rear seats); could use more storage space inside, and a hook to bungee the trunk closed; one front cupholder is largely obscured by the armrest. 325xi could use a little more torque at 0-20 mph.

Report It

Lexington KY 325xi Driver

Written by: RWS on 06/15/2005

Vehicle

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

Review

I've owned my BMW a year and have put 20,000 miles on it. The car is very enjoyable to drive. In fact, I keep volunteering to drive it even on days where it's my car pool partner's turn. I drive 25 miles each way to work through pretty countryside and it's probably my favorite portion of my day. The 5-speed automatic is very smooth shifting. I also feel secure in the car due to the great handling and braking as well as the sturdy construction. I do wish the car were a bit lighter; I believe it's 3,400 pounds contribute to so-so gas mileage (particularly poor in-town mpg) and overtaxes the engine a bit. Rear seat room is minimal, but I believe typical for a sport compact.

Favorite Features

I enjoy the handing a great deal. I also think the car is a very pretty one (mine is silver) inside and out. It offers the right mix of sportiness and luxury for me. I also appreciate the strong resale value as well as the long periods between recommended servicing and the 50K/4YR warranty.

Suggested Improvements

I'd like to see the weight trimmed by a couple of hundred pounds. The quality of the leather on the seats is suspect - I'm pretty carefull but have experienced small tears on the backseat as well as a flaking off of small pieces of the leather on the side bolster of the driver's seat.

Report It