2004 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews Page 7

BEST CAR EVER!

Written by: vinnyny on 12/29/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought my '04 330CiC two weeks ago and absolutely love it! This is my 10th car in the last 5 years but it is one of the two I will keep long term ('05 Acura MDX the other). It has performance package, xenon adaptive lights, BMW Assist and automatic. The powertrain and handling are so smooth that I constantly find myself driving twice as fast I think I'm going. I was an Audi fanatic for years, but I'm a BMW convert now...

Favorite Features

Amazing blend of power, handling, style and luxury. The alcantara upholstery is perfect for the Arizona heat.

Suggested Improvements

Brighten radio display which washes out in direct sunlight.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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So much to like about this car!

Written by: bomaster on 12/28/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I owned a 318i for 20 years, so deciding to buy another BMW wasn't a hard decision. I got a 330i w/perf package, Imola Red. Acceleration is so quick, and cornering is awesome! I still haven't pushed it as hard as I know it can go. Some complain about the Harmon Kardon. I think it sounds great. I love the body style, and that black leather interior is so sleek. Do I have any complaints? A few-the cupholders for instance. In reality you really only get the use of one of them. And I've seen lunchboxes with more space than the glove box in this car. My main complaint is the ride quality though. The enhanced suspension means you feel EVERY bump in the road. It's still an awesome car though!

Favorite Features

The beautiful wheels on the performance package model, the H-K stereo and leather interior, the growl of the engine as you downshift, and the short throw shifter. Cornering is absolutely superb, and inspires confidence. The body lines are classic BMW... nobody mistakes it for a Honda or Infiniti!

Suggested Improvements

Could the ride on the performance package model be smoothed out a bit? I feel like I'm off-roading sometimes. Make the glove box bigger, in fact, more interior storage in general would be nice. Finally, the cupholders. BMW has some of the best designers in the world. Please redesign.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Best Car Ever

Written by: Terry on 12/27/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I drive 120 miles per day to and from work. This car looks great, and handles even better. Fast and comfortable. All wheel drive has been good so far in New England

Favorite Features

Heated seats, rain sensing wipers, wheel mounts audio controls. Multi function key. Audio system. Just a nicely integrated car.

Suggested Improvements

More power would be good to stay with the Acura's. A simple cell phone option. Assist option on par with Onstar. Remote starter would be nice in colder climates.

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Still the Official Car of Valhalla

Written by: ChiefBlueBimmer on 12/27/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I posted a review back in May, and I loved the car. It's now December, and my opinion hasn't changed in the least. Driver's seat has become more comfortable as it became broken in. You'll get better mileage if you inflate front tire to 32, rear to 38 like the manual says (dealership delivered with 32/32), with no loss of comfort. No reliability issues. Nada. Nichts. Car took 1/2 quart of oil at 4000 miles, and I did off-cycle oil change at 7500. Advice: Buy snow tires w/rims, or leave in the garage during winter.

Favorite Features

Performance, handling, looks. Amazingly inexpensive replacement parts (dump truck nicked windshield, cost a mere $430 to replace with BMW factory part).

Suggested Improvements

Brake dust means rims require frequent cleaning; cupholders suck golf balls thru garden hose. Easy to hit BMW access button on steering wheel, when all you want to do is lower stereo volume.

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Still waiting for something better

Written by: onthefence on 12/21/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I really had a tough time choosing this BMW over a similar-priced G35. What finally clinched it was a two-day rental I did on a business trip. The G35 was a great car to test-drive, with killer acceleration and handling. But over the course of two days, driving about 200 miles per day, I noticed that: it had a rough ride and hates potholes; the auto transmission is never sure what gear to pick and always has a lag; the seats are uncomfortable (why do all Japanese cars have way too much lumbar?); and I simply could not get past how cheap the interior felt.

Favorite Features

Hands down, the best compromise between ride and handling you'll find anywhere. Never harsh, always predictable. Great fuel economy on the highway--a recent trip at 80-85 mph netted over 30 mpg. Last note, for those of you who live here in SoCal, this car actually has a smooth ride on the freeway

Suggested Improvements

That said, I am very disappointed that I had to bring the car in for a bad ignition coil at only 5000 miles (which kept the car from being drivable and almost stranded me). I almost wish I would have driven the TL a second time but we already have a 2004 Accord V6 EXL--same basic car and FWD.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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RED Hot and WHY Not!!!

Written by: Suzie on 12/14/2004

Vehicle

2004 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (2.5L 6cyl 5M)

Review

This is my second BMW convertible and forth BMW. Sweet little car. The improvements on this car have been good ones. More trunk space with the top up....

Favorite Features

Auto top, zippy, power garage door opener, pure red color, great fun to drive

Suggested Improvements

Every thing comes as an extra package. I had to have an alarm system installed. Why would BMW even sell a car with out an alarm system? What is with that cup holder anyway? Same as in my 1996!

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Mini Turbine

Written by: webby on 12/09/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

Most fun since the 1967 Mustang..the engine is silky smooth, tranny is outstanding and love the sound of the engine. Engine behaves like a mini turbine and the car fits like a glove. It is a joy to go back to RWD car that is perfectly balanced. After 8 months and 1500 km it is solid as a rock. It the first car that my wife and son love to drive. Styling is timeless.

Favorite Features

Engine torque, perfect seats, air ventilation and sound of the engine.

Suggested Improvements

Get rid of the ashtrays and introduce a better sound system

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Classic rag top

Written by: Russell on 12/04/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

Great looking with a ride like a true sports car. With the top down you feel like what heaven must be like. Sport package a must if you want to grab the road like no sedan you have ever driven before, except perhaps an M3. 18 inch wheels with low profile tires don't hurt either. Paint job is perfection. Alpine Stereo option awesome. Wish it had a true console storage area...my only complaint. Love, love, love this car!

Favorite Features

tight turns, gutteral roar of the engine, stereo, gorgeous exterior, top down ecstacy, perfect paint job

Suggested Improvements

console storage container

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great ride

Written by: jose soria on 12/01/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

its really fun and fast and enjoyable for all kind of driving, good handling and plenty of speed, nice features and design

Favorite Features

its fast and fun to race, good for drifting, and doing donuts, reliable for any kind of weather and road condition

Suggested Improvements

more speed its a v-6 and it needs to kick like one. . .

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whatever happened to quality ?

Written by: HI800 on 11/29/2004

Vehicle

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

Review

I purchased a new 325i and when the car had 600miles, the problems began. The instrument cluster blacked out for about 30secs while I was driving on the freeway at night and that reset everything, but the total miles driven. Quite a frightening experience not knowing what was going on with the new car while driving 65mph. Soon the service engine indicator came on and when the car came to a complete stop, it was shaking violently. I brought the car back to the dealer and the mechanic made it out to be a tiny little problem, peanuts he said. So they supposedly fixed the problem, but after a month, the service engine light is on again at 2000miles.

Favorite Features

Drives well, smooth. Sound system is pretty good.

Suggested Improvements

make a car of quality that does not require the owner to bring back a brand new car (the license plates had not arrived yet) for service due to manufacturing faults. Has anyone else had a problem similar to mine?

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