2004 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
Recent Consumer Reviews
(405 Total Reviews)
In a Class All Its Own!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Love this car! Period!! Is it the fastest? No. Is it the most attractive? No. Is it inexpensive? No. Is it the most luxurious? No. That's a lot of nos, yes? Ah, but wait! Is the 3 Series the most overall well-balanced, interactive, inutuitive, and fun car to drive? Resoundingly, yes! I've owned a lot of cars over the years; an Acura TL, Audi A4, BMW Z4, Honda Accords, Ford Mustang, Toyota Camry, Lexus SC400, and Mini Cooper, and they all do at least one thing very well, maybe even best in class! But overall, the sum of their parts only equal their total. Remarkably, with the 3 Series, its total exceeds the sum of its parts. But you won't find it on paper. You have to drive it to know it.
Favorite Features
Build quality, fit and finish, and the fact that it is simply such an enjoyable car to drive. In the end, I most like the fact that I feel more in control (thus safer) when I'm driving this car. Peace of mind AND fun. What a great combination!
Suggested Improvements
Thinking... ah, better cup holders!
7 out 7 people found this review helpful
A Change
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
From having a truck or SUV for every car that I have owned, I have to say this is fun to drive. My last vehicle was a Tahoe I needed a more fuel economical vehicle. I researched and test drove several cars and would have to say this is the best one. It could use some more interior room and definitely a useful second cup holder. Still not sure what all the buttons do. Beware of pulling into parking spots that have a curb, you will scrape. Leather seats seems to get a lot hotter than my other leather seats. My brakes seem to leave black residue on them (no I am not hard on the brakes).
Favorite Features
Fun to drive, decent gas mileage.
Suggested Improvements
Second front cup holder. Cup holders in the back seat. Fix the black residue on the tires. (cheap brake pads). Could use more speed. Better stereo.
2 out 4 people found this review helpful
4 years later, still in love with it
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I just had my 2004 325i detailed, and I feel just like the day I drove it off the lot - it is still that much fun to drive. The best surprise I've had with this car is the highway gas mileage. According to the trip computer, I get between 33-34 (sometimes a little more) mpg on the freeway, and that's driving at 70-75 mph. Other than a short in a headlight socket, I haven't had a single problem with this car in the 53K miles I've driven it. Most fun and, again, surprisingly, most reliable car I've ever had, including 3 Hondas and two Toyotas.
Favorite Features
You just can't beat the handling. And I like small cars, but so many are unsubstantial-feeling tin cans. Fit and finish are still perfect after 4 years.
Suggested Improvements
Ok, maybe they fixed this in later model years, but the controls for the automatic climate control system are WAY too complex, unintuitive, and even dangerous until you get used to them. And there are times the trunk has been too small for me. Small price to pay.
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
A joy to drive
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Bought my 330ci with the performance package as a pre-owned vehicle - couldn't be happier with the ownership experience, performance, and handling. Not a single negative issue with this vehicle.
Favorite Features
1) Performance - love the 6 speed manual. 2) Styling - classic BMW lines! 3) Handling - exceptional. 4) Convertible top up/down in about 20 seconds.
Suggested Improvements
Wish it had an iPod dock but I suppose that's been addressed in new models now that it's 2007.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
BMW = Practical
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
Wife and I had our first kid and dumped a minivan for the BMW wagon. She loves everything about this car. The AWD is good in the snow and 2 Britax car seats fit comfortably in the back with the armrest down. With enough space to pack all the kiddie stuff in the rear, my wife loves the ride, stability, safety, and overall ride of the wagon. Who's kidding... I love driving it too.
Favorite Features
Performance... enough said.
Suggested Improvements
Gas is poor for in-town (~ 20 mpg). Could use a power outlet in the rear seat for DVD connection and more cupholders. I guess if you want 13 cupholders and a DVD player drive a minivan!
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
German reliability is an oxymoron
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 3 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
My car with the 6 speed performance package is probably the most fun to drive machine on the road. The handling is superb and the engine growl is great. Ride is a bit stiff, but that should be expected from a true sport sedan. I've had a number of warranty repairs and I sometimes question if I made the right choice. I definitely will dump this car for something more reliable when the warranty is up, even though I'd really like to keep it. The thought of needing to pay the frequent repair bills is frightening.
Favorite Features
Handling, quick short throw 6 speed shifter, engine growl, comfortable sport seats, and the exterior styling. More head turns than any other car that I've owned.
Suggested Improvements
IMPROVE RELIABLITY. Dump the Harman Kardon stereo.
8 out 9 people found this review helpful
Brilliant!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I haven't had this car for too long, but I am in love. I have been researching BMWs for quite a while now and am glad I finally took the plunge. I recommend this cute little luxury car to anyone!
Favorite Features
When you sit in the car, the seats hug you, as if they were made just for you, extremely comfortable!
Suggested Improvements
It would be nice to have a little more storage compartments (for coins, etc) but I am all right with leaving the clutter out of the car too!
7 out 8 people found this review helpful
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
Have owned Porsche, Volvo, Audi, Saab, BMW, Mercedes, VW & am used to superb handling, but this BMW is incredible! I drove it home 500 miles immediately after buying and it was a blast!. Before I bought I did my research and drove Infiniti G35x, MB 320 4matic, Subaru Legacy GT, Volvo S60R and while the others may have more hp and maybe even be a bit faster, none compared to the overall driving experience of the 330xi! There is a lot to be said about the differences in handling with AWD cars built from RWD platforms vs FWD platforms. It may be as smooth and tight as my 82 Porsche 911sc. 27.5 mpg coming home was a huge bonus!
Favorite Features
Handling, responsiveness, Xenons, HK stereo, style, tiptronic, fuel mileage, ride quality.
Suggested Improvements
Include remote start in cold weather pack. How about more than 1 electrical plug?
9 out 9 people found this review helpful
The Perfect Car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 325Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Review
I have a bad habit of changing out cars every year. But when I found myself in my first 325, I knew that BMW was the company for me. I love these cars, they are amazing.
Favorite Features
Everything!
Suggested Improvements
4 out 7 people found this review helpful
I love this car!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
Review
This car is a true driver's car. It is very fun to drive, has EXCELLENT handling. The engine is powerful and sounds very powerful, and the interior is very stylish and luxurious. This car is the perfect car for a mix between luxury, performance, and economy.
Favorite Features
I love the manual shift mode (although it lags a bit more than say a G35's manual mode) and also the great harman kardon sound system.
Suggested Improvements
My only suggested improvement would be to allow the driver to completely turn off the traction control. In this car, even if you turn the traction control off, it will cut off your power if you give it too much gas from a stop. This gets extremely annoying when you are trying to burn out.
2 out 4 people found this review helpful
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