2004 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

Worth the wait!

Written by: dhump33 on 04/29/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I love the way the car looks (Mystic Blue with gray interior) with sports package. I feel safe in the car because it is so solidly made. It's so much fun to drive and to be seen in! I had an epiphany when washing my bimmer for the first time by hand. It reminded me of my first Hot Wheels toy car, a BMW, orange and a 300 series from the 70's. AS I was washing my car I felt like I was washing my toy car.

Favorite Features

Handling, looks, sound system, comfort.

Suggested Improvements

As an improvement, I would add better placed cup holders and make better trim linings around windshield and doors.

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It simply glides

Written by: Brian from Indiana on 02/17/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Became 3rd owner of a 2004 BMW 330ci with 26k miles in March of 2008. I fell in love with BMW during my first test drive. Powerful acceleration at all speeds. Goes from 60 to 100 without feeling anything. Smooth, quiet, amazing handling/cornering; it simply glides. Be prepared to donate some organs to service and maintain. At 30k miles it needed rear brake pads ($250), alignment ($100), replace driver side door lock actuator ($800), replace throttle boot ($200).

Favorite Features

Gorgeous design, handling, acceleration, comfort

Suggested Improvements

Takes a PhD to change the clock! Also, I recommend you buy the XI model with AWD if you ever have to drive it on snow. Seriously 2 inches of snow and the CI model can't pull away from a street curb. Very low to the ground.

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My Ride

Written by: luvlincolns on 01/28/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this car with 40,000 miles on it. I like it a lot. It turns heads and make for a great conversation piece wherever I am. Handling is incredible. It seems to have a few small elec problems though. One day the car wouldn't let me out of it, windows, roof, doors, locked for about 10 min. Some days the car won't start when I turn key the 1st time, have to do it twice. All lights come on dash and you hear a noise from the engine but nothing but on second turn it cranks. My car requires me to add antifreeze every month, this seems odd also.

Favorite Features

The top down baby, the top.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe just a little more room in the back seat area.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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I can't walk away

Written by: L. Robb on 01/26/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

I have asked my car guy to get me an SUV, a convertible, and on and on, but I cannot leave my 330I with SMG and M package. The car history revealed it was not a dealer car but sent over as a test vehicle then landed in an auction. I am told it is lower and more tuned than other models. I love driving it. The original tires were Michelin Pilot Sport summer which burned off at 25,000 miles. I replaced with Pilot All-Season and rears are wearing considerably faster than fronts. Just had the full 50,000 inspection and C check, the first off warranty. The full day check, new belts, fluids, an electrical glitch in a tail light and rear brakes, pads and rotors, came to $1900.

Favorite Features

Handling, handling, handling, will outperform any tire I can afford. The interior is snug compared to the new models wrapping around the driver as opposed to sitting in the car.

Suggested Improvements

This car is really bad in the snow. I park my in the garage and walk or drive the wife's Yaris. Friends have suggested 300lbs of sand bags in the trunk.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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lovin this car

Written by: ricks corgis on 01/19/2009

Vehicle

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

Review

Bought this car cert used. Best car I've owned. I'm ready for a newer one. With snow tires it goes thru anything, good on gas. Looks handles great, very reliable

Favorite Features

Pick up, handling.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders, black brake dust.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Still the Sexiest Car on the Road

Written by: daveuc97 on 11/06/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

It has been 4.5 years since I bought it and I still get excited every time I get behind the wheel. You can punch it through the sharpest of curves and fly up and down the steepest of hills will full confidence that this machine will exceed your expectations. Solid ride! Better thrill than a roller coaster! In fact, the other day, while resting at a stop sign after a fun filled heart pounding 10 minute joy ride thru the Connecticut countryside, I actually thought I heard the car mutter, “how’d I do?” Add on the fact that this is still the best looking car on the road and that it has the sweetest engine purr you will hear from a car in this class, I have myself a solid purchase!

Favorite Features

Sweet body style, smiles from sexy women, your buddies eyes lighting up when you let them take it for a spin, safe solid feeling you get when driving, engine purr when accelerating, black leather interior with brush nickel trim, the BMW emblem.

Suggested Improvements

I know its BMW tradition, but I just don’t like the cheesy orange dash and stereo lighting. My baby doesn’t do well on an extremely cold Connecticut winter day.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Germans make better cars...

Written by: Dustin W. on 11/01/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

I own a 2004 330i w/ performance package. These cars are truly amazing. Unsurpassed performance, elegant styling, reliable, & fun to drive. I drove many models before purchasing mine, I highly recommend the performance package. The power difference is huge, and the styling and standard equipment are worth the extra. I also recommend the manual 6 speed, makes driving and handling much more fun. BMW puts an amazing amount of feel and predictability in the drivers hands. No corners cut in the design and test phase, this car can run around town to get groceries or hold its own on the race track.

Favorite Features

HID lights, 18 inch wheels, amazing performance and handling, amazing braking. The car is very practical and drivable around town and gets great gas mileage when I keep my foot out of the throttle, plus it runs 0-60 in 5.8 if I want to run harder. Best of both worlds.

Suggested Improvements

Rear tires are wider than the fronts so they can't be rotated or interchanged. Only complaint I have that may be cured by different brake pads is the large amount of brake dust that builds on the front wheels. Maintenance cost are high when free service plan expires.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great combo of Fun/Practical

Written by: Ernie on 08/24/2008

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.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great car - but probably overhyped.

Written by: BR on 07/31/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

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...

Favorite Features

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.

Suggested Improvements

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.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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BMW 325xi Sedan

Written by: alaskanamber on 06/21/2008

Vehicle

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

Review

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.

Favorite Features

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

Suggested Improvements

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

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