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

BMW 325xi Sedan

Written by: alaskanamber on 06/21/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	9	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 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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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

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

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

330ci ZHP 5-A, Nice drive

Written by: Sierck on 05/26/2008


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

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

Nice running and handling car, fun to drive on the country twisties. Engine revs easily, wants to go. Seats are superior, much more comfortable than my other car, 1999 Lexus GS300. I like to drive the Lexus, I love to drive the BMW. Just 1000 miles so far, no problems yet. AC seems to work great, was worried about black leather in florida, but ac cools quickly. Had also worried about the firm ride of the ZHP performance package, but rides nice on highways and newer roads, I don't regret the comfort tradeoff for the incredible handling, even sport suspension still quite civilized. All in all, very happy that I purchased this vehicle.

ZHP performance package, seats, steering wheel and handling, exterior looks, rev happy engine.

A little more hp and torque for the performance pkg. ZHP adds 10 hp and 8# torque, 20-25 each would have been nice. M3 too expensive.

Great car, wish it had better mpg

Written by: Gregular on 03/30/2008


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	5	Exterior Design:	10

I have owned my 325i for 4 months now and so far I love the car. The only thing I am disappointed with so far is the fuel economy. I drive about 40 miles a day. Of that about 60% is highway and I get a average of 21-23 MPG. I tried changing driving habit and maintaining tire pressure and all I get is 24 mpg tops.

Fun to drive factor. Headlights and wipers are automated and the moonroof is a plus. It's a fun sporty sedan.

If I knew the gas mileage of this car I would have gone with the 330i.

2004 BMW 3 Series Consumer Ratings & Reviews