2004 BMW M3 Review

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Fuel Economy

17 mpg

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

Phenomenal BMW handling combined with an equally awe-inspiring engine make this high-performance Motorsport creation one of our all-time favorites.

Pros

Remarkable engine, race-carlike handling, killer good looks, sumptuous interior, available Sequential Manual Gearbox.

Cons

Uninspired exhaust whine, having to pay extra for basics like power seats and an alarm system.

What's New for 2004

For the 2004 BMW M3, BMW Assist is now an available option for immediate roadside assistance, and Sirius Satellite Radio is newly available as a dealer-installed accessory.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Can't buy more fun

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

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

Vehicle

2004 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Nothing handles, accelerates, and overall performs like an M3 convertible and still has room for 4 people and luggage (try that in a Porsche). Proof positive that you can make a practical car fun, and a performance car practical! All with 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.

Favorite Features

Engine w/333 HP. 6-speed SMG transmission. Nav system. Convertible top. People staring!

Suggested Improvements

Slightly more rear leg room.

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Fun at First - Then the poor quality

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 1
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 1
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 10

Vehicle

2004 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Had a lot of fun with the top down, great acceleration and speed -- loved the SMG. Not enough space for all the bad. Twice transmission died on the freeway at 90 mph, flying in neutral. Manage to get to the side, tow-truck guy says "these have been dropping like flies." GPS never worked. Took into different dealers totaling 5 times, everytime they said it was fixed. It actually works now. Intermittent glitch on windows rolling up, still not fixed. Tire pressure light is on now and won't go away (tires checkout). Took to dealer and they said it was fixed, drive it away and light still on. Anyway, tons of other basic quality issues. Frayed steering wheel leather.

Favorite Features

SMG was fun when it worked. Not a coincidence they have pulled it from the new cars.

Suggested Improvements

Some build quality. Seems to be meant to be leased for a few years and then traded.

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Perfection on Four Wheels

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

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

Vehicle

2004 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)

Review

I just picked up my M3. I got it used with 8800 miles on it. What a beautiful piece of machinery. Stopping, accelerating, handling. Just amazing! The E46 body style is the best! If you can, buy one!

Favorite Features

6-spd SMG, navigation, 333 hp, heated seats, moonroof, etc. No iDrive!

Suggested Improvements

In-dash 6 CD changer behind the navigation system??

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Keeps me smiling

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

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

Vehicle

2004 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car just keeps you smiling. Even when you drive it with normal traffic it's just a great feeling under your foot.

Favorite Features

Engine's power.

Suggested Improvements

Better gas mileage.

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2004 BMW M3 Convertible

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

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

Vehicle

2004 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M)

Review

Incredible car! The SMG is so much fun without the worries. There's crazy traffic here in Hawaii and I would never get a manual transmission car. The SMG offers so many options of how you want the car to perform with the feel of a manual. Great gas mileage for a 333hp car. It definitely lives up to its name as "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE".

Favorite Features

SMG transmission. Gorgeous design!

Suggested Improvements

Bluetooth. More powerful sound system.

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