Used 2004 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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All-Wheel Driving pleasure
I bought a new 2003 325Xi AWD touring wagon to replace the 328 converible I had owned for four years. Although it doesn't have the drop top, it is as much a pleasure to drive and drives like a sports car rather than a wagon. As expected, the BMW acceleration, braking,fit and finish are absolutely first rate. And having already driven one full nasty Canadian winter with the AWD system, I can firmly say that this is the most versatile and comfortable car I have ever owned. Yes, a bit more pricey than many....but WELL WORTH IT!
Skip's delighted
I'm reporting on a 2002 BMW 330ci convertible, that now has 20,000 miles on it. This car has made two round trips to Florida, and is about to embark on a 3rd. It is the finest car that I have ever owned, and the most fun to drive. I have experienced very few problems with the car, and Fields BMW in Northbrook, IL corrected all of those promptly. My next car will unquestionably be a BMW.
- 330Ci ConvertibleMSRP: $7,99966 mi away
- 325i SedanMSRP: $4,99966 mi away
- 325xi SedanMSRP: $6,99967 mi away
Fits the bill
We have two kids and my wife likes to zoom. We got our 325iT built for us, including PP and sport package... and a manual transmission. We wanted something that can haul groceries or just haul. This is that wagon. It drives like a 325i sedan. Damn fun on the highway. Fun as well on twisty roads. Only downside is the rear seat can only seat two with kid car seats. Wish the cargo area were larger, but honestly that might make it lumbering. I wouldn't want to upset the balance of this jewel!
AWSOME IN BAD WEATHER!!!!!!
This 325xi lives up to the commercial that touts good handling in rotten conditions just unreal to drive live in northeast and it hugged the road in snow and sleet which is why I purchased it !!!!!!!
Love my 325xi
I purchased this car for my frequent trips to Tahoe. With the sport package it sticks to the road whether it is wet or dry. I tried to take this car off the line, but without disabling DSC I had no luck. On the snow it is unbeatable. Chain control people are at loss when I tell them it is AWD. I have passed many SUVs and trucks on snow covered roads with full confidence. My highway gas mileage is staying around 21-21.5 when city is close to 19. Awesome car...
325Ci Manual Coupe - What a Car
This is the best car I've owned. It has great performance w/ 30 mpg! The 5- speed manual is flawless and the rid is firm but excellent for a sports coupe. The cornering and handling is first class. I can't wait to get into it and go. The 325 may not have as big an engine as the 330, but I don't feel it needs it. This has all the power I need. My 325 has the Cold Weather, Premium, and Sports package. The sport seates are wonderful. The gray leather gives the BMW an elegant look. The Xenon headlights make a huge difference. For the price, I got the dealer to throw in the 6-disk trunk CD-changer and the home-link type garage door opener.
The ultimate driving machine
An absolute joy to drive. The car feels very solid and composed and corners with minimal body lean. The engine is silky smooth and the brakes are excellent. Even with a moonroof, there's still plenty of headroom inside. On average, I get about 24 mpg. For about $1,400, the leather seats are a must-have option-- the standard leatherette/vinyl seats look and feel cheap. I was debating between getting the BMW or the Infiniti G35, but I just couldn't stomach the cheap- looking interior and the odd-looking exterior of the G35. Besides, BMW offers free scheduled maintenance for first 4 yrs/50,000 miles.
Don't get to close
Front paint chips easier than most cars. Dealer tacked on $1K as "Total vehicle protection" on the sticker which was a total scam. Very little thought put into cup holder placement. No leg room in rear seats even for kids. Get the 330xi(T) for the performance!
Not all Wonderful at BMW
Had 600 miles on the car and the transmission had to be replaced. Had several small problems with automatic windows.
It's a great car...
Although we live on a fairly small island (Oahu) we use the car every day. We have owned the original 64 1/2 Mustang convertable, two MGBs, a couple of Volvos, a SAAB and finally, an Explorer. This is, by far, the best driving automobile we have ever owned. There is nothing to dislike. It is quick and responsive. It is also a very good looking vehicle..Unfortunately, it's not a car you would take to Home Depot to buy lumber and stuff like that.
Best value BMW makes
This car replaces our aging SUV and it was a welcome replacement. EVERYTHING on this car is first-rate and driving it is a joy. The color, fit and finish are superb. The interior is identical to our 328 until you get past the back seat and then you have even more room! The car handles very well with little roll and great cornering. Driving at speed on the freeway is especially enjoyable. This wagon is smart, practical, fun and very much a BMW. Everyone who has seen it up- close has commented on what a surprise it is -- this is one versatile and beautiful car!
Follow-up Review 1 Year Later
The driving experience dramatically improved after I replaced the stock Continental tires with Pirelli PZero Nero. The cold start issues I had were resolved with a software update. The flickering trunk light was resolved by replacing the locking mechanism. The felt next to the weather stripping on both doors were replaced as the original glue did not hold. The moon roof's sliding shade was replaced as the plastic clips broke off. I'm currently getting 27 MPG on the HWY with conservative driving speeds. I have put over 43k miles. I took it on a cross country 6.2k mile road trip, and received compliments at gas stations and in Canada.
bmw 325 Convertible alot of fun .
This is a lot car for money. I have had two other bmw I 635 an a 735. The improvement is easy to see. I currently have two mercedes as well,a sl an the large s-class. I had took a look at the jag xk-8, but it back seat was to small. I also looked at the new 320clk convertible by merecedes, but it wouldn't be avaiable until mid march or april. Also The merecedes didn't have the option of a hardtop like the bmw. An finally the reliability of the bmw was much better then the 2003/2004 merecedes.
Funtastic Drive
I drove a 5 series wagon for five years and decided I would like a smaller car. Every time I took my 5 series in for service I was given a 3 series to drive. Once I got the 325xi Sport I was pleasantly surprised at how great a car it is. The car handles like a dream and has decent pickup. I always drive in sport mode as I did with my old 5 series. The only complaint I have had about the car if from my wife who thinks the seats are to hard. I would also like to have the keyless entry system activate from farther away from the car like the system on the 5 series.
aaa+++
Young man's car.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Do Not Buy 3.30CI
I bought my 3.30CI on the 31st of Jan 2004. It has only 6500 miles on it and the car has been to service 5 (FIVE) times. The passenger door failed first, then the mirrors with interior light. The engine has serious problems too. Especially in the mornings, I can feel the wobbling coming from the engine. I have checked the positive feedbacks but they don't seem right. One of the review says 3.30 has 30-31 MPG, thats IMPOSSIBLE. My BMW's VIN# is WBABD53404PL11978 and I am serious do NOT buy this car because even the service guys don't have an explanation for the problem. My car cost me 45K 3.30CI with all the options. I can send you pics...
Excellent car
I love BMW's. This is my 3rd one. I absolutely recommend it.
Tons of Repairs
All I can say is, expect to pay twice what you pay monthly for maintenance and repairs.
bmw 325 ci
this vehicle looks great but is constantly in the shop. the check engine light comes on & off no matter how many times the dealership tells me they took care of the problem. the door on the drivers side is tempermental & sometimes wont open & the coolant light keeps coming on & off not to mention how the care jerks ocer the speed of 80. get another vehicle
330i Performance Package
This BMW is my 3rd one, and it is an awesome car. I had traded my 2001 325ci for the 330i Performance Package, and it was a great decision. The car's handling is great in wet condition but totally amazing in dry weather. The 6 speed manual is really easy to operate. The car is just overall fun to drive. I test drove the Infiniti G35, and for the price, the G35 wins. However, the G35 doesn't drive or perform as well as the 330i ZHP. I think that the 330i wins the emotional factor between the two cars. Besides, the 330i looks great next to my 1999 E36 M3.
Fun Car
Just got my dream car. Been saving money for 3 years and it is worth it. Great power, ride, and comfort. I got the cold and sport package, with xenon adoptive light, and 18 inch tires. Great car to ride in sunny San Diego.
Fun,style and class
I purchased my car in July 2003. One of the first to buy the 2004 model. I got the new color Mystic Blue and pin striped it according to the beige interior. I've received many compliments on the color combination. I've dreamed about this car since I was a kid. Finally treated myself to one on my 60th. birthday. I LOVE IT. What a great driving experience it is. Power, close to the road (hugging) 5 speed manual shifts wonderfully. I only wish they had made the 325 with the 6 speed manual transmission. I've laid it up over the past winter in my garage (even covered it up) and can't wait to get it out and on the road again.
No Wonder They're Everywhere in CA
This is my second BMW, after purchasing the 330Ci coupe last year. I traded the coupe in on the 330Ci convertible. This car feels like it's worth the $49,000 MSRP. I am a car enthusiast, but even I used to wonder what all the hoopla was about with BMWs... After living with the '04 coupe and now this convertible, I understand! They are truly fabulous automobiles! They are so fun to drive, yet so smooth and so luxurious all at once!
In a word .... amazing
Really struggled having to turn in my leased '01 Saab 9-3 convertible. I tried Saab 9-3 aero (very nice improvements, but no sport mode so low torque compared to '01), and Audi (not a driver's car). I'm now a BMW convert. Just took delivery of my loaded '04 330CiC with SMG and it is incredibly responsive, looks fantastic inside and out, and very quick.
DON'T CRY--DON'T TELL
I BOUGHT THE 2004 325CI WITH 16 MILES ON IT 3 WEEKS AGO. 2WEEKS AFTER PURCHASE THE TRANSMISSION BEGINS MALFUNCTIONING BETWEEN REVERSE AND DRIVE.I AM TOLD BY THE SALESMAN THAT THE CAR IS A CAR THAT NEEDS TO WARMED BEFORE DRIVING. I DECIDE TO TAKE IT IN FOR SERVICE AND I COME TO FIND THAT THERE IS A SILENT RECALL ON THE TRANSMISSION. I AM GIVEN DOCUMENTS STATING , FROM BMW, THAT IF A CUSTOMER COMPLAINS ABOUT THE TRANSMISSION FAILING BETWEEN PARK AND DRIVE HE OR SHE IS A CANDIDATE FOR A UPGRADE REPLACEMENT. OTHERWISE IF THE CUSTOMER DOES NOT COMPLAIN DO NOT SAY A THING
This car is the worst
I have had my BMW for a few years now, and I have had nothing but problems with it. It is constantly in the shop at the dealership having parts repaired. I have brought this car in once a month for the past two years. I have had terrible experiences with BMW and have friends that have experienced the same problems. This is the last time I will ever purchase a BMW and I definately do not recommend this car to people who are considering it.
The Ultimate Disappointment
The ultimate driving machine was a big dissapointment. Very poor interior quality and design. Back seating lacks leg room and things have started to come undone on my car. Way over priced!
Worst Buy of My Life- Never Again
Since I purchased the car a little over a month ago I have had many problems with the car and have had it in for service for many re-occurring problems. The transmission went bad at 500 miles, the window regulator went out, and the car has poor handling and performance. This is the last time that I will buy a BMW or a german automobile ever again.
Not recommended too crapy user interface not a luxury car at all!!!!!!!!!!!!
Had this car since 2004 engine for this car is pretty good, but has a lot of little problems came up from time to time...The alignment is one of the biggest i took it to the BMW dealer for three times and they still couldn't completely fix the problem. The computer told them it is aligned but when i on road it always tends to go left. The interior wood got a lot the cracks i guess from the hot and cold weather. This car has very bad control interface, the cruise control responds is very slow. when i press the accelerator it didn't accelerate until least least 5 seconds later, same goes for decelerate. BWM should known better than in a highway 5 second disaster!!!
Saved my life
i "had" this car, but its totaled and it saved my life. i was 120 down pch and then saw a cop and tried to evade, hit a turn at 100 mph and totaled the car, glad the car sacrificed itself rather then me. this accident was 5 hours ago, i went to the ambulance and got xrays and what not. it happened so fast but the bmw saved my life. no kidding people, im gio rios and you can find me on twitter @officialgiorios im 17 years old. i thank god for the car. the cops said i was very fortunate to be driving the vehicle of choice.
I Get it now!
I get it now, why it's called the ultimate driving machine. After owning 4 Acuras and two Audi, all of which I was very happy with, this BMW is unbelievable. The AWD system is better than any other I've driven and the car feels so secure in winter driving conditions.
325i ROCKS!
I test drove the G35, 350Z and 325i---- they all drove nice but I decided to purchase the 325i (need to say more). The level of comfort and the way it handles the road---great. I love my new car. All the new features that come with the 2004 model bring it to the next level.
Enjoying It
I also test drove the Infiniti G35 to compare. The feel of this car is what sold me. Though it has less power than the Infiniti, it is much more fun to drive. I've never driven a vehicle that handles this well. Have put a little over 6,000 miles on it since purchase, and no problems so far.
Almost perfect
I am a huge BMW fan. Once you get them into your blood, they are impossible to get out of your system. This model is small with very limited rear seat room and a tiny, shallow trunk, so try it on for size. While very sophisticated technically and engineered to perfection the interior is looking dated. The 325's smaller inline 6 is a little weak down low, but is fine for passing and highway work. Very smooth powertrain, great ride, smooth in every way. The last two year's models have much more standard equipment then older models. They had standard sunroof and rain sensing wipers, CD and full power. They could use standard driver's power seat at least for this pr
BMW 330ci
This is my second BMW. Awesome to drive and built to last.
330xi ROCKS!
Upgraded from a 2002 Saab 9-3 which had plenty of turbo-charged power, but it couldn't handle it (torque steer, spinning tires, etc.) The BMW 330xi is amazing. It's solid, well- balanced, handles corners like they're not even there, is quick off the line.... it's great. The only dings are for storage space, fuel economy, and (because it's lacking the winter package) not having fold-down rear seats. Other than that: perfect.
Spoiled and worth it...
We purchased this 2004 330ci with sport package as a factory car with 3,100 miles in Sept.05. As it was explained to us, the car had never been titled before (which proved true) and was basically NEW, and paid 44k instead of original 54k. Not bad! We are absolutely in love with this car. Every feature, line, material used, and charecteristic of this car is phenomenal. I can't imagine what the next convertible will bring, as it seems hard to top perfection.
Great Car
I love my car. I wish that I had known about the difficulty of driving it in snow given that I live in New England. I have to change my tires every season, but it's worth it.
No complaints!
Before purchasing I checked out every other competing make out there including the Mercedes C320, Lexus IS300, Audi A4, & Acura TL. I bought the 330i manual w/sport package. The connection you feel driving a BMW is like no other. The build quality is exquisite and the overall stance of the car is aggressive yet classy. You could drive this car 10+ years and it will still look great. Can't say that about the Audi, Lexus or Acura. The car comes complete with a 4 year/50k warranty that covers EVERYTHING including a loaner for the day. Add to that a free BMW performance driving class that rocked & I couldn't be more completely satisfied.
i love BMW's
I have had a small sports car and an SUV and the BMW 325i is the best car I have ever owned! It's small enough to be the easiest to handle and park but it has a lot more interior room than expected! I have been able to fit a lot more in it than I thought I could
my Opinion
I absolutley love this car. Previously driven by dealers wife, no maintenence ever done after 16000 miles. United BMW brings the car up to speed on ALL maintenece, at very low cost to me. Thank You. I will never drive anything else.
Great car but reliability is awful
I fell in love with the look, performance, and premium features of this car. I've owned it for 2.5 years and it has been at the dealer for repairs about 12 times. No major problems but problems nonetheless that require constant repairs. Defective battery, leaking headlight washer system, broken trunk lock, rattling convertible top, squeeky window, the list goes on and on. I bought this car and babied it, planning to keep it forever. I'm not planning to dump it as I'm sure once the warranty is out I will be getting killed on repair bills. I'll never buy another BMW.
I love it
I LOVE MY CAR THE HANDLING IS GREAT AND IT LOOKS GOOD TOO. ANYONE WHO WANTS THE CAR YOU HAVE TO GET A STICK SHIFT. THATS GOING TO BE THE UTIMATE RIDE. I LOVE THE WAY THE LIGHTS INTERACT WITH THE MOTION OF THE STEERING WHEEL. THE LIGHTS CURVES AROUND THE CORNER. THE NXT CAR I'M GOING TO GET MIGHT BE THE 330CI CONV
Luv my 325Ci
This is my 2nd BMW 3-series. What beautiful cars. The two-door coupe has great exterior lines and a sporty look. Power-adjustable front seats make it great for long distance driving. I don't know why anyone would need to up-size to the larger engine - this one has more than enough pep and power. Smooth acceleration and good fuel economy. Does well on regular unleaded, but on long road trips I've used premium and gotten better mileage. Not worth it on city driving tho.
Review for BMW 330 CiC
This is the third car that I have owned, but the first BMW that I have had the pleasure of owning. This car is amazing! I got the upgraded tires and wheels with the car, and they had the low profile tires on them. At the time I was worried about comfort level, and the ride not being smooth. However, I was pleasantly surprised, to find that it drove as if I had the stock wheels on it. I would absolutely recommend this car to anyone who loves to drive a fun, yet classy vehicle.
Awesome
This is my third 3 series BMW. Still have a 95 325iC for summer, had a 00 328i, but the 04 325xi is by far the best. Handling, comfort, performance - nothing can beat a BMW. Awesome car.
Really sweet
its so cool i love it it has shimmy features n i like the radio n cd player it rocks !!
Redesign the interior please..........
Love it, fast and fun! A real head turner.................
Bmw 325ci
My first bimmer, in a few words the best car I have ever bought. This car not only looks and feel good but also has more than enough power.
BMW leads the way
This is one of the most reliable and, most importantly, funniest cars I have ever owned.. My wife and I love it so much we got her one as well!