2004 BMW 3 Series Review
2004 BMW 3 Series Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
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
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.
Edmunds says
If you've got the bucks, this is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$252/mo for 3 Series 325i
3 Series 325i
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 BMW 3 Series.
5 star(83%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
473 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
I'm trying and I can't find a flaw
cheapdeep, 12/31/2010
2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
I"m one of those guys.
You know, the type that's incredibly picky about his cars and finds a few things that could be done better in every car he's owned.
I've had a lot of great cars over the years but this is the BEST.
I really can't think of anything I would change.
It drives great, is incredibly comfortable, looks amazing, has great options and features, plenty of power, incredible … handling and it's just flat out FUN.
This is the first review i've ever given that hasn't been hyper critical.
5 out of 5 stars
Still going strong with 250K miles
C B, 04/10/2016
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Great car to own and drive. Yes, there will be repairs after 100k miles, but I got past 200K before having to replace the clutch. Most other repairs have been to structural parts - engine is just unbelievably superb. I drive in snow and mud, with pets, groceries, gear, etc. Gas mileage has been a solid combined 25 mpg for the life of the car. If you can find a used one, you could … probably get a decade out of it and love every minute of driving it.
5 out of 5 stars
RWD, 6spd and a backseat
Justin S., 08/14/2016
2004 BMW 3 Series 330Ci Rwd 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
My 2nd e46. I love them. Great steering feel and handling. Aside from a few weak links these cars are the total package. The perfect blend of luxury and performance. If you're not capable of working on it yourself you will need a good mechanic you trust to not charge you double just because of a name. A lot of the parts don't cost any more than other vehicles. Just keep it maintained. … Mileage isn't great but that all depends on the weight of your right foot. I can manage 28 but usually average 20-21mpg. The car is very driver oriented. Not a lot of frills for this day and age but not lacking either. The proportions feel just right. The rear seats are cramped but this is a compact car, not a full size sedan. Tires go fast with the sport package because of the inability to rotate due to staggered sizes. The grip is worth it. Large capable brakes hold up well under heavy use. The engine is asleep before 3k but after that it's hard not to go to the limiter. Sport seats are great, good amount of bolstering and lumbar support. Overall, great looking cars that if maintained well will last forever. Great driver's car though this isn't a miata, it's still a blast to drive.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Best wagon I've ever owned - Hands down
amishthunder, 03/29/2012
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sport Wagon (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
Purchased my wagon used from a local dealer after selling my Subaru Outback.
I was turned off initially by the stiff steering, but now I am hooked with the "driving experience" this car gives - including the seemingly stiff steering.
Being in Colorado, I experience many different driving conditions ranging from hot 100 degree dry days down to subzero and totally ice covered roads.
This … wagon has exceeded my expectations, and outperforms any of my previous Subaru's AWD systems.
This car inspires confidence in any driving condition, and the attention to detail and level of engineering is outstanding.
2004 3 Series Highlights
Coupe
325Ci
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $252/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the 3 Series include:
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver3 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintPoor
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