Used 2004 BMW 3 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Still going strong with 250K miles
C B, 04/10/2016
updated 04/11/2017
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
79 of 81 people found this review helpful
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.
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So far !!! Love the 325xi!!
soxxxxx, 06/03/2014
updated 03/20/2023
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
35 of 37 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2004 325xi 3 months ago. I bought it from a 85 year old lady who bought it new and serviced at BMW. Garage kept and all receipts. the best part.......only 24,000 miles . I could not pass up this car...I only hoped that I would be happy.... I AM!!! To me, the car is like new. One ding on the door and only one small chip. The car is very peppy and fun to drive. I seem to make an excuse to always want to drive it. The car is very solid and tight. I am not sure about needing AWD here in NC but, when the snow ,rain and ice fall...I will be sure to see how it all works out. I am very happy with this car!! New cost was $38,000...I paid 12,900. I am happy! OK..here I am again on 10-27-19. I still own the car and it now has 116,000 miles. I take very good care of it . No major repairs other than wear and tear stuff. I still enjoy driving this car and it still puts a smile on my face. I think about selling it from time to time but.....why??? This car still runs great! I so want to get a Porsche macan S but....even used I will pay 45,000. for a 3 year old 20,000 mile vehicle. Is it that much better than my baby? Nahhhh, not yet ..maybe in 2 years..As for now... I will keep and love my 2004 325xi.. 4-28-20: still have my bmw and love it. Such a good car,classic design , plenty of pep and fun to drive...I still take exceptional care of it...always get compliments...its a classic car now..wow! It now has 120,000 mile....still runs great!! By the way, I added a Dynavin stereo system that was made specifically for my BMW ( original look)...it has a back up camera, phone through the stereo and navigation and it looks like it came with the car..perfect fit. I think about getting a porsche Macan S but....not yet..someday... OK...here I am again..9-16-21. I still have the car. Now has 131,000 miles on it. I have to say, I still love this car. It is almost a classic now . People always tell me how nice this car is. I do take care of it. So, let me tell you....I do have to do maintenance or preventative work on it. I recently did all the cooling system parts except for radiator. I am currently in the process of replace the PVC system and vacuum lines . I should be done with age and heat issues so, I will do it. I still change the oil every 5000 miles or so. The car runs like a dream. Its smooth, has good power and it is a classy car. The only thing that bothers me is if I ever get into an accident, I might get $4,500 for it. That would be a shame because I have a lot of money into it. i do nogt mind that part of it because when you have an old car, its good to keep it maintained and running great. When I think about selling it, I always say no. I want a porsche Macan S that cost 55,000 used ( the one I want) and I just can not see paying that much at this time. I love my little bimmer way too much. I will spend my money more wisely elsewhere and keep this baby going a few more years anyway. The thing with these cars or any car for that matter is " do not beat the car" You treat it well...it will generally treat you well. Do the maintenance stuff and preventative stuff and you will be very happy in the long run with this car. maybe I will have up date again in a couple years. 9-17-22 update: Well, unfortunately, I have to now do much more maintenence on the car. It now has 146,000 miles and I recently did the entire front end, shocks, struts and all the vacuum lines as well as disa valve, motor mounts and tranny mounts, plugs, all fluid changes, .6k!! Ouch...the car is becoming g a little less reliable even after all this.still better than buying a new car. I have an annoying shake when stopped at a light, goes away when in neutral and/or when I start driving. No one can tell me what it is. Annoying but not a major issue I think. I am hoping to get to 200k with no more money in it and then sell.. Over, I still love it but not happy with 6k put into it...I'll deal with it for now..Interior still great, ac not a strong as I like but I have never service it. Everything else great. I have new Michelin too...should take me to the 200k mile mark... No rust , a few scratches, minor dings but with cleaned up, looks like new car....REALLY! Here we are 3-18-23..still have my BMW. Its been a great car but I certainly have a lot of money into it at 151,000 miles. The normal stuff...just replaced the disa valve I had some kind of vacuum leak and it was a pain to find. It cost 1600.00 after a foreign car shop did all this diagnostics....ripped off if you as me... best to have a friend work on your car who knows bmw's if you can at this age of the car. I may sell soon but when it looks sooo good and rides so nice, I still can't sell it. I will keep it...I will update again if I still have it. By the way, a lot of people compliment my car...looks real good....its becoming a classic. Almost 20 years old.
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Second best car I have ever owned.
Mitch Young, 09/23/2015
2004 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
34 of 36 people found this review helpful
This is simply an amazing car. I don't really have a complaint about the car. For starters, the 330xi is a great car for road trips, it is extremely comfortable. I put a lot of miles on the road due to the nature of my work. The Harmon Kardon stereo system delivers a tremendously crisp sound , far better than the Bose systems that were offered in the Audi's of the same year. The All-Wheel drive proves excellent traction in the winter. I have plowed through 8 inches of un-plowed snow, no problem. The BMW 330xi matched with the right tires makes for a remarkably quiet ride. On a less important note in regards to sound, the exhaust sound is quite entertaining to listen to. The transmission shifts effortlessly and for the sport enthusiasts you can get the AWD car sideways on an on ramp if you would like to. The engine sounds like it has more to give than it actually does, in turn if i had a complaint it would be the acceleration, although it isn't bad, you would expect a little more out of the top-of-the-line 3 series. What I love most about the car isn't the specifications or even the unsurpassed build quality, but the way it makes you feel. It makes you drive with a smile, not many cars have the ability to do that. The question yet to be answered is personal reliability, I hesitate to answer this because it varies from car to car and how you take care of the car, doing proper on time maintenance and so on. With that in mind, I take exceptional care of my cars, and I have only put $900 into the car so far, it was the power steering rack, which through research has been found to be a relatively common fix on these machines. In comparison to other cars I have owned this proves to be far superior, other than an Audi S4 of the same year. However, it is a different caliber of car, so it does not really count in the realm of the 330xi. To finish my review, I do in fact highly recommend this car. If you ever have the opportunity to own one, do so. Your increase in daily happiness surpasses the worry of paying for premium fuel.
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Most Reliable BMW, 2004, 325i
mikeygg69, 07/02/2011
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
34 of 37 people found this review helpful
The 2004, BMW 325i is the most reliable and aggressive engine of the 3 series BMW line. I purchased the BMW in Heidelberg, Germany brand new in 2003 October. Since then, I have not really spent any money replacing or changing mechanical parts, except for the rotor, shocks, struts, and of course the occasional oil change. Driving this vehicle is a dream. At 100,000 miles, I just got the transmission and differential oil change. For $36K, it has been the best purchase of this magnitude, ever. The only bad thing about the 2004, BMW 325i is the interior is made very cheap. Stuff start to fall apart after a few years.
2004 bmw 325i
andrew, 11/23/2010
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
61 of 68 people found this review helpful
Had the car about a year, and my wife hit a deer with it. The deer struck her on the driver side window, and its horn left a mark all the way up the window that I cant even buff out. However I feel that any other window would have busted and my wife would have had a deer in her lap.
330i ZHP - a sport sedan for the ages
JamesSpot, 07/30/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
This BMW is for someone who wants to drive a sports car on a daily basis but requires the added luxury, convenience, and practicality an upscale sedan provides. The powerful, smooth-revving inline six, tight suspension and performance tire grip, powerful brakes, and feel of the road through the gearshift lever and steering wheel are the zenith of what BMW offers. With the ZHP package, you benefit from an increased sporting feel and minor tweaks to the engine and running gear, without paying the premium in reduced gas mileage, insurance cost, or ride comfort of a single purpose sports car. To me, it is a "best of both worlds" daily ride.
Bmw e46 325i sedan auto
e46e90, 06/16/2015
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
17 of 18 people found this review helpful
Even though this car was automatic I have never driven a car like this one! When I abused it, it was so predictable, when I drive casually, no car was as fun and connected as thus car. I have never felt so happy and safe in a car as I did in this one. I was the second owner at 165000 miles, I changed the oil twice, changed the transmission fluid, and gave it gas once in a while. This car never gave me any problems, issues or annoyances. I was comfortable driving this car, and never in my mind did I ever fell that it would let me down when I drove it. I had it for 2 years and I will never own a car other than a bmw. I sold it for a manual car, I wanted an e46 again but I found a 2006 e90 325i
I wanted to love this car.
gdeutschlander, 04/01/2013
updated 10/03/2016
2004 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
44 of 50 people found this review helpful
My first BMW was a 1987 325e and it ran perfect for 280,000 miles other than normal maintenance. At 280k the coil burned out, I put a new one in and 2 weeks later and the same thing happened. I tried one more time and the same problem so I sold it DOA. I bought a 2004 BMW 330Xi with 59,000 miles on it. My car now has 99,000 miles on it and here are all of the items I replaced. Complete CCV cold weather kit, Crankcase Vent Valve, Oil Separator Hose, Breather Hose. Valve cover gasket, valve cover, power steering pump, spark plugs and coil pack, rear springs, cv joints, DISA, multiple alignments because of pulling, brakes, and now it has mustard color under the oil cap. Updated 4/1/2016. I finally traded the car in to dump this lemon. It ended up having a bad head gasket. The car was never overheated and the antifreeze was rated for well below temperatures we have in Wisconsin. During the winter it would suck down the antifreeze. Not worth all the trouble and I will have a hard time considering a BMW in the future. I replaced it with a Honda Pilot and the Honda now has a 125k trouble free miles on it.
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NOT GOOD...
Kari, 10/28/2017
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
14 of 15 people found this review helpful
I bought this vehicle in 2012. By two years I had double paid for this vehicle. The instrument cluster panel even went out. I heard from three mechanics that they have never seen this happen to any vehicle and that cost was almost $2K. At to this very day I have replaced the instrument cluster panel, the valve cover gasket, the coolant expansion tank, the radiator, the control arms w/bushings, the radiator fan clutch, oil pan, oil pan plug, split leather seats, rear ABS speed sensor, broken center console, headliner & interior fabric issues and anything else that was plastic. Long story short I have paid two times plus the purchase price (value) for this vehicle in 4+ years, wow! She is now at 165000 miles which I appreciate however I had over 187000 on a Nissan Altima and spent less than a $1K in repairs. They say the BMW's will run forever... yes, I suppose they will. So will I if you replace "all of my parts!" Since owning this vehicle I have appreciated the turning radius, the vehicular power, e.g. her get up and go, but my overall disappointment as you deal with this vehicle... OUCH and never again!!!! Unless I am so wealthy and can just burn money I will never own another.
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Looks Great, but looks can be deceiving.
a587789, 02/26/2012
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used with 60k on it. At first it drove wonderfully. Then old age set in. After 25k miles, it started to break down. It seems like all the things in the engine that broke down, were plastic. Water pump, coolant reservoir, etc..... Not cheap to fix. Power steering pump went out quick and every mechanic, including BMW Mechanics, knew this was a major problem. $750 just to fix the pump. I decided it was time to part ways when I needed to make a 2k mile trip and I found out I had an oil leak, the window motor went out and the ac blower motor was going out. These are great cars if you're Bill Gates, but I'm not. So I bought a Charger.
Love my bimmer
CJF, 03/05/2016
updated 04/02/2019
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
17 of 19 people found this review helpful
I bought the car with 24,900 miles April 2015 from 80 year old woman. The car now has 57,000 mile. I like the car very much. NO major issues, just maintenance issues here and there. Unfortunately, repairs can be pricey. Overall , I would recommend this car. I am very happy with it. I do expect to keep it a longgggg time. I will keep up the maintenance and it should go and go .I do believe it is the "ultimate driving machine" and I would not go to back to a "basic" car again. I really enjoy driving it... update 3-7-18: Still have the car now with 88,000 miles.. Still love the car and have no real problems...just maintenance issues... had to replace ( a couple times) the front end CVS joint (?) which kept leaking. I hit a lot of bumps here in NYC and that may have been cause. Also, I get very annoyed with the Bi xenon lights. They flicker and I had to replace the bulbs a couple times. It is a problem I can not seem to get an answer to. I am also aware of E46 issues such as the cooling system. No problems yet but I am told I should get a cooling system KIt soon.. Overall, I will find it hard to have any other car than a BMW. It rides so nice. I will keep this car another few years at least. I can not justify a new BMW price..NO way... update: 3-29-19 Well the car now has 105,000 and still going strong. As before , wear and tear issues occur but not too bad. I keep hiting the darn pot holes/man hole covers and I damage the front axle. ( leaks) . I was also able to fix the flickering headlights. I played with the wire connections, reconnected and they seem fine now. yeah!! I change the oil every 5000-6000 miles on my own. I am aware of the e46 issues ( ie: expansion tank) and I may just replace as preventative issue. I take very good care of the car, probably more than the normal guy. This car rides so nice..in fact...the ride is better than some of the newer BMW's in my opinion and the style of this car does not look dated or old. I'm keeping it! I will keep up dating..
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BMW--Break My Wallet
Jack, 01/26/2017
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I owned the car for 3.5 years and truly wanted to love the car and the brand. I learned a lot as I repaired the vehicle. I did go six months once, only once, without it needing repairs! The ride, engine performance and mpg are excellent, but I couldn't trust it to go on any trip. the cooling system, radiator, expansion tank, and other cooling system parts are all plastic. My car finally bit the dust and blew the head gasket, forcing pressure into the cooling system, which caused various leaks. I will buy a Lexus IS or an Acura tl for my ride from now on. I'm sold that I don't want to spend the rest of my life troubleshooting the woes of the BMW!!
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Great vehicle, for any occasion...
arod305, 01/25/2012
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Ive had my 2004 330i ( M Package ) for about 2 years now . Its the best vehicle I've ever owned. It now has 96k miles on it and i still owe 4k but let me tell you its a great car, not to mention the handling of this car and the grip has saved me from 2 big accidents, I couldnt believe how good the handling is. So far Ive changed the gas pump, power steering pump, radiator, fan clutch on the engine, not very cheap, but today very happy with it. The exterior look is amazing and so far thank GOD the car has never been crashed and the interior Ive had to fix some stuff here and there but nothing major. Sometimes people ask me what year is your car, i love the way it looks , and mind you its a 2004 !! gREAT CAR, I would recommend it to anyone.
So far great car. 85k miles
solarwind63, 05/02/2011
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I stoped in a local BMW dealer and they sold me on a 325xi it is the most comfortable car I looked at. The sport seats give alot of comfort and are big. For 11k less 1500 for my old car and 200.00 OTD a month I think I did pretty good, for an all wheel drive sports sedan. My first mpg was 29 mostly hwy city. 100 miles a day and see 25 to 28 mpg. This is a car I feel good in and got lots of compliments. 120 mph is like doing 75. I think this car will do 35 mpg all hwy. This car is far ahead of any new honda or toyota. So far I have 85k and will post back at 100 or 125k and will see how well it holds up. Hope I can get 5years of low cost driving. So far love the car. This is a real car tryIt
04 330i with Performance Pkg
czego82, 01/06/2011
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is my 4th BMW that I owned and the best one by far. What makes this car different from others is the ZHP package or Hight Performance Pkg which give it different look and options. O owned it for over 4yrs and never had any major problems. I purchased it with 44k and now has around 80. Maintenance on it cost me around $1k per year including oil changes and Michelin high performance tires. Car came with HID headlights, leather, navi and all available options.
Overall, "The Ultimate Driving Exp."
FireMedic, 09/20/2010
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
My wife and I purchased our '04 325i in Oct. 2008. It was a blast to drive until we sold it today. Alpine white/Montana sand leather color combo was perfect and received tons of compliments! In the 21k miles we drove it, the water pump, lower air intake boot, mirror motor, oil separator and secondary air valve all had to be replaced due to failure. Replaced due to "wear and tear" were f & r brakes, belts, window regulators, etc. Other than a few small repairs, we loved this car and honestly hated to see it go. Pick up a certified pre-owned for the best results, and if possible, one with the extended maintenance plan as these are both fully transferable! Rotate your tires every 3k!
UMM why did i ever get rid of this CAR??? ZHP
happy163, 01/04/2015
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
12 of 14 people found this review helpful
I've had about 10 different cars throughout my lifespan of only 29 years! I have owned three BMWs VWs a Toyota, Mazda and have driven many other vehicles. This is by far the BEST vehicle ever built. Way to go BMW. I had the 330i fully stocked with navigation, cold weather, premium and 6-speed manual. It was a rare find and I was stupid enough to trade it in and regret it everyday. The engine was silky smooth and soo powerful. IT handled like butter and could turn on a dime. The car felt like you were driving on roller coaster tracks everywhere you went. The gas mileage was excellent. These cars will also you a lifetime I've seen engines go for 300K miles. The inline 6 is so reliable and fun!
BMW 325xi Sedan
alaskanamber, 06/21/2008
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Great Car my 3 rd BMW
Louleeboat, 02/07/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
The fun in driving this car is not equaled by anything I test drove. I drove my last BMW 125,000 and every time I drove that car it felt as if I was getting in it for the first time. The only reason I purchased a new one is my 17 year old daughter tested the air bags and they worked fine when she destroyed the car. This is the 3 rd BMW that saved the life of someone in my family. I car you will love!
Better than Infiniti G35
ME747, 10/22/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I traded in my 03 G35 because it rode to stiff and had to much road noise. I could not be happier with my decision. This is a true drivers car, confortable and decent power (my G35 was much faster)with smooth delivery and quieter than the G35. I purchased a BLACK ext. with tan leather. The only 2 problems I had were the brake pedal and steering vibrated when I applied the brakes and at 200 miles the engine misfired (was running on 5 cyl). I had to pull over to then side of the road called BMW, they told me to turn the engine off then re-start it,the problem went away. I took it in for service the following week and they changed the no#3 coil and the rotors.
A driver's dream
killerisme, 08/21/2010
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Purchased new, my ZHP as shown in many example pics for 04 330i sedan (dark gray) was a great intro to the UDM experience. Razor sharp and excellent power and handling, with great ride and economy to boot. Only one mechanical issue due to fuel quality. Good room for what is really a small car. Always looked forward to driving it.
I'll keep it till the end! I still own it!
mike farmer, 02/15/2016
updated 02/16/2017
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I'm the 2nd owner. Bought it when it had 13000. Has 123000 now. Very reliable, interior looks as good as the day I bought it! I may be selling it soon. I like the Z4 !! SoMy thought is to sell the 325xi and get the Z4 as my 3rd car.
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Unreal control in snow and ice
AaronWhite, 02/01/2010
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have owned my 2004 325xi for three years now and have enjoyed driving it every minute. I grew up with Mercedes and am used to German engineering, build quality, etc. However, I think the 3 series, particularly the XI (AWD) variants, are very tough to beat. This was confirmed over the weekend when I drove from DC to North Carolina and spent three days driving around in snow and ice in NC. I cannot explain how well the car handles in bad weather. It is truly unreal. When trying to slip and slide, the car takes over, cuts the gas, shifts the traction around to the various wheels and keeps the car in control. No complaints in 60k miles of driving it.
BMW 325 XI
poddoug, 11/08/2003
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Lower speed acceleration is outstanding.I feel like the car and I are one. The machine says drive me and have fun. Oxford green dazzles in the sunshine.
Worth the wait!
dhump33, 04/29/2009
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
xi AWD Safety and Performance to boot
smileywm, 11/23/2003
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
xDrive ROCKS! Handles flawlessly in any road condition. Combination of AWD and Dynamic Stability Control makes this vehicle as near to fool-proof as you can get behind the steering wheel of a car. If safety is high on your list, but you do not want to compromise too much in the way of performance, ride or comfort, consider the 325xi.
Simply the best
bmw4life, 08/03/2005
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have owned my performance package (ZHP) for just over 1 year and it has been wonderful. I have two small kids and had to find a sedan that fit the family and was still fun to drive. The 330i is simply the best. There is a reason why all other manufacturers try to imitate the 3 series, it is the perfect balance of fun and functionality. If you want to have the best than look no further, I have owned many cars and have never been happier. The acceleration is amazing, the fuel economy is great for a "performance" car, the handling is uncomparable. Other cars will outrun in a straight line, but he fun is in the turns!
Reliable and Strong Engine
Pinay Realtor, 11/16/2018
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car 2007 with 30,000 miles. Drive it mainly on freeways and once a round trip from Montana to California, during winter, car was parked and buried for days in snow while in Montana, engine started strong with no problems. It's now 215,000 miles on it and car still strong and reliable, but usual maintenance like alternator just recently changed, and minor parts here and there, the car is still run well. Overall this car is really strong and reliable.
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Luv It
Pam White, 04/22/2006
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the second BMW I have owned. The first was a 1999 323i and it was my most favorite car - but I totaled it on the ice. It saved my life, as I slid into ongoing traffic and was hit in the driver door with a van on the interstate. I walked away without a scratch. I finally found the 2004 325i that I have now. It is now my most favorite car. More power, came with arm rest and doesn't hesitate at starts into traffic
Best in its class--again.
matthew, 09/15/2006
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
325xi with steptronic purchased as certified pre-owned with 18500 miles. Car is like new - agile handling, superb steering, fair to good acceleration (best from 25 mph to 75 mph), and solid feel. Interior leather, carpet, etc., all of high quality with no signs of wear. Seats are firm and comfortable. Cold weather package is a great option but fold-down seats or at least a pass-through should be standard feature on this car as trunk space is limited. Jet black paint is nice but optional metallic paint looks better on this model as 325s lack the chrome trim of the 330s models. Driving experience is great whether on highway or twisty back roads. H-K sound upgrade is good but not outstanding.
Still waiting for something better
onthefence, 12/22/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I really had a tough time choosing this BMW over a similar-priced G35. What finally clinched it was a two-day rental I did on a business trip. The G35 was a great car to test-drive, with killer acceleration and handling. But over the course of two days, driving about 200 miles per day, I noticed that: it had a rough ride and hates potholes; the auto transmission is never sure what gear to pick and always has a lag; the seats are uncomfortable (why do all Japanese cars have way too much lumbar?); and I simply could not get past how cheap the interior felt.
Don't buy this car
felipea1, 12/26/2010
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
18 of 38 people found this review helpful
Overall this is the worst vehicle EVER!! I keep fixing parts all the time, if I can summarize all the problems with BMW 325i I will need more space. Please stay away from BMW you will thank me later. Great engine but that's it; the quality of the cockpit is horrible, the engineers who design the cheap parts in the interior and exterior should be ashamed.
Love them or hate them, it depends
ILeftNJ, 06/28/2018
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I had to chuckel at another review I just read. My biggest complaint is how darn much money I put into this car, On the other hamd I drive it hard all year long and use on my sales job. II got it with 88,000 mi and put on 50,000 miles. At least two new sets of brakes. Total overhaul of cooling system that a NMW mechanic did after I messed it up $3200. I took a 6 year long and sure enough I owe nore than the car is worth. Did I say I love to drive it, detail it zoom in the left lane at 90 mph. For now I am going to hang on to it maybe even restore the interior. It has become a hobby, way cheaper than a boat.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Disappointment
eatwell, 06/30/2005
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful
I purchased the vehicle new to replace a 318i that I loved and drove for 8 years. This car has been a nightmare. First, the dealership messed up the installation of the BlueTooth. Then the engine wouldn't start, and the car, which was less than one years old, had to be towed in for service. It took one week to repair! Then the car needed brake service. And the turn signals have never worked properly, nor the door locks, even after multiple servicing.
You can do better for this much money
xyrium, 10/15/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 330xi AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've had this car for 2500 miles now and can only say that it has the worst suspension, and drive by wire system imaginable. There is a 0.5 second delay after you hit the accelerator, and the car bounces, floats, and leans terribly regarding the suspension. The interior is nice and clean. However the performance suffers so greatly, I am going to have to upgrade both the suspension and software to make it livable. I thought it was the break in period, but alas, it's made this way. Not recommended for anyone that owned a previous (E36 model years) BMW. The XI version drives more like an SUV than a sedan. For the money, it's not worth it.
Performance Package Makes it Perfect!
Bryan, 01/07/2007
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I've owned this car for three years now, and there is nothing out there that can match the awesome driving experience of the 330i with Performance Package. The handling is perfect, virtually no understeer and great rotation through the corners. Clutch, shifter, and brakes are the best in class. Interior is laid out perfectly; no frills, and very driver oriented... even better than the redesigned 3 Series. Have had no problems with the car except occasional oil consumption. Quality is outstanding, dealership experience is first-class, and this thing is built like a tank!
AWSOME IN BAD WEATHER!!!!!!
hockii, 01/02/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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 !!!!!!!
I'm Sold
cho, 10/10/2009
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought mine CPO; premium and sports package; black on black with 39,000 miles in 2007. I've always owned Japanese and my last car was a 1997 Integra GSR. But I needed a 4-door for the ease of carrying more than one passenger, so I bought this Bimmer even though I had trepidation about its reliability as I found this particular year and model to be the best looking 4-door sport sedan out there (even now in 2009 IMO). Two years into the ownership and I have not had any major issue. I recently lost my job; I don't miss my job but I missed not making the daily commute in my 325i. That's how much I love this car, how about that!
The ultimate driving machine
kg, 03/25/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
The True 4 Door Sports Car
Joshua R., 12/16/2021
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This thing is amazing I found one with 112k miles for cheap, this thing drives ridiculously well, smooth transmission for an old car, very balanced ride. Very liberal oil change intervals, surprisingly easy to work on. Hasn't left me stranded once in more than a year!
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Love this car but reliability not great
J. Brand, 10/20/2009
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
There are 3 things I love about this car: 1) Handling and performance, it's a dream to drive on freeways and windy roads. 2) Interior is simple and elegant - I prefer BMW interior of this model period vs the newer BMW design which is unnecessarily complex. 3) Seats are firm and very comfortable for long rides. I sat in the back seat of a friend's BMW 3-series of same year and the surprisingly comfortable ride in the back if you want a smaller car. It would be tight squeeze though for a guy over 6 ft tall but more room than Mercedes C-class in same price range.
best car I've ever owned
david fulginiti, 02/16/2010
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
bought my 330i new, has performance pak,most options. never has let me down. drove it thru a flood, snow, ice and 90 plus temps,always make me smile and gets me home. I also own a 2008 M3 and I enjoy this car(330i) more as a daily drive.
Love my 325xi
gluz, 02/17/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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...
lovin this car
ricks corgis, 01/19/2009
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
Tons of Repairs
Lexas_p, 11/11/2003
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
All I can say is, expect to pay twice what you pay monthly for maintenance and repairs.
330i Performance Package
qvu, 06/30/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Excellent car
Marra's, 10/22/2003
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love BMW's. This is my 3rd one. I absolutely recommend it.
This car is the worst
Khryssie77, 10/06/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
Worst Buy of My Life- Never Again
Mike MacMahon, 04/09/2004
2004 BMW 3 Series 330i Rwd 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 13 people found this review helpful
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!!!!!!!!!!!!
prinze, 01/09/2011
2004 BMW 3 Series 325i Rwd 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
2 of 14 people found this review helpful
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!!!
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