2004 BMW 3 Series Review
2004 BMW 3 Series Review
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BMW 3 Series types
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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 $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$260/mo for 3 Series 325i
3 Series 325i
vs
$183/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.
5 out of 5 stars
So far !!! Love the 325xi!!
soxxxxx, 06/03/2014
2004 BMW 3 Series 325xi AWD 4dr Sedan (2.5L 6cyl 5M)
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.
2004 3 Series Highlights
Coupe
325Ci
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $30,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $260/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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