Snapshot:
The 2004 BMW 3-Series is highly rated by enthusiasts as the ultimate sports sedan. 6-cylinder inline engine, rear-wheel-drive with all-wheel-drive available. Features BMW's unique culture of handling refinement, compact design, driver ergonomics.
How Much?:
US Prices for a 2004 BMW 3-Series go from $28,495 for the 325i sedan to $37,045 for the 330 xi all-wheel-drive sedan.
The Inside Story:
Since the mid-1980's, BMW's have been noted for interiors that answer to the driver's needs, from supportive seats to large-easily-read instruments. Those in the back may find the space a bit tight, but children and shorter adults should be comfortable enough. The cabin is quiet, interrupted only by the melodious engine tone under full acceleration. All interior power assists are standard. The driver benefits from many electronic safety aids and headlights that turn into corners.
Under the Hood:
The 2004 BMW 3-Series engine is a superb 6-cylinder DOHC inline unit that starts at 2.5 liters and 184 hp, reaches to 3-liters at 225 hp, and tops the range at 3.3 liters and 333 hp.
Transmissions:
Two manual transmissions are available, one with 5-speeds, the other with 6-speeds. The automatic is a slick 5-speeder.
Warranty:
4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper. 4 years/50,000 miles powertrain.
Should You Buy An 2004 BMW 3 Series?:
The only real negative with the 2004 BMW 3-Series is that too many people buy them solely for the brand image. This is a car that begs to be driven at Autobahn speeds and hustled through the curves of California's Hwy. 1 (conditions permitting). Fortunately for the unskilled it comes with a number of active safety aids. Dynamic Stability Control helps prevents over-and-understeer; anti-lock brakes are standard; brake proportioning balances braking effort with traction; dynamic brake control increases pressure in emergencies; headlights turn into corners. Steering, handling, are sports car precise. Still a winner in our book.
