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2004 BMW 3-Series Full Review
Date Published: 7/31/08
Also in the 2004 BMW 3-Series Review:
2004 BMW 3-Series Review
A sequential manual transmission is available on more models in BMW's most-popular lineup for 2004. Sedans and wagons wear an "i" suffix, coupes and convertibles a "Ci." All have an inline 6-cyl engine. The 325 models have a 2.5 liter, 330 models a 3.0, and the top-line M3 coupe and convertible a high-power 3.2. The 325xi and 330xi versions have all-wheel drive. Other models have rear-wheel drive. The standard transmission is a 5-speed manual on 325s, a 6-speed manual on the others. A 5-speed automatic is optional on 325s and 330s. Previously optional only on M3s, a 6-speed sequential manual transmission is now offered on all rear-wheel-drive 3-Series models except the 330i with the optional Performance Package. Essentially a clutchless manual operated via console lever or steering-wheel paddles, the sequential manual can also be set to shift like an automatic.
All 3-Series have antiskid/traction control and front torso side airbags. Rear side airbags are optional. All but convertibles have front head-protecting tubular side airbags. Convertibles have a heated glass rear window; a power top is standard on the 330Ci, optional on the 325Ci. Bi-xenon headlights are optional for all 3-Series; on the 330Ci and 325Ci, the option includes steering-linked headlights. Run-flat tires are optional for 330Ci models; a tire-pressure monitor is available on all 330s and M3. An optional 330i sedan Performance Package includes a 10-hp increase, 6-speed manual, 18-inch wheels, exclusive trim, and sport suspension and exhaust tuning. Other features for 2004 include standard rain-sensing windshield wipers and optional BMW Assist emergency and concierge service.
All 3-Series have antiskid/traction control and front torso side airbags. Rear side airbags are optional. All but convertibles have front head-protecting tubular side airbags. Convertibles have a heated glass rear window; a power top is standard on the 330Ci, optional on the 325Ci. Bi-xenon headlights are optional for all 3-Series; on the 330Ci and 325Ci, the option includes steering-linked headlights. Run-flat tires are optional for 330Ci models; a tire-pressure monitor is available on all 330s and M3. An optional 330i sedan Performance Package includes a 10-hp increase, 6-speed manual, 18-inch wheels, exclusive trim, and sport suspension and exhaust tuning. Other features for 2004 include standard rain-sensing windshield wipers and optional BMW Assist emergency and concierge service.
News
BMW unwraps redesigned 3-Series sedans in fall 2005. Sources see U.S. sales underway by January 2006. Updated wagons are expected about six months after that. New-generation coupes and convertibles are due by fall of '06 and will be badged 4-Series in line with BMW's new policy of labelling sportier models with even numbers. The new 3s and 4s will follow the latest 5-Series in making heavy use of aluminum construction to offset larger dimensions. Wheelbase reportedly grows to 108.7 inches, overall length to 177, width to 69.7. U.S. models will still rely on inline 6-cyl engines, but should gain power and efficiency from BMW's latest variable valve-timing and valve-lift controls--and perhaps more displacement. Transmissions are said to comprise conventional and SMT 6-speed manuals and a new 6-speed automatic. A 3.6-liter V8 should provide around 270 hp for high-performance M4 models and an M3 sedan, which likely won't appear until mid-2007. BMW is also said to be working up a turbocharged six to plug the power gap between mainstream and M models. BMW's xDrive AWD should be available a year or so after the new lines debut. All models reportedly get "by-wire" electrohydraulic brakes and and a class-appropriate version of BMW's controversial iDrive control system. Sport Package options should include BMW's Active Steering, as on the 5-Series. Spy photos of little-disguised prototypes confirm more conservative styling than on the 5- and 7-Series, though it's obviously in the same mold. The 4s are expected to be more sharply differentiated than today's coupes and convertibles--think 6-Series vs. 5-Series. One source says a high-body crossover wagon with rear- and AWD may appear by 2007. Meanwhile, BMW is still apparently debating whether to bring over its new 1-series compact. Based partly on 3-Series components, this 4-cyl 4-dr hatchback has made a big splash in Europe, but BMW North America is reportedly concerned about profits given the current weak dollar/strong euro situation--and about possibly diluting the brand's premium image with such a small, relatively simple car in the competitive low-$20,000 market. About the most BMW will say for now is that the 1-Series may come Stateside, but not for 1-2 years at least. More likely for us, say U.S. gossips, are the spinoff 2-Series coupe and convertible, though we likely won't see them until 2007 at the earliest. Stay tuned.
2004 BMW 3-Series Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Cargo room (convertible) |
| Steering/handling | Rear-seat entry/exit (coupe, convertible) |
| Build quality | |
| Exterior finish | |
| Available AWD | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Lively in any form, especially with manual transmission. BMW pegs rear-drive 330s at 7.0 sec 0-60 mph with automatic, 6.4 with the conventional manual. In our tests, a manual 330xi sedan did 6.8 sec 0-60, an automatic 325i sedan 8.1, and an M3 5.4 sec with conventional 6-speed manual. SMT delivers lightning-quick high-rpm shifts, but does not shift smoothly in less-aggressive driving.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Lively in any form, especially with manual transmission. BMW pegs rear-drive 330s at 7.0 sec 0-60 mph with automatic, 6.4 with the conventional manual. In our tests, a manual 330xi sedan did 6.8 sec 0-60, an automatic 325i sedan 8.1, and an M3 5.4 sec with conventional 6-speed manual. SMT delivers lightning-quick high-rpm shifts, but does not shift smoothly in less-aggressive driving.
Fuel Economy
Test 325xi averaged 24 mpg, 330i 25.4, 330xi 20.8; all had conventional manual transmission and benefited from highway travel. With automatic transmission and more city driving, test 325i sedan averaged 19.7 mpg, 325Ci convertible 16.2. Automatic-transmission 325xi wagon averaged 27 mpg in almost all-highway driving. Test M3 averaged 18.7; 19.0 with SMT. All models require premium fuel.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5.2 |
Test 325xi averaged 24 mpg, 330i 25.4, 330xi 20.8; all had conventional manual transmission and benefited from highway travel. With automatic transmission and more city driving, test 325i sedan averaged 19.7 mpg, 325Ci convertible 16.2. Automatic-transmission 325xi wagon averaged 27 mpg in almost all-highway driving. Test M3 averaged 18.7; 19.0 with SMT. All models require premium fuel.
Ride Quality
Firm and always composed. Comfort deteriorates noticeably with available 17-inch tires. Stiffer-yet settings and high-speed low-profile tires make M3s thumpy, though not brutal. Have not yet tested the sedan Performance Package.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 6.4 |
Firm and always composed. Comfort deteriorates noticeably with available 17-inch tires. Stiffer-yet settings and high-speed low-profile tires make M3s thumpy, though not brutal. Have not yet tested the sedan Performance Package.
Steering/Handling/Braking
The class benchmark for overall control and steering feel, though margin is slim over the best rivals, such as the Audi A4 quattro, Infiniti G35. Standard antiskid system and available AWD add to safety, but rear-drive models have mediocre traction in snow with base tires and lack grip on wet roads with sport treads. All stop with swift, stable assurance.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 7.1 |
The class benchmark for overall control and steering feel, though margin is slim over the best rivals, such as the Audi A4 quattro, Infiniti G35. Standard antiskid system and available AWD add to safety, but rear-drive models have mediocre traction in snow with base tires and lack grip on wet roads with sport treads. All stop with swift, stable assurance.
Quietness
Convertibles suffer the most wind rush, M3s the most tire roar, but all 3s are mechanically refined and pretty quiet overall.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6 | 5 | 6 | 6.2 |
Convertibles suffer the most wind rush, M3s the most tire roar, but all 3s are mechanically refined and pretty quiet overall.
Controls
Steering-wheel audio and cruise controls complement well-arranged dashboard, but navigation system a chore to program. Fairly plain rather than posh cabin materials; making leather optional for most models is penny-pinching by BMW at these prices.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6.6 |
Steering-wheel audio and cruise controls complement well-arranged dashboard, but navigation system a chore to program. Fairly plain rather than posh cabin materials; making leather optional for most models is penny-pinching by BMW at these prices.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Upright cabin seems narrow, but isn't cramped. Leg room plentiful. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps driver comfort, but tester complaints included subpar lumbar support and tight head room for the very tall. Visibility fine except top-up in convertibles. Have not yet tested steering-linked headlamps.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6.3 |
Upright cabin seems narrow, but isn't cramped. Leg room plentiful. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel helps driver comfort, but tester complaints included subpar lumbar support and tight head room for the very tall. Visibility fine except top-up in convertibles. Have not yet tested steering-linked headlamps.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Knee and foot space just OK in sedans and wagons with a front seat fully aft. Much less room and trickier entry/exit in 2-dr models.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 3.9 |
Knee and foot space just OK in sedans and wagons with a front seat fully aft. Much less room and trickier entry/exit in 2-dr models.
Cargo Room
Decent in sedans, less so in 2-dr models; wagons have scarcely more cargo space than sedans without folding the back seats.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 6 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 3.9 |
Decent in sedans, less so in 2-dr models; wagons have scarcely more cargo space than sedans without folding the back seats.
Value within Class
The class choice for driving enthusiasts. Some competitors deliver more room, standard features, and even more power for less money. But none are more refined or dynamically capable overall. Resale values are strong, too.
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 5.1 |
The class choice for driving enthusiasts. Some competitors deliver more room, standard features, and even more power for less money. But none are more refined or dynamically capable overall. Resale values are strong, too.
Total Score
| 325xi wgn, auto. | 330Ci cpe, auto. | 330i w/Sport Pkg., man. | 330xi w/nav. sys., man. | Class Average |
| 63 | 57 | 58 | 56 | 56.8 |
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
| Low Score | 47 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 63 |
2004 BMW 3-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 09/27/2004
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 325i 4-door sedan | $28,100 | $25,730 | $695 |
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| AWD 325xi AWD 4-door sedan | $29,850 | $27,325 | $695 |
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| 325i 4-door wagon | $30,800 | $28,190 | $695 |
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| AWD 325xi 4-door wagon | $32,550 | $29,780 | $695 |
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| 325Ci 2-door coupe | $30,500 | $27,915 | $695 |
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| 325Ci 2-door convertible | $37,800 | $34,560 | $695 |
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| 330i 4-door sedan | $35,200 | $32,190 | $695 |
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| AWD 330xi 4-door sedan | $36,950 | $33,785 | $695 |
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| 330Ci 2-door coupe | $36,800 | $33,650 | $695 |
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| 330Ci 2-door convertible | $44,100 | $40,290 | $695 |
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| M3 2-door coupe | $47,100 | $43,020 | $695 |
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| M3 2-door convertible | $55,600 | $50,755 | $695 |
Price note: AWD denotes all-wheel drive. M3 adds $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. M3 convertible w/sequential transmission adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
325i/325xi
Powertrain
2.5-liter 6-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front side head-protection airbags, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (wagon), heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof (wagon), AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, remote fuel-door and decklid release, cargo cover (wagon), rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, roof rails (wagon), full-size spare tire (sedan), 205/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, hill descent control.
325Ci coupe adds to 325i:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Split folding rear seat, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, full-size spare tire.
325Ci convertible adds to 325Ci coupe:
Safety
Rollover-protection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power front seats, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, memory system (driver seat, mirrors).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front side head-protection airbags, split folding rear seat, full-size spare tire, sport suspension.
330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe adds to 325i:
Powertrain
3.0-liter 225-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission.
Comfort and Convenience Features
8-way power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirror), split folding rear seat (coupe), passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, Harman/Kardon sound system, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension (coupe), full-size spare tire (coupe), 205/50VR17 tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, hill descent control.
330Ci convertible adds to 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe:
Safety
Rollover-protection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front side head-protection airbags, split folding rear seat.
M3 coupe adds to 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe
Powertrain
3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine.
Safety
Tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather/cloth upholstery, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature display, heated door locks, visor mirrors.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: 8-way power front seats, driver-seat memory, Harman/Kardon sound system, illuminated visor mirrors, full-size spare tire.
M sport suspension, 225/45ZR18 front tires, 255/40ZR18 rear tires, chrome alloy wheels.
M3 convertible adds to M3 Coupe:
Safety
Rollover-protection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, power front seats w/memory and thigh-support adjustment, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: front side head-protection airbags.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Premium Pkg.
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M3 coupe
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$2,400
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$2,185
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Power sunroof, leather upholstery, 8-way power front seats w/memory, BMW Assist telematics system.
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Sport Pkg.
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330Ci coupe
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$600
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$541
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330Ci convertible
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$800
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$730
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8-way power front sport seats w/adjustable thigh support, white turn-signal indicators, sport suspension (330Ci convertible), 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires, special alloy wheels.
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Performance Pkg.
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330i
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$3,900
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$3,550
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3.0-liter 235-horsepower 6-cylinder engine, leather/cloth upholstery, sport seats and steering wheel, aerodynamics pkg., rear spoiler, unique exterior trim, M sport suspension, 225/40ZR18 front tires, 255/35ZR18 rear tires, special alloy wheels. NA w/5-speed automatic transmission or 6-speed sequential manual transmission.
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Cold Weather Pkg.
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325i/325xi sedan, 330i, 330xi
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$1,000
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$910
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325i/325xi wagon, 325Ci, 330Ci, M3
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$750
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$685
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Heated front seats, split folding rear seat w/armrest (sedan), ski sack, headlight washers.
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Powertrain |
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5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe
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$1,275
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$1,210
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NA M3.
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6-speed sequential manual transmission
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M3
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$2,400
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$2,185
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325, 330
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$1,500
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$1,425
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M3 includes rear-obstacle-detection system. 325, 330 require Sport Pkg. NA AWD.
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Safety |
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Rear side airbags
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$385
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$350
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Rear-obstacle-detection system
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$350
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$320
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Tire-pressure monitor
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330i, 330xi, 330Ci
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$300
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$275
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Includes 205/50R17 run-flat tires. Replaces full-size spare tire w/compact spare tire. NA w/Sport Pkg. or Performance Pkg.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Navigation system
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$1,800
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$1,640
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325i/325xi require Premium Pkg. or trip computer. Replaces CD player w/cassette player.
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BMW Assist telematics system
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$750
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$685
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Wood interior trim
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coupe, convertible
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$500
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$455
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NA M3.
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Aluminum interior trim
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M3
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$300
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$275
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325, 330
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$0
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$0
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325, 330 require Premium Pkg. or Performance Pkg.
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Leather upholstery
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325, 330
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$1,450
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$1,320
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M3 coupe
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$1,100
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$1,000
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Std. 330Ci convertible, M3 convertible.
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8-way power front seats
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325i, 325xi, 325Ci, M3 coupe
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$995
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$905
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Includes driver-seat memory. 325 includes mirror memory, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid.
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Adjustable seats
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M3 coupe
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$500
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$455
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Front-seat lumbar adjustment and adjustable seat width. Requires Premium Pkg. or 6-way power front seats.
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Heated front seats
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe
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$500
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$455
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Split folding rear seat w/ski sack
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325i/325xi sedan, 330i/330xi sedan
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$475
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$430
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Harman/Kardon sound system
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325, M3
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$675
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$615
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AM/FM/cassette
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coupe, convertible
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$0
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$0
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NA M3.
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Trip computer
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325i, 325xi
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$300
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$255
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Power sunroof
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 coupe
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$1,050
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$955
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Std. wagon. NA convertible.
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Removable hardtop
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325Ci/330Ci/M3 convertibles
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$2,295
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$2,090
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Rear spoiler delete
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330i w/Performance Pkg., M3 coupe
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$0
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$0
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Xenon headlights
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sedan, wagon, M3
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$700
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$635
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Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights
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325/330 coupe/convertible
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$800
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$730
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Metallic paint
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325Ci convertible, 325Ci coupe, 325i/325xi, 330Ci convertible, 330i sedan/330xi sedan/330Ci coupe, M3 convertible, M3 coupe
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$475
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$430
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Full-size spare tire
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325i wagon
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$250
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$230
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Double-spoke alloy wheels
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330Ci
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$1,000
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$910
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Includes 225/40ZR18 front tires, 255/35ZR18 rear tires. Requires Sport Pkg.
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2004 BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe | BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible | BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 3-Series 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 107.3 | 107.3 | 107.3 | 107.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.7 | 176.7 | 176.0 | 176.3 |
| Overall Width, in. | 69.2 | 69.2 | 68.5 | 68.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 53.9 | 54.0 | 55.7 | 55.5 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3197 | 3560 | 3219 | 3362 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 9.5 | 7.7 | 10.7 | 48.0 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.6 | 16.6 | 16.6 | 16.6 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.5 | 38.0 | 38.4 | 38.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 | 41.7 | 41.4 | 41.4 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.5 | 36.4 | 37.5 | 37.7 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.2 | 32.0 | 34.6 | 34.4 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I6 | dohc I6 | dohc I6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.5 /152 | 3.0 /182 | 3.2 /192 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 184 @ 6000 | 225 @ 5900 | 333 @ 7900 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 175 @ 3500 | 214 @ 3500 | 262 @ 4900 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed manual | 20/29 | --/-- | --/-- |
| 6-speed manual | --/-- | 20/30 | 16/24 |
| 5-speed automatic | 19/27 | 19/27 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automated manual | 21/30 | 19/28 | 16/23 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe | BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible | BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan | BMW 3-Series 4-door wagon |
| Front Impact, Driver | NA | NA | 4 | NA |
| Front Impact, Passenger | NA | NA | 5 | NA |
| Rollover Resistance | NA | NA | 4 | NA |
| Side Impact, Driver | NA | NA | 3 | NA |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | NA | NA | 5 | NA |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | 4/50,000 | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany, South Africa
Drivewheels:
all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 BMW 3-Series Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
