2004 BMW 3 Series

I hate this car

By Rathbone (FL) on Monday, June 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I've had several BMWs prior to this one but this is the biggest piece of junk I've ever bought. There's always something wrong with it and usually it's inoperable. At 80,000 miles it's worn out."

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A fun drive, a comfortable ride and good looking.

By mateo4x4 (OR) on Friday, June 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 95,000

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"While BMWs are known to be expensive to maintain, you get your money's worth. Very comfortable, gets up and moves when you mash on the skinny pedal and handles like a dream. Ours has the low-profile tires so the ride is a little rough on bad roads, but very comfortable on the highway."

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The perfect car!

By MikiV (CA) on Wednesday, June 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 138,000

Pros: "Performance, style, comfort, fuel economy."

Cons: "Interior storage cubbies"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Of the seven BMW's (out of 51 cars I've owned) my CPO 325iT has been the best.. It's a blast to drive along the coastal back roads yet it's comfortable for a long trip where I've achieved 35mpg @ 70-75 mph. I fold the seats down & swallow tons of cargo or my two dogs & some cargo. I drive fast & it's being a wagon is never a performance issue. I purchase most of my cars per-owned and let some one else take the depreciation hit. For me, and my BMW friends, doing proper maintenance is key for reliability & longevity; my car has never let me down during my 100k plus time with it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great car, maintenance a little high

By KJohn (SC) on Tuesday, May 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 115,000

Pros: "performance, handling, comfort"

Cons: "high cost of maintenance and repair"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 6

"My 2003 325Xi was a one owner car with 94k miles on the clock when I bought it. It was well maintained with a clean Carfax. Fifteen months and 20k miles later I would say I am pleased with the car, but not overjoyed. Handling and braking are great. Ride comfort is very good even on long trips and it seats four adults comfortably. There is plenty of trunk space for a small car, and I get about 27mpg on the highway. Combined driving is in the low to mid 20's. I would like to upgrade to the Harmon-Kardon sound system but the base model sounds very good; I think most people would be just fine with it. Now for the down sides. Shortly after purchasing the car I experienced various minor electrical problems which, after a couple mis-diagnoses lead to replacing the general module (main electrical control for lights, central locking system, alarm, etc.) - about $600 bucks installed. I had to replace the rear brake/reverse light assembly - about $50. Torn inner CV boot on the front axle; to get to this you have to take the front suspension apart. Good luck doing that without damaging the boots on the ball joints - $650 worth of suspension parts. Just replaced the starter - $700 installed. This is not to mention the upcoming coolant system maintenance, filter changes, shocks, etc. Oil changes are 8 quarts of synthetic - no $25 Quicklube special. The other major gripe (and this is not the car's fault) is the resale value. I paid retail from a local dealer, ie. I didn't get a great deal, but I didn't get screwed either. I have a 30 month note and I am still upside down in the car. It just hasn't held its value like the Volvo it replaced. It's a better car than the old S70, but KBB doesn't seem to agree. So the verdict..... I like the car. A LOT. Its comfortable, practical and fun to drive. If it wasn't for the expensive and frequent maintenance I would have rated it higher. I would recommend the car to anyone who would appreciate the BMW driving experience with one caveat. You can buy one in good condition for a pretty reasonable price, but do your homework and make sure that you can afford to maintain it like it should be. Sorry about the lengthy review - hope it helps someone."

43 people out of 43 found this review helpful

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Finicky, Worth every penny.

By Erik (TX) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 58,000

Pros: "It is a convertible BMW."

Cons: "Maintenance is pricey."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

The day I bought my Baby!

"She can be a bit fussy, maintenance is key! Be prepared to spend more than you will with a Honda, but then again this is no rice burner. Fit and finish is top of the line, quality is found at every turn. You don't buy this car because it is an economical grocery mover or "Mom Mobile". You buy this car because it is a joy to drive, has power on tap, and at the end of a hard day is therapeutic to drop the top!"

9 people out of 9 found this review helpful

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Fun! Fun! Fun to drive!

By JWolf (GA) on Sunday, May 05, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 71,000

Pros: "Fun, sporty and reliable transportation."

Cons: "Expensive to repair when something does go wrong."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"If you are looking for a driver's car this is the one for you. I currently own two, 2001 330 Sedan (5 sp manual), and 2002 330 Convertible (5 sp manual). Love them both equally and will buy another when my son takes one off to college. Puts a smile on my face everytime I drive I drive either one."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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