EDMUNDS.COM 2004 BMW 3 SERIES
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| Editors' Review |
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
If you've got the bucks, this is unequivocally the best car in the entry-luxury category.
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 for 2004
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.
Overview
Introduction:
The fifth-generation 3 Series was introduced in sedan form in 1999, followed by the coupes, the convertible and the wagon in the 2000 model year. All-wheel-drive versions of the sedan and wagon arrived in 2001. In 2002, BMW kept the lineup fresh with subtle styling revisions to the front and rear fascias (and if you're a serious enthusiast, you also know that the company tightened up the steering again after a misguided effort to appease the masses with a lighter setup in 2001). Last year saw the arrival of the Performance Package for the 330i, which brought it a tad closer to the capability of the high-performance M3. Now in 2004, select 3 Series models are eligible for BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG), a sophisticated transmission that combines the control of a manual gearbox with the ease of an automatic.The 3 Series is BMW's top-seller in the U.S., and for good reason -- endowed with world-class suspension, steering and brake components, these cars have an ability to communicate with their drivers that is unmatched in the entry-level luxury class and, indeed, unmatched by most cars at any price. Lest you think this adroit handling comes at the expense of ride quality, rest assured that BMW still realizes the importance of comfortable cruising. Whether you choose the standard suspension or the optional sport-tuned setup, you'll be able to go about your weekday routine without feeling that you've sacrificed ride comfort for the sake of weekend thrills. Luxury inside the cabin is understated compared with peers like the Audi A4, but it's dignified and laden with most of the requisite features (among others, automatic climate control, one-touch windows and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel). However, leather upholstery and power adjustments for the seats cost extra on all but the 330Ci convertible. Moreover, on the whole, the 3 Series cars tend to cost more than the competition, but if you go easy on the options, we think you'll find that the price of admission is well worth it.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The lineup includes the 325i sedan and wagon, 330i sedan, 325xi all-wheel-drive sedan and wagon, 330xi all-wheel-drive sedan, 325Ci coupe and convertible and 330Ci coupe and convertible. Standard features on 325 models include 16-inch wheels, automatic climate control, leatherette (vinyl, that is) upholstery, one-touch power windows, automatic headlights, heated mirrors, a CD player and keyless entry. Additionally, coupes have a sport-tuned suspension and coupes and wagons have a split-folding rear seat (optional on sedans). The 330 models add 17-inch wheels, a sport suspension (optional on the 330Ci convertible and not available on the 330xi), and a Harman Kardon sound system. The 330Ci convertible also gets power leather seats and a power-operated cloth top. You can get any of these features in one form or another on other models; a DVD-based navigation system, bi-xenon headlights and parking sensors are stand-alone extras for the entire lineup. There are also several wheel and tire upgrade packages. The 330i sedan is eligible for the Performance Package, which incorporates a few drivetrain modifications, even tighter suspension tuning, 18-inch wheels and cloth/Alcantara suede upholstery.
Powertrains and Performance:
All 325 models are powered by a 2.5-liter inline six that makes 184 horsepower and 175 pound-feet of torque; all 330s use a 3.0-liter engine that generates 225 hp and 214 lb-ft of torque. On 330i models with the Performance Package, output goes up to 235 hp and 222 lb-ft. Transmission choices include either a five-speed or six-speed manual, depending on the model; and a five-speed automatic. BMW's Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) is also available this year on rear-drive models equipped with the Sport Package. (Note that the 330i with Performance Package takes only the six-speed manual or five-speed automatic.) Either engine is more than ample for everyday travel, though the 3.0-liter is by far our favorite as it's able to propel a manual-shift 330i to 60 mph in just 6.3 seconds.
Safety:
Included on every model are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability control, dynamic brake control, front side-impact airbags and head curtain airbags (convertibles get rollover protection) for the front and rear; rear side-impact bags are optional. The 3 Series earned a "Good" rating (the highest) in IIHS frontal offset crash testing, as well as four stars for the driver and five stars for the front passenger in government frontal impact testing.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The 3 Series' interiors provide a restrained show of luxury, wherein the emphasis is on driver comfort and involvement (hence the supportive seats and clean analog gauges). Materials are high in quality and build quality is exceptional; indeed, even the standard vinyl upholstery looks and feels better than you would expect.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Its world-class suspension, steering and brakes have provided hours of entertainment on twisty two-lane highways -- beyond simply feeling rock-solid when hustled around turns, this car communicates with the driver in a manner that is alien to most cars. And you don't have to give up a comfortable ride to get this kind of athleticism.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds' editors, see Edmunds' Road Tests page. |
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