Although 184hp is not a lot of power, it is adequate for the size of the car being only 176 inches long. Driving the sedan, coupe, convertible or sport wagon is a joy. The front bucket seats provide good support without feeling hard, and come standard with six adjustments. It handles windy roads with sure-footedness. But if you take off in a 3 Series and immediately realize the gap to the rest of the pack is wider than the price differential, then you can consider yourself an enthusiast driver and that your money was well spent.
The top speed extends to 155 mph, which is the voluntary limit adopted by most German automakers. Smart front and front side-impact airbags come standard. The flip-down armrest, standard since 2003, can get in the way when shifting. It has such nice cornering like you wouldnt believe it. If you are looking for a race car, look elsewhere. The rear windows in the coupe are power operated, but they only open by flaring out a few inches at the back, as if to let stale air out rather than fresh air in.
Interior Features The 3 Series interior is designed for the serious driver. Their interiors are well equipped and comfortable. Most switches fall intuitively to the driver's fingertips, but the 3 Series interior is not without its faults. The performance package includes Z-rated tires that are certified to operate safely at 155 mph. Depending on equipment, the 3 Series can be pricey, measured by objective values of space, features and horsepower for the money.
Never did I imagine it would be this exciting. Auto-leveling of the bi-xenon lamps is included, and for 2004 they actually turn into a curve as the car tracks through. Overall I love my bimmer and I wouldnt trade it for anything. The 3 Series puts drivers in touch with the road instead of isolating them. The four-door and wagon are also available with all-wheel-drive.
The short-throw shifter with the Performance Package is more like that of a sports car; it shortens lever movement between gears and snicks impressively from one slot to the next. Comfort level was unbelievably compared to most other cars; repair cost also is unbelievable compared to other cars. The 325i sedan is a terrific car. They blend luxury and sport with high levels of quality, making living with them joyful as well. The sedan was the first of this latest generation 3 Series to be launched. First foreign car that I ever brought and it is great.
Other automakers are envious of the 3 Series for another reason: It exemplifies consistency in product character and values. For 2004, the 3 Series gets an extensive array of updates. I added the the ipod adapter which works great. You may never miss the extra power of the 330i, and you certainly won't miss the increase in monthly payments. Genuine Myrtle wood or real aluminum inserts are optional. The 3 Series is superb. The more common driver-door mounted window switches are usually easier to use.
The wheels fill the fenders wells to the flares and the body work seems wrapped tight, like it's stretched over muscle. Also standard on all but the convertibles are head-protection airbags that deploy from the headliner along the length of both sides of the cabin. All-wheel drive offers winter capability to a car not noted for that. It's so smooth that it's easy to rev past the redline to where the rev limiter cuts back on the throttle. They are also expensive to repair if you dont have a warrenty like me because mine expired last year. Unless otherwise indicated, specifications refer to test vehicle.
The rim is thick enough, and grippy, while the slim design of the hub is a benefit of the latest in compact airbag packaging. Practically speaking, the coupes fit between a two-plus-two sports car and a sports sedan. I love driving to work everyday, and the grocery store, gas station, or just for the fun of it. The leather-covered steering wheel tilts and telescopes for optimum adjustment. Both top out at an electronically limited 128 mph, unless you order the Performance Package.
If price is an issue, don't hesitate to choose the 325i. All 3 Series variants have well-designed exterior door handles that are easy to grab. The throttle feels light, responsive and linear in its power delivery. Dynamically, each is outstanding: a highly refined machine that corners, accelerates, and stops swiftly. It's been that way since the late 1970s, and we don't see it changing.