2004 BMW 3 Series New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2004 BMW 3-Series?
All BMW 3-Series models receive rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights and adaptive brake lights as standard equipment, and all rear-drive models except the 330i with the Performance package can be equipped with a six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) in tandem with the optional Sport Package. Also available across the range is Sirius satellite radio. Updates for the BMW 3-Series Coupe and BMW 3-Series Convertible include new front sheetmetal, redesigned front and rear bumpers and new wheel designs. Optional on coupes and convertibles are Xenon headlights that offer a new adaptive feature, which steers the light pattern around turns for improved visibility. The Performance package formerly restricted to sedans is also available on the coupe and convertible. Sedans and wagons can be equipped with Bluetooth wireless hands-free cellular phone capability, and models equipped with the Sport package receive redesigned alloy wheels. All 330 models dump the five-speed manual transmission in favor of six cogs, while the BMW 330i with Performance package is newly available with a Steptronic automatic transmission. New colors and wider availability of both the Natural Brown leather and Sand Beige interior schemes summarize BMW 3-Series changes for 2004.

Advantages of the 2004 BMW 3-Series:

• Silky inline six powertrains
• Telepathic road feel
• Brilliant handling does not come at expense of ride quality
• Free scheduled maintenance

Objections to the 2004 BMW 3-Series:

• Price premium over many competitors
• Occasionally difficult clutch modulation with manual transmission

Editor's Advice:
Some people buy BMWs because they want to impress their friends and neighbors. AutoSite recommends BMWs because they are pure joy to drive. If a BMW 3-Series doesn't put a smile on your face, check your pulse.