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2004 BMW M3 consumer reviews

$47,100 starting MSRP
side view of 2004 M3 BMW
(38 reviews)
92% of drivers recommend this car
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.3
  • Interior 4.4
  • Performance 4.9
  • Value 4.4
  • Exterior 4.9
  • Reliability 4.3
Explore the 2004 BMW M3
Shop the 2004 BMW M3

Best car I've ever owned

This car is just awesome. My only negatives are the cost of tires, no spare tire, and I had problems with paint flaking off the plastic portions of the interior, and the onboard computer/navigation is hard to negotiate while driving. This car is not lacking in the performance department. The acceleration is phenominal and it takes corners like it's on a rail. The 6 speed manual trans is a must. Also the back seat is good sized and will fit a car seat so it's easier to convince the wife.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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mydreamcar

This car is by far the most powerful and and yet comfortable car I've ever owned. I highly recommend this car to anyone who wants to have a beautiful convertible car from BMW.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Does not recommend this car
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Practical sports car

I bought this car for my son's college graduation present (he finished 1/2 year early with highest honors from WPI, the tuition savings paid for the car. Now he just needs to find a Mech. Eng. job!). It is as fast (slightly faster 0-60) as my 996 C4 Porsche. Although it handles and corners well, the Porsche has the advantage in that department. It's ride is not as stiff, it has a usable rear seat and decent trunk space so it is a much more practical everyday car. This car was 2 years newer and $10,000 less than the used Porsche. The brakes are great, the steering and handleing are precise and it has a very nice 6 speed. We considered an Audi S4 but the timing belt that needs replacement (@ $1200+ installed) was a turn off and the Audi's maintenance is probably a bit more costly at least according to a few mechanics I consulted. The Audi Quartro was a plus but I don't envision driving this car through deep snow very often. It handled 2" snow OK and that is with summer performance tires. Didn't have deeper snow to test it in yet but I don't think this will be a great car in the snow. Overall very happy with the purchase. I got about 30 MPG on the highway (going 70-75) which was a surprise as it is rated lower.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 4.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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2004 M3 Covertible

What a car. Bought the car in KY and drove it home 1,000 miles to Colorado, got 24mpg on average doing around 75-80 mph. The car now has 5,000 miles (yes only 5k), it's a blast to drive with the SMG. If you never driven an M car, go try one, you'll get hooked just like I did. Amazing power to weight ratio. Car has the hardtop option, extremely quiet on the highway cruising. Even though the car is 5 years old (new), it still puts most of the new cars to shame with the performance, style, handling and breaking. The Asian manufacturers are trying to catch up, but to no avail as the Bavarians allways come up with another example of fine automobiles that everybody is trying to measure up to. Great job BMW, keep up the good work.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Worse then my Saab 9-3 Arc

Poor gas mileage, not as good preformance for what I paid, Saab 9-3 is better preformance for cheaper price. Features Better on my Saab. I think that BMW nneds to decrase price if they want to compete with Saab, Acura, Ininiti, even Mercedes and the likes. I know BMW is a luxury car, but still less features and way more expensive then my Saab - needs more value for the money they charge, particularly in today's economy. Could use a better style outside, and a re-designing of the inside. It seems all of the BMW's look alike and have nothing unique to motivate people to buy them.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 1.0
  • Interior 1.0
  • Performance 2.0
  • Value 1.0
  • Exterior 2.0
  • Reliability 4.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does not recommend this car
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LOVE the M3 SMG! BEST car I've EVER owned!

I've owned a BMW 330 which was nice... an AUDI S4 which was OK... infinity which was blah... then I fell into a deal with a 2004 BMW M3 convertible while searching for a 2006 BMW 330 w/ performance pkg. Since I knew there werent any changes from 04-06 I decided to take a chance on it and buy the 2004 M3. All I can say is WOW!! The first few days were a little jumpy with the smg (I almost had a heart attack jumping through an intersection the first day) but once I got the feel of the smg I absolutely LOVED it!! This is by far the most fun car I have ever driven! I've had it for 4 years and never had a problem! I couldn't wait to see the new M3 come out but was completely disappointed with the new V8 version and new (non-impressive) body style. I LOVE the agressive look of the 04-06 M3 and LOVE the driving experience even more! If you are looking for an AMAZING car you cant go wrong with the 2004-2006 M3! Just hold on... this machine has POWER!

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Does recommend this car
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bmw

A great sports car, not for loosers! I love the way its comoftable, fast, and doees not break. You'll be satisfied with this car! Like everyone else who bout it

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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Get out of my way.

This is the car I have been looking for. Great looks, great performance and handling. Was a bit sceptical of the smg gearbox while first driving, but as soon as I got the hang of it I fell in love. I have never driven a car that has felt like a part of me when I get behind the wheel. I was originaly looking at the 330. After driving about 6 of them, the M3 caught my eye. After driving the M3 the 330 seemed like a toy. Needless to say I went the the M3 and man am I glad. Love it. Plus no out of pocket expense for any service up to 50,000 miles. They are a bit pricey but well worth the extra doe. Go buy one.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 4.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a Used car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does recommend this car
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