Two engines are available in the standard 3 Series line, with a new variant of one of them for 2004. Both are inline six-cylinder engines. As the 3 Series nomenclature indicates, 325 models get a 2.5-liter engine, while 330 models get a 3.0-liter engine. The sedan, coupe, and convertible are available with either engine; wagons are only available with the 2.5-liter engine.
bmw 3 series The competition may be gaining, but BMW is hardly sitting still. For 2004, the 3 Series gets an extensive array of updates. The coupe and convertible are mildy restyled, front and rear, and there's more of just about everything: More technology, more standard equipment, more wheel design choices. 330 models now come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, and BMW's trick Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) is offered on all rear-drive models. There's a new Performance Package for the 330i sedan that makes it a virtual four-door M3. All 3 Series are offered with a BMW Assist telematics package that no longer requires the optional navigation system.
The 330i sedan ($34,600), 330Ci coupe ($35,600), and 330Ci convertible ($42,900) benefit from the 225-horsepower 3.0-liter engine. In addition to the increased power, 330 models come with more standard equipment and mechanical upgrades. Two examples: V-rated tires in place of the 325's standard H-rated tires, and larger brakes. A new Performance Package ($3,900) for the 330i sedan increases horsepower by 10 and adds a host of performance upgrades, including a short-throw shifter, M sport suspension tuning, Z-rated tires and appearance tweaks inside and out.
bmw 330d Two engines are available in the standard 3 Series line, with a new variant of one of them for 2004. Both are inline six-cylinder engines. As the 3 Series nomenclature indicates, 325 models get a 2.5-liter engine, while 330 models get a 3.0-liter engine. The sedan, coupe, and convertible are available with either engine; wagons are only available with the 2.5-liter engine.
The coupe and convertible prices increase several hundred dollars, but all 3 Series cars come with the same full-maintenance included for the duration of the four- year, 50,000-mile warranty. For entry luxury market shoppers who put a premium on driving satisfaction, the BMW 3 Series remains the place to start. The popularity of the 3 Series has produced a wide, sometimes confusing range of sedans, coupes, convertibles, and wagons. Ten models are available, varying considerably in price, power, and packaging, not to mention two versions from BMW's high-performance M division. The price spread from the bottom of the 3 Series line to the top exceeds $30,000. All are based on the same chassis and all ride on the same 107.3-inch wheelbase, but the coupes and convertibles do not share many body panels with the sedans and wagons.
bmw 3 series Smart front and front side-impact airbags come standard. 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. Rear side-impact airbags are optional ($385). Bi-xenon high-intensity discharge headlamps ($700) offer much better visibility on stormy nights and now aim around corners, but they sometimes annoy other drivers. BMW's Park Distance Control ($350) works great, beeping to warn the driver of objects behind the car during parking maneuvers.
