Model year guide

2004 BMW 3 Series

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2004 BMW 3 Series is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 263 on record.

2004 BMW 3 Series — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2004 BMW 3 Series at a glance

Safety recallsNone
Owner complaints558
Typical price$4,456

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2004 BMW 3 Series recalls 0

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2004 BMW 3 Series.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2004 BMW 3 Series common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 558 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Air Bags
Confirm the airbag light turns on then off at startup — if it stays lit there's a fault (costly, and a safety risk). Check for signs of prior deployment.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Exterior Lighting
Confirm all headlights, brake lights, turn signals and reverse lights work, with no moisture inside the housings.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.
Service Brakes
Brakes should feel firm and quiet — no grinding, pulsing or pulling. Check for an ABS light and uneven pad/rotor wear.
Visibility/wiper
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.

2004 BMW 3 Series safety ratings

Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2004 BMW 3 Series 4-DR. w/SAB. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

What's a 2004 BMW 3 Series worth?

Low
$2,300
Typical price
$4,456
High
$6,800

From 262 comparable 2004 BMW 3 Series listings.

2004 BMW 3 Series trims & engines on record

Trims
325i · 325Ci · 330Ci · 325xi · 330xi · 330i
Engines
2.5L 6-cyl 184 hp · 3.0L 6-cyl 225 hp · 3.2L 6-cyl 333 hp

2004 BMW 3 Series vehicles on record

2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAAZ33474KP82122 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAAZ33484KP85840 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAAX13424PJ00972 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 330xiWBAEW53444PN33253 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325xiWBAEU33424PR08809 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAET37424NJ95192 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV53424KM35337 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 330xiWBAEW534X4PG11697 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAAZ33474KP90916 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 330xiWBAEW53424PN32201 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV53434KM34164 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAET37434NJ44882 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAEV33444KR32135 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 330iWBAEV53424KM36228 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAEV33464KR30225 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAET37424NJ84032 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAEV33484KW15233 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 330CiWBABW53424PL44670 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAEV33414KW15400 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325xiWBAEU33474PM61524 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAEV33434KW15706 2004 BMW 3 Series 325xiWBAEU33434PF62353 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325iWBAET37444NJ42039 2004 BMW 3 Series 2004 BMW 3 Series 325xiWBAEU33404PM59761

Other BMW 3 Series model years

2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994

2004 BMW 3 Series — frequently asked questions

Does the 2004 BMW 3 Series have any safety recalls?

No NHTSA safety-recall campaigns are on record for the 2004 BMW 3 Series.

What are the most common problems with the 2004 BMW 3 Series?

Based on 558 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are air bags, electrical system, exterior lighting.

What is the 2004 BMW 3 Series safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2004 BMW 3 Series crash-test ratings of frontal 4★, side 3★ (out of 5; this model year pre-dates NHTSA's overall score).

How much is a 2004 BMW 3 Series worth?

Comparable 2004 BMW 3 Series listings run roughly $2,300–$6,800, typically around $4,456 (from 262 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.