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2004 BMW 330Ci

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By Research the Car 3 min read

The 2004 BMW 330Ci is a popular sports coupe known for its blend of performance and luxury. The 2004 330Ci is equipped with the M54 3.0L inline-6 engine, producing 225 horsepower and 214 lb-ft of torque. It came with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 5-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the 330Ci for its engaging driving dynamics, responsive engine, and classic BMW styling. However, like any older vehicle, it’s prone to certain issues stemming from age and wear. Some common complaints include cooling system failures, oil leaks, and problems with various electrical components.

Engine

M54 3.0L Inline-6

  • Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the oil filter housing, visible oil drips, burning oil smell.
    • Solution: Replace the oil filter housing gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Valve Cover Gasket Leak
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leak from the valve cover, visible oil drips, burning oil smell, especially after driving.
    • Solution: Replace the valve cover gasket.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Cooling System Failure (Water Pump, Thermostat, Expansion Tank)
    • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, coolant leaks, low coolant level. The water pump impeller can fail, the thermostat can stick closed, and the expansion tank can crack.
    • Solution: Replace the water pump, thermostat, and expansion tank. It is often recommended to replace all cooling system components at the same time due to the age of the components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+ depending on what parts are replaced.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • DISA Valve Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, loss of power, rattling noise from the engine bay.
    • Solution: Replace the DISA valve.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

5-Speed Manual (Getrag 250G)

  • Clutch Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Slipping clutch, difficulty shifting, high RPMs without corresponding acceleration.
    • Solution: Replace the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1500+
    • Recalls: None Found

5-Speed Automatic (GM 5L40-E)

  • Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
    • Description/Symptoms: Delayed or harsh shifting, slipping between gears, loss of power.
    • Solution: Transmission service (fluid and filter change) may help in early stages. More severe cases may require valve body repair or a complete transmission rebuild/replacement.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (fluid/filter) to $2500+ (rebuild/replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Control Arm Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially when going over bumps, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
    • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings, or the entire control arm assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500+ per side
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Rear Subframe Bushing Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the rear of the car, especially when accelerating or decelerating.
    • Solution: Replace the rear subframe bushings.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Window Regulator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Window not moving up or down, clicking noise from the door panel.
    • Solution: Replace the window regulator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per window
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Instrument Cluster Pixel Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Missing or distorted pixels on the instrument cluster display.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the instrument cluster.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $500+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking with the key fob or interior switch.
    • Solution: Replace the door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400 per door
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Side Mirror Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The side mirror doesn’t adjust properly or make a grinding noise when you attempt to adjust it.
    • Solution: Replace the side mirror assembly or just the motor, if available.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per mirror
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Sunroof Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Sunroof motor failure, sunroof stuck open or closed, issues with the sunroof track.
    • Solution: Repair or replace the sunroof motor, track, or entire sunroof assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2004 BMW 330Ci is a generally reliable vehicle, but owners should be prepared for age-related issues. The most common problems involve oil leaks, cooling system failures, and suspension wear. Electrical issues, such as window regulators and pixel failures, are also prevalent. The severity of these issues ranges from minor repairs to more costly replacements. Overall, maintaining a 2004 330Ci can require a decent amount of investment to ensure reliable performance.

BMW, 330Ci
BMW 330Ci 2004
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