BMW 3 Series 2004 Problems

Are you having problems with your 2004 BMW 3 Series? Let our team of motoring experts keep you up to date with all of the latest 2004 BMW 3 Series issues & faults. We have gathered all of the most frequently asked questions and problems relating to the 2004 BMW 3 Series in one spot to help you decide if it's a smart buy.

Used BMW 3-Series review: 2000-2005
By Graham Smith · 31 Mar 2011
Graham Smith reviews the 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 and BMW 3-Series as a used buy.
Read the article
Used BMW E46 review: 1998-2005
By Graham Smith · 18 Apr 2013
Graham Smith reviews the 1998-2008 BMW 3-series E46 as a used buy.
Read the article
Deadly Takata airbag recall nears 1.2 million in Australia
By Joshua Dowling · 17 May 2016
Only a fraction of the 1.2 million cars on Australia roads with airbags that can spray shrapnel have been fixed, new figures show.
Read the article
Trouble starting my BMW 318i
Answered by Graham Smith · 24 Feb 2017

If you've checked the battery and that's ok, check the starter to make sure there's no problem with that, and then pressure check for a blown head gasket. It's not unknown for a head gasket to blow on the 318 and you can get an hydraulic lock in a cylinder that will make it difficult to start if that cylinder is the one that's on compression when you go to start it. It doesn't always show up on the temperature gauge as overheating, but it is sometimes evident with white smoke from the tailpipe when the engine is cold.

My wife has been ripped off by a car dealer. What can I do?
Answered by Graham Smith · 25 May 2018

There is a cooling-off period in Victoria. You have three clear business days from the time you sign the contract of sale to change your mind, but you automatically lose that right if you accept delivery of the car within that period. By taking it home your wife forfeited the right to the cooling-off period.

Disclaimer: You acknowledge and agree that all answers are provided as a general guide only and should not be relied upon as bespoke advice. Carsguide is not liable for the accuracy of any information provided in the answers.
Have a new question for the CarsGuide team?
More than 9,000 questions asked and answered.
Complete guide to BMW 3 Series 2004
Complete guide to BMW 3 Series 2004 CarsGuide Logo
Reviews, price, specs and more