by Alex Kramer
Not perfect, but pretty darn close
Likes
- Turbocharged 4-cylinder engine is the real deal, providing ample power and efficiency
- 8 speed automatic transmission is so good we never wished we had a manual
- Although a bit softer than before, handling is still typical BMW, meaning sublimely good
- Interior technology is finally up to par, especially the iDrive interface, which actually works quite well
Dislikes
- The engine auto start-stop function is almost comically unrefined; someone loan BMW a hybrid so they can see how it’s done
- New exterior design is not as elegant or cohesive as before, although the more aggressive snout definitely screams “move-over!” to other drivers
- Add a few options and the price easily soars to nearly $50,000, which is not the best value for a small luxury sedan
What We Really Think
The new BMW 3 Series is not perfect. Despite what you may have heard, the next generation of this perennial favorite isn’t so flawless that all other sports sedans should just huddle in a corner and cry. But it’s pretty darn close.
The brilliance begins with the powertrain. In a controversial move, BMW abandoned its in-line six-cylinder engine for the 328i and replaced it with a turbocharged, direct injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 240 horsepower. Although a bit noisy at idle, with an almost diesel-like clatter, the engine revs smoothly and offers a huge helping of torque across the rpm range where you need it the most (260 lb-ft @ 1250 – 4800 rpm).
When paired with a quick shifting 8-speed automatic (a 6-speed manual is also available), the result is an astounding amount of performance for such a small engine. A zero to 60 sprint takes less than 6 seconds, which is suitably quick, but more impressive is the effortless passing power all that torque gives you.
Efficiency also gets a significant boost. The EPA gives the 328i a 23/33 (city/hwy) mpg rating, but 35 mpg should be easily attainable when just cruising on the freeway in top gear. Our test car averaged over 26 mpg after several hundred miles of vigorous testing, which is far better than most other comparable sports sedans.
Handling is something the 3 Series has always excelled at, and the new 328i definitely continues this trend, although in a more mature manner. The suspension is more forgiving and the steering more relaxed, which is actually an asset when commuting or just driving casually, but it does make for slightly less than razor sharp reflexes.
Luckily, putting the car in Sport mode tightens the steering up quite a bit and quickens the throttle response, turning the 328i into more of the corner carving, back roads devouring sports sedan we expect it to be. Order the Sport Line package and you get an adaptive sport suspension and paddle shifters, which should spice things up even more.
As good as the 3 Series is out on the road, BMW has undoubtedly lost some customers in the past due to a more functional, subdued interior. The company seems to have taken notice, as it now offers Modern Line and Luxury Line packages. With different interior finishes and exterior styling accents, these packages should make the 3 Series more attractive to folks who aren’t looking to lap the local race course.
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Category: Car Reviews, Luxury Cars, Reviews
How good is the performance on this vehicle??? I would love to have this beautiful car..
Performance is really, really good. As mentioned in the review, BMW engineers did some amazing work extracting a lot out of a twin-turbo 4-cylinder engine and still getting surprisingly good fuel economy numbers. The ride is a little softer than previous generation 3-series, but handling dynamics are still razor sharp. Just be careful when choosing options otherwise the price tag gets inflated awfully fast.
Elegant,and sexy,,,yet sassy enough to tame the wild in me,, the thought of her training me ,, makes me purrrr,, oh Santa. Please read my list now , I just updated it
Dave remember to include my name on santas list too lol you might as well finish your xmas with an enchanting climax.
@Bonnie,
Personally, I was not impressed with the performance on this vehicle. If you want performance in a 3 series, go with the 335i. The technology is amazing though. The eco mode is amazing! The real time performance display is a great feature as well. I personally did not like the engine stop/start when the vehicle comes to a complete stop — however — that option can be turned off. All in all, the vehicle is everything one would expect from BMW — the price, the features, the performance.
r they still using those rotten 20K mile run flat and replace for 1400 bux tires? After 11 BMW’s we are now solid Lexus owners and very happy.
Don’t even get me started!!!! We had the same problem. On our 2008 328xi and our 2010 328xi the tires are rotten! Every time we hit the most mild of bumps in the road it sounds like the engine is going to fall out of the car! Its a flat out shame. Eventually they conceded, in the 2008 models, that Bridgestone had a ‘bad batch’ of rubber that they had used for their tires and the compound was mixed improperly. They wouldn’t give us new tires however so after 11,000 miles we just bought new ones from Tire Rack. How does no one mention this! It happened to our cousins as well. So thats 3 for 3 on the 3 328s I know.
Man, the last line of this story really gets me. I can’t figure it out. I personally have a 2010 G37XS Sedan. My father has a 2010 BMW 328xi. I drive them interchangeably as we basically share the cars. It has always been the case that we essentially fight for who is driving the G37. It is more ‘refined’ in virtually every way possible. It is faster, sounds better, has a better stereo, ergonomics are infinitely better… Why do I have to reach so far to roll down the front windows? Why does it feel like I am being birthed when I get out of the car? Why does the standard model come with manual seats? Now the price tag was a bit different on the two. The BMW had only a few basic options and was around 40k. The G37 came with every conceivable option and hit about 42,000k. I could do without a few of the features in the G37 and it would still, in my opinion, be a far better vehicle than the 328xi. The 328 is no slouch, but the G37 is a truly amazing vehicle.
I just bought a used 328i and I love the looks, perfromance and handeling of the car. But, I HATE the bone jaring ride I get on these Brigstone run flats, everytime I go over the slightest bump. Has anybody swap another brand of run flats and got a smoother ride by doing so? Of so, what brand tire did the job? Or do I have to buy a non run flat tire to get a smooth ride?
Why does no one mention the tires?
Easy…the F30 uses the third generation run flat tires, which are a massive improvement over previous run flats. The weight of the wheel and tires is now comparable to standard tires and the road noise and ‘banging’ over bumps is eliminated. If you didn’t know they were run flats you probably could not tell.
was the asking price on this
what is the price $?
Base price for the 328i sedan is $34,900. We tested the Luxury Line trim optioned with Mojave Metallic paint, premium package, premium sound package, technology package, split fold down rear seat, heated front seats, park distance control, Xenon headlights, BMW apps,BMW Assistant.
Suggested retail price with destination charge is $49,070.00
As mentioned by Alex, selecting a few less options helps keep the price down to reasonable levels.
Wow…. Wish I could have this car!
The car is excellent.
Have you any better in this class, and for similar money?
I had a 540i in 2000. So I may be a little off on the lower models of the BMW’s but, this is just another cheap “I got a beemer” BMW. The 3 series, cross overs, and the z4 are all a waste of your cash. If you want a fast little “more economy car” then you should look at the Genesis 2.0T from Hyundai. If you want a real BMW save your coin and start playing and paying the in 60k range.
@Scott – why are you comparing a $25k sport to a $35k luxury sedan? It would seem the prospective buyers for each car would not consider the other.
There are a few good alternatives to the 3-series – Infiniti G37, Audi A4, Cadillac CTS – so there is something for everyone.
Сколько ж она блин стоит?
Ой, Вась, до хрена она стоит. Но мне она нравиться, лучше чем ланос.
I think it’s a good thing that BMW is expanding and trying some new things. Trial and error. One thing that doesn’t work this year will be improved the next. If BMW never tries to push the boundaries and explore new features, they will never find that perfect balance and un matched car that we have come to know of BMW. One step back 3 steps forward. And this new 3 series isnt even a step back.
Too bad they are all starting to look like Pontiacs so they can sell them to the old people that are the only people with enough money to spend $15k on options.
Thanks for all the comments, folks. The almost mythical, often uncritical praise given to BMW products by the automotive press was very much on my mind while reviewing this car. In fact, I really didn’t want to like it, and there are lots of good alternatives in this segment. But in the end, having driven the competition, this is the one I would own. Sure, the G37 is a bit faster, and the A4 has perhaps the better interior, but neither hits all the major criteria nearly as well.
I didn’t comment on the tires because, as RichReg mentioned, they don’t draw attention to themselves. Grip was more than adequate and noise levels perfectly acceptable.
Although some entry level BMWs may have seemed a bit low-rent in the past, and I also have not been as impressed with the X3 and X5, the new 328i is very close to the 5 and 7 series in terms of quality. In fact, having tested the Infiniti G25 earlier this year, which did come across as entry-level, the 328i is far more mature and refined by comparison.