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2008 BMW 3-Series Full Review
Date Published: 5/14/08
2008 BMW 3-Series Review
The 2008 BMW 3-Series line, anchored by the 328i, the 335i, and the all-wheel-drive 328xi and 335xi, gets only minor changes, but added a high-performance M3 at midyear. Four body styles are offered: coupe, sedan, wagon, and a retractable-hardtop convertible. The 328i is available in all body styles. The 328xi is offered in all but the convertible. The 335i is offered in all but the wagon, and the 335xi comes as a coupe and a sedan. The new M3 comes in coupe, sedan, or convertible form. M3s are powered by a 414-hp 4.0-liter V8. All other 3-Series models have a 3.0-liter inline 6-cylinder engine. In 328 models it makes 230 hp; in 335s it's turbocharged for 300 hp. All have a standard 6-speed manual transmission. A 6-speed automatic is optional on most 3-Series models, and a 7-speed automatic is available on the M3. ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags are standard on all models. Curtain side airbags that cover both seating rows are standard on all but convertibles. Standard on convertibles are rollover bars designed to deploy from the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending tip. Except for the M3, all models have run-flat tires, and all except the M3 and convertibles get a standard sunroof. All 328s come with vinyl upholstery; leather is standard on the 335i and M3 convertibles and is optional for the other 335s and all 328s. M3 coupes and sedans come with a cloth/leather combination, offering full leather as an option. Cars with the optional navigation system get BMW's iDrive system that uses a console knob to control entertainment, navigation, communication, and other functions. Other available features include steering-linked xenon headlights, BMW's Active Steering that quickens steering response at low speeds, rear obstacle detection, adaptive cruise control, and BMW Assist service with a wireless cell phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Compact Cars are similar in size but more expensive than Compact Cars. Premium Compacts have more standard equipment and an upscale image when compared to Compact Cars.

Our Best Buys in the Premium Compact Car class are the Audi A4 and BMW 3-Series. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A3 and Saab 9-3.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Volvo C30.

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2008 BMW 3-Series Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration Rear-seat room
Steering/handling Price
Build quality
Refinement
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
7 9 9 9 6.6

No all-wheel-drive models, wagons, or 328s with automatic transmission were made available for testing. With manual transmission, the 328i has smooth, sufficient power for around-town driving and highway passing. The 335i has abundant power at any speed with no noticeable turbo lag; a test coupe with automatic transmission did 4.7 sec 0-60 mph. The automatic changes gears smoothly, but downshifts can lag behind throttle inputs. The M3 is a rocket that gives up only a bit of midrange torque to full-fledged V8 sports cars. With any engine, the manual transmission has silky-smooth shift action. The M3's available 7-speed automatic transmission shifts more smoothly when gears are selected manually with the steering-wheel paddles.
Fuel Economy

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
6 5 5 4 5.4

No opportunity to measure with 328. In Consumer Guide testing, a 335 coupe with manual transmission averaged 22.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. Test 335 with automatic averaged 16.3 mpg with more city driving that included gas-eating performance runs. A test M3 convertible with the 6-speed manual averaged 19.0 mpg in mostly highway driving. All 3-Series require premium-grade gas.
Ride Quality

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
6 5 6 4 5.5

Suspensions favor taut composure over cushioned isolation. Base suspension is compliant, though sharp bumps can pound through. Firmer sport suspension (standard on coupes) and low-profile 17-inch tires (standard on coupes, convertibles, and 335s) can trigger abrupt vertical and side-to-side motions on uneven pavement. Top up or down, convertible has an impressively rigid body structure with virtually no cowl shake. M3's race-bred suspension is stiffer still, and combined with its standard 18- or optional 19-inch tires, delivers a firm ride that somehow manages to avoid being harsh over most surfaces.
Steering/Handling/Braking

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
8 9 8 10 7.4

The 3-Series is the class benchmark for overall control and steering feel. Even with the base suspension, all models display excellent balance, sharp moves, and little body lean in turns; they're even sharper with the sport suspension. M3 takes this a step further, making it the equal of the best street cars available. On all models, steering feel is precise and direct. Optional Active Steering aids low-speed maneuverability, but some testers feel its activation point is inconsistent. Braking is powerful and stable. We recommend AWD in snowy climates.
Quietness

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
6 6 7 6 6.1

Engines sing under acceleration but cruise quietly. Wind rush is evident at highway speeds. Tire noise is subdued with base suspension but elevated with sport suspension and on M3, though it never intrudes on conversation. Top up, convertible offers near-coupe-like isolation. Top down, wind buffeting is minor; normal conversation is possible even at highway speeds.
Controls

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
5 5 4 5 6.3

Audio and climate controls are compromised by their low mounting position and some cryptic markings. BMW was wise to make the complex iDrive control system optional, though anyone who wants a navigation system will have to live with it. iDrive is simpler here than in other BMWs, but it still absorbs audio controls, complicating their use, and many functions require a long look away from the road. BMW's odd turn-signal actuation drew some complaints, and in some cases, the steering wheel cut off the driver's view of the turn-signal indicator lamps. The rain-sensing windshield wipers were sometimes erratic.
Details

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
8 8 8 8 7.2

Cabin materials look classy and have a sturdy, soft-touch feel. We've had no opportunity to evaluate the standard vinyl seating trim. Bodies exhibit ingot-solid construction; convertible quivered a bit with the top down, but less so than in most competitors. Convertible top powers up or down in about 23 seconds with the press of a button.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
8 8 8 8 7

Headroom and legroom are good for all but the tallest drivers. Standard manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps tailor a comfortable driving position. Seats have excellent bolstering to secure occupants through turns, but bolsters may make seats feel too narrow for those of generous girth. Thick front pillars can obscure vision to the forward corners, but rear visibility is fine--even in the convertible, which is rare.
Room/Comfort (rear)

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
2 2 4 2 3.5

Headroom is tight for those over 6 ft tall in sedan, over 5-ft-9 in coupe or convertible. Foot space is limited with front seat bottoms lowered. There's decent legroom, but it diminishes behind taller front-seat occupants. Front seats slide fore and aft in coupe and convertible, but entry and exit still require some twisting.
Cargo Room

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
2 3 3 3 4.1

Trunks have a low liftover, and the non-intrusive lid hinges help make good use of the available volume. But the convertible's meager top-up trunk space shrinks to minuscule with the top down; there's just enough room for a single small suitcase with the top retracted. Coupe's small aperture won't swallow large packages, but its standard split folding rear seatbacks expand space. A split folding rear seatback is optional on sedans, and we recommend it. Interior bins and pockets are too few and too small to be really useful.
Value within Class

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
8 9 10 8 6.4

With dynamic capabilities second to none, the 3-Series remains the benchmark for sporty compacts. A full complement of body styles and available all-wheel drive add to the appeal. Base prices are reasonable for this class, though BMW charges extra for popular amenities many competitors include as standard equipment. Feature for feature it may end up costing more than some rivals, but the 3-Series is a Best Buy for its resolute focus on balanced performance.
Total Score

328i conv. w/Sport Pkg., manual 335i coupe, manual 335i sedan w/navigation, automatic M3 coupe, manual Class Average
66 69 72 67 65.5
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
59
Average Score
65
High Score
72
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2008 BMW 3-Series Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/29/2008
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
328i 2-door coupe $35,300 $32,475 $775
AWD 328xi 2-door coupe $37,100 $34,130 $775
328i 4-door sedan $32,400 $29,810 $775
AWD 328xi 4-door sedan $34,300 $31,555 $775
328i 4-door wagon $34,200 $31,465 $775
AWD 328xi 4-door wagon $36,100 $33,210 $775
328i 2-door convertible $43,200 $39,745 $775
335i 2-door coupe $40,800 $37,535 $775
AWD 335xi 2-door coupe $42,600 $39,190 $775
335i 4-door sedan $38,900 $35,790 $775
AWD 335xi 4-door sedan $40,800 $37,535 $775
335i 2-door convertible $49,100 $45,170 $775
M3 2-door coupe $56,500 $51,980 $775
M3 4-door sedan $53,800 $49,495 $775
M3 2-door convertible $64,950 $59,755 $775
Price note: M3 coupe, M3 sedan add $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. M3 convertible adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
328i/328xi
Powertrain
3.0-liter 6-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control, hill-holder clutch.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, front and rear side head-protecting airbags (coupe, sedan, wagon), automatic roll bars (convertible), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights (coupe, convertible).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, front bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat (coupe, sedan, wagon), height-adjustable passenger seat (sedan, wagon), 10-way power driver seat (convertible), 8-way power passenger seat (convertible), memory system (driver seat, mirrors) [convertible], center console, split folding rear seat (coupe, wagon), wood interior trim, heated power mirrors, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid (convertible), power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof (coupe, sedan, wagon), AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, cooled center console, rain-sensing intermittent wipers w/heated washer jets, power retractable hardtop (convertible), cargo cover (wagon), rear defogger, rear wiper/washer (wagon), automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, roof rails (wagon), steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights (coupe, convertible), fog lights, sport suspension (coupe), 205/55HR16 run-flat tires (sedan, wagon), 225/45R17 run-flat tires (coupe, convertible), alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, hill descent control, headlight washers.
335i/335xi adds to 328i/328xi:
Powertrain
3.0-liter turbocharged 6-cylinder engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery (convertible), 8-way power front seats (coupe, sedan), memory system (driver seat, mirrors), passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, upgraded sound system.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights, 225/45VR17 run-flat tires, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, hill descent control, headlight washers.
M3 adds to 335i/335xi:
Powertrain
4.0-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Cloth/leather upholstery (coupe, sedan), leather upholstery (convertible), front-seat lumbar adjustment, heated washer nozzles and door locks.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim, power sunroof.
Carbon-fiber roof (coupe), rear spoiler (coupe, sedan), performance suspension, 245/40ZR18 front tires, 265/40ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
M3 coupe/sedan
$1,900
$1,730
M3 convertible
$1,250
$1,100
Leather upholstery (coupe, sedan), power-folding mirrors, brushed aluminum interior trim, BMW Assist system, universal garage door opener, compass.
Sport Pkg.
335i coupe
$1,100
$1,000
328xi coupe, 335xi coupe
$400
$365
328i sedan/wagon
$1,600
$1,455
328xi sedan/wagon, 328i convertible
$1,200
$1,090
335i sedan
$1,700
$1,545
328i coupe
$1,000
$910
335xi sedan
$900
$820
335i convertible
$1,300
$1,185
Increased top speed limiter (2WD), sport seats, sport steering wheel (sedan, wagon), sport suspension (335i sedan, convertible), 225/45R17 front and 255/40R17 rear run-flat tires (328i sedan/wagon), 225/45R17 run-flat tires (328xi, 335xi), 225/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear run-flat tires (328i coupe/convertible, 335i).
Technology Pkg.
M3
$3,250
$2,960
Navigation system, keyless access and engine start, M Drive system, electronic suspension control.
Cold Weather Pkg.
328i coupe/wagon/convertible, 335i coupe/convertible, M3 coupe/convertible
$750
$685
328i/335i/M3 sedan
$1,000
$910
328xi coupe/wagon, 335xi coupe
$600
$545
328xi/335xi sedan
$850
$775
Heated front seats, split folding rear seat (sedan), ski sack, headlight washers (328i, 335i).
Powertrain
6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi
$1,275
$1,210
7-speed automated-manual transmission
M3
$2,700
$2,455
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi, M3
$350
$320
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi, M3
$2,100
$1,910
Includes iDrive control system, voice recognition, traffic information.
BMW Assist system
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi, M3
$750
$685
Includes wireless cell phone link.
Power sunroof
M3 sedan
$1,050
$955
M3 coupe
$0
$0
Paddle shifters
335
$100
$90
Requires Sport Pkg., 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Keyless access and starting
328, 335
$500
$455
Leather upholstery
328 coupe/sedan/wagon, 335
$1,450
$1,320
328i convertible
$1,550
$1,410
M3 coupe/sedan
$950
$865
Std. 335i convertible, M3 convertible.
Extended leather upholstery
M3 coupe/sedan
$2,000
$1,820
M3 w/Premium Pkg., M3 convertible
$1,100
$1,000
Power front seats
328
$995
$905
Includes driver-seat and mirror memory. Std. convertible.
Heated front seats
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi, M3
$500
$455
Split folding rear seat
sedan
$475
$430
Includes ski sack.
Trunk pass-through
convertible
$175
$160
Special wood interior trim
328, 335, M3 w/Premium Pkg.
$0
$0
M3
$500
$455
Aluminum interior trim
328, 335
$0
$0
M3
$500
$455
Leather interior trim
M3
$500
$455
M3 w/Premium Pkg.
$0
$0
Power rear sunshade
sedan
$575
$525
coupe
$350
$320
Sedans include manual side sunshades.
Manual side sunshades
wagon
$250
$230
Adaptive cruise control
328, 335
$2,400
$2,135
Upgraded sound system
328
$1,200
$1,090
M3
$1,900
$1,730
M3 requires Technology Pkg. or navigation system.
Satellite radio
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi, M3
$595
$540
High definition radio
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi, M3
$350
$315
iPod adapter
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi, M3
$400
$365
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Steering-linked adaptive xenon headlights
328 sedan/wagon
$800
$730
Special paint
328i/328xi, 335i/335xi, M3
$475
$430
Rear spoiler delete
M3 coupe/sedan
$0
$0
Active steering
328i, 335i
$1,400
$1,230
Electronic suspension control
M3
$1,000
$910
225/45R17 front and 255/40R17 rear run-flat tires
328xi sedan/wagon
$300
$275
Requires Sport Pkg.
225/40R18 front and 255/35R18 rear run-flat tires
328xi coupe, 335xi
$600
$545
Requires Sport Pkg.
225/35R19 front and 255/30R19 rear run-flat tires
335i coupe
$1,000
$910
Requires Sport Pkg.
245/35R19 front and 265/35R19 rear tires
M3
$1,200
$1,090
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2008 BMW 3-Series Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification BMW 3-Series 2-door coupe BMW 3-Series 4-door sedan BMW 3-Series 4-door wagon BMW 3-Series 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 108.7 108.7 108.7 108.7
Overall Length, in. 180.3 178.2 178.2 180.6
Overall Width, in. 70.2 71.5 71.5 70.2
Overall Height, in. 54.1 55.9 55.9 54.5
Curb Weight, lbs. 3417 3285 3737 3792
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 11.1 12.0 60.9 9.0
Standard Payload, lbs. -- -- -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 15.9 15.9 15.9 16.1
Seating Capacity 4 5 5 4
Front Head Room, in. 37.1 37.4 37.3 38.0
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.8 41.5 41.5 41.8
Rear Head Room, in. 36.1 37.1 36.9 36.5
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 33.7 34.6 34.6 31.9
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc I6 Turbocharged dohc I6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.0 /182 3.0 /182 4.0 /244
Horsepower @ rpm. 230 @ 6500 300 @ 5800 414 @ 8300
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 200 @ 2750 300 @ 1400 295 @ 3900
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
6-speed manual 18/28 17/26 14/20
6-speed automatic 19/28 17/26 --/--
7-speed automatic --/-- --/-- NA/NA
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results