2008 BMW 3-Series

We observed some mixed reactions to the BMW 2008 3-Series' interior. Cars.com makes simple, objective observations: "simulated leather seats are standard and real leather is optional. Burl walnut, poplar and aluminum trim are available." Edmunds and Kelley Blue Book offered contrasting value judgments. The former described the cabin of this 2008 BMW as having a "plain-Jane interior design," while the latter praised its "clean, elegant look...highlighted by standard leatherette upholstery set off by [the] wood or aluminum trim." MyRide.com dislikes the “Austere, business-like interior,” but Automedia thinks “3 Series' cabins artfully blend luxury and sporty elements befitting a modern BMW.” Edmunds says the emphasis is on “driver comfort and involvement” in the 3-Series, thanks to a “clean, clear analog gauge cluster dead ahead.”

Edmunds acknowledges both engines are "potent and refined," but the twin-turbo six transforms the 3-Series into a truly fast sports sedan--Car and Driver calls it "stupid fast." The 335i provides tremendous thrust from almost any speed and doesn't have the lag of most turbocharged engines. Automobile uses more culinary metaphors in describing what they call "an engine to die for...turbocharged and intercooled cylinders fed by direct fuel injection and optimized with variable valve timing," adding that "like sweet cream, energy pours out of the 335i's engine throughout the rev range." This is no engine to be taken lightly; "step deep into the throttle with only 2000 rpm on the tach, and there's but a hint of hesitation before the rush to the redline"--which, according to this source, is an impressive 7,000 rpm. The 328i sedan with the six-speed manual can hit 60 mph in about 6 seconds, yet gets 28 mpg on the highway, while the 335i takes less than 5 seconds.

Each model can be had with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission; steering-wheel paddle-shifters are included with the latter. Cars.com reports that "the manual transmission is a pleasure to shift, and the relatively light clutch pedal isn't too taxing to operate when crawling through heavy urban traffic." Kelley Blue Book prefers the fully manual transmission as well: "you'll enjoy the benefits of this subtle but effective helper that automatically applies the brakes for a few seconds whenever you're stopped on a hill to help prevent the car from rolling backwards while you engage first gear." Car and Driver says “the automatic is about as good as they get, although purists will likely want to change gears for themselves.”

Cars.com reports better-than-average fuel economy, based on figures from the factory: "the 328i sedan gets an estimated 21/30 mpg (city/highway) with the automatic transmission and 20/29 mpg with the manual." According to fueleconomy.gov, the figures are 19/28 mpg with the automatic and 18/28 mpg with the manual on the 328i; the 335i turns in 17/26 mpg with rear-wheel drive and a manual gearbox, or 16/25 mpg with all-wheel drive and an automatic.

With near-perfect driving dynamics, the 3-Series threads through corners with great balance and poise--even on rough pavement surfaces. A sign of great suspension tuning, it does so without a sacrifice in ride quality; the 2008 BMW 3-Series has a ride that's firm yet absorbent over all but the most threatening potholes and heaves. For a car that provides such engaging handling, the 3-Series tracks well on high-speed highway cruises, too. Cars.com says "it rewards the driver like few other non-exotic cars can, with its communicative steering, intuitive handling." Automobile attributes this 2008 BMW's "excellent levels of roadholding and stability" to "a more sophisticated front suspension, quicker steering, and stouter brakes," while Car and Driver praises its "great steering feel” and “perfectly tuned chassis.” Kelley Blue Book says it "provides exceptional confidence through even the most challenging corners," and they add that this BMW 2008's "excellent xDrive all-wheel-drive system also makes dealing with inclement weather considerably less stressful."

Storage space is also at a premium in this 3-Series 2008 BMW. Edmunds observes that there is "not much interior storage space...trunk space is average in sedans." Cars.com gives the actual specs: "the sedan's trunk capacity is 12 cubic feet, and a folding rear seat is optional."

However, the cabin is a very refined place, with road and engine noise well muted, a very attractive instrument panel design, and impressive materials.
Edmunds notes that the "interior materials...are high in quality and build quality is exceptional; indeed, even the standard leatherette (vinyl) upholstery looks and feels better than one would expect." ConsumerGuide is in accord with this evaluation: "Cabin materials look classy and have a sturdy, soft-touch feel."

Driver and passengers will ride in this BMW 2008 model in peace and quiet. According to ConsumerGuide, this 2008 BMW's engines "sing under acceleration but cruise quietly," while "wind rush is evident at highway speeds...tire noise is subdued with base suspension but elevated with sport suspension."

Passive safety features included with this 2008 BMW according to Car and Driver are "front and front side airbags as well as curtain airbags." Cars.com reports that this BMW 2008 offers standard safety features such as "side curtain airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats and an electronic stability system," adding that "rear parking sensors are optional."

TheCarConnection.com has not noted any serious complaints over visibility issues in the 2008 BMW. Although "thick front pillars can obscure vision to the forward corners," Consumer Guide reports that "rear visibility is fine" for those behind the wheel of this BMW 2008.

Stand-alone options for the 3-Series 2008 BMW include an iPod/USB adapter, satellite radio, and a power rear-window sunshade, which Car and Driver considers a "$350 piece of frippery."

Car and Driver adds that the 2008 BMW 3-Series' "active cruise control is an option we wouldn't bother with, and the excellent navigation and phone system is let down by the overly complicated iDrive arrangement." The iDrive system uses a complicated, screen-driven interface for some controls; Edmunds adds that the "iDrive interface is very unintuitive."