2007 BMW 328xi

[jro4566]

As a treat for purchasing a new BMW 328i (which I am still waiting for to arrive from Europe), my BMW dealer allowed me to use a fully-loaded BMW 328xi to drive around for the entire day.

EXTERIOR
I'm not going to lie - the new 3-Series sedan just doesn't invoke the same passion that the previous generation had. The side profile is classic BMW, and so is the kidney grill. Overall, the 3-Series has a pleasant and elegant look that is sure to always impress.

INTERIOR
BMW leather is truly something to write home about. There is not a single piece of leatherette in this vehicle, something that BMW likes to boast about. The seats are very comfortable and even extendable in the sport package. The rear seat has plenty of legroom, though the bench could be an inch or two higher. The steering wheel offers abundant grip, but I think the stitching protrudes a little too much into my skin. My loaner didn't have iDrive, but the standard "BMW Professional" audio system with LOGIC7 surround sound. The buttons for the radio are made of high quality rubberized plastic, though they feel very cheap when you push them. Also cheap are the air vents, which are covered in Hyundai-esque plastic that is too shiny. The door switches, OTOH, are of very high quality, even surpassing those of Lexus. Overall, it's a 95% high quality interior that exudes 100% of luxury. Kind of hard to describe is what I'm trying to say...

POWER
The 328xi comes with a 3.0L inline-6 with DOHC, 24V, VVT, a 6-speed automatic, 230 horsepower, and 200 lb/ft of torque - unspectacular numbers by today's standard, but nonetheless it moves the car. Surprisingly despite the small engine and AWD, the 3-Series has plenty of pep around town. In fact, it felt stronger than my 300C when accelerating from a dead stop. My guess is that it's mainly the work of the excellent-shifting automatic. However at speeds above 65, the 3-Series doesn't feel very strong. At those speeds you can tell the car is really working to get up to 80.

HANDLING
With standard run-flat tires, you can expect a firmer ride compared to other entry-level luxury sedans. However my loaner not only had run-flats, it had the optional 17 x 8/17 x 8.5 sport wheels with the sport package resulting in an even firmer ride. If you have a passion for driving, you will care less about the ride quality. Honestly, there's almost no body roll in this vehicle. There's an indescribable joy one gets when turning right at an intersection at 40MPH with little tire squeal and almost no body roll. However if you have children, or elderly, I'd highly recommend NOT getting the sport package for a BMW. You can really tell that with BMW's sport package, a comfortable ride takes a bad seat.

AUDIO
The optional Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound audio system includes 13 speakers and 330-watts of power. The sound quality of the LOGIC7 can be summed up as great, though not exceptional. The two subwoofers are located under the driver's and passenger's seats rather than in the doors or rear panel shelf like most cars. Personally, I'm not fond of their positioning. On some rock tracks where the bass it turned all the way up, the vibration from the seats caused my head to hurt. I'd rather they put it in the rear panel shelf to equally distribute the bass throughout the cabin. However, sound quality remains clear even when turned all the way up. Sadly, I wasn't able to get the loaner with HD Radio so I can't comment on that, nor the Sirius radio feature.

CONCLUSION
Overall, the BMW 3-Series is the car for drivers. Like their slogan says, they truly are the "ultimate driving machine". However most people in the market do not demand a luxury car with that harsh of a suspension. That's why I probably wouldn't recommend a 3-Series to most of my friends if they were to buy a car in this class. The only reason I purchased one was because of the excellent, once-in-a-lifetime deal I got for my dealership's grand opening. But for an MSRP 50K, I can think of some other entry-level luxury sedans I would rather own (and save money with).

[ChevyRules]

Overall a good review. Although I do like the new design better then the previous gen, but looks are subjective. When we took out the 335xi at our dealer, it didn't have the sport package so it had the softer suspension. Which probably from your description of how firm it is, would probably be worlds apart in ride as the 335xi took bumps without jarring your back. As I say, you don't buy a BMW for the interior. The interior isn't bad in the BMW, but the other vehicles in its class do tend to have better interiors. You buy a BMW for the overall driving experience. Which does surpass the competitors. Anyway, I can't wait for July which ours is supposed to come in. Did you sign up for My Circle at BMWusa.com? What does the order status say?

[DuSpinnst]

I prefer the Coupe over the Sedan, the Sedan is too "fat" for me.

[IAMCANADIAN]

Awesome review! I'm looking at leasing the 323i which is only available in Canada and I think South Africa as well. It has a 2.5L 200 HP version of the 3.0L L6. It doesn't get bad performance though with a 0-60 MPH time of under 8 seconds with the automatic and about 7 with the manual. The only thing I'm concerned about is insurance, but I think I can afford it so we'll see, otherwise I'm looking at a Pontiac G6 with the 3.5L V6. Anyway thanks for the review, post some pics if you get the chance!

[airbalancer]

as an E46 owner, 323 CIC ( it is the wife's car)
I think the E90 has a nicer exterior , but the interior is not as nice
We had an E90 323I loaner for a couple of days, the handling is much better then the E46, and pulls a lot strong then an E46
To get an performance from an auto in a BMW you must have in the sport mode or shift yourself has the normal is mean to lower the cafe rating, the shift point are set to low
I am glad that they did not give the wife the cam as an loaner or I would much poor now

[IAMCANADIAN]

^^^thanks for the info! I'm planning on test driving it this weekend. Saab's are like that too, my mom's old 9-5 would be very sluggish and upshift early unless the sport mode was on.

[goochman]

We love our 325xi though maintenance items will be $$$$ once we are off warrenty.

We have the Sport Package and it seems those tires are nail magnets....we've replaced 3 and they are not so cheap