2008 BMW 3 Series Review

The 2008 BMW 3 Series is one of the hottest 4-5 passenger vehicles on the market today. Available as a 4 door sedan, 2 door coupe, 2 door cabriolet/convertible with power retractable hard top or 5 door wagon, there is literally a 3 Series for just about everyone who appreciates the quality, comfort and ambiance of a BMW and can afford the price tag.

The aerodynamically designed and German engineered 3 Series is BMW's entry level luxury car and is often considered to be the benchmark vehicle in the compact sedan with sport car like performance category. All models are available in the 328i trim with rear wheel drive, and the coupe, sedan and wagon styles are all available in a 328xi all wheel drive trim.

Powered by a 3.0-liter 6 cylinder that delivers 230 horsepower, or a twin turbocharged version of the same engine that produces and impressive 300 horsepower, this is definitely a driver's car. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a six-speed automatic is optional. The turbocharged 3 Series sedan and coupe both go from 0- 60 in less than 5 seconds, while the 328i series comes in at approximately 6.5 seconds. Even with this kind of power under the hood, the 3 Series remains loyal to fuel efficiency. The 328 is rated at approximately 17-18 MPG in the city and 25-28 MPG on the highway and is dependent upon body style, drivetrain and transmission. The rear wheel drive 335i comes in at a close 17 city and 26 highway MPG rating with either an automatic or standard transmission.

Standard equipment on 328 models includes heated side mirrors, a sunroof, 16-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, automatic climate control, and a 10-speaker CD stereo with an auxiliary audio jack and real walnut wood trim. In addition, the coupe features a sport tuned suspension package. The 335 models offer power front seats and an outstanding premium Harman Kardon Logic 7 sound system. Most of the BMW 3 Series found in a dealer's lot will already be equipped with a Premium or Sport option package-or both. The Premium option package grants its owners leather upholstery, auto-dimming mirrors, Bluetooth technology, and power seats. The Sport option package adds a firmer suspension for the convertible, sedan and wagon, and also includes larger wheels with high performance tires as well as sport seats. Additional options for those who are so inclined are available for individual purchase and include an iDriv -based navigation system with real-time traffic information, adaptive cruise control, remote start, heated front seats and satellite radio. Paddle shifters are easily added to models that are purchased with the Sport package and equipped with an automatic transmission.