NEW FOR 2008:
- Standard fog lights, heated exterior mirrors and cruise control on sedan
- New all-wheel drive 335xi sedan
For 2008, the BMW 3 Series sedan undergoes minor changes, with upgrades to its list of standard features. There's also a new 335xi model, adding the company's all-wheel drive system and giving the line-up two all-wheel drive sedan models. The coupe, touring and convertible models continue into 2008 unchanged. An all-new M3 coupe and sedan will be added later in the model year.
The 3 Series line-up includes the sedan, as 323i, 328i, 328xi, 335i and 335xi; the Touring wagon, in 328xi only; the coupe, in 328i, 328xi, 335i and 335xi; and the cabriolet convertible, in 328i and 335i. The 323 models use a 2.5-litre inline six-cylinder; the 328 models use a naturally-aspirated 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder; and the 335 models use a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre inline six-cylinder. All mate to a six-speed manual transmission that can be optioned to a six-speed automatic with manual shift mode. The xi models feature xDrive, an all-wheel system that seamlessly switches from rear- to all-wheel drive, and uses dynamic stability control and sensors to proactively determine wheel slippage before they lose their grip.
Features on the 323 models include 16-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, six-way manually-adjustable seats in "leatherette", keyless entry with engine start/stop button, automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer jets, fog lamps, multi-function leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, locking glove-box with removable flashlight, and CD/MP3 stereo with six speakers.
The 328 models add automatic dual-zone climate control, Xenon headlamps with washers, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, heated seats, 60/40 split folding rear seat with pass-through, and ten-speaker stereo system. The Touring model adds roof rails and a rear wiper; the cabriolet adds adaptive Xenon headlamps; and the coupe adds sport suspension.
The 335 models add 17-inch alloy wheels, adaptive headlamps, sport steering wheel, eight-way power seats with memory, and power sunroof. The cabriolet adds park distance control, power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, Logic 7 stereo, leather upholstery and garage door opener.
The 3 Series remains one of the all-time great driving experiences, especially with the twin-turbo version, which offers immediate power without a hint of turbo lag. It's really a driver's car, with close-coupled interior and tight rear legroom, and a few interior snags such as poorly-placed cupholders, but overall, there's a reason why BMW can claim it's the world's best-selling premium sedan. The wide range of models, including convertible and wagon, add to its widespread appeal among buyers with different tastes.
No content available
This vehicle has not yet been reviewed
