2009 BMW 328i Review | Buyer Guide
As Sporty As Ever
Although the 2009 BMW 3-Series is not brand new, it looks as sharp as it did when it was redesigned three years ago. The styling of my test car shouted, “sports sedan,” and both young and old told me how much they liked it. BMW did make some subtle changes this year to things like the headlamps and taillights, but even BMW aficionados might not notice.
However, in my view, the interior is not nearly as successful. Although the fit and finish of all the materials in my 328i test car were excellent, the hard edges on the console and dash gave it a dated look. Storage space also came up short. The glove box barely held the owner’s manual, and the console bin was minuscule. Cup holders that flip out of the dash felt flimsy.
But there is one significant improvement on the inside this year—the new generation iDrive. This electronic controller for navigation, audio and telephone is now easier to use. Menu buttons surround the iDrive controller, and get you to where you want to be without hassle. The system is now more intuitive. I was actually able to program a destination on the nav system without consulting the manual.
Accommodations in the 3-Series are a bit snug for rear passengers. Tall people will feel pinched for head and legroom. However, those up front won’t have any complaints, there’s plenty of room and support. My car came with the optional sport seats, which held me snugly in place on fast corners, and were reasonably comfortable in everyday use.
The 328i is the entry-level model in the 3-Series. It’s powered by a 3.0-liter, inline six that generates a smooth 230 horsepower. Teamed with the three-liter is a six-speed manual, or a six-speed automatic transmission that drives the rear wheels. Buyers seeking more power can also opt for a 335i with 300 hp, a new 335d diesel with 265 horses, or the high-performance M3 that pumps out 414 hp. However, the 328i is no slug—it’s capable of reaching 60 in 6.4 seconds.
My 328i test car came with the automatic gearbox, and paddle shifters on the steering wheel. The paddle shifters enable you to select gears when you want to, without taking your eyes off the road. And the three-liter with automatic will still get you to sixty almost as fast as the manual. While purists might prefer the manual gearbox, the automatic is a godsend in commuter traffic.
Out on the back roads, the 328i delivers the kind of handling you expect from a BMW. First of all, it’s very solid. Hitting a pothole won’t send a shiver through your body. My test car was equipped, with the Sport package that had a stiffer suspension, but what impressed me most was the steering. It was so taut and precise that it made me feel like I was one with the car. Of course, the suspension did its part too, by enabling this machine to take corners with ease. However, the sport suspension exacts a price—the ride gets bouncy on rough secondary roads.
Pricing for the 328i sedan starts at a reasonable $34,225, but your tab will rise dramatically if you dip too heavily into the option list. My heavily loaded test car had a bottom line of $45,895.
Snapshot Review
Sporty Body, Retro Interior
Improved iDrive
Smooth Power Train
Great Handling
