By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National September 1, 2006Vehicle Overview
Offered in 328 and twin-turbo 335 forms with different engines, the 3 Series is BMW's bread-and-butter model. This series has a history in the U.S. market that dates back to 1977.
Compared with the fourth-generation series, which debuted for 1999, the fifth-generation 328 sedan is larger in almost every dimension. Although its body is 30 pounds lighter than before, it's been stiffened. Front-to-rear weight distribution is close to 50/50.
Besides the debut of the new sleekly shaped 3 Series coupe, the 2007 328 gains 15 horsepower over the outgoing 325, and models with BMW's navigation system get real-time traffic information. A rear-wheel-drive wagon is newly available, and sedans get two new exterior colors: Crimson Red and Montego Blue.
Exterior
The 328 features a long hood and short front overhangs. The new coupe looks much like the sedan, but it's sleeker. Both the sedan and coupe have prominent twin-kidney grilles.
On the sedan, alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires, and 17-inch rubber is optional. Coupes have standard 17-inch wheels. Run-flat tires are mounted on all models. Ground lighting in the door handles and adaptive brake lights are standard. Adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights are optional for sedans and standard for the coupe. Active Steering with Servotronic speed-sensitive assist is optional.
Interior
Sedans can hold five occupants while coupes seat four. The sedan's trunk capacity is 12 cubic feet, and a folding rear seat is optional. Optional sport seats have adjustable backrest width.
A multifunction remote replaces the conventional key, and the engine fires via a start/stop button. Automatic climate control has a Heat-at-Rest feature to continue moving warm air around the cabin.
For the first time, BMW's iDrive control system is available in the 3 Series as part of the optional navigation system. Subwoofers beneath the front seats are included with the standard audio system, and Sirius Satellite Radio can be installed. Logic7 surround sound is optional. A power rear sunshade is optional, and it includes manual rear side sunshades. Dynamic Cruise Control can gently apply the brakes to maintain the preset speed.
Under the Hood
The 328's 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder produces 230 hp and 200 pounds-feet of torque. The engine incorporates Valvetronic variable valve lift. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with Normal, Sport and Manual modes is optional.
Safety
Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are standard. BMW's Head Protection System uses a side curtain airbag system to protect occupants in both the front and rear seats. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are installed up front.
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Mike Hanley | Cars.com National | February 28, 2007 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | September 1, 2006 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Scott Burgess | The Detroit Newspapers | May 23, 2007 |
| Steven Cole Smith | Orlando Sentinel | April 28, 2007 |
| Royal Ford | Boston.com | February 25, 2007 |
| Tom Strongman | KansasCity.com | February 23, 2007 |
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | February 11, 2007 |
People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed
Closest Dealers Listing this Car
Featured Services for the BMW 328
- Sell your current car quickly and easily on Cars.com.
