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2008 BMW 3 Series sedanBMW 3 Series - enlarge

Complete BMW 3 Series reviews listed below

The BMW 3 Series is the industry benchmark for the compact entry-level luxury car market. Other manufacturers try to imitate it, but rarely come close to delivering the driving experience of the BMW 3 Series. The 3 Series is available in a sedan (MSRP $32,400 - $40,800), coupe (MSRP $35,300 - $42,600), wagon (MSRP $34,200 - $42,600), and convertible (MSRP $43,200 - $49,100) versions. The sedan version (328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi trim levels) competes with the Acura TL Type S, Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Jaguar X-Type, Lexus ES 350, Lexus IS, Lincoln MKZ, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Saab 9-3 Sedan, Toyota Avalon Unlimited, Volkswagen Passat Sedan and Volvo S60 T5. The coupe version (328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi trim levels) competes with the Infiniti G37 coupe, and the Mercedes-Benz CLK coupe. The wagon version (328i, 328xi trim levels) competes with the Jaguar X-Type Sportwagon, Saab 9-3 SportCombi Aero, Subaru Outback 3.0 R LL Bean Edition wagon, and Volvo V50. The convertible versions (328i, 335i trim levels) compete with the Audi A4 Cabriolet, Saab 9-3 Convertible Aero, Volkswagen Eos, and Volvo C70.

All trim levels are available with a 6-speed manual or Steptronic manual-shift automatic transmission system, and can be customized with a variety of packages and accessories. The 328i and 328xi come with a 230-horsepower, 3.0-liter I6 engine, and rear-wheel drive system (all-wheel drive system for the 328xi). The 335i and 335xi come with a 300-horsepower, 3.0-liter I6 T engine, and rear-wheel drive system (all-wheel drive system for the 335xi).

Basic features include four-wheel independent suspension, front and rear anti-roll bars, power-dependent and speed-sensing steering, residual heat circulation, power moonroof (not available on the convertible version), global positioning system (GPS) with voice activation, driver vanity mirror, tilt and telescoping steering wheel, speed control, illuminated entry, memory seat, genuine wood dashboard, console, and door panel inserts, and a leather shift knob. Optional features include mode-select transmission, distance pacing cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror, garage door transmitter, heated front seats, and leather upholstery (standard on the 335i convertible version), premium leather upholstery, sport front seats, exterior automatic dimming electrochromatic mirrors, memorized settings (for three drivers), and ten-way driver and passenger seats.

Entertainment features include an AM/FM/Satellite-capable radio, Bluetooth wireless connectivity, harman/kardon speakers, radio data system, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, and a CD player with MP3 capability.

Lighting, visibility, and safety features include high intensity headlights (optional on some trim levels), variably intermittent wipers, rain-sensing and speed-sensitive wipers, outside temperature display, low tire pressure warning, rear reverse-sensing system, trip computer, tachometer, rear window defroster, compass (optional on all trim levels), hill hold, brake assist, occupant-sensing airbags (driver and passenger front and side impact), knee airbag, overhead airbag, ignition disable, adjustable head restraints, traction control, integrated rollover protection, electronic stability, and perimeter/approach lights.

A safety and crash test report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) showed that the 2008 BMW 3 Series sedan and 2008 BMW 3 Series wagon both received four stars out of five in frontal (driver and passenger) crash and rollover tests, and five stars out of five in side (front and rear seat) crash tests. [1]

A reliability history report from ConsumerReports.org for 2007 showed that the BMW 3 Series RWD received excellent ratings for its engine, transmission, drive, fuel, electrical, climate, and audio system, suspension, brakes, exhaust, paint and trim, and squeaks and rattles, very good ratings for its power equipment, and good ratings for its body hardware. [2]

The BMW 3 Series is now in its fifth generation. It has garnered several awards - 2006 World Car of the Year (New York Auto Show), listed sixteen times on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list (from 1992 to 2007), and Best New Sports Sedan in 2006 (Canadian Car of the Year).

A new M3, is scheduled to be released next year, and will feature a 420-horsepower, 4.0-liter V8 engine.

Click here for more information on 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 BMW 3 Series car prices, auto insurance, auto loans, car dealers, and car leases.

Footnotes and References

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