2008 BMW 328i Reviews: Price, Interior, MPG & More

Overview

The 2008 BMW 328i is another in the long line of BMW’s 3-series, what was once their entry-level option. When the 328i hit the market in 2008, it wasn’t near the top of BMW’s model lineup, but for driving in style and with a bit of German refinement, few cars were offering a better option at a better price point.

Pricing

The 2008 BMW 328i initially had a price tag in the mid $30,000 range for a well-equipped model, but that was more than a decade ago. That said, ticking all the option boxes might have pushed this car closer to a $50,000 price.

A pristine 2008 328i with relatively low miles might be available for $6,000-$8,000. Remember that BMW repairs can be pricey, and a typical 328i from 2008 might have well over 100,000 miles on the odometer.

MPG

The 328i should get you about 28 MPG on the highway. In city driving, expect to get somewhere around 20 MPG.

The 328i from 2008 will get around 21 MPG in mixed conditions, driven responsibly.

Pros and Cons

Let’s briefly look at the ups and downs of this Bavarian cruiser.

Pros:

Refined, smooth handling and performance
Crisp, responsive steering
Autobahn-worthy brakes
Stylish design

Cons:

Small rear seating
Relatively austere interior
Non-metallic exterior colors

Performance

BMW’s 3-series models were once known for their throaty and resonant inline-6 engines. This example of that venerable inline-6 offers about 235 horsepower, so long as it has received proper maintenance over its lifespan.

However, the performance might be best considered as refined, as opposed to eye-popping. This car does more than get you from point A to point B, but it prioritizes peppiness and smoothness over outright performance.

Interior & Comfort

Whether in a sedan or coupe configuration, the 328i offers seating for five, though the middle spot in the rear seat will be pretty tight for a full-size adult passenger.

While BMW has a reputation for an austere, driver-focused interior cabin, this example is fairly comfortable. There were various interior colors and many options that might alter the look of the dashboard. But, compared to the previous e36 models, this e46 chassis offered more abundant comfort options, like tilt steering, front and rear cup holders, and more.

Safety

BMW has an excellent reputation for safety. You should expect a 328i with airbags, high-grabbing brakes that slow the car easily, and excellent balance.

The collision and warning systems onboard the 2008 model are a bit outdated by today’s standards, but every 2008 328i model had anti-lock brakes and most offered Xenon headlights as an optional accessory.

Technology & Infotainment

This model of the 328i doesn’t have features like Apple CarPlay. It was manufactured before that sort of connectivity. But many offer premium, ten-speaker sound systems with AM/FM radios, CD players or changers, and an optional iPod hookup.

One thing that might be irksome is that you can’t see the infotainment display while wearing polarized sunglasses.

Reviews

Customer reviews commonly reveal that the 2008 BMW328i is beloved for its comfort, versatility, and drive performance. However, they warn that with a BMW of this age, routine maintenance is crucial, and costly repairs are to be expected.

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