- convertible 70,814
- 14,495 overpriced
- Oceanside, CA
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- autoshopper.com
- convertible 70,814 silver automatic
2008 bmw 3-series review this car review is specific to this model, not the actual vehicle for sale. The quintessential sports sedan. introductionthe bmw 3 series comprises a range of sedans, coupes, convertibles and wagons, with different engines, a wide variety of options, and a spread of $35,000 from the bottom to the top of the line. Yet from the least expensive 328i sedan to the ultra-high performance m3 (reviewed separately), all 3 series cars put an emphasis on one thing: sporty driving dynamics that appeal to enthusiast drivers. for 2008, bmw matches its xdrive all-wheel drive system with its 300-horsepower, twin-turbo six-cylinder engine for the first time in the 3 series, introducing the 335xi sedan and coupe. And with introduction of the new 1 series coupe, the 3 series cars are no longer the smallest in bmw's north american lineup. all 3 series models share mechanical components and similarly compact exterior dimensions. All are a blast to drive. bmw sells more manual transmissions in this class than any manufacturer, and that probably says something about the type of drivers choosing the 3. These are rear-drive cars, though all-wheel drive is available, and even the optional automatic transmission is tuned for crisp, sporty shifting. Handling response is sharp and precise, and braking capability is best in class. The base engine in the 328s, bmw's trademark 3. 0-liter straight six, is more than powerful enough for brisk acceleration and a sinfully good time. The sports wagon adds substantial cargo space and utility. It's great for couples or families who often bring the dog, though it isn't available with the twin-turbo engine. the 328i and 335i convertibles might be the sexiest 3s, with their fully automatic, one-button folding hardtop. With the top up, the convertible is nearly as solid and quiet as the coupe. The firmer sport suspension, optional with other body styles, comes standard on the coupe, and these are the lightest cars in the line. Even with the firmest suspension, the ride in all 3 series models remains reasonably supple. Those powerful engines are also efficient, and epa mileage ratings go as high as 28 mpg highway. Exterior dimensions for all models are relatively compact, making them good cars for crowded city centers. Available all-wheel-drive adds extra security in foul weather. All models feature the electronic wizardry that has become bmw's stock-in-trade over the last decade, including one of the auto industry's most complex stability-control systems. some competitors offer more room, more power, better mileage or maybe better interiors for less money. But aside from subjective price-value analysis, the noteworthy hitch in the 3 series is the downside of the electronic gizmos. The 3 series cars accelerate, turn and stop with remarkable agility and balance, without seriously compromising comfort or common sense. All the standard 3 series cars are powered by bmw's familiar inline six-cylinder engine, and all-wheel drive is available. It's really a choice of body style and engine power. model designations are consistent across the body styles and standard equipment is similar, though the coupes and convertibles include a few more features in the base price. Minimally, all 3 series cars come with automatic climate and headlight control, a climate-controlled center console, heated windshield washer nozzles, rain-sensing wipers, a power moonroof, 10-speaker am/fm/cd and bmw's self-braking dynamic cruise control. Wheel size varies from 16 to 18 inches. All offer a choice of aluminum or different wood interior trims, with vinyl upholstery and a six-speed manual transmission standard. Bmw's six-speed steptronic automatic 1,325) is optional on all models. the rear-wheel-drive, five-passenger bmw 328i sedan 32,400) is powered by a 230-hp 3. 0-liter inline six. The 328xi sedan 34,600) adds bmw's x-drive permanent all-wheel drive system, noted by the x-designation on all 3 series models so equipped. the 335i sedan 38,700) and 335xi sedan 39. 300) feature a turbocharged version of the 3. 0-liter six, delivering 300 horsepower. The 335 models also add features, including power front seats with memory and bmw's logic 7 audio upgrade. the 328i sports wagon 34,300) and 328xi sports wagon 36,100) offer more load-carrying potential and versatility than the sedan, with a rear tailgate and rear window that can be opened separately. The premium package 1,650-$3,350, depending on model) adds dakota leather upholstery and a number of conveniences, including bluetooth cellular phone interface, power folding side mirrors, a digital compass in the rear-view mirror and hardware for bmw assist, the telemetric package that provides safety, convenience and concierge services. The cold weather package 600-$1,000) adds electrically heated seats, high-intensity headlight washers and a split-folding rear seat with ski sack. the sport package 500-$1,800) includes sporting suspension calibrations tuned by bmw's m performance division for the sedan, wagon and convertible, more heavily bolstered sports seats and a wheel-performance tire upgrade. bmw's active steering system 1,400) and radar-managed active cruise control 2,400) are available as stand-alone options on all 3 series variants, as is a dvd-based navigation system 2,100). Sirius satellite radio hardware 595), the logic 7 stereo 1,250) and most of the features in the three packages are available as stand-alone options. safety features include front-impact airbags that deploy at different rates depending on the severity of impact, front passenger side-impact airbags and full-cabin, curtain-type head protection airbags. The convertibles add knee airbags that help keep front passengers from sliding under the seat belts. active safety features, designed to help the driver avoid collisions, include dynamic stability control and the latest generation antilock brakes. The abs preloads the brake pedal when the driver suddenly lifts off the gas pedal, and includes a feature that lightly sweeps the brake discs dry every 1. 5 seconds when it's raining. walkaroundall of the 2008 3 series models are different. But all are immediately recognizable and bmws, and every 3 series body style shares design traits with the others. the similarities start with a shared 108. 7 wheelbase, which is the only obvious hint that under the body panels all 3 series models are nearly identical. By every other exterior dimension, all body styles come within two inches of the other. In general, these are the largest 3 series cars ever. Most of the extra width and length translates into more interior space compared to previous generations, particularly in the back seat. the 3 series sedan is the best seller, and perhaps most familiar to the motoring public. It features bmw's traditional double-beam headlights, now under clear covers that wrap around the corners and taper to a point that emphasizes the car's width. The sport wagon is identical to the sedan from the center roof pillar forward. Rearward, its roofline tapers slightly all the way to the rear of the car, while the bottom line of the rear windows tapers upward slightly, creating a teardrop shape. roof rails are standard on the wagon, and its rear gate opens electrically, with a switch on the key fob or dashboard. The rear glass opens separately, which is convenient for quickly loading lightweight items. overall, the 3 series coupe is a bit longer and lower than the sedan, and not as wide. AM/FM✔ Anti-lock Brakes✔ Heated Seats✔ Cruise Control✔ Sport Package✔ Navigation System✔ Sunroof/Moonroof✔ Bluetooth
14,495 Oceanside, CAOceanside, CA at autoshopper.com