2009 BMW 328i Windham ME

December 9, 2009   By Alison Lakin, Associate Editor



2009 BMW 3-Series
DriverSide Overview 
Many cars on the road are purchased regardless of true drive quality. Size and price enter into the equation pretty quickly, so does brand loyalty and quality assurance. But the average buyer isn’t looking for a car with brilliant power delivery, taut handling or silky transmission shifts. Every once and awhile, however, the public adopts a real performer in the automotive market, one that deserves the tremendous amount of attention it gets. The BMW 328i is one such deserving car. It may be as ubiquitous as frozen yogurt shops in SoCal, but unlike them, the 3-Series isn’t some passing fad. Considered the benchmark for entry-level luxury cars, the midsize sedan is zeroing in on perfection. Its performance is consistently great – especially considering it’s the base BMW model – and interior styling never feels overdone. In typical BMW fashion, the latest technology features ooze out of the cabin too. Needless to say, if you’re delving into the luxury performance sedan market, the 328i should be your first shopping stop.
 







What's to Like
The new iDrive system is vastly improved from the last generation, despite some deep menus and unintuitive functions. The shorter learning curve will keep frustration out of the cabin. Driving dynamics are near perfect, and interior styling – while on the utilitarian side – is endlessly well designed.

What's Not to Like
Interior space is tight, especially in the rear seats, where taller passengers would be uncomfortable riding for long journeys. Storage is at a premium, thanks to a lack of good cubbies and a smallish trunk. Opting for the sport package will improve dynamics, but the damping is too hard for daily driving conditions. The sticker price on this German can quickly jump with a few add-ons; writing a check for over $40,000 isn’t a stretch of the imagination.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
The 328i may be the baby of the BMW family, but its driving capabilities are anything but immature. At 230 hp, it’s got 70 less ponies than the 335i – a difference you can’t hide – but that’s not to say its underpowered. Throttle response is dead-on and twisty corners are entered into comfortably thanks to top-notch handling that is rivaled only by Infiniti’s G37 . Just shy of 3400 lbs, you can’t call the 328i a lightweight, though its mass is balanced well and body roll is quelled before it begins. Steering is quick to give feedback, well weighted and direct. As it’s a luxury sedan, you’ll be quick to note the quiet interior and minimal road and wind noise. Transmission shifts blend seamlessly to smooth out the ride, while bumps are softened by the forgiving suspension. Opt for the sport package and you’ll see tightened suspension that may be too s...

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