Wow - what a car. Let me give you a little background. I have been an American car freak for my decade and a half of driving. During that time, I have owned or leased 8 cars, 6 of which were American made. I like American car handling and looks, usually with larger engines.
My most recent car was a 2005 mustang GT. That was a great car. However, as my job required a new car to attract the clietelle I need professionally, (I'm a high end financial and business planner), I decided to start car shopping for something a little nicer.
I started with the American cars in the range: the Cadillac CTS, the Cadillac STS (and even the DTS) and the Lincoln line of similar cars. I even looked at a Chrysler 300C SRT8. They were all nice, and mostly a step up from the mustang. However, they were all lacking something. I can't describe it, other than by saying they didn't call to me. The CTS especially was a VERY nice car, and if the dealer I met with had them in stock, I might have one today... I liked it that much. However, the Cadillac dealer didn't have one, and certainly weren't going to deal on one, so I kept looking.
I stumbled into a BMW dealership, inquiring about their (now mid-sized) 3-series coupe and sedan. I say now mid-sized because as you may have noticed, cars have gotten bigger and heavier over the past few decades. The 3-series has ample room up front for use as a business car, and even could fit 1 or 2 people in the back if necessary.
As it turns out, there are 2 different engines available in the '08 3 series (at least here in the 'States). The "base" model is a 328. It includes a 3-liter inline 6 cylinder engine, putting out horsepower in the low-to mid 200-range. I test drove one, and found it was a great car, and really had wonderful handling characteristics. The automatic model I drove had suitable acceleration for everyday use, and a wonderful engine noise. They even put paddle shifters on the back of the steering wheel, a pretty nice, sporty touch.
...Then the salesman put me in a manual, 6 speed 335i (with the same size engine as above, except with 2 turbos, raising its torque and horsepower to around 300 each). Once I drove that, it was game over, not even a question. The car drove THAT WELL.
Let's start with the engine - it has tons of power, starting around 2,000 RPM. That's when you can really start to feel the turbos kicking in. It revs quickly and powerfully all the way up to its redline. It has a GREAT sound, is pretty fuel efficient (I can get 30 MPG on the highway, if I keep it below 70) and is powerful enough without being crazy. There's really nothing much else to say. I consider it the perfect engine for this car. I know they threw a v-8 in the M-3, and honestly I can't figure out how anyone can control it. I have a hard enough time controlling this much power, if I really put it down the rear end can break loose pretty well (I've broken loose on the 1-2 shift and even on the 2-3 shift a few times).
The clutch and shifter are also great. This is where I can make my only complaint - the first few days I owned the car, the shifter knob came off in my hand on 4 separate occasions. The knob fastens to the shifter column with a vinyl friction type connection. I think it simply wasn't completely fastened when assembled, because I haven't had any problems with it since. The shifting mechanism and gearbox are silky smooth and the shifter location seems just perfect (not too long as many other makes are). The clutch is also very smooth, and light, but it does engage fairly low to the floor, which can make for some fun if you let family or friends "test drive" your car. One friend stalled it no less than 4 times.
Handling has always been a big selling point for the 3-series throughout the years, and this model is no different. Mine has the "handling package" which lowers the car down slightly, and includes 18" wheels with lower profile run-flat tires. The car hugs the road in the twisties, but still remains compliant enough to make it comfortable for long runs on the local highways (which are pothole and seam infested around me). I have no idea how the BMW engineers are able to accomplish this perfect symphony of great handling around corners with highway comfort, but they did it!
The interior is well-appointed. I opted for the "real" leather (it comes standard with what I call pleather - or high quality vinyl made to feel and act like leather)... By the way - what is pleather doing in a car that bases at $42,000 anyway?
The leather is very nice quality, soft and seems to wear well. Most controls are on the dash board, either above or below the radio. At first, this seemed weird, but only took a little getting used to.
The A/C and heat work well, though for some reason BMW integrates a dial, with blue and red markings on it into the heat & A/C system. For the first few days of warm weather I couldn't figure out why the A/C wasn't working well. I then realized I had the dial turned to red, and as soon as I turned it to blue, VERY cold air was available. Strange to have a dual-zone settable, coputerized climate control, which can be overridden by a simple (and simple to overlook) dial... but oh well.
The radio is great - I got an upgraded system, which includes the Ipod interface, as well as a USB input in the arm rest, where I plugged in a 16GB flash stick, and have most of my MP3 library available to me. Volume and track selection controls are available on the steering wheel, which is also very nice. The sound is fantastic. I can tell by listening that there are even subwoofers hidden somewhere in the car (I've read they are under the seats, mounted in the floorboards) It is a really well rounded sound. Hard to find anything better OEM.
I also got an upgrade that included Bluetooth for my phone. Using that system, it allows me to use my car speakers to listen to the caller and it has microphones built into the car, to pick up on my voice. I have heard from people on the other end of the line that it sounds just as good as if I had the phone up to my ear. I think this system is mandatory if you're thinking of getting a manual-shift car.
BMW throws in oil changes, brake maintenance, etc. for the entire life of the warranty (which in this case is the entire time I'll have the car - as I'm leasing). Pretty nice not to have to worry about that stuff.
I have heard from others that the tires can wear quickly. The car is still new, so I can't comment on this from personal experience, but something worth mentioning. And, they're expensive to replace - I've heard $300 - $400 ea.
I think that's about it. I am sure I'll think of other things, and I'll add it later, but at this point (4 months and 5,000 miles after purchase) I am ecstatic with the car and can't think of a thing I would do differently.
Only "con" - price, of course. Fully optioned out, this ended up being a $50,000 sedan... not really "entry level" in my opinion. BUT - it is definitely worth it to me!
Amount Paid (US$): 50,000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2008
Model and Options: 335i sedan, with handling package and manual transmission
