I'm going to try and do something with this review that hasn't been done yet: Take an objective look at the 328ci as a potential buyer of a used 5-speed manual in great condition. I truly hope this is the most helpful review you ever read about this automobile- I encourage you to read through it, please rate it and feel free to comment. THis also contains alot of little facets you may not know about the 3 series E46, so let the ratings/comments rip! First, some history and why I'm in this position:

I have a terrible and long commute- I have many vehicles and have owned and driven many. Right now, I have my daily commuter and I have my 350Z strictly for kicks. So, In my quest to find a sporty vehicle (coupe or sedan) that pleases my eyes, senses AND wallet, and also as a car which I can use as a sometimes-commuter, but essentially a really nice driver for trips, going out and pretty much a second-car to take some abuse off the commuter BUT keep in pristine condition. The Z is my awesome car, the commuter is my nice-condition camry coupe workhorse, and THIS is my slick, sexy second car which I can take a date on, show up to a gathering (without having my butt sore from my awesome, but sometimes too-sporty Z) and occasionally take to work because I want to enjoy the ride..

Some Opening Notes: I want a 5 speed manual. The 3 series has ALWAYS been a great drivers car (though not quite so great as the "ultimate driving machine" M series nor 540i. Regardless, I didn't want to go into the new three jaded, but I really don't want an auto/step-tronic- no thanks guys, gimme a clutch please. First, finding a manual tranny is inherently harder to do- especially in the NY area where lazy arrogant idiots can't be bothered to use a clutch- they're usually too busy using their cel phones. BMW produces alot less manuals- and in the NY metro area, it's almost a given that you have to specia order one. At a local dealer on Long Island, when I wanted to test drive a manual, as salesperson at the dealer was kind enough to let me drive her personal 328 because they had no 325/330s new on the lot in manual, and no manual pre-owneds. Fear not- it's been 5 weeks of shopping and driving (and traveling) and I've driven over 25 of them- all manuals (not counting the steptronics- I drove a few and WANT A CLUTCH!) Additionally, as if it weren't hard enough to find a manual, GOOD GOOD LUCK finding one that's been adult driven... To my advantage, at least I'll have driven many cars before I find "the one."

So why the 328? Well, In short, I really like the coupe. I also like the higher model 6 cylinder. I also like the idea of having a new body style, especially because a new 3 series will be out next year, following suit with the rest of the bimmer line. For this reason, I've opted against a 99 or earlier coupe (E36 configuration as BMW classifies those 3 series) I've decided an E46 was the ticket- BUT, one might ask, why not a 330ci? The answer lies within money and the idea of a brand new engine. The 2001 330 is the first year of that 6 cylinder. It's proven itself wonderful, but I still don't like the idea of getting a 1st year of an engine run. To get a 2002 is great, but the premium you pay is substantial- OK, so now that we're narrowed down to a 328ci in 2000 model year, let's get into the review.

Cockpit: If you're looking at a sport-luxury do-it-all package, the Bimmer is well ahead of most others. I happen to love the mazda 6- I wrote a great review of the 6 cyl manual here: http://www.epinions.com/content_88140451460

While the 6 is wonderful, drives fast, handles AWESOME and really is one hell of a sedan, I want a coupe AND there is simply no comparison between the interior of a 3 series w/ premium package and with the Mazda6. The 6 is nice, but the Bimmer is just in another echelon. The leather is sooo so plush- though I must observe, in order to really get the full-monte on luxury and feel, the premium package is essential. The wood trim is classic and timeless- the heated seats are a wonderful thing on those cold mornings- and the sport steering wheel with 3 spokes is an awesome interface into performance. Ironically, some have said prehaps the E46 is a touch too refined for a 3 series- but we'll get into that later.. for now, take this: The premium package 328 interior is simpy lovely. The display and instrument binnacle is high compared to alot of other interiors out there. Personally, I like this- I put the power seat as low as it can go, because I enjoy the feeling and sensation of "sitting into the car" rather than sitting on top of it. I would gladly draw a motorcycle analogy, since that is claerly my expertise, however I'm not sure if enough people would understand, so I'll keep this analogy to myself. However, in car terms, let me just say that despite putting myself low-low and really sitting down in the car, the 3 doesn't drive like it is being aimed instead of steered (alot of cars feel like this when set to LOW driver's seat wise). The center console is accented with lovely trim and refinement- the shifter is placed up front and in easy reach, wheter you're sitting low or high. All buttons are one-touch and operate with little effort, except for the stupid coin-holder which is oddly put under the armrest in a rather inconvenient position. Who the hell cares, I have ez pass- I don't plan on dumping taco-bell change in this car either, like I do in my commuter- no eating in this car. This one is the "baby".

Driver's Feel: Let's Get OBJECTIVE Baby!!!
Again, I did not want to be jaded going into the 3 series... I heard plenty of people complain about the new 3's as being a bit too much refinement and not enough "driver's car." I've had and driven enough bimmers to know- however again, trying to look for a used, but "barely broken in" type of used 328, I can say this- the car drives rather remarkably and compliments a true sports car (like my Z for instance) perfectly. The Z rides busily- no way around it. It is a busy ride- you really feel like your body is an extension of the automobile- much like riding a true sport bike, like my R1 for instance. However, I didn't want this in a sexy/sporty second car. I wanted FUN but not too-much-sport to make it almost unenjoyable. The E46 in my opinion, is the perfect balance of fun and luxury- WHile the 323 may just be a bit underpowered for some people's tastes, the 328 in my opinion is just right...It's no M3 obviously, but it really is a wonderful car to have a blast in. The clutch seems to have softened JUST a touch from the E36 platform- nothing to criticize- it catches in a nice medium-short range of movement- let me be the first to warn: Good luck finding a good original clutch. Whther miles are low or high, The clutch will be the tell-tale sign of how this car was driven. If it doesn't catch nice and low to the floor- BEWARE. To potential buyers like myself: Accelerate hard through second gear and shift under some power into third, fairly hard, sports-style. Listen and feel carefully- let your senses be your guide- if it sounds even slightly strange, OR if you don't feel that car bite into the pavement BUT even detect a subtle amount of tach-up without what feels like appropriate acceleration, be warned. Look at how worn the brake and clutch pedals are- another tell tale sign.

Steering-input wise, again, I love the balance of this car. You still feel very very much attached and connected to the road- the bimmer's independent suspension is plush enough to be luxurious, however at no point did I feel like the car drove in less of a confidence-inspiring way then a comparable E36. Not to mention, the E46 coupe looks light-years better then the E36 IMHO! To touch on interiors quicly again, I want to share another observation: The light grey interior is a bit cheap looking to me. I really dig the sand-leather color, though it is lighter, and just have to be that much more careful. The light-frey is kind of chinsy looking to my eyes, it just takes something away. The Charcoal and black leather interior colors are just fantastic and add the the feel of the car, AND I swear it, the impacted the sensation in driving terms too! I like the exterior steel-grey metalic finish, and so ideally the interior color of choice would be charcoal or black. With light grey, the car looks cheap, no matter what interior color I checked out, and trust me, I saw all of them!

Shifting: again, a good clutch just feels "right"- If you drive one and it catches high, or doesn't feel responsive and let you be very aware of your clutching input, let it be a sign- the car was probably driven aggressively. Shifting wise, I rather liked the gear shifter- it's not short-throw by any means, but shifts are deliberate and fairly smooth. The M3 is notchier, and obviously the clutch is harder and racier, but I'd be comparing apples and oranges. The 328 shifts with a nice subtle chick into gear- not notchy, but not effortless like-butter (*I think butter-shifting is boring) so I like the shifter. One review mentioned having ahard time distinguishing between first and reverse: I can't see how, reverse you have to shift forward and let it fall into place very much to the left- kind of "10-o'clock" while first is just about 11:30/12 out of neutral. I like the shifter and clutch.

Brakes: Absolutely phenomenal. I need not say more about brakes specifically, other than to say that there's simply no shortage of stopping power here- they work great. BUT, In my efforts to povide as useful a review as possible here, brakes are one of the best ways to drive the car and figure out if it's go problems: A VERY USEFUL NOTE ABOUT 1999 and 2000 3 SERIES HERE*****: BMW employed a newly designed front-end linkage system with lighter weight (and stiffer) aluminum control arms and a grease-less ball-joint system. It is still used today and has proven to work very very well, BUT, Bimmer didn't quite have the allow figured out to a T just yet, and so is the case on the very early 2001 3 series's. So, basically if you have up to 60K on the clock, you can probably bet there's a good chance you need a control arm and ball-joint job up front- Drive one a bumpy road if possible- feel if theres any strange vibration in front or sudden front end movement that seems beyond what the bumpy road would cause. Also, try putting your clutch foot into the kick panel firmly and brake hard to a stop from 50 mph or so (3rd gear) Let you foot feel vibrations (this is on a smooth road BTW) and if there is a slight wavering, it may be time for brakes/rotors- if there is any more than SLIGHT, probably time for the control arm(s)- driver's side tend to go earlier than passenger, however once you do it, the reaplcement parts are the new alloy, so you needn't worry about it again. Hope this helps! = )

Overall drive... Not convinced of the balance of this car? Want to make a better decision? Take it onto a twisty and technical road with manu turns, tight and sweeper: if this doesn't stir your soul, than the only reasons I can figure are this: 1) you don't appreciate driving- this isn't a bad thing, but some people just don't "get it" when it comes to actually enjoying driving. Me, I live it. Option 2) is that perhaps you drive a Ferrari Modena- Me, I love the modena- I've spent enough time behimd the wheel to be jaded... NO, a 3 series is no modena- BUT, Even with my appreciation for such a wonderuful piece of Italian Art and Science, the 3 series is just a blast to drive! Will it shred a tight "S" like the modena? Obviously not- BUT, I think the car has more of an encouraging feel as a driver's vehicle- The 328 does NOT have Overwhelming power- but it has a very linear and capable kind of power. Put this together with a twisty road and you're bound to have smiles. And By the way, I've found alot of drivers have come to enjoy driving after taking the 328 for a spin- So even if you fit into "category 1" above, I believe in my heart that there's still plenty of hope! No words are going to replace the experience of actually putting your butt into the chair and driving the car- However, with any luck, this review will help you make a better decision and know what to look for- More on this choice and concept in the closing of thie review- keep reading, almost there.

Pasenger room/ engine compartment etc: The inline 6's are legendary for going forever. They also maintain excellent resale. To me, that spells "Win/Win" situation, whether you keep the car forever or plan on selling in a few years. As a hi-miles guy, I just may sell in a few years to get a good amount out of it- Remember, as a second car, I don't plan on racking up mileage. However, who knows- I just may fall in love and keep her forever. Passenger room is surprisingly amiable in the coupe- though the 4 door is much easier to get in and out of, please, make no mistake about this! Nevertheless, once in the back, the rear seats are comfy, provide excellent latteral support and feel and smell quite luxury- very impressed, even considering it's a smaller coupe! Interior cabin noise is minimized- Again, I've heard people like this and dislike it- I think it's a nice blend of luxury and fun overall- and you can always throw an intake and exhuast on if it ain't loud enough- but for me, the stock set up is very much alot of fun and sounds very nice.

in closing, Obviously buying a used car can be frustrating and difficult- ESPECIALLY for a manual 3! Back to choosing; Be patient and be open minded. One thing I'll say is this: I've driven plenty of "bad ones" plenty of "ok ones" and a few "good ones" - I've even been lucky enough to drive a select few "really great ones". The bottom line is this- If you drive the car and don't come away saying "wow, that really is one great car the drive" than chances are it needs more work than you want to get into in order to restore that great driver's-car feel of a solid 3 series. The more of them you drive, the more you'll understand that sentence: I swear it- really be patient and remember, drive, drive, drive and then drive more. If you look hard enough and patiently enough, you will find a wonderful one- AND you can get a very fair deal and a hell of a car to drive. Good luck in your search!


Amount Paid (US$): 19,400
Condition: Used
Model Year: 2000
Model and Options: Sport/Prem, power/heated seats, M3 wheels