Picture Gallery: 2009 BMW 328i xDrive | Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 | Discuss
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From where I sit, I think they are doing more than just one something right, of course, but from the looks I have been getting since I picked up this car, one of those somethings is the 3 Series’ styling — that’s for sure.
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So what do I have this week? This tester is a 328i with xDrive (formerly known as a 328xi). Painfully obvious is that this is the sedan; less obvious are the options in my tester — it took me a bit of digging on BMW’s website to narrow it down and I was still missing some stand-alone options.
Here is what I have: a base 328i xDrive Sedan starting at $42,500 (not too bad for a well-equipped base model AWD luxury car), but then it gets a little silly with some extra packages. The executive package ($2,500) adds: alarm system, universal garage door opener, comfort access, lumbar support, burl walnut wood trim and park distance control (which includes parking sensors on the rear bumper). The unfortunate part is that in order to add the executive package you must also add the $2,800 premium package, which is where this really starts to deviate from that well-priced, $42,000 car.
The premium package adds: heated steering wheel, auto dimming exterior mirrors, compass mirror, BMW assist with bluetooth and Dakota leather. Also on my tester are a few stand-alone options: six-speed automatic transmission with steptronic ($1,600, although according to BMW’s website it may be a no charge option for a limited time), a USB connector ($425) and the Space Grey Metallic paint job is an extra $800.
This brings the total to over $50,000 — at which point, I’m thinking 335i xDrive instead.
2009 328i xDrive
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $50,625
For more information on BMW and the 328i xDrive visit BMW Canada
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There are differences in my 328i tester than in the 335i tester I had, though, like the sports seats. Where I thought the seats in the 335i would be tight for larger occupants, the non-sport seats in the 328i would be just fine but are less supportive in spirited driving.
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The rest of the interior, though, is nearly identical to that of the 335i tester I had. The rear seats have the same hip-hugging feel, although limited to the outside edges only. BMW has some of the best rear seats in the business, although leg and head room is not very generous. Cramped, they are, actually, but comfortable. The 3 Series really is really on par size-wise with a Mazda3, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla or Ford Focus. The trunk is remarkably spacious, and the surprising 60/40 split seat backs make this 3 Series practical.
The remainder of the interior is all business, with typical German solidity. The signal and wiper switches require a good amount of force to engage (especially the signal lights). The steering is fairly heavy and although I like the feel on the road, it is somewhat annoying in parking lots — it seems BMWs are not for those who wish to be lazy.
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When I stepped out of the 328i, I was listening to 88.5 FM on the radio. I locked the doors, went inside, had my burger with two pickles, two tomatoes and a mound of hot peppers and a root beer on the side and came back out. I unlocked the door, stepped in, started the car and drove off. About a minute later I notice something: French talk on the radio. C’est quoi, ca?
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But I guess none of that is really important. What is important to a BMW owner is the car’s driving characteristics. Well, I’ll tell you this, the 16-inch wheels that are standard on the 328i absorb the road much better than the 18-inch tires that were on my 335i tester. Also, road noise is nearly nil and bumps are nearly imperceptible despite the tendency for BMWs to ride firm. Maybe I’m getting soft in my old age, but I like this car way more than the 335i, with its overly jarring ride (which was thanks to that car’s sports package.
What I don’t like is the automatic transmission, though. It really zaps the fun out of the ultimate driving experience. The throttle pickup is extremely slow: push the accelerator an amount you would expect to have correspond to average acceleration and you barely move at all. Give it some more and the car rockets away; there does not seem to be a happy medium. Shift the car yourself, though, using the manual mode and the car behaves much more how I would expect it to. I have to say this is one of the first true automatics with a manual mode that seems to work really well. It shifts quickly and smoothly and actually seems to improve performance.
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In the end, I averaged 10.5L/100km with the 328i xDrive, but that does not tell the entire story. According to the computer readout, I was averaging 11.5L/100km all week until I did a 200 km trip down the highway to Calabogie on Friday. That really dropped my average fuel consumption, as expected, but still above that of some larger, more powerful sedans.
Considering I averaged much better in the twin-turbo 335i, the 328i’s performance is a little curious. I suspect this vehicle will get better with time, as it had less than 1,000km on the odometer when I picked it up.
If it were me, I’d save for the 335i or at least get the manual transmission, as it would be much more satisfying. If you cannot drive manual or you just wish not to, there is one trick that will make the car a little more entertaining. Get to know the kick down notch at the bottom of the accelerator’s travel; give it a swift punch with your right foot and the car will downshift, giving you more control and power in the corners.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2009 328i xDrive
MSRP as tested (excluding destination): $50,625
For more information on BMW and the 328i xDrive visit BMW Canada
June 15, 2009, 09:56:12 pm Tell your buddy 'Yes'. Technically it's $4125 off the list price without touching the dealer profit if you pay cash, and $5125 if you buy the $1000 off processing fees story. In reality I found that the $1995 freight and PDI ate half the $4125, and the $1000 off prep fees disappeared in... prep fees. Add in the 13% Ontario tax and you're back over list off the lot...
June 15, 2009, 10:02:32 pm
25,000 km/1 yr an oil change 5.5 litres synthetic, oil filter, crush washer
50,000 km/2 yrs " " " plus brake fluid
change, cabin air filter
and an hour spent
kicking the tires
75,000 km/3 yrs " " "
That is really worth a lot of money ?
After that:
100,000 km/4 yrs out of warranty all of the above plus more checks new spark plugs and new coolant.
Well, 4 years of maintenance on my very pedestrian Sienna and Accord each came up to around $1200 to $1500 each. That's an oil change every 4 to 6 months, a "minor service" every second service, and a "major service" every 2 years, and a "better raise your VISA limit" after at the 96,000 km mark. So take a 323 vs an Accord 6 cylinder, add up the incentives for each and suddenly that 323 is looking like a pretty good deal.
June 15, 2009, 10:09:55 pm
Could you please let me know which dealer you get you 06 330i in 33000km for 31K from?
THanks
Local Mercedes dealer has a BMW 330xi with 18800 kms for 41xxx. $31K would be a good deal.
bmw.ca has a pretty good search engine for CPO cars. It shows a great many 2006 330i's starting from the low $30's. You can limit your search by proximity to a postal code.
June 15, 2009, 10:19:46 pm
. BMW is including the automatic transmission at no charge - So no real $ difference between the C and the 3
However, the no charge automatic transmission is a limited time special offer so I would argue that my original point still applies. That would make the BMW 328i xdrive (automatic) $1400 more than the C300 4MATIC.
. If people wanted most features/$, then Acura has plenty to offer. Better yet, a fully loaded Hyundai Sonata.
. BMW is still selling more cars than Audi, Acura, Lexus and Infiniti and they have all been benchmarking the 3 series for the past two decades.
From a pure personal snobbishness to me Audi is to VW like Lexus is to Toyota. Even worse. If I look at the drive train of Lexus RWD platform (IS, L, G) I won't see a Toyota on that platform. I believe the Audi blown 4 can be found in the Golf, Jetta, & Passat.
June 15, 2009, 10:22:53 pm
Could you please let me know which dealer you get you 06 330i in 33000km for 31K from?
THanks
I'm in Ottawa and I bought it from Kanata Ford. They have about 5 very clean 2006 3-series (much nicer than the 2 BMW dealers here in Ottawa and the 1 dealer in Montreal that I checked). I really wanted to buy a CPO car for the extended warranty, but I didn't find one that I wanted (I was in a rush and only had a week to shop). However, in GTA, there is a lot more selection. BTW, the BMW dealers around here are asking about $33k for a CPO 330i (which is fair considering the added warranty).
We get a lot of snow here in Ottawa and the 3-series with real winter tires is very good in the snow (before this, I had a 2004 325i with sport package and Blizzak winters). The 325i, with stability/traction control, was better than all the front wheel drive cars I've had (Mazda 323, Honda Accord, Mazda MX-3, and Mazda 3 GT). I felt safer in the 325i that our 1998 Izusu Rodeo 4WD. Just my 2 cents (RWD 3-series are quite good in the snow).
Norm
Norm - I am relieved to hear that your BMW handles fine in the Ottawa snow belt. I have my doubts. Those S Ontario guys just don't grok how much more snow we get in Ottawa! On the topic of snow tires - any every ordered a snow package from Tire Rack in the US up to Canada? Care toshare their experiences?
June 16, 2009, 12:16:00 am
For winters, I decided to go with non-runflat winters: 225/45-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 tires on Rial Salerno 17x8 rims (with BMW center caps). These rims fit the 330i/335i. Another alternative is to look for a set of used BMW OEM 17" rims (from a current generation 3-series - wheels from the previous gen 3-series don't have the correct offset).
I chose non-runflats for the better ride, better tire selection, and lower price. I will get an Airman tire repair kit from Canadian Tire. From researching the e90post forums, it looks almost identical to the Continental Mobility kit and is a lot cheaper. It's also much cheaper than the BMW M-Mobility kit.
On my 2004 325i, I had Blizzak WS-50 tires - excellent traction on ice for 2 to 3 winters, after which they were still good on snow for a couple more winters.
When my summer RFT tires wear out, I plan on switching to non-runflats for the same reasons. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric tire gets good reviews from 3-series owners that have switched.
I'm also considering sacrificing some trunk space for a BMW retrofit compact spare kit for the E60 (5-series) which fits the 330i/335i - part number 36 11 0 308 889. It includes a car jack.
June 16, 2009, 08:57:30 am
For winters, I decided to go with non-runflat winters: 225/45-17 Bridgestone Blizzak WS-60 tires on Rial Salerno 17x8 rims (with BMW center caps). These rims fit the 330i/335i. Another alternative is to look for a set of used BMW OEM 17" rims (from a current generation 3-series - wheels from the previous gen 3-series don't have the correct offset).
I chose non-runflats for the better ride, better tire selection, and lower price. I will get an Airman tire repair kit from Canadian Tire. From researching the e90post forums, it looks almost identical to the Continental Mobility kit and is a lot cheaper. It's also much cheaper than the BMW M-Mobility kit.
On my 2004 325i, I had Blizzak WS-50 tires - excellent traction on ice for 2 to 3 winters, after which they were still good on snow for a couple more winters.
When my summer RFT tires wear out, I plan on switching to non-runflats for the same reasons. The Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric tire gets good reviews from 3-series owners that have switched.
I'm also considering sacrificing some trunk space for a BMW retrofit compact spare kit for the E60 (5-series) which fits the 330i/335i - part number 36 11 0 308 889. It includes a car jack.
That's exactly the first combos Tire Rack's configurator pulls up. How are the Rials? I saw them on Tire Rack and they're very well priced. Did you get the TPM sensors installed from TireRack as well?
June 16, 2009, 11:21:56 am
BTW, to get BMW center caps from TireRack when ordering online, enter 'Gary/add caps9' as your previous contact at the end of the order (or you can order by phone). They cost $36 for a set and your order will be updated to include them.
I don't have TPMS sensors on my car. Canadian 2006 3-series uses something called FTM, where ABS sensors are user to detect a low pressure tire (wheel with low pressure will rotate more due to reduced diameter). I think I read this is also the case for 2006-2009 Canadian 3-series, but you should confirm. US cars require TPMS due to regulations.
When you get you car, you can check - tires with TPMS sensors have aluminum valve stems and the non-TPMS have rubber ones. If you don't need them, you can use the $200 US you save on something else for your new car
June 16, 2009, 03:04:04 pm I'm surprised nobody here mentioned the BMW copmarison drive.
I just did the one in TO at Downsview and it was fantastic. A great venue and even the weather cooperated by giving us a shower.
They had an A4, IS250, C300, all with AWD, to compare to the BMW 3 series line up. I have to admit, I never drove the 335D or 335i for a few reasons, one being I wanted the seat time, the other out of fear that I'd drive straight from there to a dealer showroom...
In any case, the differences in the cars that I drove were very minor. Certainly, all the cars with X-drive had more traction but more obvious was the difference in the sport package versus non sport. The comments regarding the 328 with auto, pshaw. I'm an enthusiast and quite frankly the slushbox was nice. Throw it in manual mode and the downshifts are smooth and didn't upset the chassis mid corner. Makes the car a real highway warrior ready to gobble up the highway without blinking.
As for Wing, I suspect the radio stations and other odd gremlins are attributed to personalized key fob settings...
June 16, 2009, 03:24:16 pm
June 16, 2009, 03:32:28 pm I'd buy that if I changed fobs.... I did have both, perhaps the car was confused.
June 16, 2009, 04:14:30 pm
June 16, 2009, 06:38:58 pm carjoe, did that BMW comparison drive also include the Acura TL SHAWD and the Infiniti G37x?
It seems rather silly to have a Lexus IS250AWD for comparison, b/c most shoppers wouldn't cross shop a 328xi with an IS250AWD. There would be some ppl who might consider a G37x in similar territory with the 328xi though.
June 16, 2009, 07:33:54 pm Local Infiniti dealer is advertising the G37X with Premium Package for $5000 off from Infiniti and $1670 from the dealer for a PDI included price of $39,995, pretax. THAT is an awesome deal, and if I were in the market in the segment, it would be the clear winner for value.
June 16, 2009, 08:37:18 pm
It seems rather silly to have a Lexus IS250AWD for comparison, b/c most shoppers wouldn't cross shop a 328xi with an IS250AWD. There would be some ppl who might consider a G37x in similar territory with the 328xi though.
Not that I was looking for AWD, but of all the cars discussed, only the Audi and BMW offer a manual transmission with their AWD models
June 16, 2009, 10:33:47 pm Surprisingly, no G37 or any Acura. I was really hoping they'd have the G37x or any other G car car but no such luck.
It was surprising for 2 reasons, one the G37 is awfully close the 3 in most aspects and second because of the emphasis on the "new" X-drive. BMW even took the time to explain the differences between all the systems prior to the driving portion of the event.
To The Truth Hurts: I'd cross shop the Lexus IS if the emphasis were on the AWD which makes the 250 an ideal candidate. Most people aren't looking for huge performance but rather brand recognition, value and safety with the AWD and in that respect certainly the IS delivers. You could argue that a Legacy delivers the same safety with a better AWD system but the brand cachet just isnt' the same.
Holy cow, I never post but I've posted 2 books in the same thread...
June 17, 2009, 05:18:42 pm I've been looking at the 328i at our dealers in Toronto and know about the $1,600 auto trans incentive from BMW, the $2,500 for cash discount. Does anyone have any idea of how much of a discount can be given by the dealer ? I need to sell my mint 325Ci, 10k km 05 but new in March 06. Any suggestions for sites to post it would be really appreciated. For the 325Ci e mail me at bishopbge@yahoo.com
June 17, 2009, 06:06:48 pm
Well said. You will NEVER see a G35/G37 at a BMW comparison drive. That's cause they'll have to explain why a fully loaded $40k Japanese Luxury Sports Sedan can smoke their $50k Bimmer. They'd rather have people go to the nearest BMW store, not Infiniti.
June 17, 2009, 07:19:46 pm
The G37's horsepower cup runneth over. Since it's inception, the interior has been improved immensely, the exterior is fine, and the overall dynamic package (power, handling, etc) is very impressive. It's a lot of car for the money and given it's large size in the segment, I don't really see the need for the M-series Infiniti products.
June 17, 2009, 07:40:55 pm
I did CarCostCanada to get details on wholesale and incentives - I recommend them highly (I miss living in California where EVERYTHING on the cost of a car was available for free). ANyway, the 328 has about a 9% profit - it varieis as you dive into the options. If you're in the Toronto area there's a BMW dealer that'll give you a quote.
June 18, 2009, 11:36:45 am
June 18, 2009, 03:02:05 pm
I don't think it would be wise for BMW to spend much time congratulating themselves for only having a 2.7% drop in sales in today's market. Both Audi and Mercedes-Benz have had a significant increase in sales in Canada over the same period.
http://www.desrosiers.ca/Monthly%20Updates/sales.pdf
In the case of the BMW 3 series, I don't think the problem is the car. I test drove a BMW 328i (man.,sport package) and loved the car. However, the price premium to own a BMW is very difficult for many to swallow, me included. Especially in today's economic times.
Modified to correct typo.
Check out this link to a G&M article discussing the drop in luxury car sales and competition to steal market share from BMW.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/auto/luxury-it-aint-what-it-used-to-be/article1185908/
Here is an interesting quote from the article:
Jung says he believes Mercedes-Benz is “buying” market share by selling some vehicles at unprofitable prices and supporting others with inexplicably low cut-rate deals. But BMW, too, is offering deals on its models.
“I don't want to give up [luxury] segment leadership in Canada, but I do not really understand the approach of our colleagues from Stuttgart,” Jung says. “I do not really think there is profit there. I do not want to play this [discounting] game, but I do not want to give up leadership.” Quite the dilemma.
Quite the dilemma indeed. I think BMW needs to be very careful here because even though they are offering some incentives, it appears they are not being as aggressive as the competition. You can choose to maintain existing per unit profit margins, but loose market share and appear unresponsive to potential customers, or you can choose to reduce per unit profit margins and maintain your market share. Either way, you can't expect to maintain the overall profit levels enjoyed in recent years.
June 22, 2009, 07:54:45 am
Just noticed after I first posted this reply that a few posts just got deleted. Not sure what happened.
June 22, 2009, 08:02:53 am
Just noticed after I first posted this reply that a few posts just got deleted. Not sure what happened.
They have moved to show and shine it would appear.
June 22, 2009, 03:28:35 pm
Just noticed after I first posted this reply that a few posts just got deleted. Not sure what happened.
They have moved to show and shine it would appear.
Got an active moderator
For the teenagers in the crowd (my daughters' friends), there's a definite minority that don't like the colour - that would be the ones that are saying "awesome" to the bright orange new cameros buzzing around right now