CTC Review: 2009 BMW 328i xDrive Sedan

[CD_Editor]

Day 1:

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The BMW 3 Series is one hot-selling luxury vehicle line-up.  Even in these challenging times, BMW sales are only slightly down (9.3 per cent) for 2009 over 2008 for the 3 Series, and heck, BMW is only down 2.7 per cent overall, so they must be doing something right. More...

[SiRCivic]

Glad to see you've got an xDrive to review. Do you have any seat time in the RWD 328i to compare it to?

My next car may very well be a 3-Series wagon, so that means I'd be stuck with AWD. I'm hoping the handling doesn't suffer much. I don't really care what it's like in the snow, just want to know if it's as nice to drive when the roads are good.

[Flinter]

The BMW 3 Series is one hot-selling luxury vehicle line-up.  Even in these challenging times, BMW sales are only slightly down (9.3 per cent) for 2009 over 2008 for the 3 Series, and heck, BMW is only down 2.7 per cent overall, so they must be doing something right.

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.

[ovr50]

Glad to see you've got an xDrive to review. Do you have any seat time in the RWD 328i to compare it to?

My next car may very well be a 3-Series wagon, so that means I'd be stuck with AWD. I'm hoping the handling doesn't suffer much. I don't really care what it's like in the snow, just want to know if it's as nice to drive when the roads are good.

I wouldn't worry too much. The xDrive does not compromise the handling. I have driven a 535i as a comparison against my 535xi, and it would take someone highly skilled in handling differences to tell the difference. Additionally, there are those that believe the XDrive cars actually handle better.

In snow and ice, you would be glad to have the xDrive, there is a difference then, and it's in the Xdrive's favor, big time.

[normancw]

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.

Have you considered a low-km certified pre-owned?  I recently bought a 2006 330i 6spd with sport and preimium packages (33000km) for $31k before tax (list new for the 330i was $53k).  I spent less than what I would have spent on a new Accord or Passat, and far less than a new 328i with sport package.  Here is Ontario, I've seen low-km 2006 325i (MT and sport package) for $27-28k.
Right now, there are a lot of 2006 3-series coming off-lease.  Of course, there are downsides with used cars (like warranty) but BMW extends the CPO cars have a 6 years/160,000km warranty.

[sharpC]

The BMW 3 Series is one hot-selling luxury vehicle line-up.  Even in these challenging times, BMW sales are only slightly down (9.3 per cent) for 2009 over 2008 for the 3 Series, and heck, BMW is only down 2.7 per cent overall, so they must be doing something right.

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.


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.

I don't think that it is more expensive to own a BMW than it is to own an Audi or Benz. You can add some of features to the car without adding the full package and the car is pretty nicely equiped to begin with. Don't forget that they also throw in 4 years of scheduled maintenance.

[greengs]

Glad to see you've got an xDrive to review. Do you have any seat time in the RWD 328i to compare it to?

My next car may very well be a 3-Series wagon, so that means I'd be stuck with AWD. I'm hoping the handling doesn't suffer much. I don't really care what it's like in the snow, just want to know if it's as nice to drive when the roads are good.

I've compared the 335i and the 335xi and I prefer the RWD model much more.  To me it feels more balanced.  The Xi models sit higher and can't be equipped with sport suspension due to AWD (so I've been told).

[ovr50]

Unless you are going to "track" the car, the ride height tiny difference, and the AWD vs RWD argument is virtually meaningless. The AWD more than offsets it's dissadvantages with much superior winter handling IMO.

This forum is little different than the BMW forums, in that many posters complain about AWD and act like they are going to compete with the car on a regular basis. Not true, the huge majority of owners drive to and from work, and other mundane driving 99% of the time. And for that, on a year-round basis, the AWD is just fine, better in the winter. If you are really serious about competing, a 328 is not the ride of choice, you need an M3.

[greengs]

I am not arguing that AWD is superior in snow.  However even during mundane city driving there is a noticable difference between a 335i with sport package and a 335xi with sport package.  The difference might not be huge but it's there.  I live in the city and the only reason I would ever go for AWD on a 3 series is if I was really worried about getting stuck in deep snow.  But within city limits that's very very rare.  I have never compared the 5 series or driven one so that might be where the difference is.

[tpl]

My 330xi was the older version 32% F 68% R like some AWD Porsches.  Handled flawlessly winter and summer with appropriate tires for the season.  Commuted every day up and down the DVP ( against the traffic) just worked perfectly.

For those E46 AWD cars Dinan could supply sport suspension  at a price ( about $4000 installed in 2003)

I have driven an X-drive 328 and although the one I drove was blurred a bit by a slushbox but I could detect no handling flaws... just worked.

I am sure that there IS a difference in steering response for the AWD cars, has to be really as:
a)  the front tires are having to devote some grip to traction not steering
b) the extra weight of the fwd axles and cv joints
c) the different suspension settings.

[Flinter]

Have you considered a low-km certified pre-owned?  I recently bought a 2006 330i 6spd with sport and preimium packages (33000km) for $31k before tax (list new for the 330i was $53k).  I spent less than what I would have spent on a new Accord or Passat, and far less than a new 328i with sport package.  Here is Ontario, I've seen low-km 2006 325i (MT and sport package) for $27-28k.
Right now, there are a lot of 2006 3-series coming off-lease.  Of course, there are downsides with used cars (like warranty) but BMW extends the CPO cars have a 6 years/160,000km warranty.

Agreed, I think the certified pre-owned route appears to be the way to drive a BMW at a reasonable price.

[ovr50]

I think ppl should drive both the "i" and "xi" models and decide for themselves how much difference in "feel" there is.

As to weight, the 3 Series "xi" will 242 pounds heavier per the BMW Canada website. Also per the website, it shows no difference in height of the 2 cars, but I know there is a very small difference, less than 1/2" IIRC.

[nsmyhte]

I'll take the rwd version thank you. 

[CSX]

Normancw,

Could you please let me know which dealer you get you 06 330i in 33000km for 31K from?

THanks

[Flinter]

I don't think that it is more expensive to own a BMW than it is to own an Audi or Benz. You can add some of features to the car without adding the full package and the car is pretty nicely equiped to begin with. Don't forget that they also throw in 4 years of scheduled maintenance.

I did a quick check online to compare MSRP’s for similarly equipped cars:

BMW 328i xDrive Sedan (Manual Trans.)
$42,500 – base price
$1,900 – sport package
$2,800 – premium package (required to get leather)
$47,200 – Total MSRP

Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sedan (Auto Trans.)
$44,900 – base price
$2,500 – leather
$47,400 – Total MSRP

Audi A4 2.0T Quattro (Manual Trans.)
$39,700 (comes standard with leather)
$1,800 – sport package
$41,500 – Total MSRP

While the BMW and Mercedes have very close MSRP pricing I think you will find more in the way of standard equipment on the Mercedes. For instance the C300 comes standard with a sunroof and 7 speed automatic transmission.  Just these 2 features would normally run you $2-3K more on the BMW.

The Audi A4 MSRP is $5,700 cheaper than the BMW.  In my opinion this is a huge price delta.

Added competition comes from the Subaru WRX265 which offers comparable performance ( with less refinement) for a MSRP of approx. $35,000. That’s 9-12K cheaper than the BMW depending on how it is equipped.

I guess my point here is that BMW is demanding a significant price premium for the 3 series.  It is probably the best driving car in this group but in my opinion it is far from the best value. In today’s economy, value is beginning to become more important to everyone.

[greengs]

I think ppl should drive both the "i" and "xi" models and decide for themselves how much difference in "feel" there is.

As to weight, the 3 Series "xi" will 242 pounds heavier per the BMW Canada website. Also per the website, it shows no difference in height of the 2 cars, but I know there is a very small difference, less than 1/2" IIRC.

The height is the same on the base models, it's when you add the sport package to both that the Xi suspension stays the same and the I suspension is 0.6" lower. 

[ovr50]

Normancw,

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.

[sharpC]

I don't think that it is more expensive to own a BMW than it is to own an Audi or Benz. You can add some of features to the car without adding the full package and the car is pretty nicely equiped to begin with. Don't forget that they also throw in 4 years of scheduled maintenance.

I did a quick check online to compare MSRP’s for similarly equipped cars:

BMW 328i xDrive Sedan (Manual Trans.)
$42,500 – base price
$1,900 – sport package
$2,800 – premium package (required to get leather)
$47,200 – Total MSRP

Mercedes-Benz C300 4Matic Sedan (Auto Trans.)
$44,900 – base price
$2,500 – leather
$47,400 – Total MSRP

Audi A4 2.0T Quattro (Manual Trans.)
$37,900 (comes standard with leather)
$1,800 – sport package
$41,500 – Total MSRP

While the BMW and Mercedes have very close MSRP pricing I think you will find more in the way of standard equipment on the Mercedes. For instance the C300 comes standard with a sunroof and 7 speed automatic transmission.  Just these 2 features would normally run you $2-3K more on the BMW.

The Audi A4 MSRP is $5,700 cheaper than the BMW.  In my opinion this is a huge price delta.

Added competition comes from the Subaru WRX265 which offers comparable performance ( with less refinement) for a MSRP of approx. $35,000. That’s 9-12K cheaper than the BMW depending on how it is equipped.

I guess my point here is that BMW is demanding a significant price premium for the 3 series.  It is probably the best driving car in this group but in my opinion it is far from the best value. In today’s economy, value is beginning to become more important to everyone.

. Sunroof is standard on the 328
. BMW is including the automatic transmission at no charge - So no real $ difference between the C and the 3
. The Audi you're pricing is more in line with the 323 and C230
. Value is a relative and personal thing. Handling and driving dynamics should factor in the equation and may have a price (I don't believe it to be the case in your comparison)
. Most people who buy a BMW are not buying it strictly based on an item-to-item comparison.
. 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.

[Shnak]

Would I be wrong in saying that people venerate BMW's overall driving dynamics and handling the same way people have been venerating Volvo's for their safety and Toyota's for their reliability for a long time? I mean, we all know both Volvo's and Toyota's have been caught by other brands in their respective traits... Is is possible at all that BMW's of today are still being sold in massive quantities because the perception is that they're 'ultimate driving machines'?

Don't get me wrong, BMW's are probably still the best driving machines out there in their segments, but I don't think it matters anymore... I think a lot of people buy them because of 'perception' of driving dynamics and overall brand image. I don't think they care all that much about the actual performances. As ovr said himself not that long ago, most people use their car for commuting... any car will do that just fine.

[sharpC]

I don't disagree with you on the brand perception and its influence. However, safety and reliability are also a little easier to quantify than driving dynamics and handling. You generally experience the former two either when you get into an accident or nearly miss one and by the number of occasional visits to the shop to fix your car. Driving dynamics and handling are everyday experiences and emotions that you feel and numbers alone are still not sufficient when looking to buy a car that delivers in that area.