why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2008 BMW 3 Series

Please enter a valid mileage

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2014 BMW 3 Series

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 BMW 3 Series Review

By KBB.com Editors

Now in its fifth generation, BMW's 3 Series carries on as one of the world's premier driving machines. Both Sedan and Sports Wagon variants received a major engine upgrade last year, changing the familiar 325 and 330 name badges to 328 and 335, with the later receiving a twin-turbocharged engine. Even the more affordable members of the family -- rear-wheel-drive 328i Sedan and Sports Wagon and all-wheel-drive 328xi Sedan and Sports Wagon -- offer an impressive roster of comfort and convenience touches in addition to their crisply-tuned suspension packages, standard Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), powerful anti-lock brakes (ABS) and handling characteristics that continue to win rave reviews from driving fans everywhere.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're a genuine driving enthusiast who still believes that there's just something special about German automotive engineering, virtually any selection from the 328i and 328xi menu could be just what you're looking for. Even at its entry level, the 3 Series package provides an engaging mix of character, quality and performance.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you prefer a suspension tuned more towards ride comfort than control, want a rear seat with lots of legroom or need a spacious trunk, the 3 Series may be less attractive than some of its European or Japanese competitors -- although the Sports Wagon does offer impressive cargo room even with the rear seat up. BMW's iDrive integrated controller that's included with the optional navigation system also has been criticized for its unnecessary complexity.

What's New for 2008

Steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters are available on models equipped with the six-speed STEPTRONIC transmission and Sport Package. The 328 models receive new 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome-tipped exhaust pipes, while HD radio is made available across the line.

Driving the 3 Series

Driving Impressions True to tradition, even the entry-level 3 Series offers a full measure of BMW's legendary driving DNA. Fortified with abundant power and torque, both rear-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive variants, in either...

body style and with either transmission, are plenty fast from zero to 60 mph and easily capable of coping with any kind of traffic situation. There's a precise feel to the steering and the well-sorted suspension provides exceptional confidence through even the most challenging corners. While some may find the ride a tad too taut -- particularly when fitted with the optional Sport Package -- we think the handling advantages more than offset any minor comfort tradeoff. BMW's excellent xDrive all-wheel-drive system also makes dealing with inclement weather considerably less stressful.

Favorite Features

Start-off Assistant
Order a 3 Series with a manual transmission and you'll enjoy the benefits of this subtle but effective helper that automatically applies the brakes for a few seconds whenever you're stopped on a hill to help prevent the car from rolling backwards while you engage first gear.

Optional Active Steering
This high-tech adjunct to the standard power steering varies the effective turning ratio to correspond with vehicle velocity, making it easier to maneuver at low speeds while enhancing stability under freeway cruising conditions.

2008 BMW 3 Series Details

Interior

Although slightly roomier than any of its predecessors, the 2008 BMW 3 Series remains a compact sedan that provides better accommodations in its firm but comfortably supportive front bucket seats than in the rear bench -- where six-footers are apt to feel a bit confined. The clean, elegant look is highlighted by standard leatherette upholstery set off by Burl Walnut, Poplar Natural Wood or aluminum trim. Legible white-on-black instruments and a multifunction steering wheel on a tilt and telescoping column reinforce its driver-centric character, while models fitted with the optional navigation package get an alternative "double-wave" dash to accommodate the central video display.

Exterior

A relatively long wheelbase coupled with short front and rear overhangs, plus a slight wedge shape, gives the compact 3 Series a dynamic flair that reflects common styling cues with the larger 5 Series and 7 Series, elements that are further reinforced by the signature twin-kidney grilles. Unique headlamp and taillight treatments help define the 3 Series' character, and the 17- and 18-inch wheels that are part of the optional Sport Package impart an even more aggressive stance than the standard 16-inch alloy rims. All 3 Series models are fitted with extended-mobility run-flat tires, so no spare is included.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

In keeping with its performance heritage, the 2008 BMW 3 Series emphasizes precise handling by augmenting its well-tuned suspension with the comprehensive Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) system. DSC interfaces with the car's powerful anti-lock brakes (ABS) as well as with Dynamic Traction Control (DTC) on rear-wheel-drive models or Hill Descent Control (HDC) on all-wheel-drive vehicles. In addition to the expected power assists, the 3 Series offers numerous comfort and convenience touches, including cruise control, 10-speaker AM/FM/CD/MP3 audio system and a single (Sedans) or dual (Sports Wagons) power moonroof. All models feature run-flat tires, dual front and front-side airbags plus BMW's front- and rear-seat Head Protection System (HPS).

Optional Equipment

Key single extras include a six-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission, eight-way power front seats with driver memory, corner-following Xenon Adaptive Headlights, Comfort Access keyless entry and start, distance-maintaining Active Cruise Control, Active Power Steering that varies effort and ratio with vehicle speed, a navigation system with real-time traffic information and iDrive integrated multifunction controller, Dakota Leather upholstery, Logic7 Sound System, HD radio and SIRIUS Satellite Radio. The Cold Weather Package includes headlamp washers and heated front seats, while a Premium Package brings leather plus a subscription to BMW Assist that includes real-time help and concierge service at the push of a button. The Sport Package nets tauter suspension, sport seats and 17-inch wheels and tires.

Under the Hood

Although the 328i and 335i share the same 3.0-liter engine displacement, how BMW tweaks each engine makes all the difference in the world. In the 328 models, an ultra-smooth 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine makes a respectable 230 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. In the 335, twin turbochargers up the output to 300 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque. Another welcome touch is BMW's sophisticated Double VANOS variable valve-timing system that bolsters low- and mid-range responsiveness while helping make the engine even more efficient.

3.0-liter in-line 6
230 horsepower @ 6500 rpm
200 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/28 (Sedan, manual, 2WD), 19/28 (Sedan, automatic, 2WD), 17/27 (Sports Wagon, manual, 2WD), 18/27 (Sports Wagon, automatic, 2WD), 17/25 (AWD)

3.0-liter in-line 6 twin-turbocharged
300 horsepower @ 5800 rpm
300 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/26 (manual, 2WD), 17/26 (automatic, 2WD), 16/25 (manual, 4WD), 17/25 (automatic, 4WD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used BMW 3 Series vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2008 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.8

Out of 10

Based on 895 Ratings for the 2006 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.8/10

Quality

9.1/10
Reliability

9.0/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.3/10

Great drivers car

By wildman518 (AZ) on Sunday, July 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Engine, handeling, practicality, driver comfort,"

Cons: "maintenance costs,"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The main issue with these cars as they get older is the maintenance. They will run forever if you put the money into them. I've had the car for 4 years now and put 50K miles on it in that time, and its been a lot of fun. With the car sitting at 70K miles things are starting to come due. Valve cover gasket needs to be replaced. The clutch is not far from being replaced. Some interior things such as the seat belt extenders have stopped working. The electric water pump is in the range where it should probably be replaced. The suspension needs some minor tune-up/replacement (Bushings, maybe front struts). All these parts are expensive. All that being said, the car drives like a dream even at 70K. The engine is as strong as ever. This car has one of the smoothest running engines. The handling of the car is second to none. The 3 series is probably one of the most practical coupes available with a reasonable back seat, and a trunk that can easily hold anything you want to put in it. And if it can't, the rear seats fold down. We've moved house twice and you'd be surprised how much stuff will fit in the car."

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

from an Audi S8 to a 335xi - great performance

By car enthusiast 1 (NY) on Thursday, July 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 60,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great performance and looks"

Cons: "The interior needs to be upgraded"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"What you do have to worry about is when you throw it into the third gear and your going 80 miles an hour and you haven't even begun to reach your full potential. The cars a little rocketship."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Kickass car!

By tek78 (Canada) on Wednesday, July 17, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 56,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great handling, peppy engine, sturdy construction"

Cons: "Back seats don't fold, RWD bad in snow"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought hte 323i (only available in Canada but equivalent to 328i) and, 6 years running I enjoy it like I bought it yesterday. Great quality material, peppy engine, base model handles better than any japanese sports car. (including by bro-in-law's Subaru STI). Reliability is so-far-so-good but I plan to sell it next year and get the same in 2014. If you are looking for sporty cornering and overall fun-to-drive car, this is my #1 recommendation!"

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

30 cars over 40 yrs, @ 30-50k mi/yr=THIS IS WORST

By whozat (CO) on Monday, July 01, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 61,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 5/10

Pros: "... ..."

Cons: "Read Consumer Reports 'Cars to Avoid'"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"Where do I begin? At 6 mos into ownership and 17,900 additional miles (now 61,000), I have never owned a car which has cost me so much to drive. Poorest quality materials and workmanship of last dozen cars driven 50,000 miles or more. One of which before was also a 3 series BMW. Water pump, brake sensor & pads, windshield washer reservoir & pump, cracking dashboard panels, fuse box, wiring harness, oil leaks, exhaust leaks, vacuum leaks, leaking windshield. Handling is no better than a million mile skoda. Replaced 4 tires & had to purchase special spare-not standard; BMW comes std. with run flat hard rubber tires. This means premature strut replacement, wheel bearings, etc., instead. Gets up and goes with good gas mileage but fuel pump is another Achilles heel. Don't lose spare key fob. That's $350. plus which is available only from the dealer. People who drool for these have little, with any car, longterm experience, i.e., Car and Driver, Motor Trend...And then there's dealership services"

15 people out of 18 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

My BMW3 is an excellent car.

By Ron (NC) on Sunday, June 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 57,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "All good."

Cons: "Rear drivers side door lock malfunction."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Sporty, fast, handles like a dream. Gas mileage above average,excellent black exterior and grey leather interior."

7 people out of 9 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

I LOVE this car and I'm a car person...

By Carolyn A (NC) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "great looking, fun to drive"

Cons: "expensive, 93 octane gas only"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is such an amazing car. I drive with the top down as many days of the year as I can. I love accelerating through curves and I never feel the car get away from me. This is the safest I've ever felt in a car. I get compliments every day, literally, on the looks of this car. The down side of this car is that it is not very comfortable on a trip longer than an hour or 90 minutes. Maybe it's just me. All in all, fantastic car."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 895 reviews