Car Reviws |
| 2011 BMW 328i Sedan, an AW Drivers Log: Posted: 29 Nov 2010 06:27 AM PST  JAKE LINGEMAN The 3.0-liter inline 6 in the BMW 328i sedan puts out 230 hp.
EXECUTIVE EDITOR ROGER HART: The 3-series remains the standard by which all other sports sedans are judged. You need only a few minutes behind the wheel to figure out why that is. The precise handling, the quick steering, the perfect clutch take-up and the shifter feel are spectacular. Few cars feel better in your hands. While the car is not lightning-quick with the 3.0-liter engine underhood, there's plenty of propulsion to get you where you want to go. It seems like any configuration that BMW can dream up for the 3-series is a quick, entertaining car to drive. ASSOCIATE EDITOR JONATHAN WONG: It's hard to believe that this is the lowliest 3-series in the lineup and it still comes in at $36,000. It's a pricey car that has manual seat adjustments and no luxury items like navigation, satellite radio or xenon headlights. I'm also thinking that the 3-series is getting slightly long in tooth visually. The interior is also a bit tired-looking, and I can't help but think about how fresh and handsome the Audi A4 looks at the moment. But if you look past the aging sheetmetal and the cabin and the slightly high cost of admission for what is almost a bare-bones 3-series, you're left with the benchmark of small luxury-sport sedans. Everything from the steering, brakes, pedal placement and suspension is done with drivers in mind, and it delivers a pure driving experience that the competition is still attempting to match. As I said, this is the entry model with the base 3.0-liter, 230-hp I6 engine, but it still gets this car moving without a hitch. For daily driving, it's more than enough power, and with the slick-shifting manual gearbox at hand, you can wind up the motor with ease and the engine does it willingly. Even with this optional sport suspension installed on the car, the ride is comfortable and has sufficient damping tuned in for rougher roadways. The only downer is the run-flat Bridgestone tires on this thing, which are loud but weren't super harsh during my two nights with the car. Maybe, just maybe, run-flats are getting better? 2011 BMW 328i Sedan Base Price: $34,025 As-Tested Price: $36,575 Drivetrain: 3.0-liter I6; RWD, six-speed manual Output: 230 hp @ 6,500 rpm, 200 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm Curb Weight: 3,362 lb Fuel Economy (EPA/AW): 21/22.5 mpg Options: Sport package including 17-inch alloy star-spoke wheels, sports leather steering wheel, sport seats, sport suspension ($2,050); iPod and USB adapter ($500) |
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