2008 BMW 3 Series (328i, 335i, and M3)

*Est. $32,700 to $53,800

Best sports sedan

Best-in-class handling and performance
Respectable fuel economy
Available manual transmission and all-wheel drive (AWD)
Quality and reliability

Higher price than competitors
Complicated controls (particularly iDrive)
Tight rear seat
Plain interior

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Our Analysis

According to reviews, the BMW 3 Series is the benchmark against which all near-luxury sports sedans are measured. The BMW 3 Series is said to offer a combination of performance, handling, comfort and craftsmanship that few rivals can match. Some alternatives, however, such as the Infiniti G35 (*est. $32,250 to $34,750), come close and are frequently recommended based on their lower price. Reviews indicate that buyers interested in more features, luxury or value may find the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (*est. $31,600 to $53,800), the Cadillac CTS (*est. $33,675 to $35,975) or the Lexus IS (*est. $30,855 to $56,000) more satisfying. But the BMW's best-in-class performance simply can't be beat according to critics, even by higher-priced sports sedans. The best 3 Series value is the base BMW 328i (*est. $32,700), with its 230-horsepower inline six-cylinder engine. More thrilling acceleration can be had with the 300-horsepower BMW 335i (*est. $39,300) or the top-performing 414-horsepower BMW M3 (*est. $53,800). Drawbacks noted with these models include a cramped rear seat and confusing system controls, which are said to be complicated with or without the unpopular iDrive user interface.

The BMW 3 Series has won numerous "best" or "recommended" awards, but comparison tests and road-test reviews are highly useful, especially when it comes to descriptions of driving the various 3 Series sedan models. Several tests highlighting different models are available from a variety of sources, such as Car and Driver, Edumunds.com, and Consumer Reports.

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2008 BMW 3 Series

Our Sources

1. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

The four sports sedans in this comparison test -- the 2008 Infiniti G35, the 2008 Cadillac CTS, the 2008 Mercedes C300 and the 2007 BMW 328i -- are all priced around $38,000 and feature a manual transmission and an optional sport package. The BMW is awarded first place. Primary objections are the 328i's tight back seat and a radio display that "disappears behind polarized sunglasses."

Review: 2007 BMW 328i Review, Tony Quiroga, Jan. 2008

2. Edmunds.com

This test compares five six-cylinder sports sedans: the 2008 Cadillac CTS, the 2008 Lexus IS 350, the 2008 Mercedes C350, the 2007 Infiniti G35 Sport and the 2007 BMW 335i. Reviewers conclude the BMW offers the best all-around performance and comfort, but its high price puts it in second place behind the Infiniti G35.

Review: Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans, Josh Jacquot, Nov. 4, 2007

3. Edmunds.com

This thorough road test gives an excellent description of the base BMW 328i sedan, the lowest-priced 3 Series model. Reviewer Josh Sadlier claims that although the 328i lacks the thrilling power of the 335i or M3, it comes at a significant savings and still offers "a magical mixture of handling and compliance"." He adds: "If you love to drive, though, the sport package-equipped 328i has no equal in this segment."

Review: 2008 BMW 3 Series Road Test Review, Josh Sadlier

4. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Editors of Consumer Reports base the review of the BMW 3 Series on a mix of sedan, coupe and convertible test vehicles. Data on historical reliability compiled from owner surveys is also offered.

Review: 2008 BMW 3 Series Review, Editors of Consumer Reports

5. Road & Track Details/Subscribe

Four high-performance sports sedans go head-to-head in this Road & Track comparison test: the Lexus IS F, the Audi RS4, the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. The BMW loses to the sedan reported to be the fastest and most powerful in the test: Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Testers note that although the BMW has the lowest price as tested, it also has the lowest torque output, which is a huge disadvantage on the racetrack.

Review: Ultimate Sedan Comparison: BMW M3 Sedan, Douglas Kott, June 2008

6. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

Three compact, high-performance V-8 rear-drive sedans go head-to-head in this Motor Trend comparison test. Each car is priced similarly at about $63,000 as tested. The article quotes one of the test-drivers, Ed Loh, as saying, "The M3 is a race car with four doors." The BMW M3 takes first place.

Review: Comparison: 2008 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Lexus IS F vs. 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, Matt Stone, May 2008

7. Automobile Magazine Details/Subscribe

Automobile Magazine compares three AWD performance four-doors: the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR, the Subaru Impreza WRX STI and the BMW 335xi. The Mitsubishi is praised for its aggressive performance, but neither it nor the Subaru can beat the BMW, according to writer Jason Cammisa. This evaluation does not include track testing.

Review: What Would Jason Do?, Jason Cammisa, Apr. 2008

8. The Truth About Cars

TheTruthAboutCars.com is a provocative car enthusiasts' website that offers strongly opinionated and insightful reviews. After comparing the BMW M3 and the Audi RS4 high-performance sedans, writer Mike Solowiow concludes that the M3 is "the most civilized, fastest, most capable, best value GT car in existence." In the end, though, he prefers the "more challenging -- and rewarding" Audi.

Review: 2008 BMW M3 vs. 2008 Audi RS4, Mike Solowiow, May 14, 2008