2012 BMW 328i Review

Six generations on and 12.5 million cars later, BMW’s 3 Series continues to lead the pack in the hotly contested sport-luxury market. So what could BMW have possibly improved upon to render the all-new 3 Series a better car?

5-WAY DRIVE MODE SELECTOR

To start off, BMW has implemented a new vehicle behavior switch that allows the driver to chose between five unique drive modes. The ‘game changer’ among these modes is called “Eco Pro” mode, and it introduces a slew of features that result in better economy.

Eco Pro mode also introduces mechanical changes to the car when selected. The smooth and fast-shifting 8-speed automatic (optional, a 6-speed manual comes standard) is programmed to shift early and move onto the next gear as soon as possible. The transmission logic is hesitant to downshift and generally keeps the engine below 2000 rpm, thus saving fuel.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is “Sport +” mode. Sport Plus wakes up the 3 Series dynamically, and earns the car its birthright in the lineup. With sharpened throttle response, tighter suspension settings, heavier weighted and more communicative steering, as well as more aggressive transmission shift logic, the BMW 328i transforms itself into a proper sports sedan.

In between Eco Pro mode and Sport Plus mode are Comfort, Normal and Sport modes. These three modes slice up the difference from each end of the spectrum and can be used to fine-tune the car to the road you’re on or the mood you’re in.

NEW DRIVER-FOCUSED INTERIOR

Fit and finish is excellent and the materials exude quality. A personal favorite is the new textured wood trim available as an option. Stained in a variety of colors, this new Poplar wood trim feels great to touch and looks sharp contrasting with nearby leathers, metals and plastics. The seats are exceedingly comfortable even after hours in the saddle, and the side bolsters hold you firmly in place during more enthusiastic driving.

A top-notch audio system is supplied by Harman-Kardon and with a bit of tuning in the iDrive audio settings, this sound system can replicate any genre of music beautifully.

ADDED TECH FEATURES FOR IMPROVED SAFETY

BMW now offers several key technologies in the 3 Series that were previously reserved for flagship models such as the 6 and 7 Series cars:

1) lane departure warning system

2) blind spot monitoring system

3) distance warning system

4) backup camera

TURBO 4-CYLINDER REPLACES STRAIGHT-SIX

The BMW 328i is motivated by an all-new 240 hp dual-scroll single turbo 4-cylinder engine. The engine measures 2.0 liters in capacity but despite its modest displacement, this new 4 cylinder dishes out impressive power and performance. With 260 lb-ft of torque on hand from only 1250 rpm, the 328i can sprint to 62 mph (100 km/h) in an impressive 5.9 seconds with the 6-speed stick shift or 6.1 with the 8-speed auto.

BMW’s 2012 3 Series will offer 3 model lines: a “Modern Line” packed with tech features and techy-style, a “Luxury Line” that relaxes with its organic colors and interior appointments, and a “Sport Line” that excites with aggressive styling and fresh, young interior flare. Between the three there is sure to be a model that suits your tastes.

Offering sporty performance, impressive efficiency and low emissions, with the new 3 Series, BMW has once again improved upon the world’s leading sports sedan.

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