Not long after we took delivery of our 328i, the keys to it became the most sought-after item in our Los Angeles office, after the handheld phone and some private desk space. One drive was all it took to hook several staffers on the drug known as BMW.
Everyone loves the powerful inline six, the sleek styling, the sport-tuned suspension and the comfortable, multi-adjustable seats. Obviously, all drivers noted the fun-to-drive aspect of the car. One staff member, who claimed our 328 has the best road feedback and steering feel this side of $50,000, recited BMW's advertising mantra in the logbook: "The driver loves the car. The car loves the road. The road loves the driver."
Also getting rave reviews is our car's optional navigation system. We've used it on several errands around suburban Los Angeles and on a trip to Las Vegas. In all cases but one, when the system instructed our driver to make a premature turn, the nav system has worked flawlessly. Drivers have indicated that the system is not only accurate, but easy to use and program as well. Additionally, our car is showing staffers shortcuts through L.A.'s glut of traffic. Said one of our scribes: "(The nav system) found a shorter route to the 10 freeway from my house than the way I usually go. It involved using a few residential side roads I didn't even know existed. I don't know if that makes me happy, or paranoid."
We kept staffers in the dark regarding our Bimmer's leatherette interior, and sure enough, non-editorial types in the office, as well as most of our friends and relatives, think our 328 is upholstered with the real thing. Which leads those of us aware of the fact that our car has fancy vinyl to believe that leather is definitely a nonessential item on the 328i.
Even with vinyl covering the superb sport seats, our BMW feels luxurious. One driver commented that "the Audi A4 had a leg up on the 328 until now; the interior of the new 3-Series is a much better place to spend time and is finally living up to the luxury part of the BMW equation." Still a problem for some, however, is tight rear-seat room. And the parents of one staffer griped about the somewhat harsh ride provided by the sport suspension.
Other complaints include a stiff clutch that can be difficult to modulate, a radio that has difficulty keeping even strong local stations properly tuned, and a taillight design that "looks like an afterthought." Also, while the bright Xenon headlights illuminate the road brilliantly, they also blind bystanders as the car approaches. Finally, many of us wonder why a power sunroof isn't standard on this car.
Total Odometer Reading: 3,344
Best Fuel Economy: 24.6 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 13.7 mpg
Body Repair Costs: $0
Maintenance Costs: $0
Problems: None
