Road Tests: Long-Term Test

Preface
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Braking
Interior Accommodations
Maintenance and Reliability
Summing Up
Changes to the 3 Series Since 1999
Pros and Cons
Best Logbook Quotes
Problem History
Dealer Service Reviews
Consumer Commentary

Preface

Our editors live what many would consider the goood life: our very vocation dictates that we sample a vast assortment of cars every year, mixing economy hatchbacks with exotic sports cars. Ultimately, we're quite hard to impress. But even the most discriminating of our group cooed happily after driving our long-term 1999 BMW 328i. Indeed, one editor briefly entertained the idea of purchasing our long-termer and its 42,000 miles at the end of the lease. We won't argue that the 3 Series is perfect -- but, among editors and readers, it was the most popular vehicle ever to occupy our long-term fleet.

The sedan is the best-selling 3 Series model, and the best-selling BMW, in the United States. As it happened, then, the E46-generation sedan arrived stateside a year ahead of the convertible, coupe and wagon (thoughtfully added to the U.S. lineup just as Americans' fancies turned to sport wagons). The E46 spawn purportedly incorporated a great deal more luxury into the sporty 3 Series line than was ever available in any previous generation, including the outgoing E36, and some feared the 3 Series had softened, lowered itself to the whims of badge buyers and abandoned its identity as a "driver's car."

So of course we wanted to find out whether the E46 sedan could satisfy our staff of drivers -- though many of us were amenable to the luxuries of the new 3 since we would have to live with ours for two solid years (it would not be just a weekend car for us). We also wanted to see if a new 3 Series sedan could withstand the rigors of enthusiastic driving and heavy traffic -- historically, BMWs have delivered fun but often at the expense of durability. Further, would a sticker price in the 30s mean high maintenance costs? Two years later, we're happy to report that the current 3 Series represents outstanding value for a consumer who likes to drive -- it's fun, suitably luxurious and feasible to maintain.

Unlike some of our other long-term test cars, our 328i was not loaded with every available option. Oh certainly we splurged on the CD-based navigation system and the premium Harman Kardon sound system but only because we wanted to evaluate these options for our readers' benefit. The verdict? Many of us would skip these two systems, given their serious shortcomings. Aside from the fluff, we optioned our sedan for maximum performance -- we left intact the standard powertrain, a 2.8-liter inline six coupled to a five-speed manual transmission, and added the sport package, which includes a firm sport suspension and 17-inch wheels and tires among other treats.

In order that our 3 Series car would be somewhat distinctive (in Bimmer-saturated Los Angeles) and photogenic, we selected the optional Steel Blue Metallic paint -- it was a satisfying choice. "I'm not a big fan of metallic," Executive Editor Karl Brauer wrote, "but this blue has just enough metallic tone to really accentuate the BMW's clean lines."

The total package inspired a few moments of intense contemplation in our executive editor: "...The car just plain looks cool. I parked it on the street where I could see it from my kitchen window and found myself staring at it whenever I was near the sink. The combination of tall wheels, short tires, short overhangs and a clean profile make it one of the coolest looking four-door sedans available. The A4 may look better, but only slightly."

Engine and Transmission
For the 1999 model year, BMW began using Double VANOS, i.e., variable valve timing, in its 3 Series cars, and it helped our long-termer reach 193 peak horsepower at 5,300 rpm and 206 foot-pounds of torque at 3,350 rpm. Double VANOS manipulates both the intake and exhaust camshafts to increase performance and fuel efficiency (for more on valve timing, check out Brauer's "Valve Timing is Everything"). In any case, we savored the effects of Double VANOS in our 328i: while many of us would have liked a bit more off-the-line torque, the inline six offered delicious pull at mid and high rpm.

"That Double VANOS technology is easily as effective as Honda's VTEC at making the engine a real brute across the upper rev range," our executive editor wrote. "Even leaving the car in fifth gear offered plenty of forward thrust when rolling into the throttle at 70 mph. Downshift to fourth, and you're gone! The car has almost turbo-like responsiveness when accelerating at highway speeds."

Associate Editor Liz Kim shared his sentiments: "Smooth, linear power, and lots of it, is seamlessly delivered from the inline six, and it's a pleasing sensory experience to hear the engine revving... I got to drive an M5 this month, and although it was a thrill, I certainly don't need all those horses which you'll only be using a tiny percentage of the time. With the new 330i making 225 horsepower, even if I had the money for the M5, I'd pick the 3 Series, with its sexy silhouette, over the 5's sedate sedan styling any day."

We observed that the powertrain grew progressively extroverted as the car was driven harder. "On my commute to work," Senior Editor Brent Romans wrote in the logbook, "I usually try to be frugal for the sake of fuel efficiency. This means shifting at 2,000 rpm and making gentle brake and throttle inputs. When I do this, the BMW just doesn't seem happy. The shifts are ragged, for example, and driving in stop-and-go traffic is a chore. But when traffic opens up and I can drive more aggressively, the BMW's personality changes. The shifts suddenly become super-smooth, and the engine makes its trademark silken growl."

Since the inline six was almost completely devoid of noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) and the cabin carefully insulated, several drivers wrote in the logbook that they sometimes forgot to upshift -- only the tach bore the effects of their "indiscretions."

"The power delivery is deceptive in that you never feel the 'push in the small of your back' kind of torque, but looking at the speedometer, the power has been delivered," Neil Chirico, road test coordinator, wrote.

While the five-speed manual transmission was geared perfectly for the inline six, the design of the clutch and shifter was not at all ideal for a sport sedan. "When I first started driving this thing," said Associate Editor Erin Mahoney, "I felt like such a klutz because I was so jerky with the clutch pedal -- it was unlike any of the stick shifts I've driven in the past couple of months." The problem, she said, is that the pedal is exceptionally stiff and tends to release abruptly.

The deficiencies of the clutch became particularly apparent as our editor-in-chief navigated San Francisco: "Stiffly sprung, it's easy to 'pop' the clutch, threatening a stall. On S.F.'s steeply banked streets, this made for some serious slipping of the clutch, accompanied by obnoxious engine revving, to ensure that I didn't find myself resting the BMW's rear bumper on the car behind me. Even on flat roads, if you don't rev the 2.8-liter six enough before letting the clutch go, the car bogs a bit waiting for power to build. On the other side of the coin, you can over-rev the motor while slipping the clutch excessively, creating a nasty smell along with more noise than forward motion. It takes patience and attention to detail to drive this car smoothly in the city."

Brauer noted that the clutch grew increasingly recalcitrant when he drove the 328i in stop-and-go traffic. "More than once, I found the clutch pedal and clutch take-up getting squishy, and a definite smell surrounded the vehicle after parking it. I would be willing to blame myself, but other BMWs I've driven, including a recent 2001 330i test car, also tended to have undue clutch slippage and smell despite little provocation in terms of hard driving."

Several editors were just as displeased with the shifter, which Senior Editor Brent Romans described as "floppier than I thought it would be."

"The shifter is typical of German cars, in general -- notchy engagement but very loose feel in gear. [BMW engineers] could use a trip in a Hurst shifter-equipped vehicle to get a clue about shifter feel," Chirico wrote.

"The shifter sometimes feels vague," our former road test coordinator, Dan Gardner, said, "and I think I know what it is now. It just doesn't have the proper amount of heft. There's no weighting inside the ball of the knob to make each throw feel positive. I know Mazda spent loads of time figuring out how to weight the Miata's shifter properly. BMW should follow its lead."

Some drivers were unbothered by the clutch and shifter. Technical Editor Miles Cook reported that these elements fit nicely into the overall package: "All the controls on our 328 are perfectly weighted... This includes everything, such as the steering, brakes, throttle, clutch, shifter and the compromise between ride and handling. Everything is weighted just so, and the balance between the various controls is also right on the money."

It seems, then, that not everyone will regard the clutch and shifter as weaknesses of the 3 Series -- and those who do are, in most cases, still quite fond of the cars. Yes, BMW endowed our long-term 328i with a delightful powertrain, but a majority of the staff would ask that the company rethink the clutch and shifter design -- this performance sedan deserves better.

Handling and Braking
As much as we enjoyed our long-termer's straight-six, we loved its suspension and steering best of all. But it's a "refined" handling package -- you won't experience the youthful insolence of a Toyota Celica GT-S or an Acura Integra Type R, as a few editors would have liked, rather it's more of an austere composure. But apparent maturity needn't portend an end to the adventure.

"It is an extremely proficient performance sedan, returning the kind of road feedback and handling prowess not normally associated with anything short of an exotic sports car," our executive editor observed. "If you owned a Sport package-equipped 328i for the sole purpose of driving it through twisty canyons on the weekends, it would still be a justifiable purchase."

The 3 Series cars start with rear-wheel drive and a four-wheel, fully independent suspension. The Sport package adds stiffer springs, firmer shock absorbers, larger front and rear antiroll bars and, of course, bigger tires. The result is a taut, direct ride with minimal body roll during cornering. In spite of the high level of road feel, the ride in our long-termer was generally smooth enough to appease non-enthusiast friends and relatives -- until the car encountered speed bumps or freeway expansion joints. (There is probably also something to be said for drivers so moved by the BMW's abilities as to make their passengers a bit woozy.)

"On expansion-joint freeways around L.A., there's no denying that this car is rather abusive," Brauer wrote. "Not the 'slammed-to-the-ground-Honda' kind of abuse, but you are definitely aware, on both a tactile and an audible level, of each joint. The trade-off for increased road feel and handling is more than worth it to me, but I wonder how many 3 Series buyers, who are dropping close to 40 grand depending on equipment, are willing to put up with such external intrusiveness. Again, the Sport package wheels are certainly the major culprit."

Another driver, who was somewhat astounded by our 328i's grip on the road, wrote that the balance between ride and response was perfect: "...It is smooth-riding on rough road and very taut-feeling in corners."

It should be noted that you don't have to equip your 3 Series car with the Sport package to enjoy excellent handling characteristics -- a 328i without the Sport won our Near Entry-Level Luxury Sedan Comparison Test in 1999 largely due to its performance at the track. If you're uncertain whether the Sport upgrades are for you, we would recommend that you test-drive both versions before you place an order.

"The steering in particular is delicious to the enthusiast driver," Editor-in-Chief Chris Wardlaw wrote in the logbook. What makes it so enticing? Well, consider that the three-spoke leather-wrapped sport steering wheel in our 328i was weighted perfectly. That is, the amount of power assist was ideal, and it varied in proper proportion to speed (we enthusiasts hate overboosted steering). It was also an extremely communicative steering setup, such that plenty of road information was available with one's hands positioned at 'nine and three.' Further, the car's reflexes enabled it to respond quickly to steering input from the driver: "...You really don't need to apply the brakes to slow down before entering a corner at 25 mph," said one staff member.

Another wrote, "I don't know how they make the steering feel so razor sharp, but I can thread this car through left-lane bandits and out-of-town SUVs on the 405 freeway like nobody's business."

Unfortunately, it seems that BMW has tampered with one of the 3 Series' best attributes -- we've driven a 330i and a 330Ci convertible, and the steering is definitely lighter and less communicative (perhaps badge buyers found it too heavy?). "Sure, the 330 had slightly more power, nicer steering wheel controls and cool M double-spoke alloy wheels," our executive editor wrote, "but it also had less steering feel, a shifter/clutch combo even more fussy than our long-term car's, and it cost $40,000! Give me a '99 328i, with a Sport package, coming off lease and certified by BMW for around $30,000, over the 2001 car any day."

Our 328i was equipped with four-wheel disc antilock brakes and Cornering Brake Control -- this system electronically controls brake pressure applied to each wheel during cornering to prevent the vehicle from sliding sideways. Drivers frequently wrote in the logbook that braking performance was exemplary. Brake fade was never an issue during enthusiastic driving, though our long-termer did develop warped rotors with less than 15,000 miles on the odometer (which is a bit worrisome). The rotors were replaced under the warranty, and we had no further difficulty with them. All four brake pads were replaced during the 30,000-mile service, but this isn't surprising, given the zeal with which our BMW was customarily driven. The standard traction control system generally worked unobtrusively (except during Southern California's winter monsoon), though it was necessary to turn it off whenever off-the-line wheel spin was desired.

We always bring an assortment of long-term cars to the track (the road course at Willow Springs Raceway in Rosamond, Calif.) when we're testing performance vehicles there. This way, we give our long-termers an opportunity to flaunt their abilities. So pleasurable was our 328i in this setting that it has probably apexed more turns than any other vehicle we've ever had in our possession.

"The balanced chassis, smooth power delivery and fade-free brakes make it the perfect companion for a track novice to hone his skills," Road Test Editor Ed Hellwig said. "It had just enough power to allow for throttle steering through the corners without fear of lighting up the tires and going full circle into the dirt. When it did get tail happy, a mere tap of the brakes brought it back without a fuss."

Those who spend most of their time commuting won't miss out on 3 Series fun, however. Our editor-in-chief noted that he enjoyed the 328i most when he drove it aggressively on public roads rather than the controlled track environment.

Photography Editor Scott Jacobs responded in kind after a round trip from Los Angeles to San Francisco, which included several hundred miles on a somewhat monotonous stretch of Interstate 5.

"It's one of those cars you really feel a part of when you're driving -- like an extension of your arms. Settling into the widely adjustable seats makes you feel like you're glued into them. Combine that with the excellent feel of the steering wheel and the lovely shifter, and you feel that much better of a driver even before you start down the road. Once you're moving, the feeling of being a better driver multiplies. The total experience is like an exponential growth of confidence.

"That feeling is a little dangerous, as it's very easy to get carried away. A couple times when driving up the I-5, I noticed my speed was in the triple digits. I've gotten one ticket in this car before, and I certainly don't want another one. With its precise steering, smooth power from the engine and that confidence-inspiring effect, one can't help but get a little too spirited once in a while."

Interior Accommodations
Although we didn't opt for the accoutrements of the Luxury package or even leather upholstery, our rather stripped 328i invited editors to wile away the hours among its substantial sand and black materials. These quarters suggested that great care was taken to ensure that everything would feel suitably lavish (enough so to justify a price in the high 30s), and precision construction at the factory contributed to this impression. We simply didn't find the subtle panel gaps, unfinished edges and flimsy components that some manufacturers try to slip by consumers, even in this price bracket.

One driver wrote in the logbook, "This is a fantastic car...the finest I've ever driven in terms of build quality, handling and style in one package."

"The attention to little things, like the shape of the interior lights or the feel of the dash, is what makes this car better than an A4," our executive editor observed. "It takes it from just being a fun driver's car to being a refined, polished and extremely enjoyable car. It's all too rare in today's automotive world to find a car that gets better and better the more closely you examine it. This 328i is one of those rare vehicles."

Of course, we won't claim that the cabin was impeccable -- the windows in our long-termer were persistently squeaky, the navigation system often confused drivers, the Harman Kardon sound system rarely pleased anyone and the center stack is replete with esoteric symbols (at least, they're esoteric if you've never lived with a German car before).

Seating
In addition to the requisite firmness of BMW seats, Sport package seats are equipped with generous side bolsters that cradle the posterior and keep it planted during enthusiastic driving. The usual array of power adjustments, plus a manual release that extends the length of the bottom cushion (duly appreciated by those with longer legs), made it possible for most drivers to find a position sustainable for hours. After we were seated comfortably, our optional xenon headlights provided an excellent view of the road (sometimes at the expense of those awaiting our arrival in the driveway).

Our editor-in-chief did, however, push the limits of the front seats' "very specific ergonomic design" during a long road trip: "BMW obviously designed its sport seats with the proper driving position in mind. Stay in that position, and everything will be fine. Flop in the driver seat as if it's a beanbag (something many drivers do once the cruise control is engaged), and your body will pay the price."

A year later, after threading the hairpin turns of Pacific Coast Highway between Monterey and Cambria, Calif. (a route taken specifically for enjoyment of the 328i), he observed, "Our car's sport seats held me snugly as I ran hard along the coast, exercising the car in the manner for which it was designed."

We never found the texturized leatherette (well, vinyl) upholstery intolerably hot or sticky and would recommend it to those trying to stretch their budgets to accommodate the purchase of a 3 Series car. The leather option stickers at $1,450; it's included in the Premium package, which requires $3,850. Shaving off either expense might prevent your purchase price from getting out of hand. You'll note that many of our updates include praise for the supple "leather" in our long-termer from passengers not privy to our cost cutting -- and actually, this leatherette was more pleasing than the real leather in other cars.

Getting in and out of our 328i wasn't always easy for staff members -- while we weren't required to stoop to the level of a street-hugging sports car, the sporty side bolsters sometimes prevented drivers from gracefully sliding into the seat. One driver of average height repeatedly scraped her thighs against the steering wheel while twisting into the seat -- this maneuver resulted in bruising. She acknowledged that her injuries would have been averted had she moved the seat back on its track or used the steering wheel's telescoping function. The extra step might seem overly time-consuming to some, but at least the use of seat memory will preserve one's preferred driving position. Another driver found that the heavy front doors would not stay open at an optimal point -- one that would allow her to exit easily and avoid dinging the door of the adjacent vehicle.

The rear seats posed an even greater challenge in this regard (though one driver reported that his arthritic father had little trouble getting in and out of the front or rear seats). While the wedge-shaped rear doors reinforce the sleek E46 lines, they complicate the loading process, especially if this process includes a child seat and a toddler. Brauer gave this report: "[The child seat] barely fits through the doorway, and then I have to contort to fit through, as well. This makes installing the seat, which requires a fair amount of leverage in order to cinch down the seatbelt strap properly, a major pain. It also makes [retrieving my son] Kirk a real trick, because I have to contort and bend to get ahold of him, then drag him out of the baby seat without clunking his head on the roof, and then back myself and Kirk out of the car and stand up. Since my leverage and positioning are all wrong for confident baby-lifting, every time he goes in and out of the car is a real workout."

Another issue for those planning to use a 3 Series car to shuttle young children: Our editor-in-chief was unable to install his daughters' car seats securely. "The BMW's rear outboard belt anchors are located relatively far forward, making it extremely difficult to cinch the seats down nice and tight," he said. "The amount of slack left in the belt after installing the child seat was too great, and I didn't feel comfortable hauling [my daughters] Sarah and Claire in the car." If you are determined to carry children in these cars, we would advise that you bring the child seats and the children to the dealership to ensure that you can master this process easily.

Aside from these complications, we found ourselves able to carry four six-foot adults in comfort -- useful information for those who might use their 3 Series cars to transport clients to a business lunch, pick up relatives from the airport and similar outings. While there was little space to stow belongings in the cabin, the sedan offered plenty of trunk space for its size. Trunklid struts allowed us to make the most of the trunk's capacity.

Interior Controls
This iteration of the 3 Series contains standard BMW componentry -- dozens of small buttons all over the center stack. While the buttons look and feel sufficiently upscale for the stylish interior, they can be difficult to interpret (particularly while driving) given their similar size and shape and their non-intuitive markings. The presence of the navigation system further complicates matters, since it absorbs stereo functions -- one must navigate several menus to tune a radio station manually or rewind one side of a cassette tape.

The center stack also houses the controls for the automatic climate control system. "Automatic" is somewhat of a misnomer in this case -- for instance, our long-termer kept the cabin cold on hot desert days, but only if the Auto button and the small "snowflake" buttons were activated. Forgetting the snowflake button resulted in a lot of hot air being blown in your face, even with the temperature set to 65 degrees.

As in other BMWs, the system is difficult to disable -- there's no "off" button, so you must tap, tap, tap a tiny fan speed button until the system's screen goes blank. Of course, those familiar with BMWs easily get used to this routine -- Senior Design Artist Rob Archbold, who had driven a 1986 318i several years before driving our long-termer, remarked, "...It seemed that the placement of the stereo and climate controls was basically the same. All of the controls were easy to use and reach while driving, so I guess that's why BMW has left them there all this time." Still, we think the manufacturer could find more straightforward ways of delivering center stack functions to the rest of us.

Given the complexity of the center stack, which is compounded by the navigation system, one would suppose that the front passenger could assist the driver with some of the adjustments. Not with a manual transmission, Production Manager Lynette Archbold, reported. "...While Rob [Archbold] was shifting, he kept hitting my hand while I was plotting our course [on the navigation screen]. And playing with the radio was out of the question while he was doing city driving. The cockpit was laid out with the driver as the only person who should ever touch the controls. I think this was a mistake on BMW's part, especially when drivers need to be paying attention to the road."

The satellite controls on the steering wheel provided little relief from the complexity of the center stack. Brauer explained: "Instead of placing large buttons in easy-to-reach places on the wheel, the buttons are too close to the hub and require lifting your hand off the wheel to operate, basically negating the whole point of steering wheel controls. And certain buttons, like the two arrows that scroll through station presets, are tiny and have too much spring pressure. They are almost painful to use, and their close proximity to each other makes it quite a challenge to hit one without hitting the other. Come on, BMW. If you can design this magical steering feel and response, you can certainly create functional steering wheel controls."

Our editor-in-chief took issue with the cruise control operation and the center console-mounted power window buttons. "Setting the cruise can be tricky," he wrote, "even if you've performed the operation before. Why? The buttons used to activate the system and set your speed are marked with symbols that are difficult to interpret. Using them is a trial-and-error exercise the first few times out, and then, if you don't continue using the system on a regular basis, you find yourself back at square one."

And "who honestly thinks it's a good idea to put power window switches on the center console?" he asked. Well, actually, our contributing editor, Erin Riches, grew to prefer this location, since her right hand was already in the vicinity of the buttons, which are right next to the shifter. This arrangement enabled her to keep her left hand on the steering wheel at all times, without having to switch hands to operate buttons mounted on the door panel.

Optional Harman Kardon Sound System
The optional 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system earned few supporters during the two-year lease. Aside from the absence of a CD changer (which requires another checkmark on the option list), the system provided poor reception to local radio stations and inadequate bass response from the first day we had our 328i. We did have one blown speaker replaced during the summer of 2000, but we don't feel that we taxed the stereo unduly -- further, the new speaker did not affect the system's substandard output.

"The radio sounds better than [the systems in] other BMWs I've been in lately; maybe I am just getting used to the flat sound of the BMW lineup," Chirico wrote in the logbook. "No treble clarity and bass that sounds like you are listening through a vat of mud."

Whenever our contributing editor played cassettes (typically assortments of classical, funk, metal and industrial), the tweeters vibrated in unison with the bass (in addition to the overall weak sound). Neither adjusting the levels nor lowering the volume corrected the problem. Listening to public radio is a more successful activity in the BMW, she decided.

Brauer noted that the volume knob adjusts the output in painfully small increments: "This is ridiculous. When trying to crank the various '80s rock I like to listen to, I have to turn the dial...then turn the dial some more...then turn it some more! Of course, at this point, I realize the sound quality coming from the weak Harman Kardon system doesn't justify so much volume, and I have to reverse the process. Guess this really is a driver's car, because it certainly isn't an audiophile's car."

It seems that BMW has begun to address this issue: Our technology editor, Scott Memmer, gave favorable evaluations to the stock audio systems in a 2000 BMW 323i Sport Wagon and a 2001 BMW 330Ci Coupe. "For close to two years, we've been driving a 1999 328i as part of our long-term test fleet," Memmer wrote of the 330Ci. "Most editors, it's fair to say, have been unimpressed with the sound system in that car. Well, this one will snap their heads around. A major improvement for BMW. Finally, consumers won't have to 'settle' for a mediocre sound system when purchasing a BMW." He explained that the 330Ci's stock system surpassed our long-termer's Harman Kardon system given its higher-quality amplifier and speakers and better speaker placement.

We haven't yet had an opportunity to compare the Harman Kardon in our long-termer (as we remember it, that is) with a Harman Kardon in a 2000 or 2001 3 Series model. Still, based on Memmer's testing experiences, most people will probably be satisfied with the stock audio systems now available in the 3 Series cars. If stereo performance is important to you, get some seat time in a 3 Series car with a stock system and one with a Harman Kardon before you place an order.

Optional Navigation System
The onboard navigation system proved to be an interesting bit of technology. Is it a must-have for the 3 Series? Maybe. Some will argue that navigation systems are only for those who cannot or will not read maps. But the one in our long-termer was most useful on the unplanned occasions when our editors suddenly realized they were lost.

Our consumer advice editor, Phil Reed, related his experience: "I dropped off a few editors to pick up a test car. After they got out, I realized I didn't know where I was. But the BMW knew. I keyed in my destination, and it navigated me home. This was the first time I actually needed the nav system to find my way. In the past, I used it mainly just for fun."

Even when not programmed for a specific route, the system could provide a constantly updated map display to show the vehicle's current location. "With the smallest map scale set, " Brauer wrote, "we found that we could actually ascertain which direction the upcoming highway was going to curve." Problem was, the system always returned to a default radio display at startup even when editors had set the nav to track the BMW's current location. Getting back to the map could be quite frustrating.

"The navigation system is too complex to bother with while driving," Hellwig said. "All I wanted to see was a map showing where I was. Constant meddling with the controls proved fruitless and annoying, so I just turned it back to the radio."

We learned that it was also an exacting procedure to adjust the system's volume, that is, the volume of the spokeswoman's speaking voice: "When the stereo is off, you can adjust the voice's volume, but only when she is speaking," one driver explained. "Now, if you're kinda busy, because you're like driving or something, and you can't get your right hand to that knob just in time as she says, 'you have arrived,' you're screwed. If you attempt to adjust the volume when she's quiet, nothing happens. She just sits there stoically and refuses to budge."

Several months into our 3 Series experience, the nav system began to deliver rather screwy driving instructions. Because the rest of the car was in great condition, we put off the repair for several months. Finally, during the 30,000-mile service, the computer chip was replaced under warranty. Until the repair, incidents like this were commonplace: "I programmed the nav system to take us to Lake Arrowhead Village and everything was great, until the system told me to make a right turn where there was no street," former Features Editor Scott Mead wrote. "Looking at the screen, I watched the 'car' turn off the road and start motoring across the lake. Keep in mind that I'm still driving on a paved road, but the GPS was all washed out."

Our consumer advice editor's son Andrew offered this assessment of our long-termer's nav system: "The only way to enter commands is with this twisty button. Sometimes, as you press it, it twists and you execute the wrong command. Then you have to sit there for 15 seconds while it does the wrong thing. What this navigation system really needs is a touchscreen and a faster microprocessor."

To his recommendations, we would add that we would prefer a DVD-based system, which could hold mapping information for all 50 states at once. As it was, our CD-based system left us stranded after we strayed from California and Nevada. If you want additional mapping, you have to buy additional CDs. Our consensus is that if you're buying a 3 Series car for the driving experience, you can probably do without the $1,800 nav system.

Maintenance and Reliability
The E46 generation of the 3 Series liberated us from the responsibility of constantly checking the owner's manual to ensure that we serviced the car according to fixed maintenance intervals. Instead, the BMW Maintenance System computed the service intervals according to the manner in which we drove our long-termer. Every time we started the car, an indicator in the gauge cluster displayed the miles left until the next oil service. For our staff, this system resulted in infrequent service intervals. Since all computer-indicated service is covered by the three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty, we never paid for routine maintenance during the two-year lease -- and it only needed it twice.

We think this is an excellent system, as it reduces the hassle and expense of owning a BMW, even after the warranty period has expired -- if you don't drive your vehicle in severe conditions, you won't have the automatic expense for routine maintenance every 5,000 or 7,500 miles. During our two years with the 328i, most of our money went toward tires and brakes. Performance-oriented tires do wear more quickly than all-season tires, especially when your vehicle is so much fun to drive at the track -- they are also more expensive to replace. Enthusiastic driving probably also accounts for the full brake job called for during the 30,000-mile service. Again, we were concerned when the front rotors warped at 15,000 miles -- at least it didn't happen again.

Our long-termer's prominent 17-inch wheels collected plenty of scratches during parking maneuvers. If you're going to spring for this option (part of the Sport package), we would recommend that you park your vehicle with great care and/or replace the Continental Contisport Contacts with tires that offer more wheel protection (i.e., have a fatter bead area).

A rarely emphasized fact about the E46 328i is its 400-mile fuel range -- such that owners need not cut short pleasurable driving experiences. "It's not just a get-around-town car," Jacobs wrote in the logbook. "It's the kind of car that gives you the excuse to drive around the corner just because you want to drive it."

If you can find a way to embrace or excuse the cultural implications of the propeller badge -- and if you can find any way at all to fit a 3 Series car into your budget -- we highly recommend it. Go easy on the options -- this car is best when driven.

Summing Up:
Current Edmunds.com True Market Value^®: $33,073*
Depreciation: $5,697 (or 15 percent of original MSRP)
Final Odometer Reading: 42,627
Best Fuel Economy: 32.9 mpg
Worst Fuel Economy: 11.7 mpg
Average Fuel Economy: 22.6 mpg
Total Body Repair Costs: $0
Total Routine Maintenance Costs: $0
Additional Maintenance Costs: $1,149.19
Warranty Repairs: 5
Non-Warranty Repairs: 1
Scheduled Dealer Visits: 2
Unscheduled Dealer Visits: 2
Days Out of Service: 2
Breakdowns Stranding Driver: 0

*Represents dealer retail True Market Value calculated using Edmunds.com TMV^® Used Vehicle Appraiser, based on vehicle in "clean" condition with 42,627 miles in the 90404 zip code, as of February 2001. If this were a Certified Used Vehicle, it could have retailed for $33,750. The trade-in value was $28,962; the private-party sale value was $30,504.

Changes to the 3 Series since 1999:

2000 -- The E46 redesign extended to include 3 Series coupes, convertibles and (new to the U.S. market) wagons; the 318ti hatchback was discontinued in the U.S. After the previous year's complete redesign, 2000 sedans received a few additional standard features, including a stability control system (Dynamic Stability Control) and Automatic Recirculation Control. The latter system should please those living near Los Angeles or Houston: upon detection of a high level of pollution in outside air, the climate control system will automatically switch from fresh air intake to recirculation mode (and back again once outside air has cleared).

2001 -- A boost in engine displacement and technology, plus an available all-wheel-drive system strengthened the position of BMW's venerable 3 Series in the competitive entry-level luxury market. Larger wheels and brakes were part of the engine upgrade. Two-stage front airbags, reduced steering effort, an optional Cold Weather package and standard Dynamic Brake Control rounded out the major changes for 2001. Dynamic Brake Control adds functionality to the stability control system by maintaining the shortest possible stopping distance when the driver applies insufficient brake pressure during an emergency situation.

Pros and Cons:

Pros: World-class suspension and steering, powerful inline six, excellent brakes, luxurious interior, computer-indicated service intervals, free routine maintenance during warranty period

Cons: Expensive for this segment, especially when well-optioned; weak interior ergonomics; questionable clutch and shifter design; limited storage space; substandard Harman Kardon sound system

Best Logbook Quotes:

"Even though I like the car, it still has the stoic German feel to it and at times it seems to be too cold for my personal taste." -- Neil Chirico

"As usual, the car was fast and fun to drive. I made [my boyfriend] Tony sick a few times from abrupt acceleration and braking, but it's not the car's fault that his poor wittle tummy is so damn sensitive." -- Erin Mahoney

"The car was parked in our office's underground parking lot. There was a maintenance worker fiddling with the overhead sprinkler system near the car. As I walked up, he asked which car was mine so that he could move his equipment. I mentally cringed when I said, 'the BMW.' I wanted to explain to him that, 'It's not my car. I'm just temporarily driving it. I'm not the young dot-com snob that you think I am. I didn't spend the equivalent of your yearly salary just so I could say I own a BMW.'" -- Brent Romans

"Those BMW engineers really know how to design and build a car. Powertrain and suspension is perfectly balanced. Inline six is very torquey at the upper rpm band, and the tranny is geared to match the linear band." -- Scott Mead

"What happens when a middle-aged guy, with middle-aged driving habits, is given the keys to a BMW 328i with a five-speed stick? Have you ever seen the old Disney cartoon about how mild-mannered Mr. Walker becomes the maniacal Mr. Wheeler when he gets into a car? Let's just say that a whole different personality seemed to be tapped by the performance and handling of this German bombshell. I had been in the car for only a few minutes when I found myself next to another BMW on an entrance ramp to the freeway. Normally, I would have backed off and let him merge. But now I was no longer Mr. Walker. I became Mr. Wheeler. I put my foot down. I won the short race and was rewarded with open road in front of the car's hood instead of the back end of someone else's car." -- Phil Reed

"I don't care. I want a 3 Series. I have since the early 1980s, when the 320i S debuted. Give me one like our long-term car -- manual, Sport package, leatherette upholstery -- but make it a new 330i and give me a CD player and better speakers. Drop the navigation system. And while you're at it, kill the blue-and-white BMW propeller badges that decorate the car inside and out. I know better than the image. Psst...it's about the car." -- Chris Wardlaw

"Can we keep the car another 40,000 miles?" -- Miles Cook

Recalls:

2 -- BMW determined that the side airbag system in 328i sedans manufactured from June 1998 to March 1999 might deploy even when a side-impact crash had not occurred (if, for example, a vehicle hit a large pothole or curb while traveling at a steady clip). The Battery Safety Terminal (BST) would also activate, disconnecting the starter cable from the battery -- this would prevent a vehicle from being restarted again after stopping. Owner notification began April 30, 1999. The second recall pertained to the brake system. The manufacturer reported that it was possible that the retaining clip that secured the brake booster pushrod to the brake pedal arm was not correctly installed during production. Should this be the case, the clip could detach from the pin on the brake pedal arm and allow the pushrod to disconnect from the arm. In this instance, braking would not be possible. Owner notification began May 14, 1999.

Problem History:

1. Our navigation system began to behave a little strangely a couple of months after we purchased the 328i. At first, it would occasionally deliver late updates -- for example, it might instruct the driver to turn left in one-quarter mile, when the turn was actually only a few hundred feet away. Later the system began to calculate inaccurate routes -- it told one driver to make a right turn into a lake. One editor who had simply left the system in vehicle-tracking mode watched as the navigation screen showed the "car" turning donuts next to the freeway, as he travelled northbound on this particular freeway. The system's computer chip was replaced under warranty in June 2000, and this solved the problem completely (though it also resulted in less scholarly grammar from the nav system's "narrator").
   
   
2. Editors observed pulsation in the brake pedal and steering wheel during moderate braking in August 1999. Ralph Schomp BMW in Littleton, Colo., diagnosed our 328i with warped front rotors -- these were replaced under warranty.
   
   
3. Drivers reported that the speakers were consistently emitting "fuzzy bass sounds" whenever a cassette was being played. When the dealership couldn't find a problem, we had to assume the Harman Kardon really was as bad as we had feared. By the next service, one speaker had become particularly buzzy. Santa Monica BMW diagnosed a blown speaker and replaced it under warranty. While this helped somewhat, it did not alleviate the Harman Kardon's poor bass output.
   
   
4. The windows began to creak loudly when we were driving over bumps and expansion joints for several minutes after we had rolled them up in September 1999. The problem persisted, but the BMW didn't require regular maintenance for another nine months, so we did nothing about it. When we did service the car again in June 2000, the problem was so insignificant that we forgot to mention it to our service advisor. One driver found that the driver door trim became loose every time he rolled the window up or down -- he was able to knock it back into place with his fist. No one else ever reported this latter issue.
   

Dealer Service Reviews:

Beverly Hills BMW in Beverly Hills, Calif.

"Our 3 Series made its first trip to the dealer this month to address a pair of recalls. The first related to a tendency for the side airbags to deploy when going over speed bumps at high speeds, while the second dealt with a connector problem in the brake assembly that might cause a loss of braking ability. Beverly Hills BMW checked out both items free of charge and had the car back to us on the same day."

Ralph Schomp BMW in Littleton, Colo.

1. "Chris Wardlaw took the Bimmer with no appointment to Ralph Schomp BMW in Littleton, Colo., to have scheduled maintenance performed. The dealership was happy to oblige. To our surprise, three hours later, we received a call that the car was ready. In addition, not only was the routine maintenance performed, but they had also fixed the inside mirror that we had accidentally dislodged for no charge. Wardlaw pointed out that everyone was courteous and knowledgeable. Basic maintenance is standard on new BMWs, but the paperwork indicated that had it not been gratis, it would have sucked $106.84 from our wallet. Overall, our service experience was excellent."
   
   
2. "The BMW's second trip to the dealership was warranted by the stereo bugaboo as well as the brake vibration. Returning to Ralph Schomp BMW, we described both conditions and left the car ready to undergo the scalpel. The dealership could not duplicate the stereo issue, claiming that it had compared our car to other new 3 Series on the lot. Could the Harmon Kardon sound system really be that bad? Guess we won't know until our ears have heard an identical 328i. As for the brakes, our suspicions were right -- the dealership discovered warped front rotors. Our rotors were replaced under warranty, and we picked up our car happy with our new speed-scrubbing devices, but a bit annoyed about the sound system."
   

Santa Monica BMW in Santa Monica, Calif.

1. "[We] called Beverly Hills BMW to schedule an appointment. We navigated through the Beverly Hills BMW phone system and eventually, after talking to multiple recorded voices, were told to leave a message regarding a service appointment. We did. Then we waited. About a week later we called Santa Monica BMW and got very much the same initial response in the form of computer phone systems and recorded messages asking for a recorded message from us regarding a service appointment. We left this message late on a Monday afternoon but, this time, we got a call back early Tuesday morning telling us to bring the car in on the following day....
   
   "We dropped the car off at Santa Monica BMW early Wednesday morning and were immediately met by a service advisor who checked the car in, offered us coffee, and asked if we needed a ride. We actually didn't need a ride, but we wondered if Santa Monica BMW gave classes on how to treat customers, because we know of some other dealerships, and not just Beverly Hills BMW, that could learn from their attentiveness. We left the 328i and a list of items that included a 30,000-mile service, a check of the erratic GPS system, an inoperative taillight repair and a buzzy speaker replacement. Our service advisor said the car might be ready at the end of the day, but with such a list of demands, we were skeptical. Sure enough, we got a call at around 3 p.m. that afternoon and were informed that the car wouldn't be ready until Friday. We were a little disappointed, but not at all surprised.
   
   "The service advisor also informed us that both the front and rear brake pads needed replacement. The fronts were down to 3 percent and the rears were at 10 percent. Getting only 30,000 miles out of a set of brake pads didn't make us happy, but it did jibe with the amount of dust we'd been seeing on the wheels. The total cost would be around $400, but no rotor damage had occurred and no major component replacements would be involved. So, at $400 we were getting off cheap? With an audible groan from our wallet, we OK'd the work.
   
   "When Friday afternoon rolled around, we put a call in to our service advisor, and he told us, in a very apologetic tone, that the speaker was blown and the replacement was on back order. We could have the car back, but the door panel would have to be reassembled and the new speaker would be in by the following Wednesday. We decided to leave the car at Santa Monica BMW rather than deal with multiple runs back and forth to the dealership.
   
   "The following Tuesday afternoon, we got a call telling us that the speaker still had not arrived. "It could be here tomorrow or it could take another week. I'd rather give the car back and just call you when it comes in," he stated in a very up-front tone. We agreed and picked the car up at noon on the following day, one week after it had gone in for service. The service area of Santa Monica BMW appeared crowded when we got there, and it took almost 20 minutes for them to retrieve our car after we paid the cashier and showed the service advisor our receipt. We attribute at least part of this wait to the lunch hour pick-up time we had chosen because the service staff was occupied with several people who were obviously dropping off BMWs during their lunch breaks. When the car arrived, it was relatively clean with a freshly reset service monitor showing 15,500 miles left before its next service visit. The 30,000-mile service, including seven quarts of 5W30 synthetic oil, an oil filter and air filter replacement and inspection/refill of all fluids, was covered under warranty. Replacing the GPS computer chip was also done under warranty. However, the replacement of all brake pads, brake pad wear sensors and disposal of the old parts, came to $372.89 including tax. Ouch!"
   
   
2. "Santa Monica BMW gave us a call to tell us that the parts were in. On the same day, we also received a mail notification stating the speaker parts had arrived.
   
   "The next morning, Photo Editor Scott Jacobs drove the BMW to the dealership at the appointed time. A service co-coordinator pleasantly greeted him. 'I was a little put off by her calling me 'sir' all the time," said Scott. 'I'm a blue jeans and T-shirt kind of guy; I'm used to 'dude' and 'hey buddy' or even an occasional 'chump.'''
   
   After confirming our appointment, the service coordinator asked Scott to help himself to coffee and pastries while he talked to a technician about the service that was going to be performed. "After a brief wait, I was greeted by another 'sir' reference and told that the repairs were under warranty and should be completed by 3 p.m. that day," Scott said. He then hitched a ride back to the office. At noon, the dealership called to say that the repairs were complete.
   
   Unfortunately, this run into Santa Monica BMW wasn't as smooth as the first. Since it was lunchtime at the dealership, the service area was very crowded with other customers. "The overworked secretary quickly pushed my papers around and sharply told me to wait for the BMW outside," Scott said. "I felt inclined to ask, 'Uh, exactly where outside?' but I didn't want to ask any more questions, due to her stressed nature. After a 15-minute wait, the car came up all nice and clean from a courtesy wash."
   

Consumer Commentary:

E-mail from Readers

1999 Owners

"I have a 1999 BMW 328i (black with sand interior) and have read your long term review with a lot of interest, especially since you acquired the car shortly after I bought mine. I always looked forward to your monthly report and will miss them! I was faced with either ordering the car with the exact options that I wanted, paying MSRP and waiting 4 months, or driving off with a car that was available from a cancelled order and with what I considered a generous discount off MSRP on top of that. I went the latter route. I dealt with a great salesperson: Mark Browder at Stevens Creek BMW, and I'd recommend him to anyone looking for a BMW in the Bay Area. My car is in some ways the antithesis of your tester -- automatic and Premium Package only (no Sport Package). Believe you me: even without the extra driving hardware, the 328i is a joy to drive. The engine revs like an electric motor, the takeoff thrust is always palpable, and the handling and balance immaculate. If memory serves me right, I think my car has the same options as the car that you used in your near-luxury sedan shootout, and I remember some glowing praise about this version of the car from you then. It's not well known (or as well known as it should be) that BMW builds *superb* automatic transmissions, that would satisfy both boulevard types as well as enthusiasts. The shifts are aggressive, provided of course that you rev the car hard, and with the delayed ignition feature -- almost imperceptible except in terms of the engine music. If you have to drive the car on a daily basis on crowded freeways, an automatic transmission is definitely not a compromise. Not to mention the added benefit of being able to keep both hands on the wheel during hard cornering when negotiating Highway 1 along the Pacific coast. If cars were people, I'd picture the suave 3 Series introducing itself as 'Bond, James Bond.' A lot of great things can be said about this great car, and I'm sure others will, but there are some flaws that BMW should try to address: (1) The stereo in the car is terrible. I have heard better stereos in Camrys and Accords. It's out of place in a car of this quality. (2) Unsightly brake dust buildup on the wheels within a few days of driving. I'm glad my car is black, because silver cars accumulate visible black streaks towards the rear fender. (3) Hopelessly inadequate wet-weather handling. I prefer not to drive the car when it is raining; I value traction in my life. The ASC system is not adequate in preventing wheel slippage, and I have learned to drive slowly and not to rely on it at all. (4) Some interior materials are cheap looking, especially the dash cover. I wouldn't mind paying a little more for an upgrade. Look under the steering wheel and you'll see rough finishes and jagged edges. It's true that you wouldn't need to look there very often, but it is nice to know that the car's interior is perfect -- everywhere. However, all things considered, this has to be one of the finest cars ever built. I plan to keep mine for a while -- especially after hearing that the 330i does not really provide any quantum power benefit over and above the 328i and has a lighter and more numb steering. Cars don't get much better than this." -- T. Lahiri, Redwood Shores, Calif.

"I have had my bright red 328i nearly as long as you've had yours in your long-term fleet. The vast majority of your sentiments are mine. (However, I really enjoy the Harman Kardon system.) I love this car and can honestly say that I've converted more than a few friends in the process. I've put 56,000 miles on this sweet ride since April '99 and plan on doing a lot more. I think I have the ideal packages -- the Premium and Sport." -- F.D. Shows Jr., New Orleans, La.

"Coming out of my 1992 325is (which I still own) and into the 1999 328i [with the Premium Package], I felt as if the car had lost a lot of its sportiness. There is no doubt that the 328i is much more comfortable, more refined than the '92 which for me is a good thing. But the connection to the road is more isolated, the feel of the steering, the feel of the clutch. I can't get those gear changes right. The stick seems notchier. I thought with time these feelings would go away, but after 30,000 miles, it still feels the same as when it came out of the showroom. My wife loves the smoother, isolated ride. I have just purchased some 2001 M Sport 17-inch rims, and I may do something with the exhaust note. I just want to be able to hear the sweet sound of the motor. Once that happens, I will let go of the '92. Performance is excellent, and reliability has been great. I have had a few small problems such as the rain sensing wipers and the leather steering wheel had a deformity on the leather. The wipers were fixed and the steering wheel replaced. If BMW keeps on taking this path -- that is, [building in] too much comfort and isolation -- they will lose me next time around. I buy BMWs because I want to feel the world, not be isolated from it." -- A. Zervas, Portland, Ore.

"At 38,000 miles, the car is as smooth as the day I picked it up. I was impressed when after writing to BMW North America about the wacky CD changer placement in the center of the trunk, that they decided to install the new left sided boot kit for free. My Premium Package features have come in handy, especially the rain sensing wipers -- love 'em. The sound system could be better, but after replacing a faulty driver door speaker and capacitor, things are fine if you aren't an audiophile. I replaced the factory Continental Super Contact shoes with Michelins (MXV 4 Energy) and have found the grip to be better and longer lasting. Halogens are bright, but wish I had Xenons. Still, I recently drove the new 325i and 330i with Steptronic and wouldn't trade my trusty 328iA!" -- L.H. Kolin, Winter Park, Fla.

"I own a 1999 323i with an automatic transmission and some other optional goodies. Without getting mushy about the car, it amazes me that this car can keep revving and delivering smooth-sounding power even climbing through the mountains of Colorado, even with an automatic transmission! We are contemplating moving up to a 325xi or 330xi with the 'manumatic' transmission.... The automatic in the 1999 has been very smooth, surprisingly responsive and a boon for city driving. With Michelin snow tires, the car has been very steady in marginal road conditions. Overall, we average 25 mpg." -- J. Hillson, Denver, Colo.

"I purchased my first BMW, a 1999 323i, in May 1999. I ordered it from the factory and, like your car, went with the Sport Package. Wow -- Great car!!! It has now been two years and I still get a thrill driving it. This is the first vehicle I haven't thought about trading in after two years. I have been driving for 34 years, and this is the best vehicle ever. I just enjoy driving it. Everything seems to be in the right place, and it handles like a dream and seems to watch over me when I make those stupid errors. I live in Calgary, Alberta, and the traction control on the car is the best. I put snow tires on all four wheels, and with the traction control, the car has never let me down. I see the people driving the large SUVs, and you realize how much they had to pay to drive a truck that can't handle and usually puts them off the road because they have this false sense of security. For city and highway driving in the winter, I would take this car over any SUV. There have been a couple of issues with the car -- I also have a clunk in the back when it is cold, and all four windows creaked and rattled when they were open partway or were being rolled up. The problem with the windows was solved by the BMW dealer -- new regulators were installed in all the windows. That was part of a BMW service bulletin. I get great gas mileage, even with the hard driving -- 7.2 liters/100 km on the highway and 10 liters/100 km in the city. The brakes are superb -- my biggest concern with them is the person behind me because I can stop short a lot quicker then they can. I have had the same problem with the audio system report in your car -- it works great but I didn't buy [this car] for the stereo system. I got a personalized Alberta plate for this car -- first time for everything. The plate -- "DRIVER". What else for a BMW? BMW -- the Ultimate Driving Machine!!!" -- C.J. Driver, Calgary, Alberta

"... The order sheet calls for a 328i, jet black exterior, sand leather interior, (serious drivers sit down for this) a five-speed (ahem) automatic, Premium Package, Harman Kardon premium sound system, trunk mounted CD changer, and fold-down rear seats.... I muse to myself how clever I am. I just bought what has been described as the benchmark for sport sedans. I bought exactly the car I wanted: color, interior trim, and features. And to ice this cake, I bought it $3800 below MSRP.... As of this writing I've been able to enjoy nearly 18,000 miles in my 3 Series.... The majority of these miles have been accumulated on the challenging (read treacherous) roads near Pittsburgh. I will say emphatically that I am glad I don't have the Sport Package -- not with these roads.... Power: Good, but not great, low-end torque. Revs and sounds that build without hesitation and seem to ask for more. Handling: I've heard the word used before, but I have to use it again -- surgical. Braking: strong, good feel, very little fade and don't tailgate me! I'll add that for the substantial city driving that I'm exposed to, five-speed auto is great. The small penalty you pay in performance (0.5 second 0-60) is more than offset by the capabilities of this system to focus on optimizing the use of the engine while you focus on optimizing (read - enjoying) the drive. Not to mention the flexibility of the Adaptive Transmission Control to perform more aggressively when I slip the shifter down to sport 4, 3, or 2...BLAST OFF! One final note. This transmission also does a commendable job at speed braking. Pittsburgh is famous not only for the nation's worst roads, but lots of hills.... In terms of extended highway driving. I have never been so relaxed, and comfortable, and have had as much fun, and have been as relaxed when I got to my destination as I have in my 328i. In simple terms, on the highway, the 3 Series is a time machine. It makes a six-hour drive feel like three. The styling of the 328i is classic and timeless. Although I prefer the more aggressive styling of the Grand Prix, the styling of the Bimmer is better for my soul. In terms of comfort, my initial concerns that the compact 328i would be too small after having driven a mid-size Grand Prix for eight years have disappeared. At first I found it a little difficult to enter the Bimmer, but I adjusted. Back seat space has been adequate, too. Even for two LT-size six-footers.... The interior layout and ergonomics have been designed just for me by BMW, I swear -- really. I do have one minor nit about the controls, which are, overall, first class. The nit is the window buttons. After two years I still find myself reaching for the door to open the windows and usually miss the touch indent when I only want to open the window slightly, letting it a loud rush of air to disturb my peace and tranquility.... Performance and driving pleasures aside, I've had no 'significant' problems with this car. The insignificant problems I've had include replaced front control arms and a new AM antenna amplifier.... After 18 months of enjoying the Harman Kardon premium system, ... an annoying high-pitched buzz filtered into the AM signal path of my sound system.... As it turned out, BMW had recognized the fault and designed a new amplifier to fix it.... [Regarding] the less than flattering reviews of the Harman Kardon sound system.... I find the system to be bright with an absence of low mid-range and muddy low frequencies. I've adjusted the fader, treble and bass controls to my satisfaction. I have noticed some speaker vibration during dynamic passages played at high volume. I must add to my praise of this sound system in terms of the H/K ambiance effect. It is the most significant I've noticed in a vehicle. Given how quiet the car is when cruising down a stretch of road, this system is ice cream on the icing on the cake, for the driving enthusiast audiophile.... Let me summarize my long-term report by saying that the BMW 328i is soooooooooo gooooooooood, and I will keep my car for another 40,000 or 400,000 miles. Are you jealous? You should be. Current Odometer: 17,988. Best Fuel Economy: 30.5 mpg. Worst Fuel Economy: ~22 mpg. Body Damage: None. Maintenance Costs: None." -- G.M. Vytlacil, Harrison City, Pa.

2000 Owners

"I have been the proud owner of a 2000 BMW 328i since Nov. 19, 1999. My car is fully loaded with every option except for Park Distance Control, the navigation system and rear side airbags. I currently have 25,600 miles on my car and use it as a daily driver as well as for pleasure. As a resident of Orange County, Calif., I have to deal with the car in a wide variety of conditions in addition to the open roads I seek on longer drives. First of all, this car is amazing. Yes, there are nits I can pick at it. The 17-inch rims are too easily damaged against curbs, the Harman Kardon stereo sounds good, but not "premium". It could definitely use more bass. The Steptronic transmission is great in auto mode, but very slow to respond in manual mode (this is the first automatic I've had in 9 years). The leather probably should be more wear-resistant as the bolsters on the sport seats are wearing. The ventilation fan is noisy for the amount of air it puts out. Finally, why does BMW nickel and dime us for every little option? Besides those relatively minor points, my BMW has been amazing. No major mechanical problems (there'd better not be at these prices). From a ride/handling standpoint, I think the balance is great. With the sport suspension, the ride is a little stiff for a daily driver, but after autocrossing my car at BMW Car Club events, I have to agree that the suspension tuning strikes a delicate balance between being damped enough for everyday Southern California roads and the track. The engine could use more low end [torque], but the fine sounds it makes and its progressive power delivery encourage winding it out. Besides, that's why they have the 330i now. As far as ergonomics are concerned, I have just a few qualms with the interior. The indicators for the ventilation control buttons (i.e. recirculation, AC, defrost) and heated seat indicators are too bright and to make it worse, they don't adjust with the dash lights. The "automatic" climate control doesn't have a solar sensor to adjust for sunlight coming through the glass. The ambient lighting from the overhead LEDs should have individual adjustments. I know this may sound dumb, but I wish I could get the heated steering wheel available in the 5 and 7 series cars because I've taken my car to Mammoth several times and let's just say that wheel gets mighty chilly. Otherwise, I think the BMW is an outstanding blend of sportiness, luxury, and practicality. I only realize how good I have it when I drive someone else's car and see what they're missing out on." -- V.D. Pham, Huntington Beach, Calif.

"'It's just a car.' A true enough statement, but one that's difficult to come to grips with after you've driven the car. I own a 2000 328i five-speed manual with Sport Package, thankyouverymuch) that just turned 25,000 miles. Every time I slide behind the wheel, fire up the I-6, and ease the shifter into first, I know the automotive gods are smiling down on me. At the racetrack, the car inspires tremendous confidence in triple-digit straights and hard-braking zones, and it carves the corners with aplomb. This car may not be the class leader in any specific category, but the combination of performance, amenities, safety, style, and price is very hard to match. For those that are not driving enthusiasts: you may be able to save a couple of grand, and consider a wider variety of cars. For the enthusiasts: your list just got short, and BMW needs to be on it." -- E. Harley, Clifton, Va.

"I currently own a 2000 BMW 323Ci, white with black leatherette, Harman Kardon stereo upgrade, Xenon lights, sport package, sunroof, CD player and heated seats, which I purchased almost a year ago. Here are my thoughts on likes and dislikes: Likes: Styling -- So many people turn their heads to catch a glimpse, especially with the 17-inch seven-spoke sport package wheels. Sport Package Suspension -- Definitely holds the car to the ground better than the standard set up. I autocrossed the car and got to feel what it's like to push it almost to its limit. The sports seats are terrific as well, although finding the perfect seating position with the manual adjustments has yet to happen! Xenon Lights -- Every car I own from now on will have Xenons. They illuminate the road much better, run cooler than halogens, and look great without blinding other drivers. Dislikes: Power -- The 323 is down on power compared to my other cars. When I do purchase another BMW, it will definitely be with a larger engine (330, M3!!). Stereo -- I have the Harman Kardon upgrade, and although the sound is suitable for my tastes, the radio reception is terrible, and the rear deck where the HK unit is installed used to rattle until I stuffed the open compartment with insulation and towels (sometimes referred to as the 'sock' fix). Foglights -- Just about useless. They do nothing to illuminate the road and are probably there just for looks. An upgraded lens and/or reflector unit needs to be incorporated into this car to give the fogs some merit. Manual seat adjustment -- I hate it. I don't think I will ever find a comfortable position. I should have ordered the optional power seats. Much easier to adjust and also have a memory setting. MPG Gauge -- Waste of space. Why not supply a gauge that is useful? Volts or oil pressure would be nice. The onboard computer calculates the mpg anyway...." -- M. Miller, Providence, R.I.

"I am writing to you about my BMW 323 coupe. I have owned and driven many different cars in my life and have never had one quite as rewarding as this. The car portrays a perfect balance of sport and luxury with little to no negative effects. The car shines in every area possible and never disappoints. The vehicle I own is a five-speed manual and is by far the smoothest I've ever owned. The power of this small Bimmer has never once felt as if it was lacking displacement. I also have the Sport Package, which provides the 17-inch wheels and tires, giving the car a firm comfortable ride. This is a car that can be loved by all ages. I will always buy BMW after owning a car as pleasurable as this!" -- L. Bryant, Grosse Pointe Woods, Mich.

"I just turned 20k on my 11-month old 2000 BMW 323Ci with Sport Package. There has not been a single day when I haven't gotten out of bed and said, 'I can't believe I get to drive her again today!' My beautiful Topaz Blue Bimmer simply gobbles up whatever I ask her to do. My choice of the 2.5-liter engine variety in a coupe with the Sport Package nails the performance-vs.-value sweet spot. My only regret is not getting to sample her talents on the likes of the Autobahn -- this baby begs to be driven hard!" -- F. Tomko, Manassas, Va.

I've been reading your long-term 328i reports with interest, especially since I ordered my 323Ci with the $1,800 Nav system as well. I can't help but have a love/hate relationship with my Ci -- it's a great drive, wonderful to look at, but I've had it with the more than six service visits, many for serious malfunctions, in less than six thousand miles. If I can't get satisfaction with BMW North America, then I'll attempt to replace the car using the Texas lemon law process.... BMW makes a great car, but some of the reliability details seem to fall through the cracks.... Here are some of the problems on my 2000 323Ci, now with just 6,000 miles: (1) Will intermittently crank fine, but won't start after 15 seconds of cranking. Turning key to off and back to start solves problem immediately. (2) Radio/Nav unit map mode can't keep up with driving at highway speeds/Nav and radio screen goes blank (unit replaced twice). (3) DSC/engine power fault. My most dangerous problem so far, in that it cuts engine power by approximately 50 percent, in addition to making the car almost undriveable. As usual, dealer couldn't duplicate.... (4) Windows won't seal ("Coupe only" problem since they auto-seal every time the door is closed). (5) Car sometimes forgets user settings for computer and Nav system when it sits overnight. (6) Suspension wasn't correctly secured by factory; dealer found loose bolts. (7) Driver's side seat belt wasn't connected at delivery! (8) Nav/radio unit replaced with a 'new' unit; supposedly 'new' unit was, alas, defective from the first day it was installed (tape door jammed shut) and was replaced yet again. The odd thing is that I actually love driving this car! The engine, particularly at high speeds, is smooth beyond belief. It corners phenomenally well, due in part to the optional sport package of wheels and tires. Take a look at www.highwaysafety.org to see how safe the car is compared to its peers. If only I could trust the car not to stick me with $1,000+ repair bills after the warrranty expires. Also, like Edmunds.com, I'm stunned that BMW dropped the ball in so many of the small details that can make living with a car such a pain. Buyers beware -- consider getting one used only if it has BMW's long-term used car warranty (six years/100,000 miles). Otherwise, make your choices very carefully." -- M. Peters, Bedford, Texas

2001 Owners

"I have to say that the 2001 BMW 330i is the finest car I have ever driven. The only flaw I have found is how hard it is to keep under 90 on the freeway. It's a good thing my new radar detector arrived before I was ticketed. I am not an audiophile, so the consistently criticized stereo system is not an issue for me. I would much rather listen to the engine in this car anyway. The seats are some of the best I have ever sat in and are adjustable in every important way. I fretted over the price premium of the 330i over the 325i [but] do not regret my choice. I saw someone's comment recently that said, 'I never saw anyone who bought the 330i saying they wished they had just saved the money and bought the 325i.' I think that sums it up nicely. My last car was the rough riding Z3 2.8, so the ride of the 330i is like a limo to me. I have never considered giving up handling for ride, so it was a no-brainer to get the Sport Package (Besides the gorgeous M wheels make it worth the price). Would I buy the car again? Absolutely no doubt. I think this is a car that one could drive their whole life -- or until you run the wheels off of it! It qualifies as the Ultimate Driving Machine." -- T. Barnes, Marietta, Ga.

Town Hall Commentary

"I have a 323i and live in central New York -- we have lots of snow! I was concerned about the rear-wheel drive also -- not to worry! I previously owned a four-wheel-drive Blazer and was leery about making the transition to the rear-wheel drive -- not an issue! It was recommended that we purchase Blizzak snow tires (~$400) and put them on for the winter -- not a big deal. We ordered the tires from The Tire Rack fully mounted and balanced on steel rims -- added BMW hubcaps -- didn't want to pay for nice rims for the winter snow and salt. What I have found [is that] with the nearly even weight distribution and the traction control, I am going places in the snow with the 323 that I could not go with the Blazer unless it was in 4WD. We have had a lot of snow this last month, and I have to say that I am VERY PLEASED with the performance of the BMW 323i.... The Passats that I looked at were more expensive than my Bimmer." -- slatere, "BMW 3-Series (Part 3)," #115 of 570, Feb. 24, 2000

"I've been driving a new 3 Series (328i) for a year and a half now, and I must admit that driving has never been so much fun. The car is tight and well put together. It's a nice looking car, the sport package adds a certain aggressiveness to it. I have about 25K miles. I took it last May for my 15K service maintenance, they also updated the computer system. Things were going great until recently when the 'check engine' indicator started to come on intermittently. It will stay on for a while, at least one day; then it shows up again after a few days or weeks, I cannot seem to find a pattern. One morning, as I was driving, I noticed that the needle from the temperature gauge jumped to the red zone. It was not normal because it happened about 3 minutes after I started the car. The red warning lamp did not come on, I switched the engine off then back on, everything was fine; the needle returned close to the edge of the blue zone. That has happened a few times, usually in the morning. I took it to the dealer and I was told that there was a defect with the thermostat, so they would order one for me. I was told that they would contact me when the part arrives and to just keep an eye on the temperature gauge in the meantime. Though I've been very satisfied with the service at the dealership, and they always take good care of me, I was not pleased with that answer. It takes the fun out of driving if I have to keep an eye on the 'check engine' indicator or the temperature gauge. To make things worse, a few days later, my left low beam bulb went out, and of course, the dealer took care of it. I guess that's what the three-year/36,000-mile warranty is for, but I expected things to go more smoothly. When I owned a 525 in the mid-80s, I didn't have much interaction with the dealer back then (talk about reliability).... So, when it comes to BMW, I expect nothing but the 'fun of driving and peace of mind'. I haven't had any problems for a week now, the computer system seems to be running fine but I'm still checking my mail to see if the part has arrived. I want to have this problem under control. I know that this car is equipped with a complex computer system.... Let me add this, last year, I was in the market for a new car. I was looking into the Chrysler 300M, the Audi A4, the Acura TL, and the Lexus ES 300. I test drove these cars several times. Nice cars...you get plenty for your money but something was missing. I thought the 328 was a bit too expensive, so it was not even on my list. One day, I decided to take it for a test drive, and that was the end of my car buying experience. I have no regrets -- I still think I made the right choice." -- ur328, "BMW 3-Series (Part 5)," #350 of 923, Dec. 8, 2000

"I picked up my new 325i today. Words cannot describe how cool this car is. They gave me a videotape to watch. This describes all of the features and options, and how to use them. This car has a lot of cool stuff that I never even knew existed until I saw the videotape. I just hope that all this stuff that the car can do [programming] can be replaced by one main computer if it breaks down. Looks like it could be very expensive if this stuff decides to malfunction. I guess that's what warranties are for. Anyway, if anyone is on the fence about buying a BMW, take several test drives of other cars in your price range, then test drive a few BMWs. I first tested the non-sport, then the sport model, I went for the non-sport because I thought the ride was smoother and less jarring. Plus, you get more miles from the 16-inch tires. This was my first day with the car, and I put 65 miles on it already. All I can say is that the precision, smoothness, handling, and overall coolness of this car is very addictive! It left such an impression on me -- that's why it's now 4:00 a.m. on the east coast and it's hard for me to get to sleep because of this ultimate driving machine!" -- alpine325i, "BMW 3-Series (Part 5)," #676 of 923, Feb. 8, 2001

"I drive my 325i in the balmy Midwest where torrential rain, heavy snowfall and erupting volcanoes are an everyday occurrence. The 325i laughs at the rain and zooms along I-94 at a steady 80 mph, past lines of trucks and through their bow-waves. In snow -- deep snow, unplowed highways and dirt-track side roads -- he grits his teeth (visible through the twin kidney grills) and with the help of DSC keeps on moving. I haven't had to deal with steep hills during the past 10 weeks of snow (20 inches at its peak), but if I did have to, then and only then, would I think the xi would be necessary. Meantime in deep snow I drive carefully and keep the car safe. In LA, my advice is to stick with rear-wheel drive and grin like a maniac!" -- bavarian, "BMW 3-Series (Part 5)," #706 of 923, Feb. 9, 2001

"I just bought a 325xi wagon. I live in North Dakota and we have had plenty of ice and snow for the past two weeks. Last week I had a 323i loaner from the dealer (long story). The road on which I live is little traveled, and that leads to a lot of ice. I've had the opportunity to try out each of these cars on the same ice now. I went up and down the street, trying the ABS, acceleration, and the stability control. I'm cheating some because I had already put on Michelin snow tires on the wagon and the loaner RWD just had all-seasons. Acceleration, as you might guess, could not compare. The all-wheel drive just plain went. Much of the time, even on ice, I couldn't make the traction control kick in. The rear-wheel drive did fine, but the traction control was clipping away constantly and the engine speed was retarded significantly. You could start on ice fine, but it would automatically adjust your gas pedal input to very low and you would take off very, very slowly. The all-wheel drive seemed like it was on pavement. Stopping as you might expect was a bit better in the wagon, too, but that's almost certainly due to the snow tires. Control in turning was noticeably better in the all-wheel drive and I think it's due more to the all-wheel drive than the snow tires. If you gave the rear-wheel drive gas turning from a stop sign for example, even with the traction control and stability control, you could easily make it fish tail. Turning with any amount of throttle would easily lead to fishtailing. The all-wheel drive was far less susceptible to that. Finally, the stability control is fun to try out. I did this on the wide road, making sudden steering inputs as though I'm avoiding something in my lane, but not much over 30-35 mph (I didn't want to slide into the curb). The DSC (stability control) did wonders for 'plowing' or when you turn the wheel sharply and you keep going straight because it's slippery. The light on the dash would flash and you'd hear the chunking of the brakes and it would regain control and go where you pointed it. If you were aggressive enough to induce fishtailing, the stability control didn't seem to be as capable.... The all-wheel drive did better in these maneuvers overall, but probably because of the snow tires.... Bottom line -- I think the rear-wheel drive does fine, but expect very slow acceleration on slippery surfaces with lots of traction control intervention.... And snow tires definitely help on all 4 wheels." -- darenjpdx, "BMW 3-Series (Part 5), #220 of 923, Nov. 17, 2000

"... I recently took my 328i over some windy mountain roads, going a mite fast, and it was the most fun behind-the-wheel experience of my life, better than when I drove a Winston Cup car. I think if you spend considerable time with, and carefully examine, each car you will see where the extra $6000 goes. But you might not, and that's OK, too. The Passat is surely a fine car, and if you think it's a steal, you should get it and be happy. I partially got the 328 because I knew whatever else I'd get, I'd always look at the 328 and think 'if only.' ... A4 vs. 325: Tough, I thought about it a lot. The A4 is cheaper, has a nicer interior, and has quattro. But the BMW seems better put together, more reliable (less complexity) and is a lot more fun to drive.... I can tell the difference between leather and leatherette, and I like the leather more, so I got it, but if you can't tell, might as well save your money, and lower your maintenance (leather requires more care). If it's a money limit issue (not that you might not have it, but have a top $ figure in mind), I might spring for cruise, sunroof, etc. instead." -- dhanley, "BMW 3-Series (Part 5)," #401 of 923, Dec. 19, 2000

"I currently drive a leased Toyota Sienna, and it has been [extremely] reliable.... In over two years, we haven't had a single problem. Fit and finish are outstanding, too. Exceptionally safe, too (but don't take the corners too fast). Expected for something off the Camry line, right? So when I decided to trade it for a sedan, the first place I went was Camry. Then I drove the 328i.... Simply put, the BMW sticks to the road like bubble gum on a sneaker sole. I took a 328i onto my favorite twisty road, twice around a tight cloverleaf, and up onto the freeway, with a feeling of total confidence. Taking the Camry through the same run, at slower speeds, I felt no confidence at all. I felt like I was on the edge of out of control far too often. This isn't important if you never have to dodge an accident or accelerate to avoid a collision, but this 46-year old lady would never feel safe pushing the Camry in that kind of situation. With my best friend's grandkid in the back seat, I'll take the Bimmer over the Toyota any day. Value? When I think it has a better chance of keeping me alive, you'd better believe it has value." -- duffyhawes, " BMW 3-Series (Part 3)," #134 of 570, Feb. 28, 2000

"I got my 323Ci Convertible in Steel Blue Metallic with the blue top. The top is a very dark shade of blue and is, I think, the same color as the blue top from the previous-generation 3 Series. Got the following options: five-speed manual transmission, Premium package, Sport package, sand leather interior, in-dash CD player, Harman Kardon sound system, Xenon headlights. Overall, I couldn't be happier. It handles beautifully, and it is smooth riding even with the sport package. And to me, it looks fantastic with the top down (we've gotten quite a few 'thumbs up' from other drivers, so I don't think I'm alone). I can't really compare the handling to anything reasonable since I haven't had a 'sporting' car in quite a while -- I've driven SUVs and trucks for the last 8 years. But in my admittedly limited opinion, it feels agile, responsive, and tremendously grippy with very little body roll. The engine is supremely smooth from idle to redline and teams nicely with the five-speed manual. To be perfectly honest, I think the automatic would probably steal too much power and would detract from the performance. With the five-speed, the engine is certainly more than adequate but not 'overpowering.'" -- daveb12, "BMW 3-series Convertibles," #474 of 966, April 23, 2000

"Background: My 323Ci Convertible is Sienna Red with the black top, sand leatherette interior, the Premium package and an automatic transmission. Took delivery on April 29 and now have 2,500 miles under my wheels. In general, I love it. The good: BMW handling is everything that 'they' say it is. Power top operation is wonderful (don't get the manual top). It's surprisingly (to me, anyway) quiet with the top up. Gas mileage has been about 23 mpg. Looks are smashing, and I am learning to like the attention. The bad: Leatherette is hot and sticky. It was too late for me to change my order (ordered in January) but if you have the chance and the dollars, I highly recommend the leather. Too bad we can't get the cloth that's available in Europe. The power is "leisurely" with the automatic. I did not want to wait for the 330 and lose an entire top-down driving season, but it definitely would help. The HVAC system comes on every time you turn on the car, even if it was off when you shut off the car. This is a pain with the top town since you have to turn off the system each time you start the car.... The standard stereo system is not that great. The speakers can't handle the volume needed at highway speeds when the top is down, and I do not even like it very loud. The Steptronic is nice, but more of a gimmick in my experience. Most of the time, I just leave it in 'S' and drive it as an automatic." -- zoning, "BMW 3-series Convertibles," #657 of 966, April 23, 2000

"My family of four has had a BMW 323iT Sport Wagon for about a month.... Overall, it has more than met our expectations, though there is room for improvement in several areas. This is our experience after 2,200 miles. We have taken the 323iT on two 'mountain' trips.... One 600-mile trip to Asheville, N.C. included the Blue Ridge Parkway and even more twisty side roads. The other 450-mile trip was to the Smoky Mountains. I had so much fun driving this car I had to remind myself to look at the scenery! We got around 28 mpg on both trips, which is quite good considering about a third of the miles were driven on mountain roads, and the air conditioner was in constant use.... The sport and manual modes of the Steptronic automatic transmission were very useful on mountain terrain.... The GM-built Steptronic auto is exceptional. The ergonomics are excellent with the shifter moving even closer to you when in sport/manual. I initially wanted a manual tranny, but that was vetoed by my family. I am happy with the auto now, especially considering the added convenience in city driving and the impressive gas mileage.... For me, the sports seats are just a little too firm and lacking in lumbar support.... Also, when I have the seat positioned for optimum legroom, I would like the telescoping steering wheel to come about one to two inches closer than it can.... The gauges and controls are comprehensive and easy to see in all daylight conditions, and are rear-lit in a pleasing red color at night. The A/C has plenty of capacity to cool the entire wagon on a hot day.... The audio system power level and speaker quality is probably adequate for most listeners. Music lovers will likely want to upgrade.... The steering-wheel-mounted volume controls and radio/CD track selectors are fantastic, especially to fine tune the volume level with music having many quiet passages. As I expected, the wagon configuration is very practical. The rear liftgate is tall enough for me to stand under in the rain. Two people can sit in the rear opening and change into hiking boots at the same time. Other areas for improvement: A car this expensive should have an alarm system.... Most of the dashboard is flat black, which is great because it avoids glare. But, there is a strip of several inches, the same color as your interior that goes across the width of the car between the main black dash section and the base of the windshield. With gray or sand interiors, and depending on the light, this can cause an annoying reflection across the entire lower windshield.... When going from reverse to drive, it takes the auto transmission too long to make the shift. I find I have to stop completely and wait until I feel the change, then I can go forward. If I remove my foot from the brake and press the gas too soon I get a 'slamming' sensation as the forward gear engages. It is sometimes inconvenient, even annoying, to use the center console buttons to raise/lower the windows. At a minimum, the front passenger should have his or her own door-mounted button. The 323iT has one-touch window and sunroof opening via the key or remote control. You can also use the key in the door lock to close the windows and sunroof. Very convenient. On a hot day, you can open the sunroof and windows to vent the heat before you get in, but you have to close each window one by one. A separate button to open/close all windows would be convenient.... The rear shoulder belts are not tall enough for a 6-foot passenger. They will tend to slip off the shoulders. The rear armrest is too long and/or wide for the size of the rear seat area. With the armrest down, a large adult passenger's leg will hit the armrest. The rear cupholders on the center armrest are not big enough.... The three-spoke sport steering wheel could be more comfortable. IMO, the stitching on the inner rim is too coarse, the shape is too angular on the front edge, the grip diameter is not large enough, and overall, it is too hard to the touch. Conclusion: The BMW 323iT has a smooth, fuel-efficient engine with a broad power band. The Steptronic auto nearly duplicates the economy, control and feel of a manual, but with far more convenience. Handling and braking are fun and confidence inspiring. You forget you are driving a wagon. Styling and design are top-notch. It is a real head turner according to my teenage daughter and her friends. The quality of materials and construction seems a good value. Overall, it has been a reliable, comfortable and fun to drive vehicle. I would buy it again, but I would probably skip the Sport Package. However, those 17-inch wheels and tires sure are cool!" -- brechbiel, "BMW 3 Series Wagon," #45 of 89, May 31, 2000