Used 2009 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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Thinking of used 328xi? Read this one!
Paul M., 02/14/2018
updated 01/25/2021
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
85 of 88 people found this review helpful
I wanted: stick-shift, black n'black, all-wheel drive, sharp-looking car. When you consider the options and the prices, the higher-mileage BMW was definitely the right combination of features for the right price...admittedly with quiet risks attached..? I read reviews, watched youtube videos, and kept my ears alert for advice from people with first-hand experience. I bought the car with about 95,000 miles from a rather 'out-of-the-way' (we'll call it) car lot. The combination of transmission, color, AWD, and year was very difficult to find - I would come back from test drives and someone else would be waiting. I ended up getting the car a state away (Ohio). I *assumed* I'd have to deal with the previous owner(s) not doing routine maintenance - and I assumed correctly. Before I get into what all happened and how I handled it, a short bit about me: electrical engineer with a life (so far) fixing my own cars. First issue was the radio. Decided on its own when to turn on or off...at first I thought the car was telling it to turn on and off, but after a far-to-lengthy analysis, I just replaced the radio (eBay, $300)...it has been fine ever since. A few months later, the car began one day to run as if the engine was missing a cylinder. I changed the spark plugs and all was well. Again a month or so later...changed all the coil packs. All good ever since (year+) (routine maintenance! did it myself; parts were about $200). Sometime between the plugs/coils and the next repair I'll talk about shortly was the passenger-side rear tail light - a row of LEDs went out. This caused the car to limit energy to the entire tail light, which made it look dim. $60 and two bolts and that was OK (apparently there may have been a recall; didn't bother). Also replaced the battery. It simply wouldn't hold a charge; $180 (big battery, did that myself too, routine maintenance!). Up until this point, I had no issues. The car is a joy to drive and those repairs weren't a huge deal to me, maybe because I am handy. The two profoundly irritating repairs were the blower motor for the heat/AC and the coolant pump. On one of the coldest days this winter (so far), I was out of town (Chicago) for a wedding. On my way home to Pittsburgh, the blower decided that it just didn't feel like turning on. It was something like 15-20*F. Fortunately, turning the air control to 'outside air' allowed the highway driving to keep me warm. When I got home, I pulled the blower motor out myself (a known issue, since then a recall has been issued), lubricated the motor shaft, and reinstalled it. All good so far. Once you get the hang of it, its not too bad of a job...maybe 1/2 hour if you have a new blower on-hand. Finally - the big one...the (electric) coolant pump. As an engineer, I understand the concept, but I think I would've kept a crucial engine component like this mechanical to prevent what happened...it died. On my birthday (4th of July), it proceeded to overheat (on one of the hottest days last year). This repair was something I was willing to do, however, the car was too low to the ground for me to efficiently do it (would've needed a lift). I broke down and spent the $1,000 and all was well...for a minute. Every once in awhile, the car informs me of a low coolant level...I assume a small leak somewhere (these cars have crap coolant systems, known fact)...so I will look into it when it isn't winter anymore. At the moment, it's fine. So - would I buy another one? YES. Shifts like a dream, rides like a dream, the AWD is fantastic in wet/snowy conditions. Gas mileage is OK (around 20mpg mixed conditions; I drive more aggressively, probably due to the stick-shift). For some reason, when pumping gas, the fuel pump clicks off before it's full. After a half tank, it takes a little while giving it fuel between clicks of the pump. Slightly annoying, but not the end of the world. Seat heaters are awesome in the winter. Engine is a fantastic mechanical masterpiece...so balanced it sounds like a sports bike revving-up. The controls and gauges are the usual beautiful red - easy on the eyes at night, everything is in a logical place and generally intuitive. The cup holders are irritating if your cup doesn't have a lid (and sometimes even if your drink is full and does have a lid), but whatever. Overall, if you do what you should do to a car and you diagnose problems properly and fix the easy ones, it hasn't been a bad car at all. It's a joy to drive, and I love that it's the one I walk up to in the parking lot...the thing is gorgeous...keep up the maintenance and have a little money aside when that coolant pump/blower motor goes bad. All-and-all I gave it a 4/5 across the board...dings for the radio, coolant pump, and blower motor. I can't comment on dealerships because I haven't gone to any (the hours are not conducive to my 9-5). It's exciting to drive and I love an exciting car! Car traded-in Nov 19. $$$...
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Ignore the Bad Bimmer Reviews - A Lot To Enjoy
D Needles, 03/15/2016
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
105 of 111 people found this review helpful
By the way, if you are going to buy the car, it's Bimmer. The other spelling is for motorcycles. I've read the negative reviews. High maintenance costs, rock hard RFTs, suspension issues, blah, blah.....Here's my story. Bought my 328xi black beauty with 34K for about half of the original cost. Have now owned it for 2 yrs. No major repair issues. I have a local BMW (not dealership) do most of my maintenance well below the dealer prices. I do the oil changes and plan to replace the front brakes next month. Most of what I learned about how to work on my Bimmer I got off YouTube. Trust me, you can do some of the basics or more if you care to. RFTs? I want them. Won't see me changing a tire on the Interstate one late night. And I had a flat with one, drove it 50 miles going 50 MPH to a Costco, no damage to the rim. I replaced the OEMs with Bridgestone DriveGuard RFTs and they have been great. Much better than the OEMs. Got 25K miles on them and plenty of tread left. Suspension issues? Yeah, it does on occasion "boom" when I hit a med sized pothole, but no damage to the car. I figure you given up something for the superior handling and overall driving experience. I see one coming, I go around it. No problem. There is nothing like driving a well-cared for BMW, black-on-black, on a bright summer day. It's artwork in motion.
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Truly a driver's car
adityab, 02/17/2011
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
51 of 54 people found this review helpful
After much deliberation, I took delivery of a gently used 2009 BMW 328i a couple of days ago. Like many BMW owners, I bought it for its driving dynamics. The reviews from every publication are glowing, and there's good reason. You get the feeling that every single tactile element in the car has been calibrated for your enjoyment. The driving position, the seats, the contours of the steering wheel, the linear and predictable responses, the hefty brakes, and the buttery smooth engine all make for an inimitable driving experience. If you're in the market for a visceral ride but need to be practical, look no further. I've driven an S2000 and an Aston Martin and the 328 still feels magical.
48,000 miles on 2009 328i xDrive
sduconn, 06/28/2015
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
42 of 45 people found this review helpful
Car has been reliable, has just needed regular maintenance. Run-flat tires are awful - have replaced several and now have Continentals. No space for spare tire, but have taken long road trips over 800 miles. Performance and dynamics are excellent - brake feel, steering, acceleration are all top notch. Interior - though good for this class. Excellent ergonomics and materials. Maintenance and repair are expensive out of warranty but that's ok for this level of luxury and performance (it is a BMW). No rattles or shakes and road noise is minimal, though it is a sports sedan - ride is stiff and choppy with larger wheel size. Overall top notch sedan, few compromises.
Potential to be a really great car.
Joey L, 11/01/2015
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
53 of 59 people found this review helpful
Make no mistake. This is one of the best cars I have ever had, out of about 10. I have a 335 with sports package, premium package and 20 inch wheels. Jet black with dealer installed blueing of the chrome, and window tinting. It is a fairly sharp looking car. On a good road, it handles and accelerates really well. It is great for a driving trip with good roads. The premium stereo is best sounding I have owned. Even after 6 years the interior still smells like a new leather wallet (analogy upcoming). Get this car on a well paved road, switch to sport mode and let it rip. It is a very happy experience. However, it is likely to cost you. After i settle down from paying the bills I can joke about it. But I think there is a computer chip somewhere inside the makes things start to fail after the service contract ends. For example, on the first service visit after the contract ended, they advised spark plugs and wheel alignment. That was $1600. (of course this includes the World-class check up). After a big rainstorm the computer thought the engine was overheating and made the car slow down on the freeway to 25 MPH. That was fun. Be prepared for unsympathetic people when you drive a BMW. After 3 service visits they figured out it was water leaking into the battery compartment and cabling conduit. That was $3400. Tires? $1700, every two years. Gotta love them run-flats. I figure the car smells like a wallet to remind you of how much money you will need to continue to put into it. Even with that, I really like this car. I sort of expected it was going to cost a lot once the warranty was up. But not quite that much. I think that If I do this again, I would lease and make sure the lease ends before the warranty does. But then it would be hard to get the extras just right. That is, the sports package really does ride better than the standard suspension (I really did try both) and the premium stereo is really good sounding (I did try both).
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Not a good used car
Levi, 03/20/2017
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
24 of 26 people found this review helpful
Two years ago I bought my second BMW E90 mostly because my first one was so reliable and i wanted AWD. I bought a 2009 bmw 328i xdrive (sulev) with 120,000 miles on it. The car ran and drove great for about 4 months until it started to fall apart. I mostly drive only highway miles. First problem, happened while driving on the highway. The lines in the gas tank went out, I had no idea that this could happen!! $1700 for a new tank and labor. Second problem, three separate times I have had a run flat tire just go flat on the highway! $300 each, and you can not drive on these when they are flat!!. Third problem, the valve cover gasket started leaking a lot $400. Fourth problem, blower motor went out in the dead of winter, $250. Third and current problem, the car is currently in the shop because while driving down the highway a very loud grinding noise and an extreme wobble coming from transfer case or transmission, not sure yet what it is. its not going to be cheap im sure. On going problem, I have found that all sulev BMW's do is a loud lifter or lifters taping loudly. I love BMW's and my last one was great but after this one im probably done with them.
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Almost Perfect...
cheapdeep, 01/14/2015
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
28 of 32 people found this review helpful
Third BMW I've owned. BMW got a lot right but they also got a lot wrong. The engine, transmission, styling and handling are all incredible. But everybody knows that. The ergonomics and interior leave a lot to be desired. BMW really lost the form follows function on this one. The cup holders are obvious but where do I put my sunglasses? I don't have keyless start so what's the point of the start button? Instead of putting in a key and turning, I now have and extra unneeded step to start the car. And iDrive? Everything on there could be replaced by a $40 burner phone from Walmart. It's pretty useless although it does look pretty.
Great Convertible
Tony, 06/17/2010
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
11 of 12 people found this review helpful
This is my first BMW and my first convertible and I'm duly impressed with both. The car looks and rides great and can be a lot of fun to drive. It's great for long trips as long as your are in the front two seats. Some quirky things like the drive side cup holder is basically on the passenger side and the "wood" interior that's tough to keep clean and spots off of keep the interior from being perfect. The break dust is the absolute worse, especially on the stock 328i wheels. After a year I'm looking to get new wheels because of it. Overall a great car but after getting a 335i as a loaner during maintenance, if I had to do it again it's go for the bigger engine.
ZOOOOOOOOOM!
OBX BMW, 02/28/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
10 of 11 people found this review helpful
Purchased a 2009 BMW 335i hardtop convertible eight days and 600 miles ago. So far I love everything about this car. It's as fast as any car I've ever driven, and I owned two Corvettes. Traveling to NC from NJ I averaged 26.4 MPG. So far so good no problems at all and I hope it stays that way. A very elegant piece of German engineering loaded with the latest technology.
Where did the room go?
HardDriver, 12/06/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is the most fun car to drive since my '73 Porsche. Whether on a freeway or (better yet) a twisting country road, this car is flat out fun to drive. No matter how hard I put it into a turn, it looks over its shoulder and asks, "is that all you got?" On a recent Los Angeles to San Francisco freeway trip, I got just over 30 mpg. Pros: Road hugging performance, good mileage, styling and finish. Cons: This car is essentially the same size as the Accord and Avalon. Where did all the interior room go ? I am 5'11" and it is hard to get in and out. Headroom is scarce and there is no legroom in the rear seat. The trunk is tiny. There is also a very annoying throttle lag off the line.
Definitely feel like a second mortgage
glen, 05/21/2019
updated 11/28/2022
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
You definitely don't want to purchase any used BMW let alone hardtop convertible. I got caught in the rain multiple times due to the top won't raise up. When it runs, it's beautiful, but every week seems to have different issue. If you want to drive a BMW, lease it and return it after 3 three years. But would not recommend it used. Just like throwing money into a firepit.
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Wanted the Experience
freeflowin, 10/02/2011
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
13 of 15 people found this review helpful
Bought used with 8k miles. Looks great runs great. Fantastic to drive and handles unbelievably. The car is very tight and fast. Only complaint is I have had to have 4 recalls preformed so far, which is annoying. Three of which I figured would come and it wasn't a big deal (all relating to the fuel pump), the fourth was for a wire in the tail light....so that was annoying to have to go in for 4 hours to have looked at. I have a 09 Silverado with three times as many miles and ZERO problems.
No Car Is Perfect
theomdude, 03/20/2011
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful
I traded a 330Ci with SMG for a leased 2009 328i Coupe with paddle shifted Steptronic. I loved my 330, and this car is close, but not quite there. The luxury details on my Premium/Sport Pkg. example, like the ambient lighting, is cool and material quality seems top notch. But the car seems "fatter" and the specs say it is, by 66 lbs. That doesn't account for the extra weight of the SMG in the 330, so it's probably close to a wash. The hp is up by 5 & torque is down 15 but the sense of slight softness in acceleration is probably the difference between a clutch and a torque converter. I've seen 130 on a short straight so I'm not complaining. At my modest skill level the turbo would be wasted.
Expensive chunk of metal
Tam, 08/18/2016
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
18 of 23 people found this review helpful
I will never buy another nor recommend a bmw. German arrogance by not addressing major design issues!! My car has 56k miles. Has cracked valve cover ($1300) and morning misfires due to ?? Unknowns.....fuel pump, electronic, coils, injectors,?? Many blogs on this topic, and many people wasting money fixing things that don't need fixing because bmw mechanics can not troubleshoot properly. Really, even crappy cars will never have these problems. Bmw basically sells LEMONS!! Don't make the same mistake as I have!! I will change to Lexus, just change oil on regular basis, relax, and experience little to no issues!!
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Change the tires.
cmclaflin, 05/06/2010
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful
The run-flat tires are unforgiving on potholes - car makes a tremendous bang and it feels like my eyeballs are
When is a BMW a FoRD?
John Kain, 01/21/2018
updated 07/23/2018
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
14 of 18 people found this review helpful
When it's Fixed or Repaired Daily. The litany of problems with this "luxury" car dictates that you have to have access to a second car. Factor that into the cost of ownership. Things that never went wrong over the course of owning several Toyotas for hundreds of thousands of miles routinely crop up on this car. A true lemon. And of course the cost of repair fully justifies the BMW "Break My Wallet" sobriquet. The headlight switch fell out of the dashboard. Running lights cost almost $300 to replace. The worthless adaptive lighting broke and the estimate to repair and realign the headlights is thousand of $. The windshield gasket is cracking and has to be replaced. I've had the engine gasket replaced TWICE, each over $1,000. Windshield wipers cost $55 at the dealer - they're not available at auto repair stores. The engine oil and coolant fluid have to be topped off regularly. Oh, and the hood release doesn't work, so the car has to be taken to a mechanic for those simple maintenance tasks. The gas tank closure broke. And don't even get started on the run-flat tires. I order extras now because I know the winter pothole season will ruin one or two tires, and last year a rim, too. Buy this car to look at, and to show your neighbors that you can afford a "luxury" car, but don't buy it for reliable transportation. Unless you're married to an expert mechanic.
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A True 4 door sport car!!
rmorin1249, 04/27/2011
2009 BMW 3 Series 335d 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have been driving BMWs for over 30 years and when the 335d was released I waited for a couple years and then pulled the trigger. I couldn't be more pleased. I use this car as a daily driver on a 60 mile round trip commute. I am averaging between 32 and 34 mpg. The acceleration is on par with my 335i convertible but the low end torque is awesome. The car handles very well and does provide comfortable seating for 4 adults. My wife cannot believe it is a diesel. There is almost no diesel noise inside the car except at idle with the radio and HVAC off. At highway speeds you would never know you are driving a diesel. There is absolutely no smoke and no smell. Awesome car!!
Run flat tires
Jan, 05/23/2010
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
This is the first BMW I have owned. Love the car. Overall I am very pleased. I have kept the tires rotated every 5,000 miles. First time I had tires rotated the car was out of balance. The car now has 17,000 miles on it and there is a terrible roaring noisy coming from the tires. I already need new tires. No mountain driving just open road. Talked with service department and all they had to say was "these tires don't last as long". on the sport package. Had I known this I would not have purchased the car. I can't afford to purchase new tires every 18 months or so.
Nice Ride
Ar15, 05/17/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Just traded in my Lexus IS250 for a 09 328i. The Lexus ran smoother, but the BMW performs way better. Can't really explain it, but the car seems to know what you want it to do. Everything about the car feels tight and just right. If you want a smooth cushy ride, go with the Lexus. But if you want exceptional handling characteristic's and a car that is fun to drive, the BMW is it.
Love my 328i Wagon
Jill L, 05/18/2010
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I had been looking at the 07's as they were Certified Pre Owned with an extra warranty. Shopping online and increased my distance to cover more then 100 miles I found a great deal on the 09. The interior difference is mostly with the lay out of the idrive and controls. They made it more user friendly and easier to use overall. Very easy to hook up my phone with the blue tooth as well. The ride is amazing, very smooth. I did not get the sport package, as it does go through tires quicker, and the ride is still sporty, just a bit smoother. Love the parking assist as well. Basic stereo package could use more bass, overall I LOVE THIS CAR!
VROOM!
DieselNorthernNJ, 11/06/2010
2009 BMW 3 Series 335d 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
I'm a car junkie. Been through 4 cars in the past 3 years. 07 328xi, 09 328i manual (CPO), 09 G37x (the 328i manual annoyed me - radio was whacked out without a fix supposedly, so tried Japanese) and now 09 CPO 335d. I missed the engineering of a BMW and when I saw this 335d CPO, I had to try it. The itch hit me after the test drive and I bought it. The car is incredible. Power and efficiency amazing. Low end torque so fun, but it's even better to go 60 mph and then floor it. Gets to 100 mph in a snap. Hitting the turns and winding roads feels so much better in this car than the G37X. Getting about 32 mpg in mixed driving. The engine growl - a muscle car in disguise!
Practical Fun
Albnyc, 11/14/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
A well-balanced, practical and fun car. Adequate but not generous space, but no significant difference from competitors. Even 5 series wagon has little additional room. The technology is amazing. iDrive much improved.
Still the Best
Wil, 08/17/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Needed a simple not too flashy business/ personal car and drove everything in this class. G8 was fun but future is bad. Jetta was okay but not as refined. Audi too slow. Owned a 99 328i so I decided to try 328i and not 330i as this is business car. Wow, this is a performance car with luxury and brings smiles every time I drive. Hard to do when you are replacing a Vette. Driving dynamics are still the best after all these years. BMW Straight 6 is still the best engine made on the planet. I was surprised the buying experience, price and attitude of BMW has changed. Got best deal from them which was a total surprise.
Ultimate Convertible Great FUN to RIDE
Danny, 08/30/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful
This is my first BMW convertible and it is a blast. The German engineering is without question. The folding convertible top is an engineering marvel. Takes 23 seconds to fold into the trunk. I was happy to see that I still had room in the trunk to store some small things after the top had been stored in this area. Excellent pick up and the interior workmanship is top notch. This is quite the head turner and when you put the top down, you will draw an audience. Fantastic car and fun to drive.
Major Issues
Disappointed, 09/23/2015
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
27 of 38 people found this review helpful
Bought a 2009 328xi with certified warranty. Under warranty the engine fan needing replacement, the rear light assembly and the air conditioning unit. My warranty expired in March 2015. It is now September 2015 and I took my car in for an oil change and front brakes and they are now telling me my front differential needs repaired and I have a cracked valve cover. Mind you my car just turned 60k. These are all major repairs for a car that is basically 5 years old and very low miles. I am so beside myself that 6 mos after the warranty I have more large ticket items at the tune of $3k. to repair? I will probably never buy another BMW as I have vehicles over 15 years old at home that have never had to have major work or major repair bills. I took the car down to see what the trade in value is and its only $12k after paying $32k for it 5 years ago. Wow!
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BMW 335D performance
Vi Co, 09/16/2016
updated 03/27/2017
2009 BMW 3 Series 335d 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
directly after the expiry of manufacturer's warranty, the turbos failed. They fail unexpectedly so, if I am on the road, the car will suddenly lose turbo power, and, despite engine revs rising, nothing speeds the car over 40 mph. The car has spent more time and I have spent more money in repair shops than I spent on a smaller car I have as well, which runs flawlessly. I had believed that, after having spent a small fortune purchasing this car, I would not need extended warranty, but I was wrong! The help I received from Bavarian was no help at all. I was offered a $1000 discount on my next purchase of a Beamer! I wanted to have some diagnosis, but all the diagnostics have been steadily repaired and the same problem recurs. I wonder if the car was made to run in cooler weather, as it runs hot and may have caused damage to the diagnostics in the computer, which is the more expensive one to replace
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Follow-up review after 17K miles
Michael, 03/01/2010
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Well, it's now almost 2 full seasons of winter later, 2 oil changes - and this car is as responsive as my first drive with it.. maybe even more so as the CDV issue seems to have disappeared after the "break-in" period. Had a couple issues with the tire-pressure-monitor system going off when winter rolled through; nothing that a trip to the dealership couldn't resolve. Started noticing various things "creaking" such as the drivers seat (when applying mid/upper back pressure) and the center console elbow rest. Also, the rear-window dot matrix makes it impossible to get a nice uniform tint. If you can look past these, then IMO, this is still the absolute best luxury AWD coupe on the road.
Snow Cat Surf Car
Skeep, 01/24/2010
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 4dr Wagon AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Absolutely the best. I wanted a surf car, dog car, with the 3.0 sport package to race down the autobahn and this wagon rocks. Tiptronic transmission provides everything. Paddle shifters just add that much more capability for driving fast and low. Sport Package a must. Love this wagon. Snow will not stop this car. Can't wait to drive it in the USA on the beach at Cape Hatteras. You win when you buy this car!
3 Strikes you're out!!
click click click, 12/05/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2009 335xi in August after driving my C70 Volvo into the ground with 173k on it. The volvo was a sled compared to this beauty. This car is not problem free! I have had the car in four times for warranty and I'm still not happy. First check engine light " miss fire " second time bad high pressure fuel pump, third time, mechanical fuel pump. Turn on the intermittent wiper and listen to the relay click under the dash. Dealer says that's normal. Then the seat belt arm shorted out. So they replaced that. I just bought 4 Toyota Yaris for my delivery fleet and they are quieter than this BMW. Dealer said get use to the noises I said are you kidding me !!
328i is an affordable sport car for a good price!!
Frank M, 08/12/2019
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Very reliable overall, You need to have on mind that an sport car with superior comfort will have a few more electronics and sensors, I love the handling on rain, when everybody has low visibility and poor handling your bimmer will show superiority with the correct rubber. High Mileage is a plus !!!
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Second time lucky
big kev, 12/28/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 335d 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my second 3 series - the first was 2007 335i and for some reason this 'update' is a much better car. I have 16" wheels with 205/50 tires deliberately avoiding low profiles and the ride is very comfortable, and handling is fine (runflat smash and crash is gone!) I find The car more comfortable than the 5 series and traded my 2008 Audi A4, which I liked a lot but the Beema is much smoother and more 'refined' - especially the diesel engine. Hated the old 3 series mainly because of the high fuel bills and the horrible ride - love this one; mainly because of the improved ride due to non low profile runflats and Continental tires rather than Bridgestone which were awful.
Very Pleased Thus Far
T Money, 11/10/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I will say I am very pleased with my experience thus far. I considered the C Class Mercedes and the Lexus IS 250 but the 328i was the winner by far in every area. I have had my beautiful Jet Black work of art for a week and a half and I have not stopped smiling. I have been very surprised by the gas mileage so far after 450 miles mostly city I am averaging 24.2 very strong. I also am in love with the styling from every area of the car, it is truly exquisite. I am impressed with the interior layout. I went with the nav system and the i drive is very user friendly and fit is top notch. I cannot wait to spend the next several years enjoying every aspect of my 328i.
Ultimate Driving Machine - 14 years later
faljrgray, 12/03/2014
updated 12/15/2023
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
13 of 19 people found this review helpful
I have owned BMW since 1991, a 318is with a m42 motor that got me 355,000 miles (Still Running Strong). I now have a 2009 328i that is a perfect driving machine. Yes there will be some repairs but BMW is an icon not an interloper like Acura and Infinity that is still trying to copy the BMW, yes copy the BMW. The Germans conceive and build the automobile as the Japanese attempt to perfect the automobile for a cheaper price. I also own a Harley Davidson that is the real deal not like the interloper of all the metric bikes. The Japanese Motorcycle industry make motorcycles that look like a Harley but Harley copies no one nor does BMW. Do you want a interloper or the real deal for less...? Update...6/03/2016 Two years later I'm totally satisfied with my 328i. I just replaced my set of Pirelli tires with a new set (90V). So basically 45 to 50 thousand miles of fantastic handling. If you want to just get to point B there are many cars to choose from but if you want get there with an Ultimate Driving Experience the BMW does that for you. Update 6/06/2017 Yes, the Ultimate Driving Experience. Update, 229,000 miles, the Ultimate Driving Machine, this is a great model year. We’ll have to see next year...! In short, super reliable with only coils replaced… I recommend this year as BMW’s in-line six is bulletproof… 231,000 miles and still rides and drives like new… very pleased… 12/15/2023 256,000 miles still runs and rides like new car… I’ve done standard maintenance and tires which is about due… Average MPG highway is 28 so I can’t complain, tires are “W” rated Run Flats. So far, so good…
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Why did I wait so long to buy it
Naui, 07/27/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I can't stop driving it. I want to drive cross country with it. There is nothing I can complain about the vehicle, and trust me if it even had the smallest rattle it would drive me crazy. Nothing but outstanding German build quality. Considering I am comparing it to the Honda/Acura I owned before.
No regrets
Steve C, 10/26/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
After years of driving VW's, I walked into a BMW dealer after being treated like a second class citizen when I went to Audi to inquire on an S4. Their loss, my gain. The 335i xDrive with 6 speed manual is an amazing car... Fast, silky smooth drive, exceptional handling. iDrive is great, better than the last version I hear. Fuel consumption is average, but for a 300 hp twin turbo that oozes muscle and pure pleasure, I can't complain. 5 star driving experience all the way!
Good - Not Perfect
Ernie, 10/17/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
If you're a 'driver' you'll love the steering, suspension and handling. Plus, the car is tight, engine is smooth and interior is perfect. But... HD radio is terrible. Constantly flips in & out of HD, save your money. BMW won't fix it. Auto trans is also sketchy. In sport mode it won't ever go to 6th gear and regular mode just doesn't downshift readily. If you're doing 40 MPH and step on it, it bogs down unless you press deep on the pedal. It makes the car feel underpowered. But you can punch it down a gear (or 2) with paddle shifters (I have sport pkg). Had a 330i with 5-spd prior to this and power wise, this is a little disappointing. If you're on the fence... get the Turbo! Wish I did.
1st time BMW Owner
Mike, 12/21/2008
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Wagon (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
We purchase our 1st BMW in December 2008. We test drove Audi A4, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 359, Cadillac CTS and chose the BMW. My wife and I like all the features of the BMW 2009 model wagon down to the handling, The iDrive is not that bad once you get use to it. We currently have 600 miles and plan several trips this holiday.
Stellar in all respects
Danny Smith, 10/26/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Car is stellar in all respects. Yes, more expensive than some competitors but far and away one of the best handling and best performing vehicles in its price range, all things considered. Engine rumored to dyno at nearly 350 lb ft at the engine with 300 lb ft at the rear wheels. This is so fast that it would spin its tires with full throttle in first gear. Only stellar traction and stability control prevent this. Automatic is cool but if you are looking for all out performance get the stick. Some delay with auto trans.
14 years old, and I still LOVE HER
ChefShelly, 09/20/2023
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love this little car. She's 14 years old now, but still looks stylish and updated. BMW really hit the mark for a sexy, timeless design that still competes with the new cars 14 years later. Many complain about the pricy oil changes at the BMW dealer or Jiffy Lube. - ProTip- I take mine to the Chevy dealer and get it done for a very reasonable price. I have 127k miles on my girl, with no trouble until last week. The rear end differential went out, along with rusted bearings and the spindles that fused, to the tune of $4,000. I'm taking off 1 star for this reason, because that simply should not happen at this mileage and the level of care given to this vehicle. The mechanic can offer no reason - as this is normally a wet-climate issue and I live in a desert climate. But she did start her life on the East coast, so maybe she got wet there in her youth. This is the first repair I've had to do, so I'm taking my chances that she'll run beautifully for a long time more. (crossing fingers here). I've also had to replace the keyfob, because it does not have a replaceable battery. Over 14 years.... not bad at all! She does go through brake pads pretty quickly, though, and I'm not an aggressive driver. I am a petite woman and I drive mostly alone, so don't mind much that the back seat is pretty much only useful for holding suitcases that won't fit in the trunk. Shockingly, I can fit a large amount of grocery bags into the tiny trunk, which is actually bigger than it looks. Because I'm short, with the seat position forward so I can reach the pedals, I can easily fit someone in the seat behind me, but with their knees almost touching. My husband needs the seat all the way back, which leaves two-inches of legroom, rendering the seat behind him impossible to occupy. The seats fit me very comfortably. My 6'3" husband not quite as much, but not uncomfortably so. The hard top convertible comes down in 22 seconds flat, and goes up in 23 seconds. To put the top down, you must be at a full stop and have the trunk glass support tray down, which means there isn't room for much cargo if you are going topless. Like the other reviewers said, the slide-out cup holders are ridiculously small and inefficient, and will hold a water bottle or smaller, but not a regular cup. The spring mechanism that slides the driver's side drink holder tray out broke, which is apparently a common issue. My mechanic let me know that replacement drink trays are available for $25 on Amazon, and it looks and fits like the original. After 14 years, some of the vinyl plastic coating that is on the finishes of the driver's door is flaking off, but - she's 14 and it is very hot where I live, so I can't really fault BMW for that. With lots of pep in her step, this little vixen will go from 0-60 in nothing flat, and as far as gas mileage goes, it's pretty consistently 19/23 mpg. Over the 14 years, this has been an exceptional car, lots of fun to drive, and very reliable.
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Cost = Efficiency & Look
Jordan Mendoza, 12/30/2018
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Looks and feels great for the price you pay. Maintenance needs to be kept up to date or you while be pulling a lot out if pocket. Besides that, great car.
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1st Time New Bimmer Owner
Erik G., 09/08/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
In US Army, and drove an 18 year old Bimmer for 2 yrs in Germany. Loved it so much and impressed I bought a new one. My first sports car! Got the jet black stock color. It hugs the road like nothing I've ever driven. Goes effortlessly to 110mph, and it's great to be able to do this on the autobahn and still be legal! Fits my 3 kids, 11, 9, and 6 in the back seat, though it's tight. Trunk bigger than expected. I too have had trouble shifting smoothly with the "drive by wire" clutch it has. At first I thought it was me, but looking at other reviews I guess it's just the technology. Too bad it can't keep you from stalling it too. Overall we love our Bimmer!
Better than expected
Navig8, 08/14/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Not a BMW fan in general, but bought this after a test drive. It's no sports car, but is fun to drive. Much more importantly the refinement is peerless. Interior reviews for this car are so-so, but I personally love the mixture of simplicity and great build quality - it fits my definition of 'luxury' more than lots of buttons or extra decoration. For me, it was the refinement and composure that won me over, but the gas mileage (25mpg so far) is a bonus. Worst aspect is the attention. People think buying a BMW says something about you (either good or bad) - and either way it's totally out of proportion with reality... It's just a sedan for crying out loud!! My $40K Nissan got no attention.
Not perfect, but very, very good!
JAD, 11/29/2008
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Would have given it all 10s but couldn't because of the flimsy exterior mirrors, the bad cup holder design and, worst of all, the run flat tires. These have to go, and as soon as I have the time I will get rid of them and replace them with regular high performance tires. The RFTs make the ride rough and the cost of replacing them is ridiculous. These tires are my biggest drawback about the BMW. Fuel economy isn't as good as I'd like but I'm not complaining about that because the performance of the car is excellent. Test drove the C-class, but once I drove the BMW I knew right away that its a much better car. Too early to tell about reliability, but so far its looking like a keeper.
Follow-up review after 2K miles
Michael, 01/07/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Driving in about 4 inches of unpaved snow, slush and ice: In straight lines it accelerates and stops under complete control. To test out the traction around corners, I took a couple turns at relatively unsafe speeds, close to 15 MPH. The DTS flickered and appeared to do something, but it definitely felt like I drifted out of my lane. During sensible speeds, drifting was not an issue. Slight hesitance may be confused with skidding, but its actually DTS doing its thing to keep you on your intended path. X-drive is very capable. However, I honestly feel Subaru sets the bar when it comes to AWD technology. Basically if you're looking for a luxury AWD coupé, look no further.
Poor fuel injectors malfunction at 1800
ANIBAL RIBEIRO MD, 08/30/2010
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
Very poor comfort on flat run tires poor navigation on board system unpredictable fuel injectors is an ominous feature regret purchase vehicle replaced under New Jersey lemon law is good for the public to be aware.
Wants to get out of town, and run on the open road!
laselva, 10/08/2014
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
3 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car is great to drive! Loves to get out of traffic and run on the open road...just let it go! Run flats are fine (standard tires, not low profile) and I'm getting over 31 mpg on the highway (@75 mph). Quiet interior. Great road feel. Just point and go.
335D when can I drive it again
erick335, 10/19/2010
2009 BMW 3 Series 335d 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbodiesel 6A)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
My wife and I purchased a fully loaded used 335d. We have almost every option but most importantly we have the sport suspension. The car is amazing in every aspect. We are coming out of a 2006 Is350. The Is350 was a little faster but not nearly as fun to drive. We have gotten 38-39mpg on the hwy @75-80 mph. The car is problem free unlike the 335i. I know the 335i is faster but for $300 dollars you can chip the 335d. The best part of the experience is seeing other driver faces, as your putting diesel in the car.
goodoptions, superb handling, weak acceleration
Alan, 12/30/2017
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for over 4 years. The options and interior beat out many of the newer cars available today ( adaptive xenon, leather interior, wood trim, fine stitching, interior lighting, hill descent control). The ride is very good and typical on highways of the best luxury cars, the ride on rough terrain or around town is painful given the suspension. I enjoyed driving this car; in the rain and adverse conditions this car offered incredible and confident road handling, great visibility and solid performance. Braking and handling are classic and sharp; heated seats and steering wheel are better than on any car I've owned or tested. The trunk was deep given the lack of spare and provided ample storage for a coupe. Passing was always a breeze. Now for the negative... the 0-60 specs are around 7+ seconds which are pathetic for any car, the maintenance is painful, a 3 series is an entry level luxury car and I was shocked at the cost to maintain , every time i took it to the shop after 70k miles it needed something. The windows always fogged in cold and/or rainy weather and keeping the defroster on always made the cabin way too hot. It was impossible to keep a good temperature (notable BMW problem). The speedometer was always 5-10MPH faster than i was actually going (another notable bimmer problem-they purposely inflate to make it seem faster). After owning for a few years the depreciation in the vehicle was awful, everyone talks about the value of BMW but they don't hold it. All in all it is a great car with high quality assets but a fair amount of "manageable" downfalls. Bottom line is : you will enjoy the car and it is a better option over many newer vehicles however it will cost you to maintain and watch those potholes.
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Slight improvement over the 2006 325i - Excellent Car
dic_camarillo, 08/26/2014
2009 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
A slight improvement over our 2006 325i. Slightly better looking, a little more power, good navigation system, nice stereo controls - though a bit confusing and I love the speed warning feature (makes a noise and light comes on when set speed is hit or passed). The Bluetooth works well. The Navigation is much better than the Toyota version. Great visibility, great balance, superb handling, comfortable, spacious front seats, great looking, smooth, the right balance of power and fuel economy, comfortable seats, nice quality materials, doesn't feel cheap anywhere in or out of the car, back seats are tight, trip computer is nice feature. This car is the perfect entry level sports sedan!
335i AWD
dsheff, 11/19/2009
2009 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
Traded in an M3 and a 330xi for a new 335i AWD. Sales guy said that the 335i would out-perform my M3 - I doubted him, of course. Drove my new car home in a bad snow storm and was worried about making it home safely. This car performed beautifully in the snow! Now that the roads are dry I love the performance of the turbo engine.