Used 2012 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
Mixed feelings
Have had my 328i (automatic w Premium package) for one month now. It is a mixed bag of pros and cons. For a $40K car, I expected better and well thought out amenities to come standard. Not sure how long I may keep it.
What's between the 335i and the M3? THIS 335is!
I absolutely love this car (2012 335is)! I was hesitant to get it because of the maintenance nightmare stories, but if you don't dog it out and keep it maintained, the N54 motor is very reliable. The slight horsepower boost is noticeable in sport mode over the normal 335i. The steering is tight and very engaging and the suspension seems to hold well while cornering. The interior reflects quality craftsmanship especially in the seats. I love the sport yet subtle hints of the M styling on the body as well. Gas mileage is average for a sport coupe 18/26. Word of caution is to make sure you get a thorough pre-purchase inspection to make sure the car has been maintained and there aren't any existing problems.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- 328i SedanMSRP: $7,3006 mi away
- 328i SedanMSRP: $7,995184 mi away
- 328i ConvertibleMSRP: $15,990175 mi away
One Hot Car - 2012 E93 M Sport
Handling, power and style are the elements that attracted me to the car and keep me wanting to drive it. The M Sport package increases speed and handling and adds a few exterior touches to the sportiness. The Harman Kardon surround sound is super crisp and very loud which is great when on the highway with the top down. A few little things I found puzzling. The gear shift has a rubber insert, not leather and the ambient lighting is only one color and can't be made brighter. The convertible did not get an interior or mid-cycle update until after the 1st quarter of 2012 so mine was a holdover from 2011. The car is 7 years old and I still get compliments from people on the street and in the road. The red Dakota leather stands out under the space grey metallic body. My only complaint is having low profile, summer tires and the potholes in New jersey. I've gone through so many tires that my tire insurance ran out within the first 2 years of ownership. Its pretty expensive to fix so I urge anyone to keep a warranty on the vehicle during ownership. Because this is a hardtop convertible, there are extra mechanical and cargo size issues you will deal with above the sedan. Overall, I love this car. I just wish the state of NJ would spend some money on road repair.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Not As Good As My Old 3 Series
I have driven a 2001 BMW 3 series sedan since 2001, have loved every moment, thought I would never drive anything else and was really looking forward to my new 2012 three which I picked up in May 2012 with the luxury line and technology package. The Edmunds comment that the 2012 3 series is "less involving to drive than carry over models" is spot on. Yes it more luxurious, bigger, has more technology and is very nice looking, but when push comes to shove -- and if I were confronted with a tricky driving situation -- I'd prefer hands down to be in my 2001 3 series as it was more agile, responsive and connected to me as a driver.
Love the performance, hate the operating system
The title says it all. This is my third BMW, and I'm consistently impressed by the performance, handling and ride. The cockpits have always been a little unique, but my last two BMWs felt like a comfortable place to settle in for a long ride. On this model, however, I find that navigating even the radio stations to figure out what's playing, requires too much handling and eyes away from the road. It's a bit of gilding the lily that's just not working for me.