Used 2012 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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Base suspension is awful
danmoch, 06/11/2015
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
19 of 19 people found this review helpful
I just returned my 2012 328i with around 30,000 miles at the end of a 3 year lease. Although the 2.0 liter twin scroll turbo engine has plenty of power and the 8 spd automatic transmission was great, the base suspension was so soft and unsettled that just driving the car made me nauseated. This was my 6th BMW and suspension wise, the worst. Early on in the lease period, I changed to sport springs which made a big improvement in handling. Near the end of the lease, I changed back to the OEM springs and couldn't wait to return the car.
Adding to my 3//17/2012 review
raycee, 07/10/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
19 of 20 people found this review helpful
To add to my review on 3/17/2012 ... I have now had the vehicle for 4 months and still love the car. It is one seamless and smooth driving machine and I especially appreciated it on a recent road trip of 358 miles each way. Most was freeway driven and I was absolutely amazed at my average MPG of 37.5 primarily freeway and on Econ mode with average 69 MPH.
2012 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
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Extremely disappointed
Gordo, 09/09/2015
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
35 of 39 people found this review helpful
This is my second BMW; my first was a MY 2006 325i that I bought new. This time I decided to get a CPO 2012 328i. I have had the car for about 45 days; it has been in the shop for 15 of those days. It needed: A NEW TIMING BELT (after I was told that the blender-like noise the engine was making was "normal" until I took it back to the dealer to investigate it further), an new window regulator, a new seat belt latch, re-charged AC, and crack in the instrument panel plastic covering the instruments. A week later I had to take it BACK because the steering wheel was making a load groaning noise when turned, and the stereo intermittently recognizes that I have a CD in the player or my iPhone connected to the USB. Sometimes I have to go without music on the wonderful upgraded Harmon Kardon stereo until the system decides to reset itself. The dealership still cannot diagnose this issue. Also, the only way to drive this car is to leave it in "Sport" mode. The default "Comfort" mode makes the car feel like a 1980's-era Cadillac-all floaty and bouncy on the highway. Steering and handling are tops in Sport mode, though. Overall I'm disappointed in the quality. I had the 2006 325i for 5 years, and had ZERO issues other than the sunroof not wanting to close from time to time. I put 102,000 miles on it and only did basic maintenance-no unexpected warranty visits. Thank tha LAWD I got the extended warranty with this CPO (Certified Piece Of _____). I had a Mercedes C300 and Volvo S60 in the interim of the BMW's and getting this car-sad to say, I think I may go back to either one of them. Beautiful car inside and out, though.
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Turbo Out at 47K Miles
328iguy1, 06/29/2014
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
19 of 21 people found this review helpful
Overall I love this car but, there have been numerous issues over the last two years; the brake warning light came on several times, even though there was nothing wrong with the brakes; I had a flat tire and drove around for about two weeks on it because the tire pressure warning light doesn't differentiate between flat and low pressure (it has run flats, and the tire pressure waring light comes on all the time, especially in cold weather so I usually ignore it); last but not least the turbo went out at 47K miles, and it took more than 30 days for the dealer to fix it because a part was on back order in Germany. So as much as I love driving this car, I think I am going to be trading it in.
So far so good
kyrider, 09/13/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
18 of 20 people found this review helpful
This is my first BMW and I was reluctant to buy a German car due to maintenance/reliability issues that I've heard before. But after 1500 miles the car is still silky smooth and no issues, knock on wood. The new 2.0L Turbo engine is amazing, acceleration is very good and there is no lug between pedal action and engine response. This car is fun to drive! The leather seats are much better than anything I had before, very comfy and the quality is very good. All features expected in a luxury car are there and they are worth every penny. The only thing that I miss are 1) a storage compartment for sunglasses and bigger storage for phone/wallet somewhere near the driver.
Mixed feelings
fancycars, 09/27/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
19 of 22 people found this review helpful
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.
One Hot Car - 2012 E93 M Sport
ABasis, 03/19/2019
updated 09/20/2019
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
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Not As Good As My Old 3 Series
zivand, 06/12/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
24 of 31 people found this review helpful
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
grlinatl, 08/06/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
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.
A great balance of sportiness, luxury and value
karlnmichelle, 08/26/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
Just traded in my CTS Cad, which I really liked and found comfortable, but just wasn't up to par with German craftsmanship. The new 3 is my second BMW. It is actually quicker, more agile, and sure footed than our 2006 Z-4, even though we have just the base 4 cyl. This car is literally a solute to engineering and craftsmanship...and we love the nose. Killer sound system and nice rims too. An all around improvement on what was already a fine car.
What's between the 335i and the M3? THIS 335is!
Phil L., 02/16/2021
2012 BMW 3 Series 335is 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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.
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The most uncomfortable car ever
tybeegirl, 06/20/2014
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I traded a 1999 3 series on this car and I wish I would have kept it. The seats are hard and the headrests are extremely uncomfortable. I have to use a seat cushion so that my head will reach the headrest because it won't go all the way down. The air conditioning is noisy and has intermittent issues. The Bluetooth phone interface is terrible. I have an iphone and a blackberry and everyone says I come across garbled. I took it to the dealership and they said there wasn't an issue, but I still can't use it. I can't wait to turn in this leased car. Just 5 more months.
first German luxury and satisfied
kyrider, 08/26/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
This is my first German luxury car and I'm amazed at the quality and performance of the engine. The 2.0L turbo engine is amazing better than my previous V6 Japanese. I traded space by moving to 3 series but I don't regret it, the drive is amazing and the faster you go the better the car gets. This is my first German car so I can't speak of reliability yet but I hope for many years of engine free issues. The one
I'm from Detroit, and i love this car
Matt, 11/11/2018
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful
In the past, I have been dissuaded from buying a BMW because of connotations of being expensive to buy new (or used), costly to repair, and unreliable in general. Now that ive owned a used one for 3 years now, i attribute this incorrect information to growing up and living Detroit. I have a 328i with all the options and i gotta say it is Awesome. We got a great price on it. When it needs service, which we've had a couple oil services, brake service, and some very minor other recommended preventative services, we got prices comparable to our other cars that are manufactured in Japan or USA. These were all quoted at the dealer to be way too expensive. However, we are very lucky to have found a garage that services BMWs for 1/3 the price of tbe dealer. We just paid off the loan, and i gotta say that every month i paid for this car gave me a second to reflect on our purchase, and i have never had one regret. This is by far the second best car ive ever owned ( the first best was a 1990 Toyota Pickup with 300,000 miles, and super cheap to repair). It has 83,000 miles on it with no issues. Its very comfortable. It is very fun to drive. It looks cool. Im thrilled to have so many options. Going from my 90 Toyota Pickup w roll-down windows to the BMW is like entering a spaceship. The only issues we've had with it is the windshield wiper fluid pump getting clogged and the sunroof weather stripping seal coming off. I dont consider this a big deal at all. This may be the last BMW we buy only because of the gas mileage, but we are thrilled to own this car now and will do our best to keep it for the life of the vehicle, maybe even 300,000 miles.
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Drives Like a Dream
Terry Dorr, 03/28/2017
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Reasonably priced vehicle that drives like a dream. However, the car's blind spots create a lack of visibility that can be scary when I forget to take extra care to turn and look, not just rely on my mirrors. Many of the electronics are unnecessarily duplicated, which I found annoying. Having problems with engine light, parking lights and door locks, all because of electrical issues. Still, when you step on the gas or the brakes, take a curve or pass another car, you can trust that you will get where you're going with ease.
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Pleasure to Drive but Maintenance Adds Up
M. R., 04/08/2019
updated 04/09/2021
2012 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I believe this car originally sold in the mid-40,000s. I bought mine used with only 21,000 miles on it for a little more than half the original cost. Great car while under warranty. Fun drive, plenty of power, excellent handling, braking. Only had to replace the battery while under warranty (and a factory recall airbag at no cost). Tire sensors much too picky, finally had nitrogen put in to shut them up. Run flat tires are crazy expensive and wear out fast. After car went out of warranty - like within 60 days - the maintenance demons appeared. Water pump broke at 41,000 during highway driving requiring tow. Inlet/Outlet solenoids barely a month after that. Dealer told me the car had an oil pan gasket leak just a month after that (had an independent mechanic look into this and was told there was no leak at all). Center cup holder broke, was replaced. Gear knob broke off in my hand, had to have replaced. The last straw was when the air conditioner stopped working. Neither the dealer nor the independent shop could figure out the problem. Was eventually quoted over $3,000 to pull out the dashboard to get at the condenser or some such. Though I had a year to go pay off the car I put it up for sale. Dealer was evasive and annoying about buying the car back. Eventually sold it Car Max. Unless I hit the lottery I won't be purchasing a BMW again.
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Somethings about the 2012 BMW 328i
Raegan Underwood, 06/23/2020
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I think this car is wonderful I have the 2012 BMW 328i 2.0L twin turbo.The steering wheel does squeak when I go on turns, but I seem to deal with it. It’s not to loud bc the music will cover up the sound. In comfort mode it does feel like your floating it’s quite nice. In sport it does get up and go. You would never know it was a 4cylinder. Overall I haven’t had any problems yet.
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Customer service
kevcola11, 03/14/2014
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
6 of 9 people found this review helpful
The best thing about my wife's new 3series is that she owns one now instead of her old Audi. The customer service at Russell BMW was the best, thanks to Ben Edwards & Larry cash my wife's car is very nice & new, she looks good in it, she's very happy.
Great fun car
Yuda M., 12/30/2019
updated 07/07/2021
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This BMW 328i Coupe is a fun to drive and the 3.0 Litter V6 engine has good power but it’s not amazing. I do like the precision of steering, the shifting and over all driver experience. If you need room this is not the car for you because the back seat is hardly accessible and the car seats pretty low so take that under consideration.
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Oh Hail The 2012 3 Series!
pacquio78, 04/28/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
8 of 15 people found this review helpful
One thing I absolutely have to cover is the Performance, if your looking for a Sports Sedan for around $42,500 (The Price I Spent On My 328i) look no further than the 328i. The New 2.0L Twin-PowerTurbo has amazing responsiveness and acceleration. The styling of the exterior and interior is BANG ON! Definetly looking foward to replace my 1999 Merc ML430 for a 2012 Merc ML550 and have the 550 and 328 in my Garage.
Love my 320
hajam, 11/21/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
Yes it is a 320 and not 328. Here in the Middle East we have an entry model 320. The engine is exactly the same 2.0 however it has a different turbo and tuned down to 184HP.... Well I have the car for only 10 days so I cannot say much other than I am loving it day after day. Initially I was skeptical a bit as my last car was 2007 BMW 550. I do miss it a lot but I am enjoying the my new car. I guess I will give it few months and write another review.
Good thing she's pretty, 'cause she sure is stupid
klhunter, 10/24/2013
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 7 people found this review helpful
My third, and last BMW, until the i-drive is obsoleted. I've had this car a little over a year, and lots of issues. Tire pressure light keeps coming on with no pressure issues, the trunk required me to slam it to shut, the audio system is incredibly poorly designed, and the air and heat work intermittently. Using the idrive forces the driver to take their eyes off the road for quite a while, a dangerous way to drive. Fun to drive, as long as you don't want to use the audio system while you're driving, and are okay with the sound of a rush of wind coming through the car.
Great Improvement ~ Fun to drive
raycee, 03/18/2012
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
44 of 132 people found this review helpful
I just picked up my 328i Sports Line yesterday and therefore giving a review based on my initial drive and impressions since I am not yet all familar with the vehicle. I am quite impressed with the additional cabin space, particularly the rear leg room and the rear head room. I have owned a 7 series and a 5 series and I must say this new 3 series is up to par with quality and performance, moreso then I imagined. I am very impressed with its smooth driving capabillity and also its incredible responsiveness. I really do love this new car and rave about it forever!
The best, as always!
Larry A., 05/17/2020
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 3 series BMW is the best sports sedan on the market. Powerful enough, the best steering and handling, plus excellent fit-and-finish = your best bet.
Brilliant BMW 328i convertible
Richard Vaughan, 07/16/2016
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
Check rear shocks.
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M3's little brother
Frank Bodoni, 09/04/2016
updated 03/06/2018
2012 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
This car was a pleasure to drive but what really disappointed me was the trade in value. Now this car was in perfect condition with 31,000 miles on it with a sticker price close to $60,000!!!! The dealer on trade offered me less than $10,000. I will never buy a BMW again.
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Beautifully engineered
Larry Diaz Glendale Az, 04/13/2020
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a great performance vehicle it handles and runs smoothly, with good gas mileage it has been reliable and dependable.
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2012 BMW 328I convertible
Lorenzo Diaz, 10/29/2018
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
This particular model has no issues the vehicle handles and performs great.
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A great deal
Trisha, 06/12/2024
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Reliable, peppy, smart looking, looks new
I do not know why, but Edmunds is incorrect.
DR, 12/16/2019
2012 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 2 people found this review helpful
My car has the automatic shiftable transmission (6 speed). It can be shifted with either the stick on the console or paddle shifters on the steering wheel. For whatever reason, the specs of said transmission indicate in the Edmunds report that it is "NA". News to me!
My dual turbo 335i
Tim and Cherry Pierce, 05/18/2019
2012 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Buy one, they are the last of the I-6 3.0L twin turbos and the M package makes it a road hugger. Double thumbs up
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Beemer
Steve, 01/31/2023
2012 BMW 3 Series 335i 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
Like the hardtop convertible