The 328i, which grew to represent the largest six-cylinder engine option inside the ordinary (non-M-car) sports-sedan (and coupe and convertible) range at the model’s peak in the mid-’90s, is almost as famous as the legendary M3 in the pantheon of iconic BMW 3 Series cars.
The badge replaced the 325i, which had replaced the renowned 323i designation atop the original E21 and era-defining E30 variants of the 1970s and 1980s, when the E36 generation underwent a facelift. The 1998 E46 replacement carried the 328i moniker, but only until 2000, when the more powerful 330i took its place. However, since everything comes full circle, the 328i returned in late 2007 for the E90 facelift.
However, despite receiving excellent reviews, the beloved in-line six-cylinder engine was replaced with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo in the name of lower emissions, which infuriated many brand loyalists despite the logo remaining on the 3 Series’ backside.
For the 2015 facelift, the 328i badge disappeared (again), being replaced by another 330i. Don’t worry, BMW enthusiasts. At some point in the future, it will surely return to a 3 Series bootlid.
In This Article...
3 Series BMW
The German company BMW has been producing the 3 Series brand of small executive automobiles since May 1975. It has been built in seven distinct generations and is the replacement for the 02 Series.
Initially only available as a 2-door saloon, the 3 Series now comes in 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupe, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback (“Gran Turismo”), and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the 4 Series has been used to sell the coupe and convertible vehicles, therefore these body types are no longer part of the 3 Series lineup.
BMW’s best-selling model, the 3 Series, has won numerous honors throughout its history and represents about 30% of the brand’s yearly total sales (excluding motorcycles).
3 Series BMW (F30)
The BMW F30 (sedan version), BMW F31 (wagon version, marketed as “Touring,” and BMW F34 (fastback version, marketed as “Gran Turismo”) compact executive automobiles make up the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series. The F30 generation, which includes the F30/F31/F34 models, was created between October 2011 and 2019 and is frequently referred to as the F30.
The coupe and convertible variants were separated to form the new BMW 4 Series moniker for the sixth generation. Additionally, BMW debuted a unique hatchback variant under the 3 Series moniker known as the 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34).
The F30 is the first generation of 3 Series that only employ electric power steering and a variety of turbocharged engines (replacing the hydraulic power steering systems used previously). In addition, the F30 was the 3 Series’ first three-cylinder engine since its 2015 makeover. In 2016, a brand-new plug-in hybrid F30 model was also released. In China, a long-wheelbase sedan with the model number F35 was offered for sale.
The S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine powers the M3 variant (marked F80), which debuted in 2014.
The G20 model of the BMW 3 Series, which replaces the F30, was introduced in March 2019. However, the F34 fastback variant remained in production until the beginning of 2020. Later, in June 2021, it was replaced by the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (G26).
Describe the BMW 328i.
A 2.0L 16-valve turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 240 HP powers the 4-door BMW 328i. There are three different types of transmissions available: a free 6-speed manual transmission, an optional 8-speed Sport automatic transmission with paddle shifters, and an 8-speed STEPTRONIC automatic transmission with Adaptive Transmission Control (ATC). The Sport Line option upgrades the outside of the car with high-gloss black kidney grille bars and 18″ alloy wheels, the inside with a black signature key fob with a red accent, unique upholstery, and a Sport suspension. M Sport Brakes, an optional feature that improves braking performance, are available if you want to make your 3-series even more sporty.
Has the BMW 328i been canceled?
A bigger, more powerful turbo-4 with the 330i designation and 248 horsepower was installed to replace the 328i. There was a new infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and navigation. For 2018, the vehicle mostly remained the same. The E21, the first-generation 3-Series, was introduced in 1975.
What year is the BMW 328i?
In 2012, the sixth-generation 3 Series was released, first as a sedan and then as a wagon. The 4 Series was given a new name for the coupes and convertibles. In order to keep up with technological advancements, BMW made its iDrive infotainment system a standard feature on all models and all of the engines turbocharged.
The 328i (later 330i) had a turbocharged four-cylinder as its standard engine, while the 335i (later 340i) kept using a turbocharged six-cylinder. The four-cylinder 328d, which is also available with all-wheel drive and as a wagon, represents the return of diesel power.
The turbocharged six-cylinder engine in the M3 sedan produces 425 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds.
The redesigned Gran Turismo four-door hatchback model and the debut of hybrid models—the ActiveHybrid3, later superseded by the 330e plug-in hybrid—were other firsts for this generation of the 3 Series.
What distinguishes a BMW 328i from a 320i?
The 320i gets an additional 2 mpg in fuel efficiency and has an 8-speed automatic transmission. The automatic transmission is a free alternative to the 6-speed manual transmission that comes standard on the 328i. Dual power front seats and a foldable back seat are two features that are optional on the 320i but standard on the 328i.
A BMW series 3 is from what year?
The redesigned 3 Series was introduced in 1982 as a two-door sedan, with the four-door sedan becoming available starting in September 1983. Twin headlights were a design element that was added to every BMW 3 Series model made after the second generation was completed.
The BMW 328i’s motor type.
A 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with 230 horsepower and either a six-speed automatic or manual transmission are standard on BMW 328i coupes and convertibles.
What is the 328i known as?
BMW F30 328i (2011-2015) The naturally aspirated inline-6 N52 engine of the sixth generation of BMW’s 3 Series was replaced by the turbocharged 4-cylinder N20 engine. This version was the last to bear the 328i designation.
How many different BMW 3 Series models exist?
BMW 3 Series Detailed The vehicle is now offered in four trim levels, including the M340i xDrive, 330i Sport, 320d Luxury Edition, and 330i M Sport.
What differentiates a 328i from a 328xi?
The drivetrain, or all the parts that transmit power to move the car, is where the primary distinction between the 328i and 328xi can be found.
The 328xi, in contrast, employs all-wheel drive (AWD), which means the vehicle’s four wheels are always propelled by the engine.
Is the BMW 328i a reliable vehicle?
Are BMW 328i automobiles dependable? Ratings for the BMW 328i’s dependability are average. Though one of the most dependable BMW vehicles, it performs poorly when compared to other midsize cars in its class. It received a 2.5 out of 5 rating from RepairPal, placing it 30th overall out of 32 automobile brands.
The meaning of the BMW series
How do you crack the model names in the BMW code? The three-digit combination’s first digit denotes the series (in ascending order based on size: 1, 2, 3, etc.). The next two digits used to represent the engine size, but now they represent performance.
How can I determine which BMW series it is?
Although your vehicle’s model number is prominently badged on the back of your BMW, internal classifications into E/F and G model codes also exist. The body style, model, and approximate age can typically be determined by specialists or dealers using this three-digit combination.
You can find the model code for your BMW E, F, or G using this short list. The car will always be referred to on our website (in any article or explanation) using the main body code (indicated in bold).
328i xDrive: What does that mean?
The all-wheel drive technology found on numerous BMW cars from 2003 is known commercially as BMW xDrive. To adjust the torque between the front and back axles, the system employs a clutch-pack differential that is electronically operated. A planetary gearset is also included in models with the DPC torque vectoring system to allow for the necessary overdriving of an axle or rear wheel.
All-wheel drive was previously offered on a number of models from 1985, based on an all-wheel drive technology that utilises viscous couplings.
Which 328i year is the best?
Which BMW 328i model year is the best? Although the ninth-generation E90 and fourth-generation E46 model years are both highly regarded and deserving competitors, most buyers have chosen any model from 2006 to 2011 as well as the subsequent model years that offer additional technology.
How far can a 328i drive?
But how far is a BMW 3 Series capable of traveling? When maintained properly, you can anticipate your 3 Series to endure between 200,000 and 250,000 kilometres.
Which BMW is the most dependable?
When it comes to the creation of sport sedans, BMW has established the benchmark for premium vehicles with the E90 330i that Acura and Volvo aspire to match. The BMW E90 330i is your best option if you’re looking for a sedan that provides the ideal balance of functionality and performance without sacrificing stability and comfort.
The BMW E90 330i is one of the most popular luxury vehicles in the United States and is not only the best-selling model in the 3 Series. It also sold over 336,232 units. Even in the mid-size luxury automobile category, the BMW 3 Series received the Top Safety Pick designation in 2006. The best car options in terms of driver injury prevention and driver restraint features are highlighted by this award.
What variations of the 3 Series are there?
- E21 (1975-1982) “It’s the ideal spot to sit and run the equipment.
- What a great powerplant. E30 (1982–1991)
- E36 (1991-1998) Oh my gosh, what a fantastic vehicle.
- E46 (1998-2005)
- E90 (2005-2015)
- F30 (2012-2018)
- G20 (2019-)