From the Archives: Putting the dependable 2007 BMW 3-series up against the sporty 2008 Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz C300.
Even if we’re not exactly sending lambs to the slaughter, pitting numerous BMW 3-series rivals against that superb German vehicle might occasionally seem cruel. The 3-series, especially the current generation, consistently wins the 10Best Cars award because it excels at so many different tasks. As a result, these competitions usually come down to second-place fights.
However, every car enters a comparison test with a blank slate, disregarding any prior praise or awards. We approach each car with an open mind, as if to ask, “What have you done for me lately?” A comparison test’s first day is similar to the first day of school in that optimism is common, everyone receives a virtual A plus, and everyone seems perfect—at least for a little while. The severity of truth then dawns, long before the day is over. What a waste of fleeting perfection.
We put together three $38,000 sports sedans with manual transmissions, sport kits, and a serious chance at unseating the German in an effort to even the odds with the renowned 3-series. These requirements prevented vehicles like the Lexus IS250 (too sluggish) and the Lincoln MKZ (no manual) from participating.
What kind of 3-series can you get for $38,000? The base 300-hp twin-turbo 335i costs $39,675, so we chose to downgrade and go with a well-equipped 328i manual with Sport and Premium upgrades (leather, power seats), which costs $38,825. Contrary to how we normally operate, we brought the Infiniti G35 to the event despite its recent defeat by the 328i [“Winds of Change?” April 2007]. We assumed readers would be curious to know how the G35 compares to some of the more recent rivals, such the Mercedes-Benz C300 and the Cadillac CTS.
Despite our previous disinterest in manual-transmission Mercedes sedans, a recent test drive of the revised C350 convinced us to extend an invitation to a 228-hp C300 Sport with a manual gearbox. The 268-hp C350, whose base price starts at $37,275, would have exceeded the price cap, but the C350 isn’t offered with a manual.
In the meantime, Cadillac does provide a manual transmission in both versions of the new CTS. We chose the 304-hp direct-injection V-6 over the 258-hp model because it was more potent. Cadillac provided a CTS with the ideal options at our request for this comparison. Our test vehicle included a $2980 Summer Performance tire package, which included grippier 18-inch Michelin PS2 tires, larger brakes, a limited-slip differential, fog lights, and the firmest suspension tuning (FE3) this side of a V-series Cadillac. It also had a manual transmission, which saves $1300 off the sticker price. At $36,970, the manual CTS is approximately $2000 cheaper than the smaller, less powerful BMW. Will the rivalry offer enough fodder to unseat the champion? To find out, we traveled to Southern California.
In This Article...
What is the price of a BMW 328i?
The 320i is the most affordable 3 Series, with a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) that starts at about $34,000. Starting at just over $39,000 is the more potent 328i.
What is the name of a 2007 BMW 328i?
Three variations of the BMW 3 Series coupe are offered for 2007: the 328i, 328xi, and 335i. The powertrain, engines, transmissions, and standard and optional accessories are all different amongst the models. The 328xi has all-wheel drive, while the 328i and 335i have rear-wheel drive.
Is maintaining a BMW 328i expensive?
Costs of BMW 328i auto maintenance and repairs A BMW 328i is expected to cost between $95 and $3273 in maintenance and repairs, with an average cost of $347.
Is the BMW 328i a decent vehicle?
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.
Is a BMW 328i a reliable first vehicle?
The 3 Series is BMW’s most popular vehicle. It is a small family or executive car with excellent dynamics and lively handling.
As a safe and useful first vehicle, a BMW 3 series would be a wonderful choice. It has some great safety measures and has superb sight for the driver. However, it wouldn’t be practical for novice drivers with a limited budget.
The combined city and highway mileage for the 2.0L automatic is 30 mpg, which is acceptable.
The 3-series maintains some aspects of an affordable car while projecting a premium aura.
Is it expensive to repair a BMW?
Remove the Band-Aid now. On average, BMW owners can anticipate to pay between $150 and $400 per service every 10,000 miles. A significant service may cost up to $3,000 or more. In the end, owners spend more on maintenance and repairs than most brands, between $1,000 and $1,700 annually.
You may always purchase an extended warranty, either directly from BMW or through a third-party service contract, if you’re concerned about future ownership costs. Standard BMW maintenance expenditures are not covered by a car warranty, but it will cover pricey items that are more prone to break over time.
We’ve combed the market and selected a handful of the top third-party extended vehicle warranty companies because there are many possibilities for extended coverage. These are organizations who fared well in aspects like cost, reputation, and customer service.
To help you reduce your out-of-pocket vehicle ownership costs, compare the best BMW extended warranty packages above.
How quickly can a BMW 328i travel?
155 mph It is a midsize car with four doors and five passengers that has front-wheel drive. The 2 Liter 16v Inline 4 gasoline engine (BMW N20B20) with turbocharging propels this 328i xDrive to 62 mph in 5.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 155 mph with 242 horsepower.
Is premium gas required for a BMW 328i?
I recently purchased a secondhand BMW 328i from a local man, but I neglected to ask him what kind of gas the car requires.
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A BMW 328I requires premium gas with an octane level of 97 or higher.
In fact, the BMW 328I is one of the rare cars for which BMW mandates premium fuel usage rather than just suggesting it.
Regular gasoline doesn’t typically have additional compounds present in premium fuel, which is for engines with superior performance. If you don’t use the proper fuel in your BMW 328I, it could result in poor fuel efficiency and perhaps engine damage, which is nearly always very expensive to fix.
Consult your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommendations if you ever need to know what kind of fuel your BMW 328i or any other car you may ownatakes.
In order to keep your car functioning as it should, use the proper fuel type. This will make driving more safer. Use Jerry, the top-rated licensed car insurance comparison app and broker in the country, to further protect yourself by choosing the appropriate insurance coverage.
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The BMW 328i is quick.
The 328i’s peak speed is electronically capped at 130 mph. The 335i accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 5.1 seconds with the automatic transmission and 5.4 seconds with the optional manual transmission.
The BMW E92 328i is dependable.
In the last part, we sort of hinted at this issue but didn’t actually address it. Our response is both yes and no. The N52 does offer higher reliability compared to the N54, N55, and S65 engines of the same generation. In light of this, it is safe to say that the E90 and E92 328i are dependable vehicles.
However, don’t anticipate the BMW 328i to be an inexpensive vehicle to purchase. It is nevertheless a performance-inspired vehicle that requires a little more upkeep than the usual vehicle. In terms of labor and parts, fixing a BMW is also more expensive than fixing an ordinary car. Since the E90 and E92 chassis are currently 8–14 years old, age is also an issue.
The N52 engine with 328i should deliver respectable reliability with proper maintenance. We’d think they’re a little bit more dependable if they were more recent. However, as BMWs get older than ten years, they do experience several frequent issues (that could be said for many cars to be fair).
What are typical BMW 328i issues?
- From the lower engine area, oil leaks.
- Fan resistor in the last stage of the blower may fail.
- Mirror on the outside can extend too far.
- Vibration and/or noise Due to Low Refrigerant Level in AC System.
- Power steering hoses may fail in multiple places at once.
- Water Pump Might Expend Coolant
What does a BMW oil change cost?
How much does a BMW oil change cost? BMW oil changes typically cost between $135 and $175, with parts and fluids accounting for roughly $90 to $110 of that total and labor making up the remaining percentage.
Why do BMW repairs cost so much money?
Because it’s a German car with specialized parts and technology, maintaining a BMW is pricey. BMW is not only a vehicle to move passengers from point A to point B; it is designed for driving aficionados. BMW’s advanced technology calls a specialized certification to be repaired correctly. A skilled BMW mechanic will possess the knowledge necessary for a thorough and effective repair.
A $400 battery replacement, for instance, might be necessary because the mechanic must register the battery with the engine control module. If not, the battery risk of an early demise since the vehicle won’t “know” how to charge it.
How long is the 328i engine’s lifespan?
When properly maintained and driven cautiously, the BMW 3 Series can endure between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. It will last roughly 13 to 17 years if you drive 15,000 miles per year before needing pricey and uneconomical maintenance. In some cases, the 3 Series can travel up to 300,000 kilometers.
What does a BMW have high mileage?
Although the average BMW can travel between 100,000 and 250,000 miles, excessive mileage is actually regarded as being a little less than this. Most dealers won’t carry BMWs with mileage over 100,000, and some even think 60-80,000 is a high mileage range for these vehicles.
Therefore, you’ve reached the high mileage area if you’re looking at BMWs with between 60 and 80,000 miles on the odometer. Keep a watch on this because it demonstrates that there are high mileage BMWs available with vastly different mileage estimates.
What are some typical BMW issues?
- Engine Cooling Unit. Overheating is a problem that many BMW owners frequently experience.
- Oil Spills.
- Under Braking, the steering wheel vibrates.
- Tail Lamp Unit