2008 BMW 3-Series Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.51/5 Average
191 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

Having introduced two all-new body styles last year, the 3 Series undergoes few changes for 2008. Most notable is the addition of the 335xi coupe, which adds all-wheel drive to the turbocharged 3 Series two-door. Sedans and wagons equipped with the six-speed automatic and Sport Package can now be upgraded with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters. The convertible carries over unchanged.

Pros:
Cons:
  • Costs more than most competitors, not much interior storage space, navigation system brings with it exasperating iDrive, plain-Jane interior design.

User Reviews:

Showing 41 through 50 of 191.00
  • Would have been great, but... - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    This is nearly a great car. Fast. Handles well. Looks great. Sounds great. The retracting top is a thing of beauty. But it isnt as reliable as my old Alfa Romeo. Run flat tires are fragile Ive had to replace four of them in two years. I can deal with the somewhat harsh ride, but the huge expense and inconvenience has taught me never to buy another car with run flats. The fuel injection system broke down, taking the car out of commission for several days. Seats rattle. The cable connecting the ipod to the sound system is poor, and despite replacement still cuts out a channel from time to time. iDrive isnt that bad lose the run flats, make it reliable, and it would be great.

  • Great car, fun to drive, best AWD - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I admit the mileage is not the best - but I have 30+ on a highway @ 75 mph or 23-25 mpg @ 100 mph. AWD is extremely good - can so easily go through 10 inches of snow on the parking lot or 5 inches snow uphill to ski areas. Very comfortable car especially comparing to new Subarus, Toyotas and Nissans. 4 times made 1200 mi in one day stopping only for refuel and hardly had any back pain where as Subaru imp-za made me sick after 700 mi. Overall excellent car, very impressed! Change of razor-bladed runflat tire for me was 286$.

  • Not Impressed - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I have had four Audi A4 sedans for the last six years. I purchased a BMW, hoping for the same or better performance. Im not impressed. The transmission is sluggish, jerking around corners when accelerating (tech says its normal), run-flat tires and NO SPARE and the tires are not good, the value for the money isnt there and not sure what the buzz about BMW is. I cant wait to trade this one for another Audi!

  • Reliable, revved up and red - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I have about 7800 miles on my 328xi red wagon. I love it! Its the most reliable car Ive had, has great space for the size and navigation system and Sirius radio rock! Navigation disses are silly. Its as easy to learn as an iPod which I love, and probably should be standard. Cupholders seem weird at first, but are okay. Comfort access is a great safety feature, and so is all-wheel drive. Gas mileage better than sticker. Drives like a BMW. Enough said. Its my first, but Ive had Mercedes and such. Never anything but BMW from here on out. Get one. You will fall in love. I promise.

  • Good to drive, but service is tough - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    I ordered my car a few years ago and for the most part have really liked it with a few caveats. Its been driven to Montana in the snow and handled Seattle snow-pocolypse 09 with flying colors. I think it handles better in the snow than my previous subarus. The caveats: The fuel pump has been replaced twice due to factory flaw (warranty repair) and this series of car has consistent issues with the brakes making noise as you take off (not under braking). BMW currently will not fix it. The service experience has me re-thinking the car. I may go to something smaller and slightly more fuel efficient for commuting. It wouldnt be an issue if I bought a truck, but this is a BMW. I expected more.

  • Runflat tires - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    As you can see above, I like the car. That said, I feel the dealers take advantage of the customer. This is a lease, and I need their approved service. They charged by $309 for a wheel alignment which could have been sold with poor alignment. Whos to know. Also, I was charged $483.00 for a tire replacement (simple nail). This is outrageous. According to the dealer, run-flats cannot be repaired. Again, I was stuck with the dealer recommendation. Run-flats are a poor excuse for "saving" the weight of a spare and "peace of mind" to be able to go 50 miles at 50mph (try that on an L.A. freeway). One must use secondary roads if one does not want to get rear- ended.

  • A Great Car (328i) - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    For the money this is one great car. Excellent performance for a 4dr sedan that gets around 23MPG. Smooth ride and lots of quality inside. Would buy this car again.

  • High cost, low driving satisfaction - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Nicely appointed car with the driving excitement of a mid 90s Ford Taurus. 6 speed shiftable automatic transmission is rough in automatic modes and sluggish when shifted with paddles. Handling gives little road feel, and the car does very poorly on wet roads. Excessive road noise at highway speeds with original run-flat tires. BMW has managed to engineer the fun out of this very quick sedan. Gas mileage on premium is poor. Driver comfort with sport seats is very good, but the front passenger seat is cramped for an average adult. Many of the cars electronic features work only on an intermittent basis. The car is a real disappointment at $50K+ fully equipped.

  • Nice RIde - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Hands down the best car Ive ever driven. Bought this car new almost 2 years ago. Still loving it and Im averaging 24.2 MPG! (and I drive it hard). Had a few minor electrical issues that have been fixed for free, but Im a bit nervous about the cost after the warranty expires. Definitely a small car though and not ideal for families if this is your primary ride. Run flats are stupid, but Ive had no problems with mine. AWD in the winter is insane!

  • Nothing better out there! - 2008 BMW 3-Series
    By -

    Ive just finished breaking in my 2008; this car is a thrill to drive. And this coming from a guy that used to drive only as a necessary evil! From front bumper to rear bumper, this car is first-class. It may cost a bit more than some, but trust me, the first time you accelerate to 130 mph on the Autobahn (or I guess you cant do that in the States) or take a tight corner, youll be glad you spent the extra dollars! This is easily the #1 car in its class with US military in Germany, and thats against some stiff competition from Audi and the like. Throw in the warranty, and you cant go wrong!

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