The BMW 3 Series has long ruled the luxury sports sedan class with its nearly unbeatable blend of smooth, high-performance power, supple handling, and comfortable interiors. The 328i Wagon applies these characteristics to a wagon body style.
BMW engines express the performance artistry at the heart of the 3 Series. The rear-wheel-drive 328i features a 3.0-liter inline-six cylinder engine that produces 230 hp and 200 pound-feet of torque. It's an engineering marvel, using new lightweight magnesium/aluminum composite alloy for its block and incorporating, for the first time in a six-cylinder engine, BMW's Valvetronic variable valve lift technology.
The standard six-speed manual transmission traverses the 0-60 jump in 6.5 seconds. The optional six-speed Steptronic automatic, which includes normal, sport, and manual shift modes, makes the jump in 7.1 seconds. The EPA fuel estimates show off the technology built into this engine - when paired with the automatic transmission, it's rated at 18/27 mpg, while the manual rates 17/27 mpg.
With this powerful acceleration comes the handling that established BMW's "ultimate driving machine" slogan. Reviewers consistently cite the sense of "sports car" and not "wagon" that the 328i Wagon provides. Reviewers write about the sense of confidence the 328i gives drivers in every conceivable road situation and condition as testimony to its handling prowess.
In federal government crash tests, the Wagon earned four out of five stars for both driver and front passenger protection in front impact crashes. In side impact crashes, it rated five out of five stars for both front seat and back seat occupant protection. The 328i includes as standard safety equipment antilock disc brakes, dynamic brake control, stability control (which incorporates disc-pad wiping of brake rotors when windshield wipers are in use), run-flat tires, a tire pressure monitor, front-seat side airbags, and front and rear head protection system.
3 Series cabins feature high-grade materials, exceptional build quality, and modern design. "Exquisite" is the word most commonly used for the Wagon's interior. "Cramped" and "tight," however, are the words most commonly used regarding its interior space. Maximum cargo space is a barely adequate 60.9 cubic feet; that drops to 16.2 cubic ft. with the rear seats upright.
If you don't have a full family load to haul and enjoy spirited driving, then the 328i Wagon is still the "ultimate driving wagon."
1 GREAT DEALS
are available with average savings of $3,669 below market price
