2008 BMW 3 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Since its introduction in 1975, the BMW 3-Series has attained benchmark status for a whole class of luxury compact performance vehicles....
Since its introduction in 1975, the BMW 3-Series has attained benchmark status for a whole class of luxury compact performance vehicles. This year it won its 17th straight 10Best trophy from Car and Driver magazine. While other car manufacturers have attempted to combine smooth high performance, supple handling, and comfortable interiors, only BMW seems to have consistently found the right combination. The 3-Series for 2008 incorporates the cleaner lines and more powerful engines that evolved from BMW's 2006 redesign.
The 3-Series is composed of four body styles, two engines, two transmissions, and a choice of rear- or all-wheel drive. The body styles are sedan, coupe, hardtop convertible, and wagon. The 328i trim level offers all of these body styles in a rear-wheel-drive configuration, while the 328xi offers the coupe, sedan, and wagon in all-wheel drive. The more-powerful 335 is available as a rear-wheel-drive coupe and sedan, while the 335xi is the all-wheel-drive version of the coupe and sedan.
As with any high-performance automobile, the engine defines its essence. And BMW engines express the artistry at the heart of these vehicles. The heart of the 328i and 328xi trim lines is a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that produces 230 hp with 200 pound-feet of torque. The engine is an engineering marvel, using new lightweight magnesium/aluminum composite alloy for the engine block. Along with this, BMW has incorporated its Valvetronic variable valve lift technology in a six-cylinder engine for the first time. With a six-speed manual transmission, BMW claims a 0-60 jump in 6.3 seconds. The EPA fuel estimates show off the technology built into this engine, for when paired with the automatic transmission, the EPA rates it at 19/28 mpg.
Seemingly never satisfied with its engineering achievements, BMW showcases even more impressive performance with the 335i and 335xi trims. Working with the same 3.0-liter inline six, BMW added twin-turbos and direct injection to produce 300 hp with 300 pound-feet of torque. BMW conservatively gives a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds, but Edmunds blasted across the 0-60 jump in 4.8 seconds with an automatic transmission. And once again the icing on the cake comes with an EPA estimate of 17/26 mpg. Both the 328 and the 335 come standard with a six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed Steptronic automatic, which includes normal, sport, and manual shift modes. The 335 models offer optional steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, which cut the transmission's response time in half.
With impressive acceleration comes the handling that established the factual basis of BMW's "ultimate driving machine" slogan. Edmunds says the 3-Series "slices cleanly through corners like a Ginsu knife and sticks like Super Glue." Reviewers are unanimously impressed with BMW's handling qualities, citing the sense of confidence it gives drivers in every conceivable road situation and condition. They further cite the engineering triumph BMW achieved in providing more trunk space by using space-saving but harsher run-flat tires and still allowing the car to remain comfortable over broken road surfaces.
Equipped with large disc brakes, BMW 3-Series are uniquely fitted with a BMW innovation that automatically wipes brakes dry when windshield wipers are in use and sets the brake pads closer to the rotors when the driver abruptly lifts his foot off the accelerator, thus anticipating an emergency move to the brakes. This braking system is part of the active/passive safety systems incorporated in all 3-Series vehicles.
The BMW 3-Series includes as standard safety equipment antilock disc brakes, dynamic brake control, stability control, run-flat tires, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Adaptive Brake Lights are also included - they glow brighter as brake pedal force increases. Of course, the convertible lacks side curtains, but its regular front side airbags extend up to head level, and pop-up rollover hoops are also included.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the 3-Series four out of five stars for both driver and front-passenger frontal collision protection. It also won five out of five stars for protecting all passengers in side impact collisions. Further, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the 2008 3-Series the highest possible rating in both frontal offset and side impact tests.
Reviewers were also unanimous in their praise for the high-quality materials, exceptional build quality, and modern design of the 3-Series cabin. An Edmunds reviewer sums it up best when he writes that BMW interiors "provide a restrained show of luxury." Up front, the seats are both comfortable and supportive. Naturally, one would expect that the "ultimate driving machine" would have all the proper adjustments for perfect seating, and it does. Besides the standard tilting and telescoping steering wheel in all 3-Series cars, the 335i and the 335xi trim lines have standard eight-way power seats. However, two areas of the interior did receive criticism. While BMW claims the rear seats are suitable for three adults, reviewers felt they were more suitable for two adults, and even then they complained of a lack of legroom.
Reviewers also have a running animosity toward BMW's optional electronic device-management system, better known as the iDrive. Buyers should familiarize themselves with this system before making a decision to purchase the optional navigation system, which works via the iDrive. But despite this flaw, the BMW 3-Series remains the benchmark in its category of upscale, midsize performance cars.
What owners say
"Owners generally love the 2008 BMW 3 Series for its engaging driving experience, sporty handling, and strong safety features. Many reviewers appreciate the stylish design and overall build quality, which contributes to a luxurious feel. However, some drivers express frustration over high maintenance costs and varying reliability concerns, especially with mechanical issues arising at lower mileages."
Wonderful condition! Great ride. Surprisingly good on gas too. Classy look
September 25, 2025Extremely clean and a good price for the mileage. Car is completely stock so I didn’t have to worry about prior owner modifications.
March 8, 2025Excellent car. Exactly what I was looking for. It haa been kept in excellent condition.
April 25, 2024What owners say
Wonderful condition! Great ride. Surprisingly good on gas too. Classy look
September 25, 2025Extremely clean and a good price for the mileage. Car is completely stock so I didn’t have to worry about prior owner modifications.
March 8, 2025Excellent car. Exactly what I was looking for. It haa been kept in excellent condition.
April 25, 2024Love my BMW. I feel very safe driving my car and with the BMW free maintenance and towing program I save money on oil changes and routine maintenance. The car accelerates smoothly when entering the highway and overall braking and handling is excellent.
April 16, 2015I have a E92 335i, I absolutely love it besides the everlasting maintenance. The car handles very well and it is quick. It’s very easy and relatively cheap to add power as well with just a few bolt ons. Either way you go both the auto and manual are pretty good. For more power go manual for a very fun daily the auto works great and shifts quick with almost no delay in the paddles. There is plenty of aftermarket support and plenty of info on everything about the car with forums. Gas mileage isn’t bad if you keep your foot out of it, also you can only run 93 unless tuned for E85 or whatever. The outside of the car has kept up and still looks very good even to newer models. The interior is starting to feel slightly outdated the seats are very nice but the infotainment center isn’t like anything today but can also be updated. The cars over 10 so just keep that in and mind and Just make sure you have some money set aside for maintenance.
October 28, 2021This car is very safe and reliable. Keep regular maintenance done as you should and you won’t have any added headaches!!!
February 24, 2022Beautiful car manufacturer engine runs perfectly best car for the money
March 20, 2021Great to drive. For road trips, more comfortable than an M3.
January 24, 2021I purchased the car because my daily driver at the time was over powered and had horrible fuel economy. My two door coupe was not family friendly. I wanted a European car. We also had a brand new Audi TT at the time and even though the BMW was a few years older the trim, controls and ascetics were much more durable and built with quality. I'd recommend BMW over Audi any day. The 335i was just what I needed to feed my need for a sporty ride. It carves corners perfectly at high speeds and rides super smooth. It's got some nice top end and the turbo's are good enough to give you a little feeling of boost. This car will dyno in over 350HP with just a plug and play chip. Great ride! My future car will be the M4. I like the turbo over the M3's super charger much better.
May 1, 2015This car is phenomenal and provides that true BMW driving experience. This car provides a great deal of torque which is consistent from the high 1k to high 5k rpm range. This car has virtually no turbo lag and is an amazing piece of machinery to drive.
March 30, 2015Trims & specs
Base MSRP $34,200 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 230 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 16.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $32,400 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 230 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 12.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $36,100 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 230 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 16.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $43,200 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.0L 230 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 9.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $35,300 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.0L 230 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 11.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $34,300 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 230 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 12.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $37,100 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.0L 230 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 11.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $38,900 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 300 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 12.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $49,100 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.0L 300 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 9.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $40,800 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.0L 300 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 11.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $40,800 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 300 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 12.0 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $42,600 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.0L 300 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 11.1 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$32,400 - $49,100
Current avg. market price
$8,177
Trending down by 2.9% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
