2008 328i coupe 12,000 mile report

roadcarver · 12-04-2008, 02:30 PM

I now have 12,000 miles on my 08 328 coupe which I recieved delivery of in March of 2008. I just wanted to report on my car to maybe help anyone who comes to this forum interested in purchasing a similar car. My car is as some would refer to as a stripper BMW. It an alpine white coupe with 6MT, sport package with heated seats and black leatherette and grey poplar trim. This was all I wanted, so I ordered up and recieved the car 9 weeks later without a hitch. The MSRP on this car was about $37,500 from what I remember and I got a couple of thousand off MSRP after negotiation. After driving the car 9 months and 12,000 miles I feel like it is one hell of a car for the price I paid, about $35,500. The car has been perfect with not a single problem other than a nail in a tire. Compared to the Hondas, Mazdas, and Subarus that I have owned in the past this car is much better built with virtually no rattles or problems.

I think the 328i with the 6 speed manual is a perfect combination, I cant comment on the auto because I have never driven one. I have never felt short on power, regardless of what some people say, and the engine and tranny are so smooth and rewarding to use. The engine is a perfect combination of power,smoothness and gas mileage. I never feel like I am abusing the engine throughout the entire rev range. Seventy percent of my driving is Highway miles and 30 percent is a perfect twisty road that goes around a mountain on my way to work for 10 miles. My average MPG has been about 30mpg. I drive this twisty road quite aggressive. I just cant say enough about the engine and tranny. The engine reminds me of some sort of a precision machine, I absolutely love it. As far as power delivery, I dont believe it is slow, quite fast actually. It has a very usable power delivery throughout the rev range. I dont feel that a 6.2 zero to sixty time is slow. I guess it just depends on what you consider fast. I drove and considered the 335 but could not justify the extra cost and possible fuel pump issues due to the fact i live 60 miles from the nearest dealership. I can understand however why so many people opt for the 335, it is a fabulous automobile.

The only negative I have found about this car are the run flat tires. They are quite costly to replace and too harsh on hard edged surfaces such as bridge junctures and buckled pavement. Elsewhere they are fine, I dont want a crown victoria ride. Once these tires wear out or another one gets a flat I am replacing them with an extreme performance non run flat tire.

In conclusion, I love this car and cant keep my hands off it, i wash it about twice a week. I believe the 3 series coupe is on of the best, if not best looking car on the road at a somewhat reasonable price. It has been nearly perfect thus far and I hope my luck continues. For anyone wanting a beautiful car with sporty acceleration and great handling and steering while maintaining a reasonably smooth ride, I would highly recommend this car.

BradF · 12-04-2008, 03:51 PM

Great write-up. I have an '08 E90, 6MT and ZSP. I LOVE the car, and I also feel it is very balanced.

The auto on the 328i is nice, but nothing like the auto on the 335. After driving both, if I had opted for the auto -- I probably would have talked myself all the way into the 335....

TTG · 12-04-2008, 04:23 PM

Great write up..... My wife and I are thinking about getting her a 328i Coupe to replace her Mini Cooper S.

During one of my service appointments I got the below car as a service loaner and I was really impressed with it..... Truly a great car, I am glad you are enjoying yours. Post up some pics.

tapengl · 12-04-2008, 04:27 PM

I got my AW E92 before Thanksgiving. So far have put 600 miles on her.
My commute is short with local street and freeway. Twisty on weekend.

I am trying to find all kind of excuses to drive it. Send wife to Whole
Food drive kids to Blockbusters, or send dad to dr. apt. etc.

Is it just me or ... this is the most beautiful car on the road.
This is my first BMW after 20 years with Honda.

E92_328i_Boston · 12-04-2008, 04:50 PM

I have 9 months and 5600 miles on my 2008 E92 328i and I love it more and more every day.

E92_328i_Boston · 12-04-2008, 04:51 PM

...and it's true. The E92 is the best looking car on the road (for the money). A 911 might look slightly better...

alex2112 · 12-04-2008, 06:07 PM

Nice write up. Glad to see you love your car. I love my 328 coupe too. The sport package 197's are the best looking wheels BMW currently offers, IMO.

tapengl · 12-04-2008, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alex2112

Nice write up. Glad to see you love your car. I love my 328 coupe too. The sport package 197's are the best looking wheels BMW currently offers, IMO.

+1 for 197

raleedy · 12-04-2008, 06:47 PM

My '08 328i coupe also has just 12K miles on it, but is a year old. It was delivered at BMW Welt in Munich on November 14 last year; I only got to put about 250 miles on it in Germany because of wintry weather. But I had it redelivered in January at the Performance Center in Spartanburg, and drove it from there back to Portland across the southern part of the US and up the California coast. Like the OP here, I have had no problems of any kind. At 10K miles, I took off the OEM Bridgestones and put on a set of cheap-o General high performance tires that came from Tire Rack. I did this only out of cost considerations. I had no complaint with the RFTs but didn't like the prospect of having to replace them -- maybe even twice -- in the course of a three-year lease. This way I can put them back on at the end of the lease, if I decide to turn the car in rather than buying it out of the lease. My car is also a 6MT, and that makes for a very harmonious combination with the normally aspirated engine. Like the others here, I don't miss the extra power of the turbo, but I drive pretty conservatively. The excellent handling, braking and acceleration are fun, but they mainly provide for active safety as far as I am concerned. My car has a few more goodies on it: ZPP, Comfort Access, heated front seats, iPod adapter. I also added the BMW roof rack and bike carriers. It's a delight -- good looking, economical to operate, very satisfying to drive, and surprisingly roomy. For me, the sport seats are ideal, and I have appreciated them in the course of several long travel days on the road.

roadcarver · 12-04-2008, 07:28 PM

Raleedy, how do you like your roof rack and bike carriers? I usually transport my bikes with my wife's Forester but am considering purchasing the BMW rack and bike carriers for occasional use on my car. I would probably only use the rack system a few times per year because I prefer the hitch system on my wifes vehicle on a daily basis. How easily does the roof rack install off and on the vehicle and does it marr the finish of your car? Every so often I would like to take a trip but carry my wife and kids along with my bike in my car. Thanks for your comments

nicknaz · 12-04-2008, 07:51 PM

+1

Like my manual trans 328 with sport package very much as well. A 328 with minimal options (my sedan only has sport package and xenon light options) is a great way to get the propeller badge and a fantastic dual purpose commuter/weekend toy in your driveway.

That said, I think potential 328 buyers should be extremely honest with themselves to make sure they will not have buyer's remorse from opting out of the 335's monster motor. The extra 100ftlb torque and 70hp feels fantastic and if you haven't made peace before throwing down for the 328 you will surely get remorse

K330i · 12-04-2008, 08:10 PM

roadcarver

Drives: 08 328i Alpine White coupe

Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Tellico, TN

====================================

nice write up

small world....

-=Hot|Ice=- · 12-04-2008, 08:44 PM

Agreed. The car is amazing.

12-04-2008, 02:30 PM	#1
roadcarver Lieutenant 41 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 13 e82 135i /13 F30 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tellico, TN iTrader: (0)	2008 328i coupe 12,000 mile report I now have 12,000 miles on my 08 328 coupe which I recieved delivery of in March of 2008. I just wanted to report on my car to maybe help anyone who comes to this forum interested in purchasing a similar car. My car is as some would refer to as a stripper BMW. It an alpine white coupe with 6MT, sport package with heated seats and black leatherette and grey poplar trim. This was all I wanted, so I ordered up and recieved the car 9 weeks later without a hitch. The MSRP on this car was about $37,500 from what I remember and I got a couple of thousand off MSRP after negotiation. After driving the car 9 months and 12,000 miles I feel like it is one hell of a car for the price I paid, about $35,500. The car has been perfect with not a single problem other than a nail in a tire. Compared to the Hondas, Mazdas, and Subarus that I have owned in the past this car is much better built with virtually no rattles or problems. I think the 328i with the 6 speed manual is a perfect combination, I cant comment on the auto because I have never driven one. I have never felt short on power, regardless of what some people say, and the engine and tranny are so smooth and rewarding to use. The engine is a perfect combination of power,smoothness and gas mileage. I never feel like I am abusing the engine throughout the entire rev range. Seventy percent of my driving is Highway miles and 30 percent is a perfect twisty road that goes around a mountain on my way to work for 10 miles. My average MPG has been about 30mpg. I drive this twisty road quite aggressive. I just cant say enough about the engine and tranny. The engine reminds me of some sort of a precision machine, I absolutely love it. As far as power delivery, I dont believe it is slow, quite fast actually. It has a very usable power delivery throughout the rev range. I dont feel that a 6.2 zero to sixty time is slow. I guess it just depends on what you consider fast. I drove and considered the 335 but could not justify the extra cost and possible fuel pump issues due to the fact i live 60 miles from the nearest dealership. I can understand however why so many people opt for the 335, it is a fabulous automobile. The only negative I have found about this car are the run flat tires. They are quite costly to replace and too harsh on hard edged surfaces such as bridge junctures and buckled pavement. Elsewhere they are fine, I dont want a crown victoria ride. Once these tires wear out or another one gets a flat I am replacing them with an extreme performance non run flat tire. In conclusion, I love this car and cant keep my hands off it, i wash it about twice a week. I believe the 3 series coupe is on of the best, if not best looking car on the road at a somewhat reasonable price. It has been nearly perfect thus far and I hope my luck continues. For anyone wanting a beautiful car with sporty acceleration and great handling and steering while maintaining a reasonably smooth ride, I would highly recommend this car.
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12-04-2008, 03:51 PM	#2
BradF Private First Class 8 Rep 150 Posts Drives: '06 E53, '08 E90 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Great write-up. I have an '08 E90, 6MT and ZSP. I LOVE the car, and I also feel it is very balanced. The auto on the 328i is nice, but nothing like the auto on the 335. After driving both, if I had opted for the auto -- I probably would have talked myself all the way into the 335....
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12-04-2008, 04:23 PM	#3
TTG ... 936 Rep 4,326 Posts Drives: M340 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW M3 [7.84] 2007 335 Coupe (ret ... [9.00]	Great write up..... My wife and I are thinking about getting her a 328i Coupe to replace her Mini Cooper S. During one of my service appointments I got the below car as a service loaner and I was really impressed with it..... Truly a great car, I am glad you are enjoying yours. Post up some pics. __________________ 2020 G20 M340 xDrive - Portimao Blue - ZDA\|ZPP\|ZPX\|1CR\|1PE\|6NW\|6WD 2016 F10 535i xDrive - AW - Retired 2011 E92 M3 - AW……………....ED April 29th, 2010 - Retired 2007 E92 335i -Space Gray.....ED Oct 19th, 2006 - Retired
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12-04-2008, 04:27 PM	#4
tapengl Enlisted Member 3 Rep 48 Posts Drives: 2009 328i 6MT Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: San Jose, CA iTrader: (2)	same here +100 I got my AW E92 before Thanksgiving. So far have put 600 miles on her. My commute is short with local street and freeway. Twisty on weekend. I am trying to find all kind of excuses to drive it. Send wife to Whole Food drive kids to Blockbusters, or send dad to dr. apt. etc. Is it just me or ... this is the most beautiful car on the road. This is my first BMW after 20 years with Honda.
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12-04-2008, 04:50 PM	#5
E92_328i_Boston First Lieutenant 11 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 328i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	I have 9 months and 5600 miles on my 2008 E92 328i and I love it more and more every day.
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12-04-2008, 04:51 PM	#6
E92_328i_Boston First Lieutenant 11 Rep 313 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 328i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Boston iTrader: (0)	...and it's true. The E92 is the best looking car on the road (for the money). A 911 might look slightly better...
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12-04-2008, 06:07 PM	#7
alex2112 Lieutenant 26 Rep 444 Posts Drives: 2016 X1 M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: MA iTrader: (4)	Nice write up. Glad to see you love your car. I love my 328 coupe too. The sport package 197's are the best looking wheels BMW currently offers, IMO.
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12-04-2008, 06:47 PM	#9
raleedy Colonel 160 Rep 2,248 Posts Drives: 2016 228i 6-speed Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Portland, Oregon iTrader: (0)	My '08 328i coupe also has just 12K miles on it, but is a year old. It was delivered at BMW Welt in Munich on November 14 last year; I only got to put about 250 miles on it in Germany because of wintry weather. But I had it redelivered in January at the Performance Center in Spartanburg, and drove it from there back to Portland across the southern part of the US and up the California coast. Like the OP here, I have had no problems of any kind. At 10K miles, I took off the OEM Bridgestones and put on a set of cheap-o General high performance tires that came from Tire Rack. I did this only out of cost considerations. I had no complaint with the RFTs but didn't like the prospect of having to replace them -- maybe even twice -- in the course of a three-year lease. This way I can put them back on at the end of the lease, if I decide to turn the car in rather than buying it out of the lease. My car is also a 6MT, and that makes for a very harmonious combination with the normally aspirated engine. Like the others here, I don't miss the extra power of the turbo, but I drive pretty conservatively. The excellent handling, braking and acceleration are fun, but they mainly provide for active safety as far as I am concerned. My car has a few more goodies on it: ZPP, Comfort Access, heated front seats, iPod adapter. I also added the BMW roof rack and bike carriers. It's a delight -- good looking, economical to operate, very satisfying to drive, and surprisingly roomy. For me, the sport seats are ideal, and I have appreciated them in the course of several long travel days on the road.
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12-04-2008, 07:28 PM	#10
roadcarver Lieutenant 41 Rep 402 Posts Drives: 13 e82 135i /13 F30 335i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tellico, TN iTrader: (0)	Raleedy, how do you like your roof rack and bike carriers? I usually transport my bikes with my wife's Forester but am considering purchasing the BMW rack and bike carriers for occasional use on my car. I would probably only use the rack system a few times per year because I prefer the hitch system on my wifes vehicle on a daily basis. How easily does the roof rack install off and on the vehicle and does it marr the finish of your car? Every so often I would like to take a trip but carry my wife and kids along with my bike in my car. Thanks for your comments
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12-04-2008, 07:51 PM	#11
nicknaz Lieutenant General 3187 Rep 10,509 Posts Drives: C6Z Join Date: May 2008 Location: NorCal iTrader: (0)	+1 Like my manual trans 328 with sport package very much as well. A 328 with minimal options (my sedan only has sport package and xenon light options) is a great way to get the propeller badge and a fantastic dual purpose commuter/weekend toy in your driveway. That said, I think potential 328 buyers should be extremely honest with themselves to make sure they will not have buyer's remorse from opting out of the 335's monster motor. The extra 100ftlb torque and 70hp feels fantastic and if you haven't made peace before throwing down for the 328 you will surely get remorse
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12-04-2008, 08:10 PM	#12
K330i Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 241 Posts Drives: 2006 330i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: East Tennessee iTrader: (2)	roadcarver Drives: 08 328i Alpine White coupe Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Tellico, TN ==================================== nice write up small world....
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