2012-2014 BMW 328i Luxury Line Review and Road Test

Alex L. Dykes takes a quick spin in the sixth generation BMW 3 Series. We take a 328i out on the road, take a look at the interior and talk pricing.

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

The oil level is displayed on the iDrive screen.

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

In general Toyota and Acura have had comparable reliability rankings. Acura did have a spell of transmission failures a few years ago when they started using their 5-speed transaxle but that appears to be behind them. Nissan/Infiniti has received high marks for reliability with their CVTs I have to say. People don't like the way they drive, but the numbers show them to be reliable.

[tchea]

You always have the most informative videos. I enjoy them !

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

In the extremely unlikely circumstance that you both ran out of oil and had a oil level sensor failure at the exact moment, you wouldn't know until you got a low oil pressure alert. Unless that sensor failed spontaneously and at the same instant. In reality I have never heard of such a failure and the majority of owners never check their dipstick so having the car alert you to a low level situation is probably better for most buyers.

[AAutoBuyersGuide]

@mynamehaschanged, that is an apples-to-oranges comparison. Your 2007-2008 BMW shares essentially nothing with the 2012 328i. The small 2.0L direct-injection turbo engine and 8-speed automatic make getting 30MPG easy. Even the new Ford Explorer nets 28 on the highway thanks to its fuel efficient 2.0L turbo engine. The biggest reason this BMW is not a heavy drinker is the small displacement engine and shift-happy 8-speed auto. Going on a diet and getting narrower tires didn't hurt either.

[jamesh]

Hi Alex, Love your thorough reviews. I agree with you. Just rented this car in Sedona over the weekend and loved it. I was also surprised with the gas mileage. I averaged upper 36-37 mpg coming back to Phoenix at 102 degrees with AC running. Low end power was very good and i-drive system was relatively easy to navigate and only got better as I lived with it.

[richienice]

Best review of this car so far. great job

[Ashley_van_Schooneveld]

The 8-speed transmission is standard on the F30 chassis. The base model was the 320i which has the same de-tuned engine found in the 328i

[boijohn]

I think it's believable.  I had a e46 m3 6spd and averaged 28 miles per gallon per tank driving 75% hwy 25% city.  My e93 335i 6spd on the other hand gets 27ish hwy as long as you keep it around 73 mph.  Both those hwy numbers for the year of the car is higher then what the sticker advertised them for.  It really is how good you are at keeping up with the maintenance and how heavy your foot is.

[TrevForPresident]

4:10 it is what it is. I drove a 6 cylinder Mustang forever and everything about that decision was cost. Won’t unreasonably compromise again.

[limitlessjake]

1st review that made me 'consider' owning a BMW for a car. I wish that you can make a more thorough video review for this model (as well as for future car reviews) also tackling/demonstrating more details on the interior and technology package and its functionality.

[cybermonkeyusa]

Love this car. I have the 2013 328i (CPO) and it has plenty of ponies under the hood, yet gets great gas mileage.

[Inspiration]

I have the same car. Based on this review, I have a six generation three series, 328i.
Direct injection, four cylinder, twin power turbo, two liter engine, producing 240 horse power, 255 via torque. Twin power refers to turbo unit. It doesn't mean there's two turbos. There is two inlets in the turbine on the exhaust side that helps it act as would a twin turbo set up to, optimize performance. Okay. Got it. Thanks for the info.

[AntLive]

Does this have wireless Apple Car Play?

[vincentgain]

im very surprised these models dont have a back up camera

[whssyboi]

Thanks, what a well spoken and articulated review!!!!

[erickromero]

11 years later and im finally getting one currently fixing it up and its gonna replace my e90

[vcader]

Alex, very well done and presented review. You can outtalk most anchorman - how do even breath ..or is it all in editing? Amazing!
This weekend I'm on my way to pick up a 2015 CPO - excited:) Thank you!

[njackson]

when you got 42 mpg on your commute were you in comfort mode or eco pro mode?

[appk]

I traded in a 911 for a Cayman because it handles better, gets better mileage and has way more cargo room for carrying stuff for a weekend getaway.