You are honestly the best car reviewer out there. Thanks for doing what you do, most people watch the video and ready their fingers for a heated debate, but me, I just really enjoy the art and the work you put into making each review so unique. Its like you create an identity for each one. Awesome job!!
I just don't know why lots of dealer do not order the LED light package for the 3 series. It's just $800 add-on package for the LED angle eye, but make a huge difference!
It may be due to the replacement cost if and when a bulb goes out. If one doesn't purchase an extended warranty, bumper to bumper, and a bulb goes out, its a $1900.00 repair cost. I purchased the extended warranty, bumper to bumper, 7 years, 100,000 miles, for $3400.00, with a 50.00 detectable.
Is it HID or LED? if LED, it would "likely" last for good 20 years...and no, if the bulb goes out, all you need to change is the light bulb and they do not cost $1,900. $1,900 sounds like full headlamp replacement cost, and you can get them less than $500 a pair on Ebay.....
The road feel issues are a result of the switch to electrically assisted power steering instead of hydraulic power steering. The lack of a fluid interface removes some of the "micro" feedback from the front wheels. The "macro" feedback from bumpsteer moments, tire chatter and other stuff is still there, but only on dry asphalt. On low grip surfaces the steering really makes you feel detached. This change also allows the F30 328i to hit 40+ MPG in real world testing by myself and others.
been owning e90 since 07 and contrary to what people think, it actually is reliable and painless experience.BMW's covered all my maintenance needs and there has not been any major problem with my car for 5 years since i bought it. thinking of upgrading to this 328.....
Have the 2013 328i and love it. This car is peppy and great on gas mileage. I have hit 40 MPG in city driving. The auto stop/start is not that bad, but takes getting use to. IDrive is amazing. It keeps your hands on the wheel and I cannot believe that this has not made it to other vehicles. The car is quite comfortable in the back seat since they increased the size of the vehicle.
Less? Yes. That doesn't mean it's gone completely. It still handles quite well. A fellow writer I respect who has driven this car on the track says it's phenomenal. In other words, for 99 percent of owners it will be overkill. Very few people drive these cars to their limits.
Usually I hate american reviews, for me they are usually too wild and unobjective. This one however is excellent! Loved to watch it, and also an informative and honest review. Great job!
I recognize that road by the river as the road to the Hoh Rainforest trailhead. Wonderful road, and the 101 loop around the Olympic Mtns is a great place to drive a well-handling car.
i just got this as a loaner when I went to the dealer, and there actually is no need to press the start button twice to shut the car off. All you do is press it once, and when you lock the car, the iDrive and other accessories turn off automatically.
Dude u have a pretty rare gift, u can give valuable info be fun and interesting at the same time. I watch pretty much every tech review on youtube and i only found 1 person with your gift. Keep it up
By far you make some of the best video reviews out there. Being a Northwest guy, I'm surprised you don't review more trucks. (Not that there are very many out there)
I drive a 320d twinpower turbo automatic sport line f30 2012 at work nearly every day and i can tell you, no other car in it's class even compare to it. It is that good to drive and that good everywhere else too. I would never even consider an audi, mercedes or volvo of equal class.
"Seems like there's less road feel" I've heard that on other reviews for other new model BMWs, I must say BMW is losing its touch... They have to go back to the basics; high-revving naturally-aspirated inline 6's, very light and solid chassis and heavy but rapid steering. I feel like BMW is becoming just another Mercedes, Audi is where its at in the agility department now.
Bought a 2012 Audi A4 because it was my type of car preference. Alot of people from BMW/Mercedes stare at my car since they barely see an Audi while you see plenty BMW/Mercedes. I love my car man, but altogether its preferences
It's different for different powertrains. Also, since I shoot these videos, the launch is not the one I do for tests (since it's a different driver). You'll notice that Martin uses a little brake torque when launching, I used a bit more.
I love the BMW 3 series but it is kind of sad that this a 2012 model and its the first time the BMW 3 series has ever offered features like an LCD infotainment system, Rear view camera, around view monitor, key less push button start and finally STANDARD powered seats. Great car and I'm finally glad they have caught up aesthetically despise their high sales. Didn't seem like a problem for those who just wanted the brand prestige though.
The older ones yes, the newer ones actually feel very light on their feet, if you watch Audi A6 reviews you'll hear they actually feel more nimble than a 5-Series. By the way I would start respecting Audi if I were you because they have a far superior system than the X-Drive and handle like something that's RWD.
Actually - the On/Off button is two-staged to emulate the On (Auxiliary) mode... To turn your car off completely you simply hold the button in... RTFM.
You couldn't be more wrong and obviously need to go and do a test drive. BMW's are still the kings of road dynamics and feel in the executive saloon segment, they still have that typical BMW solidity that always tells you "is that all you can do to me?" when driving it on the limit. The thing is, 3 series now is almost as big as the 5 series 10 years ago, and 5 series is as big as a 7 series. Aside from that, BMW's are now very comfortable and smooth riding, so that might take some feel away.
Well I can't argue with that. I just think people should take the new Caddy's seriously, I mean, it does everything that the BMW does. In my opinion the Caddy looks better, from multiple reviews it drives better, more stylish interior, uses same quality if not better materials, same gas mileage. Its really a close battle, but it comes down to what you believe in. Its only the people that bug me that say. "Well the BMW has to be better than the Cadillac because... it's a BMW"
I agree that in this class, the 3-series is still king but the A4 is an old model. If you check reviews of the 5-Series, most will tell you that the A6 is a much better handling car. The thing I meant is not that this car is worst than the competition, its the fact that BMW is "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and yet every new generation gets watered down in the handling department..
I've got the C250 outside right now for a test drive for a few days. In comparison it's slower, more plasticy and tinny than the BMW. Headroom (I'm only a shade under 6ft) leaves my head brushing against the roof at the seats lowest setting. I like MBs sat nav vs BMW and the voice recognition is dead accurate. IMO BMW will be getting my money again. 5 series down to a 3 series to get those extra horses :)
i went for a lease on a 328i, premium and cold weather package. They have balls, $600+ a month with $2.5k down. Yea right. I had a 07' 335i for $550 @ 24 months. Stupid pricing.
Bmw's 3 series line up has got confusing again. I got their line up before this came out. 325/328 was the fuel efficient model, 330/335 was the turbo sports car model. Now IMO the 3 series a whole expensive pile of confusing trims. I would take the Mercedes Benz c250 coupe, or the Audi a4 over any BMW 3-series.
And no, A4 is not nearly as nice to drive as the 3 series. Even C-class beats the A4, especially the FWD variants. A4 drives like a Passat with a stiffer suspension, A4 can actually be pretty stiff and uncomfortable. Aside from being the best handling and best driving small saloon on the market, 3 series is now also very comfortable. And you know its very hard to make a car that is fast, good handling and comfortable at the same time.
Well equipped 328i for 50k dollars? Can't even get a basic 320i or 318d for that in Europe. Americans should be happy to be able to buy cars so cheaply.
I love this car but it's not entirely brand new. I don't like how they retained the same shape from the last one and just slapped on 5-Series taillights, it shows laziness.
Still the best looking car, IMO.
You are honestly the best car reviewer out there. Thanks for doing what you do, most people watch the video and ready their fingers for a heated debate, but me, I just really enjoy the art and the work you put into making each review so unique. Its like you create an identity for each one. Awesome job!!
Harrison Ford is reviewing cars now?
+VinceLA91 Hmmm, usually I'm mistaken for Dennis the Menace...
I just don't know why lots of dealer do not order the LED light package for the 3 series. It's just $800 add-on package for the LED angle eye, but make a huge difference!
+CYSongMC agreed looks so much better...
It may be due to the replacement cost if and when a bulb goes out. If one doesn't purchase an extended warranty, bumper to bumper, and a bulb goes out, its a $1900.00 repair cost. I purchased the extended warranty, bumper to bumper, 7 years, 100,000 miles, for $3400.00, with a 50.00 detectable.
Is it HID or LED? if LED, it would "likely" last for good 20 years...and no, if the bulb goes out, all you need to change is the light bulb and they do not cost $1,900. $1,900 sounds like full headlamp replacement cost, and you can get them less than $500 a pair on Ebay.....
The road feel issues are a result of the switch to electrically assisted power steering instead of hydraulic power steering. The lack of a fluid interface removes some of the "micro" feedback from the front wheels. The "macro" feedback from bumpsteer moments, tire chatter and other stuff is still there, but only on dry asphalt. On low grip surfaces the steering really makes you feel detached. This change also allows the F30 328i to hit 40+ MPG in real world testing by myself and others.
been owning e90 since 07 and contrary to what people think, it actually is reliable and painless experience.BMW's covered all my maintenance needs and there has not been any major problem with my car for 5 years since i bought it. thinking of upgrading to this 328.....
Have the 2013 328i and love it. This car is peppy and great on gas mileage. I have hit 40 MPG in city driving. The auto stop/start is not that bad, but takes getting use to. IDrive is amazing. It keeps your hands on the wheel and I cannot believe that this has not made it to other vehicles. The car is quite comfortable in the back seat since they increased the size of the vehicle.
Less? Yes. That doesn't mean it's gone completely. It still handles quite well. A fellow writer I respect who has driven this car on the track says it's phenomenal. In other words, for 99 percent of owners it will be overkill. Very few people drive these cars to their limits.
Usually I hate american reviews, for me they are usually too wild and unobjective.
This one however is excellent! Loved to watch it, and also an informative and honest review.
Great job!
Very informative review, Tom. BMW 328 starts at a decent price, but tick the option box a few times and you're over 50Gs!
I recognize that road by the river as the road to the Hoh Rainforest trailhead. Wonderful road, and the 101 loop around the Olympic Mtns is a great place to drive a well-handling car.
This is actually one of the best reviews I've seen for the 328, thank you!
i just got this as a loaner when I went to the dealer, and there actually is no need to press the start button twice to shut the car off. All you do is press it once, and when you lock the car, the iDrive and other accessories turn off automatically.
Near North Bend, Washington. It's the same area they shot Twin Peaks years ago.
Dude u have a pretty rare gift, u can give valuable info be fun and interesting at the same time. I watch pretty much every tech review on youtube and i only found 1 person with your gift. Keep it up
By far you make some of the best video reviews out there. Being a Northwest guy, I'm surprised you don't review more trucks. (Not that there are very many out there)
I drive a 320d twinpower turbo automatic sport line f30 2012 at work nearly every day and i can tell you, no other car in it's class even compare to it. It is that good to drive and that good everywhere else too. I would never even consider an audi, mercedes or volvo of equal class.
This new 3 is as big as my old e39 5, now that's more bang for the buck!
I love this car I bought one, so brilliant to drive and light handling. Amazing torque as well. Fantastic machine!
"Seems like there's less road feel" I've heard that on other reviews for other new model BMWs, I must say BMW is losing its touch... They have to go back to the basics; high-revving naturally-aspirated inline 6's, very light and solid chassis and heavy but rapid steering. I feel like BMW is becoming just another Mercedes, Audi is where its at in the agility department now.
Finally,Somebody who did a review on the modern line.Thank you so much.
Bought a 2012 Audi A4 because it was my type of car preference. Alot of people from BMW/Mercedes stare at my car since they barely see an Audi while you see plenty BMW/Mercedes.
I love my car man, but altogether its preferences
8 years later after you wrote this comment now you see Audis everywhere, along with BMWs and Mercedes. 😂
@@triple-aries facts lol, now I got a BMW Supra hhaa
It's different for different powertrains. Also, since I shoot these videos, the launch is not the one I do for tests (since it's a different driver). You'll notice that Martin uses a little brake torque when launching, I used a bit more.
I love the BMW 3 series but it is kind of sad that this a 2012 model and its the first time the BMW 3 series has ever offered features like an LCD infotainment system, Rear view camera, around view monitor, key less push button start and finally STANDARD powered seats. Great car and I'm finally glad they have caught up aesthetically despise their high sales. Didn't seem like a problem for those who just wanted the brand prestige though.
People really seem to be hating the Pure Fineline Wood accents...
I have the 2012 Coupe with the strt 6. Love it, glad that I could get the old steering system.
The older ones yes, the newer ones actually feel very light on their feet, if you watch Audi A6 reviews you'll hear they actually feel more nimble than a 5-Series. By the way I would start respecting Audi if I were you because they have a far superior system than the X-Drive and handle like something that's RWD.
That wood is the most beautiful thing I ever seen in any car.
You can, but it might be missing A/C or something important like that.
another fantastic review, the best I have seen anywhere!
Actually - the On/Off button is two-staged to emulate the On (Auxiliary) mode... To turn your car off completely you simply hold the button in... RTFM.
I am audi fan, but i'd respect bmw
Love your videos! When you test out the launch, do you just put your. Foot down?
both are good cars it is your choice what you like more!
You couldn't be more wrong and obviously need to go and do a test drive. BMW's are still the kings of road dynamics and feel in the executive saloon segment, they still have that typical BMW solidity that always tells you "is that all you can do to me?" when driving it on the limit. The thing is, 3 series now is almost as big as the 5 series 10 years ago, and 5 series is as big as a 7 series. Aside from that, BMW's are now very comfortable and smooth riding, so that might take some feel away.
Anchorage County sounds like a great time.
Looks good, but the back of BMW sedan models are looking a bit too similar.
How often does need to change engine oil and gearbox oil for this model ?
Well I can't argue with that. I just think people should take the new Caddy's seriously, I mean, it does everything that the BMW does. In my opinion the Caddy looks better, from multiple reviews it drives better, more stylish interior, uses same quality if not better materials, same gas mileage. Its really a close battle, but it comes down to what you believe in. Its only the people that bug me that say. "Well the BMW has to be better than the Cadillac because... it's a BMW"
I agree that in this class, the 3-series is still king but the A4 is an old model. If you check reviews of the 5-Series, most will tell you that the A6 is a much better handling car. The thing I meant is not that this car is worst than the competition, its the fact that BMW is "The Ultimate Driving Machine" and yet every new generation gets watered down in the handling department..
Why is is that only North AMericans complain about i-Drive? Surely they should be used to technology by now?
mixhael6609 I like the iDrive. It is simple and quite useful.
Being a faithful MB consumer, I have to say this seems to beat the C Class.
My Dad just bought one of these, he loves it.
Well, if I'm not mistaken, even the Premium sound system otion for this car costs $7k and this car that Tom reviewed was loaded. You do the math.
I've got the C250 outside right now for a test drive for a few days. In comparison it's slower, more plasticy and tinny than the BMW. Headroom (I'm only a shade under 6ft) leaves my head brushing against the roof at the seats lowest setting. I like MBs sat nav vs BMW and the voice recognition is dead accurate. IMO BMW will be getting my money again. 5 series down to a 3 series to get those extra horses :)
Is that the battery in the trunk? Nice.
It is like that .. Most People drive Cars like BMW or Mercs because of the Status .. and not because they are like me , for big passion .
The international sign for fun
Great review and it's a nice car albeit a bit pricey.
Paddle Shifters are standard in the sport version. This video is the "modern version". The luxury version doesn't have it either.
4 cylinder + turbo is better than standard 6. more horsepower, better efficiency and lighter weight. so it's no loss.
No comparison in the driving feel
I want to buy it, but I'm scared of the cost to fix, everytime something's wrong with the car, and I know how mechanics are.
I like the new 3 series. It really does almost look like a 5 series now. Hey Tom, do you prefer the 3 or 5 series?
Thumbs up for the sense of humor.
Great review, Tom.
what happens if you don't use run flat tires?
Another awesome video Tom!!
They took the car from New Jersey all the way to Washington?
Is that a good thing?
What kind of sport car with no Paddle shifters.
omg omg omg i am getting one as soon as i get my drivers license ... theirs no if and or buts im going to get it
Check the 335i or the new 550xd with Triturbo thats rox...in Europe u pay more for this BMW 328i and our Gas Price, 1,75€ = 1 Liter 98oz
How much does it cost?
Go to the BMW website and click on the "Pricing" tab.
what are the prices for BMW's in Europe?
Hi Tom! Nice reviews, enjoyed it. Could you review Merc C class and E class 2013 model?
i went for a lease on a 328i, premium and cold weather package. They have balls, $600+ a month with $2.5k down. Yea right. I had a 07' 335i for $550 @ 24 months. Stupid pricing.
Does that have a system?
bring back the inline sixes! they were great!
Honest review, fun guy, subscribed
Bmw's 3 series line up has got confusing again. I got their line up before this came out. 325/328 was the fuel efficient model, 330/335 was the turbo sports car model. Now IMO the 3 series a whole expensive pile of confusing trims. I would take the Mercedes Benz c250 coupe, or the Audi a4 over any BMW 3-series.
And no, A4 is not nearly as nice to drive as the 3 series. Even C-class beats the A4, especially the FWD variants. A4 drives like a Passat with a stiffer suspension, A4 can actually be pretty stiff and uncomfortable. Aside from being the best handling and best driving small saloon on the market, 3 series is now also very comfortable. And you know its very hard to make a car that is fast, good handling and comfortable at the same time.
The bad thing about owning BMW is the maintaince. Expensive.
They have run flats. You can drive up to 150 miles with a flat.
Stroking that warm steering wheel, eh? 3:14
OMG someone is complaining about price for rear wheel drive 240+ hp sedan. btw there is also bmw 1-series and mini.
I'm just going to get the 320i
Is it me or part of the dashboard is obstructed by the steering wheel!
Well done review and video angles. Thanks
It’s now worth 8-12k
Love it, but I like the luxury version a lil better!
I refuse to go to the website because I like his hair like that. XD
Same issue goes for people in other smaller countries like Korea. But 50k here isn't that cheap either.
They destroyed the 3 series :( Im glad the coupe didn't change. The 2012 coupe is the sexiest BMW they have.
Does he really have a twin?
Brilliant review!
01:57 It's a "tree-series"? - Comming from the woods? :-)
"Distinct different models" is redundant.
will that iphone thing fit an iphone 5?
The 2013 3 series was preparing for the 2020 Tissue rush!
Hmm ...
Well equipped 328i for 50k dollars? Can't even get a basic 320i or 318d for that in Europe. Americans should be happy to be able to buy cars so cheaply.
German = Luxary / High Grade
Japan = Afforable Fun
Sweden = Safe Family Cars
The split back seats are an added option; that's just ridiculous.
Bmw 328i or benz c250 ?
Thanks for sharing!
you are the GREATEST!
I love this car but it's not entirely brand new. I don't like how they retained the same shape from the last one and just slapped on 5-Series taillights, it shows laziness.
tnx. enjoyed it.
Informative. Thanks for this review.
I love audi as well the led headlights got me lol. but theres a cheap mercedes coming out soon (cla 250) and omg the new infiniti q50 is just stunning
That's cuz the thing costs almost as much as a midsized luxury sedan.