2012 BMW 3 Series

Brilliant BMW 328i convertible

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5 Safety Rating: 5 Technology Rating: 4 Value Rating: 5

Check rear shocks.

Extremely disappointed

Performance: 0 Comfort: 0 Fuel Economy: 0 Fun To Drive: 0 Interior Design: 0 Exterior Design: 0 Build Quality: 0 Reliability: 0 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2 Safety Rating: 4 Technology Rating: 2 Value Rating: 3

This is my second BMW; my first was a MY 2006 325i that I bought new. This time I decided to get a CPO 2012 328i. I have had the car for about 45 days; it has been in the shop for 15 of those days. It needed: A NEW TIMING BELT (after I was told that the blender-like noise the engine was making was "normal" until I took it back to the dealer to investigate it further), an new window regulator, a new seat belt latch, re-charged AC, and crack in the instrument panel plastic covering the instruments. A week later I had to take it BACK because the steering wheel was making a load groaning noise when turned, and the stereo intermittently recognizes that I have a CD in the player or my iPhone connected to the USB. Sometimes I have to go without music on the wonderful upgraded Harmon Kardon stereo until the system decides to reset itself. The dealership still cannot diagnose this issue. Also, the only way to drive this car is to leave it in "Sport" mode. The default "Comfort" mode makes the car feel like a 1980's-era Cadillac-all floaty and bouncy on the highway. Steering and handling are tops in Sport mode, though. Overall I'm disappointed in the quality. I had the 2006 325i for 5 years, and had ZERO issues other than the sunroof not wanting to close from time to time. I put 102,000 miles on it and only did basic maintenance-no unexpected warranty visits. Thank tha LAWD I got the extended warranty with this CPO (Certified Piece Of _____). I had a Mercedes C300 and Volvo S60 in the interim of the BMW's and getting this car-sad to say, I think I may go back to either one of them. Beautiful car inside and out, though.

Base suspension is awful

Performance: 4 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 2 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I just returned my 2012 328i with around 30,000 miles at the end of a 3 year lease. Although the 2.0 liter twin scroll turbo engine has plenty of power and the 8 spd automatic transmission was great, the base suspension was so soft and unsettled that just driving the car made me nauseated. This was my 6th BMW and suspension wise, the worst. Early on in the lease period, I changed to sport springs which made a big improvement in handling. Near the end of the lease, I changed back to the OEM springs and couldn't wait to return the car.

Turbo Out at 47K Miles

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 3

Overall I love this car but, there have been numerous issues over the last two years; the brake warning light came on several times, even though there was nothing wrong with the brakes; I had a flat tire and drove around for about two weeks on it because the tire pressure warning light doesn't differentiate between flat and low pressure (it has run flats, and the tire pressure waring light comes on all the time, especially in cold weather so I usually ignore it); last but not least the turbo went out at 47K miles, and it took more than 30 days for the dealer to fix it because a part was on back order in Germany. So as much as I love driving this car, I think I am going to be trading it in.

The most uncomfortable car ever

Performance: 3 Comfort: 1 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 1 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 1 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 1 Reliability Rating: 4

I traded a 1999 3 series on this car and I wish I would have kept it. The seats are hard and the headrests are extremely uncomfortable. I have to use a seat cushion so that my head will reach the headrest because it won't go all the way down. The air conditioning is noisy and has intermittent issues. The Bluetooth phone interface is terrible. I have an iphone and a blackberry and everyone says I come across garbled. I took it to the dealership and they said there wasn't an issue, but I still can't use it. I can't wait to turn in this leased car. Just 5 more months.

Customer service

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The best thing about my wife's new 3series is that she owns one now instead of her old Audi. The customer service at Russell BMW was the best, thanks to Ben Edwards & Larry cash my wife's car is very nice & new, she looks good in it, she's very happy.

Good thing she's pretty, 'cause she sure is stupid

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 2

My third, and last BMW, until the i-drive is obsoleted. I've had this car a little over a year, and lots of issues. Tire pressure light keeps coming on with no pressure issues, the trunk required me to slam it to shut, the audio system is incredibly poorly designed, and the air and heat work intermittently. Using the idrive forces the driver to take their eyes off the road for quite a while, a dangerous way to drive. Fun to drive, as long as you don't want to use the audio system while you're driving, and are okay with the sound of a rush of wind coming through the car.

Love my 320

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Yes it is a 320 and not 328. Here in the Middle East we have an entry model 320. The engine is exactly the same 2.0 however it has a different turbo and tuned down to 184HP.... Well I have the car for only 10 days so I cannot say much other than I am loving it day after day. Initially I was skeptical a bit as my last car was 2007 BMW 550. I do miss it a lot but I am enjoying the my new car. I guess I will give it few months and write another review.

Mixed feelings

Performance: 5 Comfort: 2 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 2 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

Have had my 328i (automatic w Premium package) for one month now. It is a mixed bag of pros and cons. For a $40K car, I expected better and well thought out amenities to come standard. Not sure how long I may keep it.

So far so good

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my first BMW and I was reluctant to buy a German car due to maintenance/reliability issues that I've heard before. But after 1500 miles the car is still silky smooth and no issues, knock on wood. The new 2.0L Turbo engine is amazing, acceleration is very good and there is no lug between pedal action and engine response. This car is fun to drive! The leather seats are much better than anything I had before, very comfy and the quality is very good. All features expected in a luxury car are there and they are worth every penny. The only thing that I miss are 1) a storage compartment for sunglasses and bigger storage for phone/wallet somewhere near the driver.

first German luxury and satisfied

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is my first German luxury car and I'm amazed at the quality and performance of the engine. The 2.0L turbo engine is amazing better than my previous V6 Japanese. I traded space by moving to 3 series but I don't regret it, the drive is amazing and the faster you go the better the car gets. This is my first German car so I can't speak of reliability yet but I hope for many years of engine free issues. The one

A great balance of sportiness, luxury and value

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Just traded in my CTS Cad, which I really liked and found comfortable, but just wasn't up to par with German craftsmanship. The new 3 is my second BMW. It is actually quicker, more agile, and sure footed than our 2006 Z-4, even though we have just the base 4 cyl. This car is literally a solute to engineering and craftsmanship...and we love the nose. Killer sound system and nice rims too. An all around improvement on what was already a fine car.

Love the performance, hate the operating system

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 4

The title says it all. This is my third BMW, and I'm consistently impressed by the performance, handling and ride. The cockpits have always been a little unique, but my last two BMWs felt like a comfortable place to settle in for a long ride. On this model, however, I find that navigating even the radio stations to figure out what's playing, requires too much handling and eyes away from the road. It's a bit of gilding the lily that's just not working for me.

Adding to my 3//17/2012 review

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

To add to my review on 3/17/2012 ... I have now had the vehicle for 4 months and still love the car.   It is one seamless and smooth driving machine and I especially appreciated it on a recent road trip of 358 miles each way.  Most was freeway driven and I was absolutely amazed at my average MPG of 37.5  primarily freeway and on Econ mode with average 69 MPH. 

Not As Good As My Old 3 Series

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have driven a 2001 BMW 3 series sedan since 2001, have loved every moment, thought I would never drive anything else and was really looking forward to my new 2012 three which I picked up in May 2012 with the luxury line and technology package. The Edmunds comment that the 2012 3 series is "less involving to drive than carry over models" is spot on. Yes it more luxurious, bigger, has more technology and is very nice looking, but when push comes to shove -- and if I were confronted with a tricky driving situation -- I'd prefer hands down to be in my 2001 3 series as it was more agile, responsive and connected to me as a driver.

Oh Hail The 2012 3 Series!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

One thing I absolutely have to cover is the Performance, if your looking for a Sports Sedan for around $42,500 (The Price I Spent On My 328i) look no further than the 328i. The New 2.0L Twin-PowerTurbo has amazing responsiveness and acceleration. The styling of the exterior and interior is BANG ON! Definetly looking foward to replace my 1999 Merc ML430 for a 2012 Merc ML550 and have the 550 and 328 in my Garage.

Great Improvement ~ Fun to drive

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I just picked up my 328i Sports Line yesterday and therefore giving a review based on my initial drive and impressions since I am not yet all familar with the vehicle. I am quite impressed with the additional cabin space, particularly the rear leg room and the rear head room. I have owned a 7 series and a 5 series and I must say this new 3 series is up to par with quality and performance, moreso then I imagined. I am very impressed with its smooth driving capabillity and also its incredible responsiveness. I really do love this new car and rave about it forever!