2008 BMW 3-Series [ 2008 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 95 3-Series reviews and test drives.
BMW 3-Series - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 BMW 3-Series ranks 1 out of 15 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 95 published reviews and test drives of the BMW 3-Series, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 3-Series' combination of world-class performance and luxury in a midsize sedan is unparalleled in the class.
Offering one of the most exhilarating driving experiences anywhere, combined with excellent safety features and a sleek exterior, the 2008 BMW 3-Series has long been considered the upscale midsize sedan against which all others are compared. Any perceived shortcomings the car might have -- such as the frustrating iDrive system -- are overlooked in favor of the 3-Series' impressive performance, elegant cabin and prestige.
The 2008 3-Series is part of a generation of cars that BMW redesigned in 2006, adding cleaner lines and more powerful engines. It's now on lots with no significant changes from last year's model. However, the 3-series' history of stellar performance goes back much further. Introduced in 1975, the 3-Series is BMW's most popular model, and has consistently been an award winning car. For example, the 2008 3-Series is once again one of Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars thanks to its smooth engines, supple ride quality and comfortable seating. It has been recognized by the magazine a consecutive 17 times, a Car and Driver record. The magazine notes "no other carmaker has quite managed to package these attributes as successfully as BMW, although many have tried." The 2008 3-Series was also selected as one of The Auto Channel's "All-Stars."
The 2008 BMW 3-Series is available in several trims, and also comes as a two-door coupe or convertible.
- "Thanks to BMW's fanatical pursuit of driving excellence, not to mention increased pressure from the likes of Infiniti, the 335i has a death grip on Automobile Magazine's back-road crown." -- Automobile Magazine
- "The 3-series continues to be the perennial benchmark of the entry luxury-sports-coupe, -sedan, -convertible class." -- Car and Driver
- "There are many worthy competitors in the entry-luxe category these days -- and it's getting more crowded all the time -- but the 3 remains at the head of the pack." -- U.S. News
- "With streamlined aggression and more power and performance, the 3 is clearly stronger than ever, so much so that there may be no competition at all." -- Motor Week
- "Maybe we should give it a lifetime achievement award. We didn't set out hoping to give the 3-Series another All-Star award-this is the car's thirteenth-but then we got in the car and started driving … The 3-Series is the car that instantly makes any mope who slides behind its wheel a better driver." -- The Auto Channel
3-Series Performance - 9.2 (Excellent)
The performance of the BMW 3-Series is its finest trait; the best the luxury midsize car class has to offer. The Chicago Tribune calls the sedan "a performance machine for those who consider driving an art." Check out our full Performance Review to learn how the 335i holds up in comparison tests. continue
3-Series Exterior - 8.9 (Very Good)
The 2008 BMW 3-Series is a very attractive car. Car and Driver likes its "three sharp pleats ironed onto its profile," while Motor Week characterizes the look as "streamlined aggression." Check out the BMW 3-Series Photo Gallery to see the car's profile in black, or continue with our full Exterior Review for more praise of the 3-Series' streamlined design. continue
3-Series Interior - 7.8 (Good)
Most agree with Automobile Magazine's assessment that the interior is comprised of "high-quality materials and a very modern design," but that the cockpit of the 3-Series is filled with quirky, and sometimes frustrating, technologies. Check out the BMW 3-Series Photo Gallery to see images of the car's leatherette upholstery, or continue with our full Interior Review to read comments about the now iDrive driver interface system. continue
3-Series Safety - 9.2 (Excellent)
The 2008 3-Series is an extremely safe car, with a long list of active safety systems to help avoid an accident and passive safety systems to help survive one. It has also performed well in government and insurance industry crash tests. Our full Safety Review gives the run down of safety scores and features for the 2008 3-Series. continue
3-Series Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2008 BMW 3-Series reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). All 3-Series are covered by a four-year or 50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to learn about the BMW Assist service. continue
