2008 BMW 3-Series - Quality Review

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Shopping for a 2008 BMW 3-Series? MSRP: $32,700 - $64,950

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The 2008 BMW 3-Series offers riding comfort in what may be an intimate setting to some.

The 2008 3-Series Sports Wagon has firm, supportive seats that are good for long-distance driving, but the backseats provide inadequate legroom for adults.  This is affirmed by MyRide.com, noting, "despite gains in interior room, the 2008 BMW 3-Series is still an intimate car. It's difficult to get into and out of due to small front door openings and an intrusive rear wheel well, and once situated inside the cabin snugly envelops its occupants." Nonetheless, Edmunds reports "the front seats have enough firm support to ward off fatigue during a day's worth of driving, while the rear seats are adequately roomy for adults on shorter trips and plenty accommodating for children." Kelley Blue Book observes that it "provides better accommodations in its firm but comfortably supportive front bucket seats than in the rear bench--where six-footers are apt to feel a bit confined."

Cargo room is not a problem with the 3-Series 2008 BMW wagon, according to Car and Driver: "The same dynamic goodness that makes the 3-series sedan the envy of most automakers, but with a more practical cargo area"; according to Edmunds, "the wagon offers a maximum cargo capacity of 61 cubic feet." While the backseats fold forward to expand the cargo area, they don't fold completely flat, and the floor isn't surfaced with a material that cleans up easily.

TheCarConnection.com found that most reviews appreciate the materials used in this BMW 2008 model. Edmunds notes, "Materials are high in quality and build quality is exceptional; indeed, even the standard leatherette (vinyl) upholstery looks and feels better than one would expect." MyRide.com observes that, for 2008, "BMW has improved its optional leather upholstery to the point where it is officially easy to tell the difference between real cowhides and the standard leatherette, [which] is rather stiff and grips clothing, making it hard to adjust your body while underway," adding that "the leather is soft and smooth."

Except for some boominess on coarse surfaces, the interior is quiet and refined. Noise does not appear to be an issue in the BMW 2008; ConsumerGuide comments, "engines sing under acceleration but cruise quietly...wind rush is evident at highway speeds," and adds that "tire noise is subdued with base suspension but elevated with sport suspension."