2008 BMW 3-Series - Quality Review

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The 2008 3-Series sedan has firm, supportive seats that are good for long-haul driving, but the backseats are sorely lacking in legroom, and overall, the interior is rather tight.

According to Cars.com, the 3-Series seats five, but "the issue is not one of material quality or craftsmanship, which is mostly good, but of overall roominess." MyRide.com says that "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." Seats are excellent, notes Kelley Blue Book: "the 2008 BMW 3 Series remains a compact sedan that provides better accommodations in its firm but comfortably supportive front bucket seats." However, they contend that "six-footers are apt to feel a bit confined" in the rear. ConsumerGuide believes "headroom and legroom are good for all but the tallest drivers," pointing out that "standard manual tilt and telescopic steering wheel helps tailor a comfortable driving position."

Storage space is also at a premium in this 3-Series 2008 BMW. Edmunds observes that there is "not much interior storage space...trunk space is average in sedans." Cars.com gives the actual specs: "the sedan's trunk capacity is 12 cubic feet, and a folding rear seat is optional."

However, the cabin is a very refined place, with road and engine noise well muted, a very attractive instrument panel design, and impressive materials.
Edmunds notes that the "interior 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." ConsumerGuide is in accord with this evaluation: "Cabin materials look classy and have a sturdy, soft-touch feel."

Driver and passengers will ride in this BMW 2008 model in peace and quiet. According to ConsumerGuide, this 2008 BMW's engines "sing under acceleration but cruise quietly," while "wind rush is evident at highway speeds...tire noise is subdued with base suspension but elevated with sport suspension."