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Tags: bmw,bmw 328xi,bmw 328xi coupe,road test,328xi

Tag Links: bmw, bmw 328xi, bmw 328xi coupe, road test, 328xi

BMW 328xi Coupe Road Test
Well, BMW has done it again. Just when you thought they were going the route of Volvos - safe, characterless vehicles made for old business men with bellies who play a lot of golf - the engineers at Bavarian Motor Works shock and amaze us all. While there may not be a new M3 to ogle at this year, there are two coupe models that are sure to make your jaw drop. And even though it’s not the turbocharged beast, the 328xi still delivers quite a punch and is drop-dead gorgeous to boot.

Less is more
Sometimes, by taking something away, you make the finished product that much more complete. This is ultimately true for the coupe 328xi model. With two doors instead of four the entire shape, as well as the lines, of the car have been changed. While BMWs have always graced our roads with sleek designs and flowing lines, the new coupe model puts the previous generations to shame. And rightly so.

The elongated front end and sloping rear bumper give the car a never-ending, cyclical feel of smooth corners and rounded edges. Subtle side flares and half-lid headlights give the 328xi an almost imperceptibly aggressive presence. Crouched low on 18-inch cross-spoke alloy wheels, this BMW seems ready to pounce at any given moment. While longer than previous 3-series generations - the large doors and stretched-out nose aren’t just playing tricks on the eyes - the coupe maintains a wide stance on the road, perfect for the inevitable spirited trips it will take.

Mundane luxury
I have to admit, I was expecting more when I sat down in the 328xi for the first time. While the interior is both ergonomically and aesthetically pleasing, it seems to lack that luxurious oomph I was so hoping to experience. Outfitted with burl walnut wood trim and black leather seats, when described it evokes oohs and aahs, but upon closer inspection leaves something to be desired.

Functionally, the cockpit is superb. With power-adjustable seats - complete with adjustable bolsters and leg support - telescopically adjustable steering wheel, and a dash that’s truly designed with the driver in mind, sitting in the BMW is a real joy. Even as a rear passenger there was plenty of leg room and thanks to the middle console stretching straight through to the rear seats - making the 328xi a four-seater - even back seat dwellers are living it up. Read Article
BMW 328xi Coupe Road Test



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M53RM53R - 8/9/2007 9:28:40 AMView My AgentSpace
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It looks awesome from this angle ^^^

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Will_Will_ - 8/9/2007 9:36:23 AM
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Those same wheels are available on the Lexus GS and IS.

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AnthonyAnthony - 8/9/2007 9:51:51 AM
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Stop being a dick and leave people alone, "Wi11."


M53RM53R - 8/9/2007 10:11:39 AMView My AgentSpace
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Will, smoking isnt good for your health! Especially the thing you're smoking!


enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 8/9/2007 11:13:47 AM
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if true, good job lexus. occasionally they get exteriors right.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 8/9/2007 9:39:08 PMView My AgentSpace
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Will, WHY? Was that really necessary? Of course not! Are you obsessive-compulsive in saying things like that? It certainly seems that way. THIS IS A BMW ARTICLE. NOT A LEXUS ARTICLE. We don't need Lexus here! BBS MAKES RIMS FOR EVERYONE.


Will_Will_ - 8/9/2007 10:44:49 AM
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I made one simple observation. If this were a Lexus thread and some buffoon made a statement about a Lexus having the same wheels as a BMW then he would be lauded for his "respectable opinion" about Lexus not being "original." The BMW clown posse grows dumber and more biased everyday I guess...

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enthusiastx11enthusiastx11 - 8/9/2007 11:15:43 AM
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it really is a beautiful car.
and great that they've made 4-wheel drive available in the coupes too!

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AnthonyAnthony - 8/9/2007 12:18:57 PM
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People must really have a hard-on for Will...

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LarryLarry - 8/9/2007 12:59:34 PM
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that Will always has to post something about lexus, when the topic is BMW. Damn can you give it a rest , I doubt if the Lexus PR people work as hard as the Will hype machine, it's a toyota relax.

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Will_Will_ - 8/9/2007 4:15:55 PM
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Lexus calls them "G-Spider" wheels.

IS with G-Spider:
http://www.clublexus.com/gallery/data/500/medium/G-Spider_wheels.jpg

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S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 8/9/2007 9:40:41 PMView My AgentSpace
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THEY ARE BBS RIMS. Audi has BBS rims, BMW has BBS rims, Lexus has BBS rims, even Ferrari and Maserati use BBS rims on some models! THEY WERE NOT DESIGNED BY LEXUS.


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 8/9/2007 5:09:25 PM
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Maybe we read a different article...but this thing was $46,000!!! Something about that strikes me as waaay too much for the lower end coupe. Hell thats Porsche territory. I seem to remember when you could buy a BMW 3 series coupe nicely equipped for like $35,000.
T

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TauronB2GTauronB2G - 8/9/2007 5:11:38 PM
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I just read that again...$56,000 as tested. Seems very high to me... Is this in Canadian money or Euros or something?
T


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 8/9/2007 9:43:18 PMView My AgentSpace
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Wow. You need to wake up if you think this is overpriced. How much did you pay for your CLK550? $70K? That's based on the C-Class. With the 335i you get similar performance for $20K less, as well as better looks. Sorry, just had to.

And, PORSCHE territory? LOL! Maybe an absolutely base Boxster with 17" wheels and fake leather seats. Even so, the Boxster has always been similarly-priced to the 3 Series coupe/convertible, it just competes more closely with the Z4.


KTMpilotKTMpilot - 8/10/2007 1:05:02 PM
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According to BMW website, base price on 2007 328xi is $37100 ($US)


TauronB2GTauronB2G - 8/9/2007 11:23:18 PM
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I paid 70 grand but I got a bigger car than the 335, a V8 convertible at that and mine is fully equipped and I think its a better looker. That $20 grand less is only important if you don't have it. I DO!!! Not to mention that I won't see my car on every corner. Dude the 328 coupe is the lowest rung cars on the BMW totem pole is extremely high priced. You could go get a Boxster for $56000 with a few options. As I said the looks are subjective. I personally don't like the 3 series or for that matter the Audi. But thats a PERSONAL & SUBJECTIVE OPINION.
I just took a look at the BMW website and the 550i starts at $58,000 hell the 328xi coupe starts at $37,100. The car they drove had $20,000 in options. Thats freakin insane. The Porsche website says that the Boxster starts at 46,800 so you could buy a few of those overpriced Porsche options and still come out cheaper, have a convertible and much more cache than with the 328xi coupe.
T

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BMW4me4everBMW4me4ever - 8/10/2007 10:37:03 AMView My AgentSpace
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Taurona ... The Clk550 conv is a nice conv. But a 335 conv is faster, handels better, and stops better. For the $56k to spend on the car in the US, I could still go out a get a vishnu chip & 19" wheels and really blow the doors off your car. At my location, we sell both Mercedes and BMW. Both are great cars ...


WoohooWoohoo - 8/10/2007 10:24:12 AM
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By the way, the website http://3ada.com/blog has copied this article directly off Auto123.com without permission. The original article can be found here: www.auto123.com/t185660

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greenwadgreenwad - 8/23/2007 6:10:01 AM
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You wrong



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