Road Test: BMW 328i

Can I keep this a little longer?
"Boy, I could get used to this." I lost count how many times I said that to myself as I drove the BMW. I got spoiled waking up each morning knowing that my commute would be in one of the best sports sedans in production today.

I knew following my First Impressions of the BMW 328i that I would have a hard time going back to my Scion tC.

Daily driver
Let's cut to the chase. If you're in the market for a sporty four-door, money spent on a 3-series BMW would be a wise investment. You have the convenience of the extra set of doors and room for four adults, wrapped up in a svelte German suit.

Notice I said four adults. The 328i, or any 3-series BMW for that matter, is meant to be comfortable for adults in sets of four. Yes, there's room for five. But I wouldn't want to be the fifth wheel. For comparison purposes, the Pontiac G8 GT that I road tested is more comfortable for five. But the G8's real Bavarian counterpart is the 5 series.

Six-shooter but not down low
Under the 328i's hood is BMW's 3.0-liter, 24-valve, inline 6 with 230 horsepower. The Ridestory test car came with the standard 6-speed manual.

Let's get my power train quibble out of the way first. Low end torque in this motor is lacking. At first I attributed my stumbling starts from a dead stop to inexperience with the car. But I continually had to modulate the accelerator and clutch for smooth starts. Otherwise, BMW's straight six is smoothly subtle when you want it to be but takes on an aggressive rasp when driven aggressively. It is loads of fun.

Quibbles aside, I'll gladly shake the hand of any BMW engineer in charge of this cars six-speed manual. It is smooth and notch-free. And it inspired confidence. At no time did I feel I was grabbing the wrong gear, which I can honestly say, I never did. The only other car that I've driven that had a similar feel was my old Acura RSX. The single advantage the RSX's six-speed had over the BMW's was shorter throws.

A BMW owners opinion
As 328iDude alluded to in his comment following my first post about the 328i, BMW's are incredible cars.

"I can easily sign off on the fact that most BMWs, and the 328i in particular, are magnificent cars. I'm on my 5th BMW now (+1 Mini Cooper), and I can't see myself without one in the future," he said.

"(My) current ride is a 328i, used for the daily commute and also track day use. Show me another brand that offers that same versatility. Maybe a Porsche, but even that is stretching it a bit up here in the arctic Norwegian climate."

I think that's putting it rather succinctly, don't you? Those who experience a BMW, whether it be a short-term test or a long-time owner, come away feeling the same way. This is a solid, well engineered car with outstanding performance.

As I asked following my first post about the 328i, I would love to hear from BMW owners. Anyone have an opinion similar to 328iDude's? Does anyone feel differently? Maybe your BMW experience was less than stellar. Leave your comments below and help educate all of us.