BMW may not be the best car company on the planet, but it's hard to think of one
that's turning out a more consistent string of winners.
The new 328i, senior member of the 3-Series line, is a good example of how BMW works
its magic: Brilliant vehicle concept, outstanding design, superb engineering and
excellent assembly, backed by continuous improvement between major makeovers.
That's what the '96 328i represents. Although it's a modest update on its predecessor,
the 325i, modest doesn't mean that updates aren't substantial. BMW doesn't do things
just for show.
We had a chance to drive the 328i sedan and 328is coupe in the wide open spaces of
Nevada and California, a trek that wound its way from Death Valley--at 282 ft. below
sea level, the lowest point in the country--to the Mammoth Mountain ski area, some 8000
ft. up in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range.
Throughout these travels, which included high speed and high altitude, the 328s
performed flawlessly.
We selected the 328i sedan as the focus for our report.
Since its 1992 redesign, the 3-Series has been a design pacesetter that's provoked a
number of imitators, the sincerest recognition of a winner. The combination of trim
dimensions, wide track and limited front overhang--the portion of the car that extends
beyond the front wheels--gives the 3-Series family an exceptionally purposeful
appearance, lean, mean and action-ready.
This is a large family. In addition to the 328i sedan and 328is coupe, coupe, it
includes the 318ti hatchback coupe ($20,560), 318i sedan and 318is coupe ($25,950 and
$27,700, respectively), the 318i convertible ($32,750), 328i convertible ($41,390)
and, a close cousin, the 2-seat Z3 roadster ($28,750).
An update on the 240-hp hot rod M3 coupe will be along later this year.
The biggest news in the new 328s lies under the hood, where a 2.8-liter inline 6-cyl.
engine replaces the previous 2.5-liter version. Like other new BMWs, the slightly
bigger engine is tuned for improved torque rather than peak horsepower, providing
better response at low- and mid-range engine speeds, which is where most of us do most
of our driving in this country.
This doesn't mean that horsepower isn't plentiful. The new engine generates 190 hp at
5300 rpm, compared to 189 at 5900 for the 325i, and it will propel the car up to 128
mph, which is where the electronic speed limiter kicks in. Getting from zero to 60 mph
is a matter of about 7 seconds.
But the improvement in torque--207 lb.-ft. at 3950 rpm vs. 181 at 4200--is what's really
noticeable. The 328i provides impressive pulling power, even at high altitudes in 5th
gear, and the inline 6-cyl. is smoother than ever.
Transmission choices are the usual--5-speed manual standard, 4-speed automatic optional
($975). Our test car was equipped with the manual shifter, which adds to the fun of
driving this car, but performance with an automatic is more than acceptable, thanks to
the engine's improved torque characteristics.
At 174.5 in., the 328 falls into the relatively small end of the size spectrum,
although its 106.4-in. wheelbase is proportionately quite long, a key factor in its
ride quality and good looks. By EPA classification, it's actually a subcompact, but
it's actually more spacious than that.
Like other BMWs, the 328s provide a driver command center that conjures up images of
light aircraft--businesslike analog dials placed for optimum visibility, key controls
placed within easy reach, everything illuminated in a reddish glow by night, to reduce
driver eyestrain.
Audio and climate controls are mounted well up in the center of the dash, and in a car
this size nothing is hard to reach.
The seats are typical BMW, which is to say sporty, supportive and long-haul
