BMW's focus on superb handling makes driving a treat, whether you're commuting, running errands, cruising the interstate or unwinding a set of curves on a country road. The power rack and pinion steering, which varies the level of assist according to engine--rather than vehicle--speed is on the light side in terms of across-the-board effort, but it's BMW-precise and enhances the car's excellent sense of control. BMW has been making ride-quality improvements in all its recent cars, and that applies to the new 328i. The basic 328i sedan has enough suspension compliance to sop up small bumps and potholes without transmitting the shocks to the occupants. This comes at the expense--a small expense--of absolute handling limits, and there's a bit of up and down motion over larger bumps that might not please drivers who expect BMW sedans to behave like sports cars with an extra set of doors.
If you fall into that category, we recommend the Sports Package, which features firmer suspension tuning and wider low-profile high-performance tires (P225/50ZR vs. P205/60R) mounted on 16-in. wheels vs. 15-in. wheels on the basic sedan. This combination, which was part of our test car's package, limits the car's body roll in hard cornering and provides extra grip. Ride quality is firmer, and it's easier to feel those small bumps, but we prefer the enhanced crisper handling response.
The new 2.8-liter engine is a joy to live with. BMW has been building inline 6-cyl. engines for a long time, a corporate powertrain priority based on the inherently low vibration traits of this configuration. This latest update is as smooth as any that BMW has produced, and as we noted earlier it's got plenty of grunt in the lower rpm ranges, something that's not true of all small-displacement multi-valve powerplants.
In addition to the near-absence of vibration and impressive power, the 2.8-liter six is also exceptionally quiet at most operating speeds. Allied with good aerodynamic traits and extra sound insulation, this adds up to a quieter passenger cabin.
The 328's braking performance is world-class. All models have large brake rotors at both ends of the car--11.3-in. front, 11.0-in. rear--and all the rotors are ventilated for improved cooling. Stops are quick, sure and repeatable. Provoking brake-fade in this system would require a race track and lots of laps.
Add your own review or comments
