Base Price: $33,400
Price as Tested: $46,825
Why We Drove It: The BMW 3 Series ranks among the top of its class in the 2008 J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study, which measures customer satisfaction with performance and design.
 
In surveys that J.D. Power and Associates has conducted with verified owners of the 2008 BMW 3 Series sedan, the people that actually own and drive one told us:


"I bought my 335xi for the engine; 6 of the sweetest turbocharged cylinders on the planet."


"Great driving dynamics and very good handling.


"This really is the ultimate driving machine."


"I feel like I own the road. Where I steer is where I go. 


"The handling is excellent; gives the driver great confidence."


"The brakes are awesome. The transmission shifts are excellent."


"Driving the car feels so great; great performance."


"The car rides great! It holds the road on curves, etc."


"The suspension and vehicle dynamics are excellent."


"The handling [and] feel of the steering wheel is very good."


"The handling is outstanding, crisp, and smooth."


"[The BMW 3 Series] appears small but has plenty of room."


Top 3 Things Owners Like About the BMW 3 Series Sedan:
1. Handling/stability on curves/winding roads
2. Braking responsiveness/effort
3. Responsiveness/effort of steering system


Top 3 Owner-Reported Problems with the BMW 3 Series Sedan:
1. Cupholders are difficult to use
2. Excessive brake dust
3. Hands-free communication doesn't recognize command