
Road Test: '99 BMW 328i
By Jeff Bartlett
Photography by the author
"Behold, my wheels!" announces the opulently equipped 328i that has recently joined our stable. Indeed, the attractively styled sedan wears 17x8.0-inch alloys that reveal indulgence in the $1350 sport package. The option group brings sport suspension, seats, and steering wheel to the rolling Oktoberfest. Standard equipment includes all manner of power features, anti-lock disc brakes, front side and head airbags, anti-theft system, keyless remote, memory functions, automatic climate control, etc. Even still, the options list was too much temptation for the MT staff. Silver metallic paint ($475), black leather upholstery ($1450), rear side airbags ($385), fold-down rear seats ($575), and power moonroof ($1050) got us in deep without even touching the fun stuff. In addition to the recommended sport package, we upgraded to the Harmon-Kardon audio system ($675), added the navigation system ($1800), and warmed up to heated seats ($500). A heady $42,230 as-tested price put us right in 528i territory. First logbook entry reads, "Feels like a four-door sports car, with inspiring power, more than ample brakes, quick steering, and great gear box."
| Specifications |
| Base price | $33,400 |
| Price as tested | $42,230 |
| Body style | 4-door, 5-pass. |
| Engine size/type | 2.8-liter I-6 |
| Transmission | 5-speed man. |
| Driveline config. | Front engine, rear drive |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 6.9 |
| EPA mpg, city/hwy. | 20/29 |
| Total mileage | 5457 |
| Test mileage | 4873 |
| Fuel consumed, gal. | 230.7 |
| Fuel cost | $280.76 |
| Average mpg | 21.1 |
| Additional oil/cost | None |
| Routine maint. | None |
| Additional maint. | None |
| Previous maint. | None |
| Problem areas | None |
| Total operating cost | $280.76 |
| Operating cost/mile | 5.8¢ |