2008 BMW 328
Vehicle Overview
Offered in 328 and twin-turbo 335 forms with different engines, the 3 Series is BMW's bread-and-butter model. This series has a history in the U.S. market that dates back to 1977. Available in sedan, wagon, coupe and retractable-hardtop convertible body styles, the 328 competes with the Infiniti G and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Changes are minimal for 2008.
Paddle shifters are available for 2008 328 models with the automatic transmission and Sport Package. Coupes, sedans and wagons gain chrome-tipped exhaust pipes, and the latter two body styles get new 16-inch wheels as standard equipment.
Compared with the fourth-generation series, which debuted for 1999, the fifth-generation 328 sedan is larger in almost every dimension. Although its body is 30 pounds lighter than before, it's been stiffened. Front-to-rear weight distribution is close to 50/50.
Exterior
The 328 features a long hood and short front overhangs. The coupe looks much like the sedan, but it's sleeker. All body styles have a prominent twin-kidney grille.
On the sedan and wagon, alloy wheels hold 16-inch tires, and 17-inch rubber is optional. Coupes and convertibles have standard 17-inch wheels. Run-flat tires are mounted on all models. Ground lighting in the door handles and adaptive brake lights are standard. Adaptive xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights and Active Steering with Servotronic speed-sensitive assist are optional.
Interior
Sedans and wagons can hold five occupants, while coupes and convertibles seat four. The sedan's trunk capacity is 12 cubic feet, and a folding rear seat is optional. Optional sport seats have adjustable backrest width.
A multifunction remote replaces the conventional key, and the engine fires via a start/stop button. Automatic climate control has a Heat-at-Rest feature to continue moving warm air around the cabin.
BMW's iDrive control system is available in the 3 Series as part of the optional navigation system. Subwoofers beneath the front seats are included with the standard audio system, and Sirius Satellite Radio can be installed. Logic7 surround sound is optional. A power rear sunshade is optional, and it includes manual rear side sunshades. Dynamic Cruise Control can gently apply the brakes to maintain the preset speed.
Under the Hood
The 328's 3.0-liter inline-six-cylinder produces 230 horsepower and 200 pounds-feet of torque. A six-speed manual gearbox is standard, and a six-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with Normal, Sport and Manual modes is optional.
Safety
Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are standard. In non-convertible models, BMW's Head Protection System uses a side curtain airbag system to protect occupants in both the front and rear seats. Seat-mounted side-impact airbags are installed up front.
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What Does the Color of Your Car Say About You?
By Alyn King
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The color car you drive actually says a lot about who you are to your friends, family, co-workers, potential dates and clients. There is some indication that the color car you drive can have as much impact on that "first impression" as the make and model. |
Here is a snapshot of what your car color is broadcasting about you:
Red
A red car indicates that you are a passionate person. You are a "take charge" kind of individual and you are at least a little wild. If you are thinking of buying a red car keep in mind that red cars still have the highest rate of theft and the highest insurance rates than any other color vehicle. Bright red paint also subconsciously sends the message that the owner is in a higher income bracket.
Orange
An orange vehicle is exceedingly hard to find. If you have an orange car you most likely crave attention. You are also generally a happy and upbeat person who enjoys being unique.
Yellow
There aren't too many yellow cars on the road either, but a few companies do put them out; think the Ford Focus and VW Bug for instance. If you drive a yellow car you are confident. You like to have fun and you embrace the child within.
Green
Green is the color of nature. The person who chooses a green car is conscientious. They tend to be the go-to person in tense situations because they know how to keep their emotions in balance.
Blue
If your car is dark blue you are likely a very loyal person. You value relationships over wealth and you are calm. Rather than stand out, you like to blend in. If your car is light blue you are serene and peaceful. You also have a strong maternal instinct.
Purple
This is the color of royalty. If you have found a purple car you are a cherished individual who loves beauty, but walks with strength and purpose.
Pink
There are few pink cars out there, but they can be found. If you have a pink car, you like to be treated with a soft touch. You like to smile and you think good health is important.
Brown
If you have a brown car that signifies that you are reliable. You are true to yourself and to those around you. You are earthy and don't engage in "showboating." You are approachable, responsible and worthy of friendship.
Black
A slick black car is the epitome of power and authority. Think CIA or Secret Service. If you have a black car, you are sending the message that you are in control and are self-assured.
White
There are many white cars on the road. What they say about their owners has a lot to do with their upkeep. A clean white car shows that you pay attention to detail. You are careful and pure. A dirty white car makes you look sloppy and indifferent.
Gray
Although gray often represents the dreary and depressing in clothes, furniture and paint, that is not the case with your gray car. A gray car is a comfortable one. It represents stability and self-reliance.
Silver
Silver cars represent prestige, wealth and luxury. The newer and shinier the car, the more this will come across.
Gold
A gold car represents wealth and pride. If you have a gold car, you likely want to be noticed. You want people to know you do not lack financially and you are independent.
Car Travel
Tips for family road trips
By Teresa Plowright
Are your family road trips relaxed rides with plenty of breaks? Or do you do car travel like a space capsule, hurtling through vast distances without a stop?
Most of us muddle through, somewhere in between. Here's tips for surviving car travel with kids.
Pace: try to allow enough time for rest stops. Two hours of car time, then a break, makes a good pattern, with young children. "Rush"is the four-letter word of Travel With Kids!
Pack: a special backpack or bag for each child, with crayons, books, toys, activity sets, stickers, handheld games-- including some new wrapped surprises for little kids. (But don't give out all the loot at once!)
Pint-sized board-games: can be a sound investment. Our favorites are Clue, Sorry, and Trouble. And a tray-- or "travel desk" suspended from the back of the front seat-- is handy, for any activity.
Pack: lots of snacks, such as fruit leathers, crackers, juice packs, treats; a small cooler, or insulated bag, for cold drinks; plastic cups; bandaids, a dishtowel; frisbee and ball for rest-stops; and baby-wipes no matter how old your kids are.
Play: stories on CD's or audiocassettes— they make the miles fly by. Play a story for the whole family on the car stereo system; or bring individual players for your kids. Visit your local library to stock up on stories.
Playrooms: Burger King and MacDonalds have great playrooms on major highways. Let the kids burn off energy while you order their food "to go" to eat later in the car.
Playgrounds: every school and most parks have them! Little limbs need to shake, rattle, and roll.
Picnics: they're fun; the kids can run around; and you save money, too. Pack your own picnic from home, or buy the fixins' at a deli or grocery store.
Potties: it's worth bringing a training pottie, if your child has need-to-go-NOW emergencies.
Pedal-to-the-metal: if you really need to hurtle from point A to B, use a DVD player or laptop, and turn your vehicle into the Cinema on the Highway.
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This Maryland town has been called "The town that fooled the British". |
Grasonville
St. Mary's
St. Michael's
Easton
See answer under Car Doctor.
Belts & Hoses
Before starting any long trip or after every 50,000 miles of use, check all of the engine's accessory belts. Today, many cars are equipped with a serpentine belt that runs all of the accessories, so if that belt breaks, you can lose your power steering, water pump and charging system immediately. Inspect the engine and look at the belt (or belts) to see if there is visible damage, abnormal wear or small hairline cracks. Replace any belt that shows signs of wear. Even if a belt appears to be in good condition, it should be replaced every 50,000 miles as preventative maintenance.
Like belts, radiator and heater hoses are also made of rubber. Their condition should be checked periodically. Both the upper and lower radiator hoses can rupture from internal pressure and age without the driver knowing it. When that happens, the coolant spews out, and the engine can seize from excessive heat buildup.
In general, inspect all hoses for wear, including hairline cracks and soft, bulging spots. Hoses that come in contact with brackets or other metal parts are prone to wear in these areas. Even if the hoses pass visual inspection, we recommend changing all the water hoses every 50,000 miles
