Get the Best Priced BMW 328xi Parts

The first of BMW's 3 Series of compact executive sedans was introduced in 1975 with a two door coupe. Since then, additional styles offered by the German automaker include hatchbacks, station wagons, cabriolets and four door sedans. Comprising almost one third of all BMW's sales in the U.S., the 3 Series is easily the company's most popular product.

U.S. drivers were still reeling from the price shocks caused by the Arab Oil Embargo two years earlier when the first BMW 3 Series arrived in dealer showrooms. That first model was powered by an efficient inline four, bringing welcome relief to American motorists. Eventually, the U.S. economy absorbed those price increases and motorists became used to paying between 53 and 63 cents per gallon. By then, BMW was offering a more powerful inline six. A few years later, the four cylinder model got an upgrade; the BMW S14 featured a dual overhead cam system, increasing performance. It was during the 1980s that BMW expanded its 3 Series to include station wagons and convertible cabiolet models.

In 1994, BMW attempted to introduce its "Compact," a hatchback economy car. Although it sold well in Europe, it didn't go over so well in the North American market. The 90s also saw the introduction of the sequential manual transmission, which requires that the driver select gears in numerical order. Although common on motorcycles and racing vehicles, it was quite unusual for a street car to have such a transmission. Nonetheless, the 3 Series reached its peak of popularity during the 1990s, reaching Car & Driver magazine's list of the "10 Best Cars" each year.

Currently, the BMW 3 Series holds the coveted title of the best selling luxury car in the U.S. Part of the reason is its relatively low sticker price; a base model BMW 3 starts out at less than $35,000, making it a good choice for first time BMW buyers. For a sedan, handling and performance are definitely above par. For that base price, the customer enjoys a six-speed manual transmission, upscale 10-speaker stereo system, dual automatic climate control, front and rear curtain air bags, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlamps. For an extra $500, one can also get folding rear seats, expanding the trunk space.

The BMW Series offers many engine choices as well as a hybrid version that averages up to 72 miles per gallon. The only complaint that is commonly heard about the BMW 3 Series is the engine's "start stop" system. This function, available on the base model, shuts down the engine when the vehicle is stopped for signals, train tracks or road construction sites. Unfortunately, it's unpredictable, and causes the entire vehicle to shake then the engine restarts. Fortunately, drivers have the option of disabling this feature, which is highly recommended.

Even though the BMW 328xi is a high performance vehicle as is, owners frequently like to enhance their vehicles with BMW 328xi performance parts. Go to PartsGeek.com for the best prices on BMW 328xi parts and accessories for all your repair and maintenance needs.