2012 BMW 328i
The 2012 BMW 328i is a sedan. It has a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 240 hp (179 kW), with an 8-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive. 0–60 mph takes 5.8 seconds and top speed is 155 mph (249 km/h).
ABOUT THE 2012 BMW 328I
The 2012 BMW 328i saloon marks the North American debut of the sixth-generation 3 Series (F30). It replaced the 3.0-litre six of the previous 328i with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, the N20, producing 240 hp and 255 lb-ft, and drives the rear wheels. This entry covers the version with the eight-speed automatic; a six-speed manual was also available.
Launch of the F30
The F30 saloon went on sale in early 2012, so the 2012 328i is a launch-year car. It was longer and roomier than the E90 it replaced. Engine start-stop and a selectable Eco Pro driving mode were introduced to the 3 Series with this generation. The two-door 3 Series continued on the older platform for the time being, later becoming the 4 Series.
What it is like
The turbocharged four delivers more torque lower in the rev range than the old six, and the eight-speed automatic helps it achieve better economy, rated at 23 mpg city and 33 mpg highway (about 10.2 and 7.1 L/100km). Electric power steering replaced the hydraulic system of the E90, which some enthusiasts felt reduced feedback.
Practicality
The longer wheelbase improved rear legroom over the E90, and the boot is a useful size for a compact executive saloon.
Buying one today
The N20’s most widely reported issue is wear of the timing chain guides, which can lead to chain failure if ignored, particularly on earlier engines. Oil leaks from the valve cover and oil filter housing gaskets, and electric coolant pump failures, are also commonly reported.
Rivals
Competitors included the Audi A4 2.0T, Mercedes-Benz C250, Lexus IS 250 and Infiniti G37.
Written by CarDetails.org. Last reviewed October 31, 2026.
SPECS
| Make | BMW | Model | 328i |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year | 2012 | Version / Trim | BMW 2012 328i |
| Body Style | Sedan | Doors | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | Ext. Colour | Alpine White, Jet Black, Black Sapphire Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Titanium Silver Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Mineral Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Carbon Black Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic |
| Steering | LHD / RHD | Manufactured In | Germany |
| Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD) | Transmission | Automatic (S8) |
| Engine | 2.0L 4-cyl Turbo | Engine Size | 2,000 cc |
| Power | 240 hp / 179 kW | Torque | 350 Nm / 255 lb-ft |
| 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) | 5.8 sec | Top Speed | 155 mph (249 km/h) |
| Fuel Economy | 23 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy | ||
| Wheelbase | 2,810 mm | Kerb Weight | 1,565 kg (3,450 lb) |
HOW IT COMPARES WITH OTHER 2012 SEDANS
Compared with other 2012 sedans in our database, its 240 hp is 13% less than the average 2012 sedan (276 hp), and it reaches 60 mph 1.2 seconds quicker than average.
| 2012 BMW 328i | Average 2012 sedans | Difference | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 240 hp | 276 hp (119 cars) | -13% |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 355 Nm (119 cars) | -1% |
| 0–60 mph | 5.8 s | 7.0 s (121 cars) | -17% |
| Top speed | 155 mph | 137 mph (121 cars) | +13% |
| Kerb weight | 1,565 kg | 1,623 kg (138 cars) | -4% |
| Engine size | 2,000 cc | 3,193 cc (135 cars) | -37% |
Averages are calculated from all cars of the same model year and body type in the CarDetails.org database that have the figure listed. For 0–60 mph, a negative difference means quicker.
CLOSEST RIVALS
Other 2012 sedans with similar power to the 2012 BMW 328i.
| Car | Power | 0–60 mph | Kerb weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 BMW 328i | 240 hp | 5.8 s | 1,565 kg |
| 2012 Volvo S60 AWD | 240 hp | 7.0 s | 1,650 kg |
| 2012 Audi A6 | 252 hp | 6.0 s | 1,705 kg |
| 2012 Subaru Legacy AWD | 256 hp | 7.6 s | 1,465 kg |
| 2012 Hyundai Azera | 263 hp | 7.5 s | 1,630 kg |