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Re: Any Opinions? [Mr_Shiftright]
Written by: roadburner on Nov 28, 2007 9:27:18 AM
Any opinions on the reputation, durability of a 1996 BMW 318iC 5 speed, 99K miles, very good records and history, clean car? I've heard that the convertible top can have problems, but I've never looked into it since drop tops don't interest me. As far as the rest of the car, the drivetrain is just about bulletproof. The only things that seem to wear are the serpentine belt tensioner and idler ... Read More
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Any Opinions?
Written by: Mr_Shiftright on Nov 28, 2007 8:55:21 AM
Any opinions on the reputation, durability of a 1996 BMW 318iC 5 speed, 99K miles, very good records and history, clean car?
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318ti idles totutottu and jerks
Written by: hummerman1 on Nov 14, 2007 1:14:36 PM
I owned a 1996 BMW 318TI, WITH 139,000 miles, it just pass state inspection in Penn 2 weeks ago, but right after the inspection the Check engine stays on, and when try to start at first try it does not start, the starts on second try and idles smoothly for about 3o seconds and start idling and jerking at same time. Once I hit the gas it goes smoothly, but when ... Read More
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Re: Can I bring up the future "1" last time for a momment [habitat1]
Written by: rockylee on Oct 5, 2006 8:05:04 AM
A lot less nimble than their RWD counterparts. True, but they still sell quite a few for it being a BMW That's your perogative. Pay for the extra gas, ALL THE TIME. Pay for the extra maintenance and, potentially, expensive repairs down the road. And then call me up when it's pouring rain or a freak snowstorm in Texas and ask me if I want to race? No thanks. Further, I ... Read More
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Re: Can I bring up the future "1" last time for a momment [rockylee]
Written by: habitat1 on Oct 5, 2006 7:45:11 AM
"BMW, sells alot of AWD units. Are they not nimble ?" A lot less nimble than their RWD counterparts. "I'm a big AWD fan and feel quite the opposite as you. 4 wheels powering my car is always better than 2 IMHO. More grip. Audi proved it and were thus banned for using Quattro." That's your perogative. Pay for the extra gas, ALL THE TIME. Pay for the extra maintenance and, ... Read More
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Re: dave [maxidrive]
Written by: habitat1 on Aug 14, 2006 5:43:22 AM
To all stick fans: My old Dodge Caravan was a manual, so I could it a sport vehicle, right? That's nothing, our 1996 Isuzu Trooper was a 5-speed manual. And believe me, there was no "S" in driving that SUV, assuming you wanted to stay upright. But it could and did get out of snow that left slushbox Grand Cherokees stuck. With my wife at the wheel, no less. In my ... Read More
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Re: Brake Fluid Change [gordonwd]
Written by: div2 on Apr 28, 2006 7:56:08 PM
It was the same with motorcycles -- BMW is the only brand I'm aware of that wants to change brake fluid, especially that often. The maintenance chart for my 1996 Triumph Speed Triple not only demands a brake fluid change every two years, it also calls for replacing all brake/clutch hoses as well as rebuilding the brake master cylinder/calipers and the clutch master/slave cylinders every four years. And it's not that ... Read More
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Re: I'm looking into buying a 1996 328i w/ 145000 miles need advise [joan0424]
Written by: div2 on Mar 31, 2006 8:49:45 PM
Joan, you really need to have an experienced BMW tech inspect the car before you purchase. A properly maintained 328i would be a great deal for $5500; a neglected car will be a money pit. Several things could cause the cold idle problem-most are easy and inexpensive to fix, but you won't know until a good Bimmer tech checks it over. If the airbag light stays on for @2 minutes after ... Read More
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I'm looking into buying a 1996 328i w/ 145000 miles need advise
Written by: joan0424 on Mar 31, 2006 6:59:14 PM
I've always wanted a bmw because it's reliable even after hundreds of miles... I'm interested in getting a 1996 328i w/ 145000 miles on it. One owner and he has all of the service documentations... car fax came out good... the owner said he just changed the battery, tires, and fixed the power windows. He did mentioned that when he start the car in the morning it will not start right ... Read More
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First BMW
Written by: ddtigger1 on Dec 6, 2002 9:17:21 PM
Hello All, I am looking to buy my first BMW. I am looking at a 1996 328i. It has 84,000 miles automatic, and has all the bells and whistles. What can you tell me about this one? I do know it belongs to the wife of the car dealership owner,(not a BMW Dealership). I ran the vin through carfax and the and it has had two owners. They are asking $14,900.00 ... Read More
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Re: Well [habitat1]
Written by: brightness04 on Mar 1, 2006 8:42:27 PM
You think so? Seven years ago (at 40) she ran the Marine Corp. Marathon 5 months after a C-section and beat the time she last ran it at the age of 25. Last year, she beat that time at the Boston Marathon. Driving a manual transmission may be a challenge for you (and/or your wife if you have one), but it is hardly something my wife would consider a badge of ... Read More
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Re: Well [brightness04]
Written by: habitat1 on Mar 1, 2006 5:30:37 AM
Check your own calendar . . . some people are now marvelling at the 306hp output from the 3L turbo that BMW is releasing this month . . . the ancient Supra 3L turbo made 320hp over a decade ago. Yes, the $50k+ 1996 Supra TT had 320 horsepower. And, other than in a straight line at the Bonneville Salt Flats, a $33k 240 hp 2006 Honda S2000 will outperform it ... Read More
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Re: Well [habitat1]
Written by: brightness04 on Feb 28, 2006 9:10:04 PM
I'll give you about 6 good reasons we got a 1996 Trooper with a 5-speed: (1) Initial cost - Saved $1,000 over a crappy slushbox. That may have been the case with the ancient Trooper, but does not make any sense with the desire for manual MDX. (2) Potential maintenance and repairs - none were required, but automatic repalcements were $1,500 more than a clutch replacement. Manual clutches don't exactly last ... Read More
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Re: Well [brightness04]
Written by: habitat1 on Feb 28, 2006 2:51:49 PM
"Now, can you give me a good reason why anyone would want a manual with big hulking full-size SUV's like the Trooper and MDX? Certainly not performance, I hope" I'll give you about 6 good reasons we got a 1996 Trooper with a 5-speed: (1) Initial cost - Saved $1,000 over a crappy slushbox. (2) Potential maintenance and repairs - none were required, but automatic repalcements were $1,500 more than a ... Read More
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Re: Lexus the Mighty [pg48477]
Written by: thegraduate on Feb 22, 2006 7:41:24 AM
Actually TL will do quite well in the exercise, it does handle well on high speeds. Acceleration and turning at around 20-30 can be a problem. Torque steer is not noticeable at 90 MPH. To get BMW one need to drive it on the curvy roads, I was very surprised that TL got better numbers that 3, it does have wider tires up front, might not feel as good as 3 ... Read More
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Re: Lexus the Mighty [jaxrunner]
Written by: rats13 on Feb 21, 2006 11:56:12 PM
Honetly I'm coming out of a 1996 Accord so either car would be plenty fast and fun for me. Trust me I am in your boat in that I was waaayyyy more comfortable buy a Lexus vs BMW but I am taking the plunge on the BMW mostly due to tight interior space. BTW the previous 3-series get pretty dang good reliability ratings from consumer reports.
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STOP THIS CAR LISTING NONSENSE!!!
Written by: ubrsf on Jul 19, 2002 2:42:20 PM
this is ridiculous!! Who gives a rats a**! 1978 Cutlass Supreme 1989 GMC Sierra S-15 1996 Nissan Pathfinder 2002 BMW 330i
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a history of automotive infidelity.
Written by: getz1 on Jul 19, 2002 8:30:42 AM
-1986 Pontiac 6000 LE -1986 Chevy Z28 totalled >> 1986 V6 Camaro for insurance purposes -1988 Honda Accord -1989 Honda Prelude -1991 Honda Prelude -1993 Hyundai Elantra -1996 Nissan Sentra -1996 Infiniti G20 -1997 Toyota Paseo -1999 infiniti G20 -1999 BMW 323i (E46) -2000 Honda Civic -2000 Honda Accord V6 Coupe -2001 Honda Accord V6 Sedan -2001 Nissan Pathfinder -2002 Nissan Maxima When I married my wife I told her she ... Read More
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Since I was just an observer on this board till now....
Written by: mbarto on Jul 18, 2002 7:44:50 PM
here's my vehicle history: 1977 Dodge Van (New) - My first vehicle. Customized it myself, bed and all. "Chickmobile" - until it got totaled by a head on - not my fault. But I was blessed I lived, the other driver died. 1976 Chevy El Camino SS (Used) - My van replacement from the insurance settlement. 1978 Fiat X-19 (Used) - Brainwashed by the movie "Breaking Away" and since I had ... Read More
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Auto.........Biography
Written by: twoof1 on Jul 18, 2002 7:17:40 AM
First let me preface this list with 3 comments 1. I'm really not THAT old (41) 2. I drive a ton of miles and beat up cars pretty fast. 3. This list is for my wife (of 17 years) and me. 1961 Chevy Nova II wagon (inline 6) 1976 Plymouth Arrow Coupe 1982 Mazda 626 Coupe 1984 Honda Civic 1988 Ford Escort GT 1990 Honda CRX SI (pocket rocket) 1992 Honda ... Read More
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I'll tag along
Written by: seivwrig on Jul 18, 2002 12:29:52 AM
Been young, I have not owned many cars. I have owned more bicycles. Also, been British, I grew up on mass transit (aka buses and trains). 1984 Pontiac Sunbird Station Wagon-My parent's car bought new while in Syracuse, NY. Learned to drive on this car. No appeal when your a teenager trying to pickup women in Miami Beach. In 1988, I bought a 1978 Mercury Zephyr coupe. I was big and ... Read More
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My Car History
Written by: abcnyc on Jul 17, 2002 6:45:17 PM
This list is a combination of my wife's and my cars throughout the years. 1979 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme 1979 Mazda RX-7 1984 Mazda 626 1984 Mazda RX-7 GSL-SE 1985 Enault LeCar (2nd car - beater for winter) 1886 Honda Civic (got married - wife's car) 1987 Mazda RX-7 1988 Mitsubishi Mirage (wife's car) 1989 Geo Storm 1990 Toyota Paseo 1990 Toyota Corolla (wife's car) 1993 Ford Explorer (wife's car, I inherited ... Read More
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JingleJill et al.
Written by: eos on Jul 17, 2002 4:02:19 PM
My vote would be Orient Blue -- it's a bit less common than black, and may show swirl marks, etc. a it less (anyway, my wife wanted it, so she got it). It's a beautiful color, IMHO. The last few posts make me feel a little less old, but ... 1955 Chevy BelAir (saved for me by my Dad, and totaled by me sophomore year of college). 1962 Renault Dauphine (summer ... Read More
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my turn...
Written by: kominsky on Jul 17, 2002 2:00:11 PM
(1980); '69 Dodge Charger R/T - 2 weeks later, Mr. Mopar met Mr. Immovable Object (1980); '71 Cadillac Sedan DeVille - can you say "Party Car"? (1980); '77 Kawasaki KZ650 (1981); '77 Kawasaki KZ650 #2 (#1 disfigured by old man, wearing hat, turning left) (1983); '79 Dodge Power Wagon - when it rained, it didn't run. :-( (1984); '79 Jeep CJ5 (still have) (1984); '76 MG Midget (1985); '85 Honda Nighthawk ... Read More
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Not Sure You'd Be Happy
Written by: riez on Jul 4, 2002 7:42:38 AM
rjg96... You appear to have very high standards. Methinks you might be a bit too picky and a bit unrealistic. I've got a 323iA and a 540i6. While I totally agree with you that BMW needs to address these niggling issues like squeaks, rattles, etc. think both the 3 and 5 Series share many of them. Both of my cars have their share of little noises (squeaks, creaks, groans, rattles, whines). ... Read More
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South African Build Quality, Cost, & Time
Written by: riez on Jun 5, 2002 3:51:04 PM
The 11/24/01 issue of NY Times, Business Section, had a cover story titled "A Quest to Promote the Quality of Cars Made in South Africa." By Henri E. Cauvin. Toyota, VW, Ford, GM, Nissan, BMW, and DC all build vehicles in SA. The list is in descending order of production, 2000 year data. Gives some history of BMW in SA. How they have fully owned or controlled their subsidiary since the ... Read More
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1johann
Written by: nyccarguy on May 23, 2002 12:24:37 PM
BMW's all season traction has been standard on the 3 series since 1996. I believe Dynamic Stability Control is also standard on all 1999-2000 BMW 3 series. Snow tires: That's a sore subject that often pops up frequently on this (and many other) boards. The general consensus is that if you have a RWD BMW equipped with all season tires, AST, & DSC that you should be fine especially in your ... Read More
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Changing Over Time
Written by: riez on Jan 24, 2004 1:39:02 PM
kdshapiro... Rising prices and falling reliability was primarily in reference to European marques like BMW, MB, Audi, and Jaguar. The initial onslaught of Acura, Lexus and Infiniti from about 1986-1992 forced these marques to hold down prices and improve quality. They did this for about 6 years or so. But then they decided to be at the leading edge of all things electronic, gizmos, and gadgets. BMW 8 Series led the ... Read More
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Catching up -
Written by: brave1heart on Dec 12, 2003 8:52:27 PM
A couple of years ago, I wrote a somewhat "brave" pricing comparison of the 325 and the 330 here: KarenS "BMW 3-Series Owners: FAQ" Jun 1, 2001 12:46pm NYC, I read the ZHP review in Roundel. They mentioned that it hit 123 mph on back straight at Watkins Glen. I hit 115 mph in the same section with my 325i. Not too shabby for a car that's 10 grand cheaper. I ... Read More
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Seivwrig
Written by: shipo on May 8, 2002 8:31:08 AM
I hear ya, when I got back from Europe, and got back into my 328i, I had BMW envy too. ;-) I actually find that kind of ironic, given that the last time I was in Europe (1996) I had a BMW 318i rental car, and at the time, I had VW envy, as I could not wait to get back home and drive my VR6 Passat GLX 5-Speed. My how ... Read More
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LeeNelsonMD
Written by: shipo on May 1, 2002 1:40:50 PM
Yes, you can rent BMWs in Europe; however, it is more than just a little expensive to rent one with a sizeable engine. When I was working for MBUSA over in Stuttgard (in 1996), due to the fact that I am a Consultant, I was not allowed to drive one of the Company MBs (for insurance reasons). As a result, they rented me several BMWs, which if I remember the pricing, ... Read More
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thanks div2
Written by: kellyman on Jun 1, 2003 1:40:25 PM
The 1996 328i has two pedals. The owner is the original, all service records are available. Sonnen BMW re built transmission at 105k. All scheduled services completed. What do you think?
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Fomentar
Written by: shipo on Apr 3, 2003 9:01:12 PM
I too have experienced a momentary hesitation before the brakes "Grab" and you start to slow down. Having said that, I have noticed this phenomena on any number of cars from Europe, not just BMWs. The worst offender was my 1995 VR6 Passat GLX in the cold/wet conditions. I did occasionally notice it on my former 328i as well, and to a lesser degree on my current 530i. When I worked ... Read More
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Press release from bmwusa.com
Written by: kdshapiro on Mar 27, 2003 6:07:09 PM
The BMW 5 Series was named a AAA Auto Guide award winner in the $35,000 - $40,000 category. This is the second year in a row that the 5 Series has won this award, and the fifth time that AAA has awarded the 5 Series. AAA Auto Guide ratings for each vehicle are based on comprehensive reviews conducted for AAA Auto Guide: 2003 New Cars and Trucks, an annual book of ... Read More
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Making a convincing argument
Written by: nyccarguy on Mar 22, 2003 3:23:03 PM
Well, those of you who subscribe to autoweek read the great article about being the car guy and other who ask for your advice and then do exactly the opposite of what you advise them to do. Here's kind of an opposite senario: My buddy in SoCal leases a 2001 Range Rover (I know, totally unecessary) is way over his mileage (but he writes it all off anyway) and owns a ... Read More
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brave1heart
Written by: div2 on Mar 1, 2003 6:15:36 PM
I got popped for 92 in a 65 back in 1996. I had my V1 but the bogey paced me from behind. I had broken a cardinal road warrior rule-I wasn't checking my Six. I was preoccupied(my mother-in-law had just suffered a coronary and we were driving to the hospital) and driving the Hellrot Club Sport. It also didn't help that my side window sported a "BMW CCA Club Racing" sticker ... Read More
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Morning!
Written by: gurumike on Jul 29, 2001 9:59:45 AM
Brave1Heart - 1. No. It's a little better. 2. No. 3. Depends on who it's for. Although I have in the past done exhaust etc, I'm quite happy now with just the intake. I'd say that you either just do the intake or the whole lot. Some people do the exhaust for looks/sound. Jon Shafer recently got a Racing Dynamics exhaust and the ECIS intake but he has yet to do ... Read More
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silverprincess
Written by: gurumike on Jul 9, 2001 6:08:35 PM
Just got back from busy day at work. First chance to read the board. Firstly, points regarding his knowledge, or lack of it, would best be emailed to me. It's not really what the boards for. But, since it's now a topic, I have a few observations. My colleague is, I feel, an above average car salesman. He has an Internet computer in his office at work and DSL & cable ... Read More
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Platypus, BmwWagonMaster, Brave1heart, & Roc50mg
Written by: shipo on Jun 21, 2001 10:59:53 PM
Platypus, Contrats on getting your 330i, again. BmwWagonMaster, Thanks for the link, I printed the page for posterity (and my "Cool Stuff" files). For some reason, it printed like beep on the LaserJet, fortunately however, the page looks great when printed on the DeskJet in "HiRes" mode. Brave1heart, Good stuff that. Puts grins on both of your faces. Funny story about the SLK; I had to come back to the US ... Read More
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Thanks for the responses...
Written by: shipo on May 22, 2001 1:26:40 PM
I forgot about the taxes here in New Jersey, I used to live in Illinois where all of the tax is paid up front, even on a lease. It seems that the best plan would be to negotiate a deal with my local BMW dealer to split the profit and skip the taxes by rolling my share into a new leased 330i. Keeping my car is certainly a very good option ... Read More
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Brave1heart
Written by: shipo on May 7, 2001 4:23:50 PM
No, unfortunately. When I was with Mercedes-Benz, I wrote some fairly large computer systems for them here in the States. The Germans, who are notorious for wanting things done their way, actually liked what I did here. As a result, I spent almost a year working with a captive company of theirs over in Germany converting my system to their standards. All of this was happening in 1996, while at the ... Read More
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Missed 2 days, time to catch up...
Written by: shipo on May 2, 2001 1:40:53 PM
Braveheart: ARMREST: When I bought my 328i a couple of years ago, I test drove a 5-Series with a manual transmission as well as the 3er. In the 5, I found that my elbow would always hit the armrest on the 1-3 or 3-2 shifts. During the test drive, I missed second three times, arrrrrghhh, how embarrassing. In the 328i, at least for 1999, BMW has cut a notch out of ... Read More
