By Colin on 03/01/05 13:47 PM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
After years of BMW hating, my girlfriend finally convinced me to take one for a test drive. I drove an E46 325i (which I loved but did not find the price very inviting) and then my now E36 328i. Never have I experienced a car that is so connected to the driver and is able to "read" what I am doing next. For roughly $13k for a nice, low mileage example, there is simply no better car to buy than an e36 BMW. What a car! Much like an old Z, this is a car that I am kicking myself over for not discovering earlier. I bought mine from the dealership for an excellent price (With a 100k mile warranty included!) as a one owner, full history car. For those of you without one, you are truly missing out!
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful
By B-Man68 on 01/06/05 14:13 PM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
A lot of fun to drive but maintenance costs are very high. When my transmission went out I learned that BMW claims the earlier 328's have a "lifetime transmission" with a "lifetime fill" of fluid and do not recommend a tranny service. I followed the recommended maintenance to a T and never had the tranny serviced. Replacing it cost me over $4k. Had I had it serviced it would not have failed when it did. BMW now recommends a tranny service on newer models but still not on the older ones. Even the fluid mfg's recommend changing the fluid. Where BMW came up with the "lifetime" claim is beyond me. I ended up getting the money I spent on the new tranny back through small claims court.
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By HL1981 on 10/18/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 318i 4dr Sedan
Review
This car is so fun to drive!
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By Trin->Starr on 08/24/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
I bought my BM used in 2002, and this
car is AMAZING. There are few quirks
that seem to happen with all BMWs but
they are not life threatening, or
highly irritating. I would definitely
recommend this car to anyone.
Dealership fees are a bit exorbitant,
but look around where you live, you
will find some that specialize in BMWs
and other german cars. The internet
also has a great repository of
information on how to fix/repair, and
troubleshoot. Most of them can be done
by yourself
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By DPoon on 07/20/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
I had no intention of buying a BMW
when I bought this car. It had been
traded in 2 days before and was in
perfect condition. It only had 48k on
it. I did the test drive and there
was no question about buying it.
Surprisingly, the price was
excellent. Much lower than I though a
BMW should be.
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By Trish Arnold on 06/06/04 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
I have wanted a BMW 3 series since the
mid 90's. I finally bought a '98 328i
this year and I LOVE it!!! I have owned
brand new cars that weren't as tight as
this car! It's beautiful, handles
fantastic, and is SO much fun to drive,
I find myself making excuses to drive
it!
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By Hotdog2020 on 04/03/04 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
Owned car for 2.5 years and still have
a huge smile on my face! This is the
car that keeps on giving. My wife (not
a car nut like me)after driving the car
for a short errand will enter the room
and still comments "nice car".
Excellent handling and power. Some
cars may do better in other areas,
however, when you take the sum of all
the parts,handling,power,fuel
economy,safety and resale value, nobody
beats BMW. I could have bought a brand
new Taurus and after 5 years what would
you have.
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By Andy S on 07/16/03 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
I love driving my 328i. The steering,
throttle response, pedal placement,
driving position, etc. were very well
done. The down side is the know list
of "common E36 problems" that I keep
having to fix. Expect to replace front
ball joints and rear shock mounts.
Also, it's just a matter of time before
some component of the cooling system
will fail.
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By mjsaad on 04/19/03 00:00 AM (PDT)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
I have loved this car for the past 5
years UNTIL I have had two repairs
totalling $1,000.00 already and the
issue is in the high cost of the
parts. The fuel pump costed $250,
which can be argued as my fault, BUT
the $900 bill for fixing a leaking air
condensor and drier was ridiculous.
What is next? Maybe the $5,000 +
engine? I am now concerned and am
ready to trade in this car for another
brand.
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By cats-rule on 04/03/03 00:00 AM (PST)
Vehicle
1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Review
I love this car, but hate the
maintenance. I did not want to have
this close a relationship with a
service department. The service
department is great and they treat you
well, but they charge you tons of
money and your car is there a lot.
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