1998 BMW M3 Review

Awesome Car, Hope it Lasts Forever!

Written by: M3 Cruzer on 07/10/2009

Vehicle

1998 BMW M3 4 Dr M3 Sedan

Review

I love this car. I wish it would last forever. I bought it used with 15K miles on it in 2002. I have driven it 90K+ miles with 100% reliability, it has never broken down once. This car is so much fun to drive that I can't imagine stepping down to any other car. I am forever spoiled! With 105K miles, this car still feels new. This is not exactly an inexpensive car to own. I get about 23 MPG in mixed city/hwy driving. Tires cost $1K every 25K miles. I have probably spent $5K+ on routine maintenance during the seven years I have owned it. Who cares though, what I love about this car is that it has 4 doors, hauls, gets 23+ MPG, has achieved 100% reliability to date, and is a blast to drive.

Favorite Features

Comfy seats, excellent 5-speed transmission, hauls, decent gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Improve the climate control system.

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Commute to Work & Run at the Glen

Written by: Melitameister on 07/27/2008

Vehicle

1998 BMW M3 4 Dr M3 Sedan

Review

In my 60s and after driving economy family cars for many years, a friend gave me low down on E36 M3s. Found one cheap with 95k on odometer. Now, excited every time I climb in, even just for the short drive to work. Recently signed up for BMW Club "driver's school" at Watkins Glen and got to run total of over 100 minutes over two days hitting 130, sliding through corners at 80 and passing some hot cars. Will be doing that again! The feel of the road in this thing is so perfect you can't imagine the fun. Plenty of smooth power at all speeds. Quiet, winding country roads are heaven on earth. Shoot past cars when passing. Best way to have an affordable world class driving experience.

Favorite Features

Total control through corners. Family car & race car in one (four doors!). Strong, tight and built for rough handling.

Suggested Improvements

Wish for even more power to hang with 'vets. Ride on bad roads a bit harsh for passengers.

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A Quality Car You Will Enjoy

Written by: Bryan Delong on 07/05/2008

Vehicle

1998 BMW M3 2 Dr M3 Convertible

Review

This is a well engineered car that is a blast to drive. The car is balanced and poised on either back roads or the highway. Maintenance costs can be high, but this is the trade off for owning a great sports car. My M is ten years old and still handles and drives better than many new cars. The convertible may not be for everyone, but I love the top down cruising. Find one that has been taken care of and you will not regret it.

Favorite Features

In-line six engine. Handling.

Suggested Improvements

Interior plastics

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Classic BMW. . .

Written by: E.Monk on 04/19/2008

Vehicle

1998 BMW M3 2 Dr M3 Coupe

Review

This car is simply amazing. I have driven it for ten years and loved every day of it. I am still excited every time I get in the car to drive. Although not a "beast" as far as power is concerned, the '98 M3 can out-handle just about any other car on the road. The ride is adequately comfortable, yet the suspension gives every turn a sporty feel. For the most part, this car has been trouble-free (albeit only 55kish miles; water pump, clutch replacement). Some minor complaints: wish there was a 6th gear, fog lights seem to crack easily, poor air conditioning.

Favorite Features

Dakar yellow color - absolutely stunning. Performance. Traction control system makes the rear wheel drive very manageable in snowy weather, especially with all-weather tires. Traction control can also be turned off for sweet burnouts and donuts :) (and hence, my clutch replacement).

Suggested Improvements

Besides the minor complaints listed above, I think BMW pretty much perfected the E36 M3.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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The best there is

Written by: MARKSS on 08/19/2007

Vehicle

1998 BMW M3 4 Dr M3 Sedan

Review

I have had my M3 for almost 2 years now and absolutely love it. It is powerful, agile, looks great, and still feels solid even with 113,000 miles on the tach. Only a few problems; ac is very weak and some of the LEDs on the dash are going out, but hey, the car is almost 10 years old. I love how my M3 communicates with the road; the newer BMWs aren't as in tune with the driver. It definitely inspires confidence on the track, although winter driving is very scary. If you can afford to, have a different car for the winter (if you live in a state like Colorado). I plan on driving this car until the wheels fall off. By the way things are looking, that will be a very long time from now.

Favorite Features

Power, handling (like it's on rails), build quality, looks.

Suggested Improvements

Maybe bigger culpholders.

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