1996 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

Maybe Will Keep Another 50,000

Written by: PAUL WILSON on 07/04/2007

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan

Review

I purchased the car while living in Germany, although it was a U.S. made car. I now have 205,000 miles and I have always had it serviced at authorized BMW dealers. No engine or transmission repairs ever. It is a really fun car to drive, and overall I would say economical. The first five years of my ownership were in Germany, and the car really did well at high speeds. On the Autobahn I usually drove 85-95 MPH, but I have driven it as fast as 140 MPH with no problems. Although the car has 205,000 miles on it I think it will be good for at least another 50,000 or more.

Favorite Features

Reliability. I have only had one breakdown, which was a throttle cable disconnecting, just last week. It was fixed by a bystander. Other favorite feature is range - I often drive 500 miles on one fillup.

Suggested Improvements

It would be hard for me to find anything they could improve upon. Some of BMW's recent improvements, such as no oil dipstick and the runflat tires make me think I will keep the car a have for a few thousand more miles.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Great little coupe

Written by: Hellrot on 04/20/2007

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328is Coupe

Review

Very comfortable highway car. I'm 6'3" 220 lbs. and I have plenty of room. It has plenty of power for the highway and is very agile in city traffic. The central locking system these Germans designed is a tough one to figure out. That's my only beef. The car is very tight, solid. At high speeds it is quiet and smooth. You definitely have to pay attention to your speed or set the cruise control otherwise you'll be traveling 80+ mph and not realize it. It handles like it is on rails but still maintains a smooth ride quality. This is my first BMW. I have owned 30 different cars over the last 30+ years. This car impressed me so much that I'll be adding another BMW to my collection very soon.

Favorite Features

The layout of the controls. Duel heating and a/c zones. I like it cool, the little lady likes it hot, with the duel zone we are both happy. The factory stereo is on of the best sounding stock systems I have heard. The trunk lid opens really far out of your way. High quality interior components.

Suggested Improvements

Simplify the central locking system. Make the delay wiper mode so it can be adjusted by the driver, speed up or slow down. I find the single preset unadjustable wiper delay to be to slow for any rain situation above a slight drizzle.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Genuinely fun but not for everyone

Written by: Michael on 01/04/2007

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328is Coupe

Review

BMWs have the reputation of being a car for those to whom driving is more than just getting from point A to point B and this car shows why. It's sophisticated fun especially with a five speed and good tires. Turns everyday boring drives into something to be enjoyed. However on an older car like this you better know how to work on it yourself or know a good independent mechanic who can. A dealer can be really expensive. It's just the price you pay for owning an out of warranty performance car. If you want basic transportation with minimum $$ for maintenance better find something more reliable.

Favorite Features

Really shows its stuff on curvey back roads especially with high performance tires. Torquey engine gets 30+ MPG. Brakes are superb. Lots of aftermarket equipment available. Plenty of help available on line from fellow enthusiasts.

Suggested Improvements

Needs warning label stating "Caution this car tends to incite Mario Andretti like behavior."

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Great Value...

Written by: BigMikeyP on 05/08/2006

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318ti Hatchback

Review

This is possibly the most reliable car made in the last 20 years. Mine has 193K miles and has yet to have any major mechanical problems. It has never broken down and I don't detect a drop in performance. Its not a great long distance car as it can ride a little stiff. The other problem is noise at 70+ mph. It can also get lite in the rain, especially at high speeds. Interestingly enough, it seems unstable at 70mph (dry road) but sits down nicely and rides beautifully at 85+mph. Clearly a car built for the autobon. My parting though is that I love this car and intend to drive it for another 60+K miles.

Favorite Features

Handling and gas milage. I have been able to dodge dangerous items in the middle of my lane at night at very high speeds with ease on numerous occasions.

Suggested Improvements

It's a discontinued model. Grab one if you see it. It's worth the money.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

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My First BMW

Written by: Yves on 05/06/2006

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328i Convertible

Review

I couldn't pass up the opportunity to buy this car. I have never owned anything close to this car before. I have driven many north american and a few european models and this car's driving experience exceeded all of those and my expectations. The engine is silky smooth right to the redline and puts out plenty of go. Although the auto transmission may not provide as much pure joy as the stick, the manual shift option comes close. The suspension is pure genius. Never too harsh, it provides a stable, confidence inspiring platform at any speed or road condition. Drop the top, and this little white car goes from attractive to gorgeous. Every time I drive it, I can't stop smiling.

Favorite Features

The drop top transforms this car from solid performer to a wonderful driving experience. The very comfortable heated seats are a like the suspension; perfect for any condition. Auto climate control works seamlessly. For do it yourselfers like me, oil and plug changes are a breeze.

Suggested Improvements

OK, let's be honest. The original sound system is barely adequate. The trunk can maybe take weekend stuff for 2 with strategic packing. And the electronics seem way too complex and therefore prone to failure. Any serious malfunction will likely involve a Break My Wallet repair facility.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Bang for the Buck

Written by: chris on 12/02/2005

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

Had this car for over 10 years and 180,000 miles and the car is still going strong. Body is sturdy and still no creaks or rattles whatsoever. Maintenance is cheaper than my Honda since parts don't break down or rust as much. Excellent fuel mileage and very practical due to the folding seats. Excellent handling. This car can take curves and corners at high speeds. I've almost run off roads with rental cars since I'm used to how this car handles. It would have been better if this had a 6 cylinder engine, but it holds up more than repectably when pushed at higher rpms. Torque is strong at all rpms. Too bad they stopped making this model. Europe still has it with 6 cylinder models.

Favorite Features

- Extremely comfortable seats - Folding rear seats - Fuel mileage - Strong body

Suggested Improvements

- Bring it back with a stronger engine - Inside finish could be more in par with higher end 3 series. Looks a little cheap

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Fun to drive, not to fix

Written by: Tony on 06/22/2005

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan

Review

I just recently (may 2005) got hold of a 1996 318 automatic. Owner before me had taken good care of it. I haven't had any major problems (other than normal wear parts) with it so far (crosses fingers) and i just passed 100K. Check engine light came on for a "low pressure cat. converter" code, but i had that code cleared at a shop and it hasn't come on again. Gas mileage is great, i use 92 or higher, 94 if i can find it... (owners manual recommends 91 but gas cap says minimum is 89) I've taken a 393 mile trip 3 times in this car and I can drive straight through and still have a quarter tank left...with the AC running full blast going up hills...which is even better mpg than my 97 accord

Favorite Features

MPG, sporty performance, speed sensing steering, quiet interior, power/automatic everything...lots of gadgets for a small car

Suggested Improvements

I wish mine was a 5 speed, and had the sport suspension, ride is kinda soft with normal suspension. It wouldn't hurt to have a bit more HP & low end torque (maybe 150~160 instead of the 138Hp stock)

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Amazing Car though not for everyone

Written by: russ on 05/10/2005

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

Great car, love it but know what you are getting. Reliability: car will require some maintenance. Also reliability will vary with treatment more than some other cars, consider this when buying used. You will get electrical problems like brake light/check engine, do me a favor and don't buy/complain about this as it is not a "real" problem. Performance: depends on what you are comparing it to. Great compared to average cars: civic, grand am, saturn, etc. good driving experience corners well, accelerates, rear wheel drive which is completely under appreciated. Good blend of comfort and sport handling. But it is not a really fast car you will wish you had an M3 at times; though you can mod.

Favorite Features

Everything has a purpose and makes sense. 29 mpg when driving ~70 mph. great feel.

Suggested Improvements

Don't make an automatic, can't imagine driving this car like that. Really though, not too much to improve - some won't like cupholders.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Boston Green 318I Sedan

Written by: Justin James on 03/03/2005

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan

Review

I recently purchased this car during the summer, and it was the best money I ever spent. The car itself has a sporty and sleek design. Although it is a 96' it still gives other cars of that year a run for their money. Over all the 1.9L doch engine gives it a fairy quick acceleration which can be put to the test with the 4 speed tiptronic. This car will respond with elequence and grace toward any turn you put in fornt of it. Due to the German sport tuned suspention. The boston green with a metalic flake compliments the light tan interior very well. Instumentation and acessories inside the car are of excellent quality and are easily viewed. Overall it is the best car I've ever owned.

Favorite Features

My favorite features of this car is the tiptronic transmission, optional traction control,1.9l instead of the 1.8l,sports car feel in a sedan,mechanical reliability,great gas mileage,large sedan ride in a small compact,all power acessories.

Suggested Improvements

larger cabin space, slightly larger 4cyl,

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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328i=Permasmile

Written by: Matt Van Dyke on 10/08/2004

Vehicle

1996 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

Parts can be expensive, but most problems very easy to fix. This car is still tight and rattle free after 120k miles. I love it and will buy another BMW. Actually, I don't think I'll buy anything else again.

Favorite Features

Great looks, good performance, very solid

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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