1997 BMW 3 Series Consumer Discussions

BMW 335i 2007+

Re: 3 Series Body Style Update [jmaroun]

Written by: shipo on Feb 11, 2008 07:14 PM

"To my knowledge, usually every three years, BMW updates minor body styling elements in their cars. Please correct me if I'm wrong." That doesn't always hold true. The 1997 debut of the E39 5-Series (which was released in late winter or early spring of 1996) lasted through the summer of 2000, effectively meaning that specific look lasted four and a half years. ... Read More...

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

Re: Insp II [megrdh1]

Written by: roadburner on Jan 05, 2008 09:34 PM

the quote $850 is cheap. I had the insp II last year on my 2001 325i for 1111.41 plus they told me to replace thermostat, water pump... and I walked out with the bill of $3040.76. Sorry, but you got hosed, plain and simple. I hope the service manager kissed you and sent flowers the next morning. My local dealer doesn't charge that much more for an Insp. II on an E46 M3- ... Read More...

Re: Keeping a BMW 3 past 100k, or for over 10 years [rjorge3]

Written by: roadburner on Nov 24, 2007 07:57 AM

Hi there, I want the input from anyone of you guys that has kept their bimmer for well over 5 years (10 preferably) or has over 100k miles. Welcome to the board! I've owned BMWs since 1983- 8 in all, and I perform a lot of the minor service and repairs myself. My wife drives a 2004 X3 while I currently run a 1995 318ti Club Sport; I'm the original owner. At 12 years, and 112,000 ... Read More...

Article Comments - Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans

Re: 2008 Motor Trend Car Of The Year... [vic10]

Written by: roadburner on Nov 23, 2007 09:27 PM

The mystique of the reliable MB or BMW is just that. And that opinion would be based on owning how many BMWs and Mercedes? I would imagine if you took a 150,000 mile BMW and compared it's maintenance cost to a 150,000 mile Caddy or Lincoln, the difference would buy a nice Harley to drive on weekends And you know that to be a fact because??? The last two BMWs that I've driven ... Read More...

BMW 335i 2007+

Re: Wow... [circlew]

Written by: roadburner on Nov 23, 2007 08:38 AM

I intend to give it back in outstanding shape so the next owner can enjoy it for many, many miles. That is as satisfying to me as getting into the next experience. I have a reputation for being obsessive about proper vehicle maintenance, and it has paid off. In late 2005 I was looking to sell my my wife's 130K 1997 528iA. Carmax offered $5000. I wound up selling the car ... Read More...

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

1997 328i

Written by: kodawg9 on Nov 11, 2007 08:54 AM

alright, so i test drove, for the first time, a BMW. it was a '97 328i auto. but i have some questions about the car. the gas pedal seemed a little heavy. i was expecting it to be light. cause for concern? i mean, is it suppose to be that way? ive been driving a dogde durango and i thought that was suppose to be heavy. also, the lights inside the car. they only turn on if you ... Read More...

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

Re: steering and over heating problems with my bmw 3 series compact se 1997 [trapedo]

Written by: roadburner on Oct 08, 2007 04:42 PM

hi i just wandered if any one could tell me if they knew why my steering keeps going really stiff and i hear a grinding sounds and then the next day its fine. Check the condition and level of the power steering fluid. The reservoir has a built-in filter which can reduce the flow of fluid, it's fairly simple to replace. .I am also having problems as my car keeps getting ... Read More...

steering and over heating problems with my bmw 3 series compact se 1997

Written by: trapedo on Oct 08, 2007 08:30 AM

hi i just wandered if any one could tell me if they knew why my steering keeps going really stiff and i hear a grinding sounds and then the next day its fine.I am also having problems as my car keeps getting air locks and overheating hope someone can give me some advice on what could be the faults thanks Read More...

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

Re: C'mon people [pat]

Written by: sevenfeet0 on Sep 23, 2007 05:23 PM

Agreed. This forum is supposed to be about things that most of us enjoy as a passtime, or certainly a drivetime. Manufacturers compete for our dollars fiercely in this space and like most things concerning marketing, most of us are conditioned to preferences after a while, even decending into "fanboyism". I admit it, I have preferences with certain brands over ... Read More...

BMW 3-Series Real World MPG

Re: What's your real-world gas mileage? [carnaught]

Written by: mrmichaelwill on Sep 04, 2007 03:35 PM

Which model is that? So far the posts here where 325i/328i/330i with mpg 20 to 30 average depending on city or highway use. I am currently pondering replacing my old battered 1997 Geo Prism with a nice 3-series BMW, but I am so used to getting 30mpg out of driving 15% city 85% highway without having to limit my desire for speed in any way (read: above 80 where traffic ... Read More...