1997 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

Practical BMW

Written by: RHartounian on 09/12/2006

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan

Review

I have always loved BMWs. This one is not any less of a BMW. It has good handling and good torque in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear. I wish it had a sixth gear. This car has a very tight gear ratio so in the 5th gear at 80 mph the engine is begging for another gear. Too bad! The glove compartment is really poor, though. Everything you place inside, it keeps rolling out. I love the E30 glove box much more. I hate the vinyl interior. BMW is probably one of the only luxury car manufacturers that still makes vinyl seats. In the summer months it's an oven in there. One common problem with this car that cannot be fixed is the climate control. Overall it's a good car.

Favorite Features

Handling. Fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Too late for that, but: the glove compartment doesn't hold anything. The initial pick up is very sluggish, but hey it's a four cylinder. The climate control turns on when you start the car even if you turned it off before stopping the engine and removing your keys. I hate vinyl, it gets hot.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Never want to give it up!

Written by: Fran on 04/19/2006

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 318ti Hatchback

Review

I love my baby beemer! Would not want to drive anything but a BMW since owning this car.

Favorite Features

My California roof, heated seats and on board computer to check the gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Hood paint seems to chip very easily.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Birthday present update!

Written by: Dsarge on 04/04/2006

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

A year since my last review. Have put 16,000 miles on the vehicle. During that time, I had to have the AC condenser replaced (did not lose AC, but discovered during a service). Additionally, rear bushings went out (dealer initially thought the shocks were bad; spent $300 and did not correct the problem:(. Although these were not covered by the warranty I purchased (see earlier review), it has been a very satisfying auto! I upgraded the tires to Michelin Pilot A/S (MAJOR difference on traction and control), and recently added a stabilizer bar (AA Tuning). Considering getting a 2001 330i, but the potential problems are a turn-off. Can live with the older body for the reliability factor!

Favorite Features

Performance, 5-speed, Harmon Kardon sound system, CD changer, heated seats, mid-grade fuel, engine reliability, SPORT SUSPENSION!

Suggested Improvements

Still would prefer if the 1997 model offered cupholders in front of the armrest (corrected in later models). Also, changes to the seat design (will cut through the leather over time (also corrected).

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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BMW 328ic, a very well made car

Written by: Al on 03/16/2006

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328i Convertible

Review

I bought my 328iC back in April '03. It was still fresh looking and amazing to drive given the fact that it had 50K miles on it already. I thought I'd keep it for 3 years and just move onto another car, but I love this car! I'm going to keep it for quite some time further, repairs have been non existant other than a waterpump and fan blade. I'm nearing 100K miles so its time to replace some bushings, other than that it's a solid reliable ride.

Favorite Features

The exterior appearance, very classy. Clear and easy to read gauges. Comfortable seats. Center mounted window controls.

Suggested Improvements

Dashboard design is somewhat spartan. Design on glovebox is such that the door looks droopy even when it's closed tight.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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3 series review

Written by: Steve on 10/05/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328is Coupe

Review

Always look forward to driving to and from work because of this vehicle. Great balance and tossability along with good power, brakes and fuel economy. A little pricey to service and may not have the reliabilty of a Honda. Makes me feel young again.

Favorite Features

Steering, suspension and handling, smooth as silk engine, great mid range torque, strong brakes, good fuel economy

Suggested Improvements

Larger seats, lumbar controls on seats, better radio and speakers.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Unreal

Written by: Techie on 07/21/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

Used cars have been the routes I’ve taken over the last 12 years. I have been driving Saabs for a long time and I decided to make the change over this time to BMW. I've always wanted one so this was a nice car to add to my collection. I bought the car with 112,000 miles. Its been serviced accurate which makes all the difference. The car is still extremely tight inside and out, like it came off the show room floor. I've been dazzled how it grabs the curves asphalt. I highly recommend purchasing a used BMW as an alternate to a less reliable and not near as fun to drive new car of any kind. The power band is perfect. Shifting gears is a must for the full enjoyment of what this car can offer.

Favorite Features

Body style, looks great with a spoiler. Handling, Quite interior, Display lighting color. The factory paint has lasted very well. Power to pass when you need it. Recognition by people that you have good taste in a car!

Suggested Improvements

Still thinking!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Birthday present!

Written by: D Sarge on 04/28/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

I received the 328I as a birthday gift. Now, for those of you married folks reading this, that translates into my wife letting me buy it:) I have had the vehicle just over a month. The dealer was so confident in the vehicle, he sold a 2 year, UNLIMITED MILEAGE warranty with it (just to be on the safe side, as I've heard horror stories as well). So far, the only thing I purchased was wheel locks and window tint. The vehicle has been incredible to drive, and that is on the 89 octane (note: later models require premium fuel). Gas mileage ranges 21-25, but that's likely due to always pushing the 5-speed. This will be the first of a few updates, as I own the vehicle. So far, 2 thumbs up!

Favorite Features

Performance, 5-speed, sport suspension, burning mid-grade fuel (BIG +)

Suggested Improvements

Movement of cup-holders - a man shouldn't have to choose between holding his big gulp and shifting gears. (Note: This was improved in later models). Also my glove compartment, while fully functional, is lopsided. CD changer in trunk takes some planning ahead.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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70,000 trouble-fee miles

Written by: crazy4blues on 02/26/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328is Coupe

Review

I bought this car new 7 1/2 years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The handling is very neutral, and spirited driving is always fun--never "scary." I've never had any major issues with this car. Onramps are great fun, and I get about 28 mpg on the highway. 18 mpg City. It has started every morning and has never left me stranded. I have replaced the battery, the front brakes (rotors and pads), an AC module, and the water pump (as a precaution). While I have left it completely stock, this is a great platform for suspension upgrades and engine mods (CAI, Exhaust, Chip, etc.). I would definitely buy this car again.

Favorite Features

Confidence-inspiring handling: I just don't think you can get "out of shape" on a dry road! Build quality is excellent. Sports package improves performance w/o compromising comfort. 500-miles trips are no problem. Accepts modifications very well: it's a "blank palette" for tuners.

Suggested Improvements

Well, BMW has updated this platform twice (e46 and e90), but have they "improved" it? The '06 E90 is bigger and 400 pounds heavier and the styling is, at best, controversial. BUT, if I had to pick something, it would be touch more power. Also the OEM Conti's weren't that great.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Ya Gotta Love it!

Written by: AtlantaGal on 12/15/2004

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328i Convertible

Review

I've now had this convertible BMW for 5 years and it's been a highlight of my driving days. I bought it used and still under warranty, which came in handy when the convertible straps needed replacing. I understand that happens at about 30K miles. If I had not grown up with two mechanic brothers working on Detroit vehicles, I would have had a chance to drive a BMW sooner. There is a reason why it's the Ultimate Driving Machine. Some folks may not like the fact that the control panel tells you when to do what, but it's a great help for me.

Favorite Features

Much better gas mileage than expected. Superb handling on curves. Convertibles rule! Just a sexy looking car.

Suggested Improvements

Sure a convertible doesn't muffle road noise as well, but you know if you were meant to have one. We've got two!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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nightmare

Written by: bob on 12/02/2004

Vehicle

1997 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

i bought this car because i thought bmw's were nice cars, mine on the other hand is a nightmare. i have spent over $2000 dollars repairing this car. i would have rather gone with something more reliable like a Toyota.

Favorite Features

handling, fuel efficient, and exterior look

Suggested Improvements

more durable interior, really crappy. engine reliability would also be nice.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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