1998 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

My first bmw

Written by: victorrrq on 04/12/2006

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

The car is fantastic...when its fixed. When I first bought the car it was all right, but when the warrantee ended, I was forced to go fix the car. Cooling problems, electrical problems, I probably spent over 10g's of repairs and upgrades to the car. I love the car but the repairs for it are a...you know what. And the car is awful in winter, but that could be fixed with newer winter tires.

Favorite Features

I love the power of the inline 6. the engine will push if you need it to. And the stability on the car is amazing, weaving through traffic never been so much fun. I have total control of the car.

Suggested Improvements

Improvements? Not much to say but I'm a young adult and I'd rather not have the wood looking interior. I'd rather have carbon fiber haha.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

SPORTS CAR QUALITY BUILT

Written by: BMWOWNER on 12/10/2005

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 323i Convertible

Review

The biggest thrill is with the top down. Very little wind in the front seat. All the great accesories are included with the car. Very well built and low maintenance car. Great gas mileage. This is my second BMW and it won't be the last. The car handles great and has good acceleration. The only draw back is there isn't much room in the back seat. This is a great car.

Favorite Features

It sticks to the ground like a great sports car.

Suggested Improvements

COULD USE A GLASS BACK WINDOW

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Drive a BMW and you'll see why!

Written by: GearHeadPeter on 08/19/2005

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 318i Sedan

Review

I am a car guy as I have 60' & 70's muscle cars. I bought this car in Sept. of 2003 with only 35K on it. This is the best car to have fun in. It has great power for I6, the HK stereo and CD changer are awesome. The only problems I had was the taillight warning light telling me I had a burned out bulb. I found out by using Google that it is related to a faulty Stop light switch, which I replaced for under $20 and never had a problem since. I like one or two others have had a auto transmission problem when serviced but it was covered under the extended warranty, 4 years unlimited mileage, and only cost me $75 for a new transmission. Too Cool!

Favorite Features

Being able to put the auto in manual mode, take off the traction control and shift the car. The HK stereo is fantastic, and since I have made some performance upgrades the car is even more fun to drive, if that is possible.

Suggested Improvements

The cup holders are bad, but the Germans believe that driving a BMW should not be distracted by drinking coffee or soda.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine

Written by: Dell Sanders on 08/03/2005

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 323is Coupe

Review

This car had about 40,000 miles on it when I bought it under the Certified Pre-Owned program - that has turned out to be the best car-buying decision I ever made. I LOVE THIS CAR !! It now has over 104,000 miles on it - I've driven it back and forth across the entire country several times and there was never a problem. BMW really has a way of making you feel at one with the car like no other carmaker seems to be able to duplicate. Maintenance costs have been average with no expensive surprises. Everyone is amazed at how clean the engine always stays, and at how shiny the original paint still is, although I've lived both in dry desert areas and very cold climates. Again - I love this car!

Favorite Features

Great styling - sporty yet elegant inside and out. I love the acceleration and throaty exhaust sound. The steering is absolutely perfect - praises to BMW !! The seats are very comfortable for a smaller car and do not hurt your back on long trips like sooooo many other cars it's size.

Suggested Improvements

The cupholders are absolutely ridiculous - but if I were a carmaker and the only complaint was the cupholders, well then I guess I'd be pretty content, as BMW should be!! And besides, drinking a beverage is the last thing on your mind when you're racing around a hair-pin turn....

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Amazing

Written by: gabe dietz on 07/28/2005

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328is Coupe

Review

Black on black with tinted windows and a sun roof... ohhhh yea! This car drives amazing. I bought it with 59k on it a year and a half ago and now it has 72k. It feels like it will be good for another 100k. The only problem I have had with it was a failed catalytic converter, which was still under warranty. You will not find a better car for the money. Great performance and good gas mileage...I get just over 30 mpg on the highway and 25 in the city and the car takes regular 89 octane gas! If you want a sports car that is still somewhat practical, this car is perfect.

Favorite Features

Definitely get the Harmon Kardon sound system and the trip computer. This is the smoothest manual transmission I have ever driven.

Suggested Improvements

What's up with the cup holders!? Germans apparently have never heard of soda cans or coffee cups.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great Car

Written by: Jeff on 06/20/2005

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 323is Coupe

Review

This has been a great car. I have 103,000 miles and never a problem. I plan on keeping it another 100,000,

Favorite Features

Style, performance

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holder, Tires don't last long - other than that it is great.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Best Series 3 Ever

Written by: Fonfed on 06/12/2005

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 2 Dr 328is Coupe

Review

The 328 IS is probably one of the best series 3 ever built by BMW. The engine is very responsive, powerful and yet quiet. Gas consumption is outstanding. I actually make 32 m/g on highway and 26 on city traffic. The interior is very confortable and luxurious. Needless to say the 328 is very well built with lots of attention to details. Mechanically the 328 is as good as it gets.

Favorite Features

Powerful engine, gas mileage, elegant exterior and interior design. The trip-computer is a plus.

Suggested Improvements

None.

Report inappropriate post

1st BMW but not last!

Written by: MarkT on 05/27/2005

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

1st BMW but not last! Got a great deal on a great car. Have had it over 2 years and have enjoyed every minute. Only 1 minor problem, a leaky valve, $200, and not a bump since. Best driving car, the Japanese cannot compete with the Germans! Have had Honda, Toyota, Nissan, but nothing like a BMW!!! I am about to buy my 2nd, a 5 series, since having a baby. Would recommend a 98 328 to anyone condsidering an entry Beemer...

Favorite Features

Handling, nice interior, great fuel economy 30 mpgs on hwy!

Suggested Improvements

None for a 98 model

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

6 years so far!

Written by: jasbudd on 04/23/2005

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i Sedan

Review

I bought my 1998 328i in January 1999. It had 14,000 miles on the odometer. It currently has 64,000. It has never broken down or stranded me. It is a 5 speed stick with premium package (no sport which means I can rotate the tires). The car is awsome and I am a car nut. The acceleration and handling are the tops. The HK sound system is excellent. My ave. fuel economy is 25 miles to the gallon. Yes you become one with the car, it's a BMW. I have only performed the routine scheduled maintenance since owning(the countdown lights). Nothing has broken so far. I did just replace the battery 2 weeks ago (original, it's in the trunk!). I hope to keep this car till either it or I expire!

Favorite Features

The performance, handling and good looks. Gas mileage, solidity of construction. HK sound, great brakes (good to have on performance vehicle), one touch up and down windows, throaty acceleration sound, 4 doors (3 kids),split fold down rear seat(comes in handy). BMW cruise control (real simple)

Suggested Improvements

It's a 1998!. The improvements if there are really any are on the newer ones. let's see I have 4 wheel ABS, traction control, front and side airbags, HK sound a sunroof, remote keyless entry with alarm great acceleration and brakes, 4 doors with one touch windows and nothing has broken! I'm Good!!

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Bavarian Cream

Written by: Colin on 03/01/2005

Vehicle

1998 BMW 3 Series 4 Dr 328i 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!

Favorite Features

This car handles and is extremely fun to drive. Despite what one reads, maintenance is not too costly and if done as required, the car will run forever. Close the door on one and you will "feel" what BMW is made of. Solid, solid, solid! Gas mileage is excellent and the car is HANDSOME.

Suggested Improvements

The cupholders are awful. The disc changer does not have a fast forward feature.

Report inappropriate post