Used 1996 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

Excellent car

When we bought our 328i it had approx 82k miles on it, it now has 150k. In that time we have had to replace the radiator and water pump. At 150k it drives like it just came off the showroom floor. We are very pleased with it. My wife is the primary driver and we are now considering buying a 2001 5 series. The paint is cracking in some places also the ignition switch has presented some problems which was an inconvenience to have repaired. All in all it is an excellent vehicle.

My First BMW

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.

Amazing car

This car is absolutely amazing. I've owned this car since 90,000 miles and have used it as a daily commuter, ALL seasons. It has 260,000+ miles on it now and it still runs great. This interior is in great condition and the leather looks amazing and won't just deteriorate on you. The exterior is still in good shape, although rust is beginning to start under the doors. The engine ticks a little bit now as well. Besides that the engine still roars like she's new and I couldn't be happier with this vehicle.

BMW 328 IC Convertible

I traded a Dodge Ram Diesel with problems for this vehicle. I have had a few problems. Radio display dim, climate control not working, and fast wear of pulleys and bearings. Overall a very good car and would recommend to anyone looking for a good used vehicle.

Soooo fun to drive! Even with 200,000mi!

This car has by far been the most reliable car I've ever owned. I previously had a '94 325is and a '95 Mercedes Benz c280. The car is alot like my 325is but It has more options and It just looks much better. I have driven this car from DC to NYC many times without issues. The only problems that I've had so far is that the driver electronic seat backrest tilt doesn't function anymore. It just needs a new plastic gear for the seat motor. Another thing is that Over the years the black leather has become severely dried out because of the sun. These minor things dont bother me much. I just love the way the car handles and the looks I get from people when I drive around town.

Great little coupe

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.

Good Fun Doesn't Come Cheap

Great engineering went into the design of 328i. Great handling, good ergonomics, lots of cool gadgets, unbelievable at top speeds, but expensive to maintain. Other BMW owners seem to have the same comments.

295k

I bought this car 6 years ago with 187k on it. I was a poor college kid at the time and it was a relatively inexpensive car. Well the past 3 years I have driven the heck out of it. An hour commute on the backroads of PA (terrible roads), and an hour commute on highways of MD. I've put 100k on it in those 3 years. I have had to replace a lower control arm, and the heater control unit, so about $500 in parts. The speakers have blown and the radio backlight doesn't show up too well. I nearly get 40 mpg and hammer it on the backroads and never ride slower than 80 mph. Great car! I would love another one.

Great Date Car

Found it on a used Corvette lot. Sat in both but found my old body liked the BMW better. Every woman in my life perfered the BMW. Drives and looks like a dream.Haven't had all the electrical problems yet except it says to "check coolant" from time to time, nothing wrong. Had to replace the low pressure power steering hose and the fan belt tensioner assembly. At 65K miles the tensioner pulley would scream at start up. Never owned a car that required that fix. The dealer spent close to $1000 fixing or replacing the top cable system.

It's amazing - but here are some issues.

Sport package seats are very stiff and also extremely supportive. You won't want to take this on a 3+ hour trip, but it's a blast getting to work each day! Also, remarkable in the snow with Blizzaks. The car is thought out very well, but the electric "glitches" can drive you nuts. Check engine light is aways on - but the performance exhaust and intake is probably my fault... Brake light indicator pops up from time to time, which I hear is a common issue. Everyone wants to race you from the stoplights - what's up with that!?! I have had only one repair in the past two years, and it was about $200.

A thoroughbred driven in partnership

I am writing this 1996 BMW 318 ci Review after driving (owning seems too…well…dominate) for 18 years. We have 228,000 miles on a 4 cyl - 5 speed thoroughbred. I love this car. It’s my perfect sports car. Great handling with plenty of get-up-and-go without being overpowered. Hate over powered. Sports cars are made to be driven in partnership not rocketship. I’ve replaced the struts and a few brakes and rotors. Still have the same clutch and same top, although the mechanism is a little creaky with age. My previous sports cars were a 1955 MG TF and a 1960 Jag X150. The Jag was great but hard to keep running and the TF was fun, but truly underpowered. Our BMW is perfect. I can’t part with it…and probably never will.

Great Value...

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.

Genuinely fun but not for everyone

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.

review 328is

Great Car

My "TOY"

First time I've owned a BMW and have decided I'll always have one around. My vehicle is so much fun to drive with more power than I legally know what to do with. Maintenance is a bit expensive but I figured that's just the cost of quality. Controls are logical and easy to get to. Most of the better features I wanted came as standard equipment.

Great Car

This is a great car. It was in great condition when I bought the car so I have not had to many problems with it. Little stuff like the drivers electric door lock messed up. That only cost me $150 to fix so not to bad. My water pump messed up and cost me $300, but I am told that it is common on these cars if the original pump is still in there. It has 80K miles on it. But the motor purrs like a kitten. It runs GREAT!

not the greatest

We got this car in 2008 with 199000 miles it lasted 4 weeks before the check engine light was on. we paid $1700 in repairs just to have the light come on again 5 wks later. we finally donated it in summer 2010 after pouring $7000 into it and still couldnt pass smog. atleast we got to claim it on our taxes right? lol

BMW 318IS - The Ultimate Driving Machine

With beautiful interior/exterior appearances, this little 1900 cc driven head turner has surprising acceleration and superlative handling prowess. With 315K mileage, my service mechanic always says, "You can't kill these engines," every time I stop by for routine maintenance or inspections. Problem is, however, there have been numerous factory recalls for faulty emission components that have finally caught up to ruin my wistful experiences with this rig. Two (2) bad air sensors and a dysfunctional cam sensor have now put my beamer permanently confined to my driveway, because to repair these at a dealer would cost more than the car is worth unencumbered by these maladies. Dream over.

Best BMW on the Market for the dollar

I have loved my 318ti from the moment I drove it off the lot. Crisp handling, great styling, awesome cargo room with the seats folded down. All this for $22,000 new. It's still worth at least $11,000, and worth every penny.

Dissappointed

I bought the car from a carpool co- worker with 97,000 mi. The car was in excellent condition and garage kept. The radio failed on me, the rear differential had a slow leak, the air conditioning dash unit had to be replaced. I also took excellent care of the vehicle expecting to easily get 180k mi or more. At 156k it just overheated on me, and needed head gasket repair $1800. Two mechanics have told me when this happens on my model usually the head unit also needs replaced $1K, and typically the cylinder cracks, coolant gels, water pump an issue. The BMW mechanic said I was better off to replace the engine $6K if I keep it. Now looking for salvage value after several years of pristine care. :(

Who wouldnt like one??

I just love this car! I got an extremely good deal on a 64,000 mile car! The engine is GREAT, the 5-Speed manual is really smooth! and the performance is not expected. This car easily takes on v8 cars such as 98 Mustang GT's and older GT's. The only problem you have with it is people that hate you for owning such a car... Someone shot my window... but if you do it yourself its very inexpensive, and if you have a Cousin working at the Dealer its even better.

Amazing Car though not for everyone

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.

Best car ever built!

I have owned this car for almost 20 years. It has never needed major repairs. Still running smoothly. No rust despite long Minnesota winters and salted roads. Not high tech by today’s standards but very reliable with great gas mileage and that’s what’s most important to me.

The Best Ever

I've owned many differennt cars, Jags, MG, but I love this automoble. Handles with firm control and looks good even standing still. It's fun to drive and a great value....wouldn't trade it for any other auto on the road....

Bought another 318ti

I bought a 95 318ti that we loved. After a head-on with a 66 Chevy pickup that I walked away from, I replaced it with a 96 318ti. Nothing else quite measured up in fun for the $. Its a great combination of sporty handling and economy. I get mid 30 mpg on the highway and high 20s around town. It is a great car for 2, but the back seats are hard to access for adults. On the other hand, the hatchback gives you more flexibility than a sedan. Mine has been very reliable (from 27k miles to 87k so far), but I had to find a specialty garage. The dealership is very nice, but too expensive.

I LOVE this car!!!!!!!!!

I purchased my 1996 model used in 1998, where it had been a demo car at the dealership and had only 7500 miles on it . I felt I was very fortunate to find this car at an excellent price. I love to drive, and have to brave the Dallas streets and the Texas drivers' mentality often. I feel very safe in this car-- not only for its sturdiness, but also for the reaction I feel under my foot when I need some extra acceleration to avoid those other drivers! The Harmon-Kardon stereo system is tops, and I get quite a bit of use from my weather radio.

The ultimate driving machine

Zippy fun to drive car! handling is excellent. pick up is decent for a 4 speed automatic, 4cyl car. In my opinion you can hang with any other sports sedan on the freeway with this car. One thing about BMWs that the owner must stay on top of is the maintenace. these are VERY sensitive cars and if you ignore the maintenance the end result will hit you in your wallet hard!

SOOO expensive to repair

The head gasket is a major issue... YIKES. The engine components are made up of lots of plastic. I have had lots of electrical issues and the convertible top gets stuck sometimes. The top is leaking and caused mold damage to my back seats.

Better than any jap 4 cylinder

The 318ti is one of the best four cylinders on the market..besides s2000 and other really new sport jap cars. But the ti is a great car...its all about speed...guys love it and ladies wanna be there for it. The car handles like a dream...although at times at high speeds like over 75 mph wind noise can be annoying but everything else is solid.

great way to bring friends along topless

I bought the car to replace an 02 altima that had the same number of miles on it. I've only regretted it when maintenance work needed to be done and unless you live in a big city, being selective about mechanics isn't easy. The radio reception sucks most of the time and off the line performance (automatic) suffers in hilly areas. The top is manual, so it takes a couple of minutes to take down, but the worst part is the clear plastic window. COPLETELY UNUSABLE!

Stuck w/ it

This is a really fun car, but the repairs and tune ups are very expensive. Be sure to include those costs when you're evaluating what car to buy. Even with my warranty, I've still spent $2100 on repairs and the tune up inspection in one year! The service at the dealership in Austin, TX is beyond horrible (3 times they have told me I need repairs when the part isn't broken). If your BMW breaks down in Austin, take it to Black Forest Werkshop instead. My problem now is that with 91k miles, I'm afraid I'm not going to afford the repair costs much longer, but after driving this car, I'm so spoiled that it's hard to find a car I'd rather have! :)

96 Bmw 328i

328i

This car was an amazing blend of performance, comfort, and reliability. I will always own a BMW. The overall balance of their cars can not be matched.

Grear car

Owned the car for 3 yrs and at 160000 miles now. Has to be one of the most reliable cars ever made. If I could I would buy a new 1996 328 right now.

My 328i

This car was bought with 26 k miles on t.i We have had to replace the brake disks 2 times, but this may be due to incorrect torqeing of the lugs by me. The car otherwise has been great. Just now replacing the shocks at 76k. Plan to keep for many years. May even give it to my grand child that is not born yet.. LOL

Love this car!!!!!

Fun Fun Fun....when I drive something else it feels very clumsy... this car has spoiled me! Car is 8 years old, I have owned it for five years and have had to do only normal wear and tear repairs and maintenance. Very zippy, great gas mileage. Back seat is a little small (can't fit a baby seat or large/tall adults) but the hatch back and folding seats provide lots of cargo space when needed! I don't think I will ever part with this car!

Awsome Vehicle

I bought the car used, in great condition, and I fell in love with it immediately. The interior is still in great shape, I haven't had any problems with it mechanically, and it is a pleasure to drive. The acceleration is unbelievable, it handles wonderfully, and the interior features work like a charm.

Fun Ragtop!

Purchased this vehicle for top down springtome fun...it lives up to my expectations. It could have more power but looks awesome even standing still. The E36 body style is still the best looking 3 series made! My second 96 3 (other was a 328ia). These vehicles epitomize what BMW should still be...fun, sporty, stylish cars. The new BMWs (except the Z) seem to look like they're built for old people.

going strong

I've had my 318ti for 6 years and it was the best purchase. It's 8 years old now and has 104,000 miles and is still going strong. It is mechanically sound and I haven't had any problems, just regular maintenance. The biggest thing to go was the fuel pump (not bad @ 98K miles). I've taken many road trips (thanks to all the room available when the back seats are folded down) and have driven on many upaved roads and it handled well.

Fun, but not worth it

Great fun to drive, but at what cost? The car is in constant need of mechanical attention. The check engine and brake light sensors are constantly on, the electrical system is full of glitches, and everything started falling apart once it got past warranty (not that the warranty covered much anyway). If you are considering a used 3, find one with extremely low mileage or factor in several thousand dollars for repairs within the first few years.

328i=Permasmile

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.

Boston Green 318I Sedan

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.

Fun to drive, not to fix

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

MY 1996 BMW 318I

Well, the car is exellent German quality, good fuel economy,and performance ratio in its class.

Bang for the Buck

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.

Fun

great car to drive, the 4c seems to lack a little, but when its up to speed watch out. the ABS went out at 78000 miles and may cost $1100 to replace

for autobahn drivers not commuters

I bought a used 328i convertible in 1999. it got too problematic after 100K. who ever said german engineering is superior is crazy! ok maybe the perforance and design...but everything else--total crap. At first it gave me problems with the top. It would get stuck, and just act flaky. The car ran pretty well but had a lot of electrical problems--I mean A LOT! Pretty much everything on the dash was replaced at one point--even the HEATING unit!! spent about $5000 in repair.

Best I've ever had

Not cheap but worth it. In the past trading in for a different car cost much more. Never kept a car this long and it's going to be even longer!

Absolutely Awesome = 328i

If your considering buying it, it is supreme over all competetors in its category. Considerable difference over the 325 also. Much nicer, highly recommended.

love it...quirky though

this car is SO much fun to drive. BMW makes a quality car, but crazy german electrical rears its ugly head.