Used 1996 BMW 3 Series Hatchback Consumer Reviews
Used 3 Series for sale
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Great Value...
BigMikeyP, 05/08/2006
1996 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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.
Best BMW on the Market for the dollar
Wolverine, 05/31/2002
1996 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
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.
Bought another 318ti
tenniswoody, 11/05/2003
1996 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Best car ever built!
Ann, 10/21/2018
updated 04/26/2021
1996 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Better than any jap 4 cylinder
Justapanda, 03/01/2002
1996 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
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.
Best Deal for Cheap Wheels
Asian Persuasion, 07/28/2002
1996 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Here I am sportin' my latest automobile acquistion. A 1996 BMW 318ti. I took this little white gem out for a spin after calling the selling party, in what seemed to be a deal that was too good to be true...$7200.00. No dents, perfect paint, everthing works! No argument here as it looks pristine! On the road it performed flawlessly as I flogged it on turn after turn. This vehicle handles! This vehicle is a nostaligic reminder of my old BMW 2002. I had the most fun in that car and the 318ti, in my opinion, is the spiritual successor brought up to current standards of crash worthiness and reliablity. Here's to another love affair with a car!
Love this car!!!!!
diva_delite, 03/21/2004
1996 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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!
going strong
So Cal driver, 08/03/2004
1996 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Ya Gotta Know What You're Buying
JL Moix, 03/08/2018
1996 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I love this car. But then, I also knew when I bought it that it was going to need numerous repairs based on the known history of this model. In the first year I bought and or replaced the radiator, the starter, the fuel pump, both window regulators, the alternator, the water pump, and the battery. The car now has 203,000 miles and I would not hesitate to take it on a cross-country trip.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value