Used 1996 BMW 3 Series Sedan 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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. :(

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!

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.

96 Bmw 328i

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

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.

A+

This has been the best car I've owned. No, it doesn't accelerate fast, but in urban/sub-urban driving who cares? I get 25/city and 38/highway (Yes that's true) off of 89 Octane. Use Mobil 1 15/50 year-round (yes, it's worth the extra money) and have added a DRL module. Easy to work on.

Happy but Sad

My 1996 BMW 318i offers great looks and luxurious interior. It has excellent driving feautures such as handling, cruise control, high-tech equipment but at 75,000 miles my ABS went out on the car. BMW of Nashville repair department wanting 77 dollars an hour to guess at what's wrong with the ABS.

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

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.

MY 1996 BMW 318I

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

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.

Fun to drive...but SECURE?

Great car to drive, amazing acceleration, tightest turn radius I've ever seen, and corners on a dime. Had some intermittent mechanical/electrical problems - but here's the concern on this car, people: It's been stolen twice in the last month. Both times, the thieves bipassed the FACTORY alarm without tripping it and started the car without touching the ignition or damaging the column whatsoever. BMW said it was impossible until they saw the car once we recovered it. Then they said there must be another key out there...until they accounted for them all. BEWARE...they'll say it's theft proof...but it's not any more.

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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.

The best 3 series ever

We bought this car when it was 10 years old and with 62k miles and cannot believe how tight it is. Steering is awesome and power is impressive. It also gets about 29MPG on the highway. This model has all of the power options unlike the late 90s and early 00s where they started to option these features. The sport mode gives it a real edge and is great in traffic. We hope to have it for the next 150k miles.

Maybe Will Keep Another 50,000

I purchased the car while living in Germany, although it was a U.S. made car. I now have 205,000 miles and I have always had it serviced at authorized BMW dealers. No engine or transmission repairs ever. It is a really fun car to drive, and overall I would say economical. The first five years of my ownership were in Germany, and the car really did well at high speeds. On the Autobahn I usually drove 85-95 MPH, but I have driven it as fast as 140 MPH with no problems. Although the car has 205,000 miles on it I think it will be good for at least another 50,000 or more.

Fun to Drive---Annoying Otherwise

I love driving this car! However, several things have been a disappointment. I purchased the car pre-owned (mistake), and ended up putting $3000 into it over the first 20 months. The most expensive repair was the clutch. I would imagine the previous owner learned to drive a 5-speed on this vehicle. My 2nd mistake was purchasing from Plaza Motor in St Louis. Worst buying experience in my life. Women, avoid shopping for any car here. You will get absolutely no respect.

An exceptional car

This is one of four BMWs I currently own and my seventh overall, and it is one of the best: inexpensive to maintain with 25+ mpg in daily driving, absolutely reliable and as fun to drive as any BMW.

Awesome car!

This is arguably the best three series ever. It handles like a dream, has great power and has a classic design. The gas mileage is in the high 20s which is surprising. Big difference between this car and the earlier 325i. We plan on driving it until it reaches 250,000 miles.