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Used 1997 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
72 reviews

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4.38 out of 5 stars

Driving Fun Except The Repair Bills

Ron E., 02/25/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought our 328i used with 44K miles after having it checked out by BMW shop. The driving experience is beautiful with all the power I think is necessary. The automatic is flawless in it smoothness. The engine begs to be driven. The greatest drawback to this car is the repair bills which seem to happen far too often. Parts are not cheap!!!!! Do not buy this model or brand of car unless you can get a warranty from BMW. $1500 worth of service each year is obscene, particularly in the days of Acuras, Passats and Lexus. I will miss the driving experiance, but my retirement will not, I'm afraid, allow another BMW in my life!

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4.13 out of 5 stars

3 series review

Steve, 10/05/2005
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

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4.63 out of 5 stars

My Dream Come True

AndyMan, 08/25/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Ever since I read the rave reviews of Car and Driver and Motor Trend, I made up my mind that the BMW 3 series was my car. I finally got a '97 328i and I absolutly love it. I havn't had it long, but so far it's been the most enjoyable car I have ever been in. The engine delivers the torque low and immediate, but the horsepower continues all the way to the red-line. The five speed sport transmission throws are a little long, but the overall smoothness of the entire package make up for it. From both performance and comfort standpoints, this car is by my favorite of any I have ever driven.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

Birthday present update!

Dsarge, 04/04/2006
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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!

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Truly The Ultimate Driving Machine

G Man, 07/07/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

This is an excellent overall car. The cargo capacity is excellent, while the car is well balanced and handles like a dream. Mine is equipped with the sport package, which is a must have, as well as a 5-speed manual transmission. While repairs can be costly, most are relativly simple and can be done in your own garage at a huge savings. For example, I did my own plugs for 30 bucks, and it took abut an hour.

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