Used 1997 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
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silver bullet
shadowraven, 07/18/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car an a blast to drive, great on gas as opposed to my dakota pickup, I get 30mpg. Electronics are very poor, check engine light, abs light alway go on, climate goes off. $261 for new one. Tip: join BMWCCA the parts discounts are worth the fee of $35 a year
nightmare
bob, 12/03/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
i bought this car because i thought bmw's were nice cars, mine on the other hand is a nightmare. i have spent over $2000 dollars repairing this car. i would have rather gone with something more reliable like a Toyota.
1997 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 6 listings
- 318i SedanMSRP: $8,5001,238 mi away
- 318ti 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $11,9001,358 mi away
- 328i ConvertibleMSRP: $11,9881,616 mi away
See all 6 listings
Better than all the vette's I have had
New BMW Fan, 11/04/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car handles better than any car I have previously owned, including several corvettes. The car is quick, light, solid, and hugs the curves like no other car. The car has a classy look and feel while providing exceptional performance and fuel economy. This car makes me yearn for the next level BMW convert('04 M3). If this 7-year old car drives this well, I can't imagine what the latest M-3 model can do.
Birthday present!
D Sarge, 04/28/2005
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I received the 328I as a birthday gift. Now, for those of you married folks reading this, that translates into my wife letting me buy it:) I have had the vehicle just over a month. The dealer was so confident in the vehicle, he sold a 2 year, UNLIMITED MILEAGE warranty with it (just to be on the safe side, as I've heard horror stories as well). So far, the only thing I purchased was wheel locks and window tint. The vehicle has been incredible to drive, and that is on the 89 octane (note: later models require premium fuel). Gas mileage ranges 21-25, but that's likely due to always pushing the 5-speed. This will be the first of a few updates, as I own the vehicle. So far, 2 thumbs up!
Bmw analysis after a year
BMWExpert, 11/30/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The handling of the 3 series is superb to say the least! When driving the car you feel every inch of the road! It's fantastically responsive and has great pickup and torque/horse ratio. However; parts are very expensive and will put a dent in your wallet. It's not the mechanical parts that go; it's the very unreliable electrical ones. Unfortunately, BMW's more current cars are overloaded with un-needed and extremely flimsy and unreliable, electronic components. To further dismay, most of these components are incredibly expensive to repair/replace and will put a dent in your wallet.
How Soon Is Now?
Moz1Fan, 11/22/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 318is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Though it is used, it is the best car I've ever driven. Just had it fully serviced, and to no surprise it has NO problems.It's never too late to drive "The Ultimate Driving Machine". Morrissey drives one of these, what else can I say.
Unreal
Techie, 07/22/2005
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Used cars have been the routes Ive taken over the last 12 years. I have been driving Saabs for a long time and I decided to make the change over this time to BMW. I've always wanted one so this was a nice car to add to my collection. I bought the car with 112,000 miles. Its been serviced accurate which makes all the difference. The car is still extremely tight inside and out, like it came off the show room floor. I've been dazzled how it grabs the curves asphalt. I highly recommend purchasing a used BMW as an alternate to a less reliable and not near as fun to drive new car of any kind. The power band is perfect. Shifting gears is a must for the full enjoyment of what this car can offer.
Just can't get enough of it!
BMW Boy, 02/08/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love this car! I did research for months and compared it to many other cars that are 'similar'. This one took the cake, and I test drove tons of other cars. Make sure you get the sports package and Harmon Kardon Sound. I've done a few engine modifications for more horses, and now I've beat plenty of Mustang GT's and others like it!
1997 BMW 328i
bmsiii, 02/16/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Read below for a brief summary.
BMW328is 2 door
TZILLIGEN36, 03/04/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is the best handling car I have driven. It is a fun car to drive and gets good gas milage.
1997 bmw 328is
kyle a, 03/24/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 318is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Love the car, have lots of fun with it.
Fantastic Car
Indyrob, 04/23/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 318is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this car used...Awesome handling, good gas mileage, quiet, excellent pick-up in 5th.
After a year and 14,000 miles...
ChuckA, 10/19/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I reviewed this car a year ago, since then, I have put 14,000 miles on. The car is still a blast to drive and handles like a dream. I have put a K&N filter and the M3 cat back and fuel economy is great. I average 27 MPG. The car has 76,000 and still gets 27MPG. It is fast and comfortable in all driving situations. Add 17" wheels and tires to firm up the ride and cornering. I can only say that if you are looking for a good buy for a good car, the 328 is the answer. A great looking sedan that thinks it is a coupe.
Ya Gotta Love it!
AtlantaGal, 12/16/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've now had this convertible BMW for 5 years and it's been a highlight of my driving days. I bought it used and still under warranty, which came in handy when the convertible straps needed replacing. I understand that happens at about 30K miles. If I had not grown up with two mechanic brothers working on Detroit vehicles, I would have had a chance to drive a BMW sooner. There is a reason why it's the Ultimate Driving Machine. Some folks may not like the fact that the control panel tells you when to do what, but it's a great help for me.
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.
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!
Great Drivers Car
drpctp, 01/26/2007
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is awesome, there is a high attention to detail and once you gun the gas, this car begs to be driven hard. No wonder it's the ultimate driving machine.
Fun Drive Insane Maintenance
cestrada, 03/25/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought our 328i coupe certified 3 years ago with 49,500 miles on it. Within 1 year, "certified" didn't cover the frnt brakes ($495)or back brakes ($520). Rock marks on hood were covered with touch-up paint that washed away after 6 mos. It looked so bad that we replaced the hood for $350. On-board computer and Check Engine lights come on = $50 co-pay just to have it looked at. We have put about $2600 in maintenance into this car, not including oil changes. With $5000 down pmt and $300 per month payments, that is just too much money to spend for three years. Lease is up next week and we are not buying because I can't handle more maintenance costs.
Dream car
kayandbert, 06/23/2007
1997 BMW 3 Series 318is 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I waited a long time to own the car of my dreams. Still looks great sitting in my garage. I still get compliments on the car. Very reliable transportation whether to work or traveling the interstate to visit my granddaughters.
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.
Japanese Cars Are Far Better.
Hieu Quachtat, 06/12/2002
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
During the first three months I discovered the following problems: 1. The front right fender was not properly painted. 2. STRUCTURE DESIGN IS VERY POOR. It is a common problem among 1997 BMW 3 series. 3. The left door lock was loosen at 3000 miles. 4. AirCond malfunctioned. 5. Premium sound system malfunctioned. 6. Nuisance warning light illuminated intermittently. 7. Wind noise is terrible. Dealer fixed it by putting transparent tape around door frame. 8. The Service people at Irvine BMW stole money from my car.Should I say BMW dealers has no class? 9. Engine Controller malfunctioned. Had to be reprogrammed. LEXUS IS THE WAY TO GO
Perfect car for teen
templau, 07/02/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 318is 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 318is does not have the power of other BMW's, but it has the handling, braking, looks, and feel all BMW's have. I bought it used because the price was good and the miles were low (46,000). At first, I was concerned that maintenance would be high as it typically is for BMW's. However, I use an independent mechanic who has serviced my cars for 13 years, and this car has been a dream. The small engine, manual trans and good handling are a great combination for a new teen driver while also providing some style and "cool". What I didn't expect was how much fun it would be or that my wife and I would fight with our teen over who gets to drive it.