Used 1997 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
Used 3 Series for sale
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A lot of car for the money
fritz, 11/09/2009
1997 BMW 3 Series 318is 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I own a 1997 BMW 318iS, it's almost identical to an M3 other than the engine which is the reliable M44 4 cyl. A solid car that is nimble and gets 38mpg highway, 24mpg in town, an average of about 30-32mpg. The S version has a lower M3 like sport suspension, wider stance, and mine was ordered with M3 rims which perfectly suit the car without being gawdy. Regular maintenance will give you a reliable smooth ride. Torquey engine redlines quickly with moderate gas but shifter seems longwinded compared to a 1980's Manual. Nice interior, mine has heated seats that warm up quickly in two modes. Multiple cabin vents. May be small for a larger person. I'm 6' tall and fit nicely. Very fun to drive.
This car is a monster on the road
Randy Buchanan, 02/08/2019
1997 BMW 3 Series 318i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Great for a college student. Great for car shows. Great gas mileage. I haven't any in car shows. Can be improved for the individual driver. Classical in it class. Mechanically cheaper to do yourself. Great power for a 4 cylinder engine. The 5/speed manual transmission is a beast of any transmission I ever came across. Great car to keep in the family.
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1997 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 6 listings
- 318i SedanMSRP: $8,5001,716 mi away
- 318ti 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $13,9001,825 mi away
- 328i ConvertibleMSRP: $11,9882,095 mi away
See all 6 listings
Best ride I've owned
Jeffy347, 07/26/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Bought this car knowing I would be driving a ton. Also, a bit of a rebound from previous marriage. It is an investment that has paid great dividends to my state of mind. No offense to my counselor - but for the same price, this vehicle offers similar solace :-) Bought with 99k,Trouble free to 107k in two months. I am concerned with a sluggish passenger window - auto up feature is sometimes sporadic - also passenger power lock has quit. I am sure it is a quick fix though. And smaller a price for sure than the 95 Audi 90 I owned this time last year. I am betting the Bimmer will not disappoint as much as that money pit! Long story short BMW Rocks!
My favorite car by my favorite manufacturer...BMW!
Aimee Jason, 08/31/2015
updated 09/04/2018
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
This car makes car number 7 for me. I have loved BMW cars for as long as I can remember and my all-time favorite car...period...is the BMW X5 since its market debut. But this BMW..my NuNu...which is her name...is THE BEST CAR I have yet to own. I purchased this car in December 2014....because I needed a car...and of course it was a BMW. I use to sell cars, so needless to say I got her for a great deal. And what a total blessing she has been to me. I knew she needed a new convertible top....no biggie! And her top coat is peeling a lil...no biggie! But how does she run is what I NEEDED to know! And let me just say....Amazing! From day one...it was love at first sight...then true love at first drive. Buy one...if you see it...grab it!!! Seriously! And she had 169k miles on her...and we are now going on 175k....and all I've needed...thus far (knocking on wood!) was an oil change...windshield wipers...and a tire due to a nail! I do take her to the BMW dealer....the best service too by the way...Otto's BMW in West Chester, PA....I love those folks. When she leaves there after an oil change....all clean and smelling good....she purrrrrrsss! As if to say....Thank You!!! I only put premium gas in her....Shell V-Tech w/Nitro....also the best...in my car...nothing is too good! IJS And this is just for say.... This car is my first import, black car, convertible, coupe, rear-wheel drive, and sports car....but my BEST car first and for most. And that's how she got her name... NuNu...cause she is very Nu to me in so many different ways as an owner. Thanks for reading...and pay attention to the reviews on this car....cause they are true to life! #BMWGIRL #BMW4LIFE #ULTIMATEDRIVINGMACHINE
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Ageless
neils1, 10/02/2011
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 2dr Convertible
8 of 22 people found this review helpful
Though now nearly 15y ears old,it has features that most new cars still don't have. Handling is very good, takes corners at 30 mph though not recommeneded for safety reasons. 0-60 in under 7 seconds, still good by even today's standards, very good in the late 90s. Steering is well balanced, not heavy oe too light. My 04 Infinity feels like a tank in comparison sterring wise. Car feels very solid, though it moves athletically. Everything is expensive to repair, but the engine itself is very solid-no oil leaks, shakes, overheating, stalling in the 3 years I have had it (purchased at 100k miles).