Used 1997 BMW 3 Series Coupe Consumer Reviews
Used 3 Series for sale
I was in shock up until writing this Review
merc272, 02/05/2012
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
15 of 16 people found this review helpful
The one word that pops to mind when i think of this car is "timeless". Its like a well maintained Italian suit, aged with beauty, but always stylish. The throttle response is a little iffy because the pedal seems to have a lengthy discussion with the engine and drive train before kicking me back in the seat. (that's what you get when you let the french design a transmission) never the less I'm never afraid to push it just a little bit more, and hit a blistering speed of 115mph on the highway before backing off the throttle. I was floored, grinning ear to ear like a little kid who had just gotten his first 22. rifle for Christmas. This is truly what a proper sports car should be.
Hidden Costs Of BMW Ownership
ACF, 03/23/2009
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
12 of 15 people found this review helpful
Look, the BMW 3 series is as about a pleasurable ride in a daily driver you can possibly get. Great road feel, great acceleration, great looks, & in the MT a superior shifting experience. However, be prepared to pay high maintenance costs, especially beyond 75k miles. I bought my '97 with 49k miles. It now has 99k, & I have put out around $7k in maintenance since. Clutch is $900, alternator is $450, ball joints are $500, water pump $400, tires (sport) $700 & brakes $300 done every other year. It has some quirky things too. LED displays (radio & odm) go dim/out, radiator necks break, coolant lever sensors go bad, paint chips/rusts way to easy. All in all a great ride, but you're gonna pay.
1997 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 8 listings
- 328i ConvertibleMSRP: $11,988239 mi away
- 328i ConvertibleMSRP: $8,500263 mi away
- 328i ConvertibleMSRP: $12,998319 mi away
See all 8 listings
1997 Arctic Silver 328is
urban328is, 04/25/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is my first car, my father bought it for me for $10k. It is Arctic Silver, fully loaded with sports package, 6 disc changer, leather, etc. It does have 132000 miles on it but they are mostly highway miles and this car still drives like it is fresh off the lot. I would highly recommend the 3-series, we have two on the driveway and couildnt be happier with them.
Be ware of your local BMW shop
saltyswede, 03/29/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 318is 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Took my car to S.F. BMW for a 60k check up. I was told that the cost would be 650. They then took of new wiperblades and replaced them etc. alot of hidden costs. They told me that the radiator was leaking and said that it with the "plastic waterpump and thermostate housing" at a cost of 3800. I took the car to a independent shop who informed me that the production date of my car indicated that it would not have the plastic waterpump. If you need parts for your BMW try the Partsbin.com they sell OEM and after market parts. S.F. BMW OEM Radiator 385 The Partsbin OME with shiping 169 The radiators are both made by baher and are identical.
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.
Best car I ever owned.
James 328is, 06/16/2002
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
There is not one bad thing I can say about this car except that oil changes are a bit pricy. Bmw seriously rock. This is literally the best car I have ever owned, and I have owned many. Nothing compares to the quality and reliability and comfort of bmw.
Perfectly Balanced
Johnnyboy7, 09/14/2002
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
My favorite car of all time. I even once owned a '95 M3, but the 328is returns about 92% of the performance of its more viral cousin. And the cost of ownership is considerably less. I have spent no more than $1,000 (including a new battery, and that's it. I have 52,000 trouble-free miles. Best of all, I am never board when I'm driving this car! I always enjoy my drive to work. It is truly made for people who actually like to drive; it is the anti- SUV!!!!
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!
BMW fans unite
Constant Car Shopper, 08/12/2007
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Even before I got my driver's license I wondered why people payed a premium for BMWs. I openly criticized, but secretly wanted one. Now that I own one there is no doubt that the BMW 3 series is a car driver's dream. I test drove my current vehicle almost as a lark and wound up buying it on the spot. Much like other reviewers this car makes me glad to get up everyday to drive this car to work. So far the maintenance on this vehicle has been no more than other cars I have owned. I bought this car with almost 100,000 miles on it and would love to put 100,000 more on it.
328 is Coupe Rocks
ChuckS, 05/04/2002
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a great vehicle-the last really good looking 3 series before the "rounded new look" that BMW recently came up with. The 328 IS has a muscle type look to it. This car is so much fun to drive! 0 to 60 in 6+ So quiet on the freeway. They will be sought after in years to come.
My bmw
rjs5689, 11/20/2002
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my BMW used in 1999 from westchester BMW and ever since i have loved it. It has been a nlast to drive offereng exelent comfort and preformance. i have heated seats and the sport package.
Best All Around Car
jbarnstrow, 11/23/2002
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Auto Tranny, but still has plenty of power for the twisties. Carries four without the usual coupe cramp.
Ultimate Driving Machine
gdevinney, 01/06/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Love this car more than any I have EVER had. The only bad thing is I will never settle for less.
70,000 trouble-fee miles
crazy4blues, 02/27/2005
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new 7 1/2 years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The handling is very neutral, and spirited driving is always fun--never "scary." I've never had any major issues with this car. Onramps are great fun, and I get about 28 mpg on the highway. 18 mpg City. It has started every morning and has never left me stranded. I have replaced the battery, the front brakes (rotors and pads), an AC module, and the water pump (as a precaution). While I have left it completely stock, this is a great platform for suspension upgrades and engine mods (CAI, Exhaust, Chip, etc.). I would definitely buy this car again.
Highly Recommend This Car
Juliet Brumlik, 06/06/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 318is 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is my second 318is - both incredible. I now also own a 540i, and when I get back into my 318is I marvel that it does NOT seem dinky/underpowered next to the 540. I tend to drive the 3 faster, as it feels zippy and there's such a feeling of control over the vehicle. It has the sports suspension, which I adore - it really does make a difference. I have the manual transmission, and the clutch is silky and wonderful. Visibility is phenomenal. Great gas mileage, reliability and safety w/this car. By the way, this car has the best cup holders EVER. Put a soda can in and drive like Mario Andretti? No problem here.
Great handling, excellent value
mdriver, 05/17/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328is 2dr Coupe
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a very fun car. It has acceptable fuel economy in my opinion and has very good build quality. Easy to maintain if you like to work on the car yourself, though dealer visits can get very expensive very quickly.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.