Used 1997 BMW 3 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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First car
whippersnapped, 06/19/2011
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
12 of 12 people found this review helpful
This is the first car I have ever owned, although I have driven many others. In my opinion, this is as close to a perfect car as there is (which is why I bought it. A logical progression, really). I got an excellent example of the model for 4 grand, and have since put less than a thousand into it over 8,000 miles. It is just bulletproof. I have never pushed the revs to the red because the car simply doesn't need it to do whatever you need. The interior is comfortable but you can tell it was a secondary concern after performance. The car has it where it counts, and that is what matters to me.
I'm never selling this car!
Ken, 11/16/2010
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
Well, I purchased this 1997 328i in 1999 as a dealer leftover that had been sitting on the lot for a very long time. I got a heck of a deal on it. I have driven it on and off for the past 11 years and when I'm not using the car, it's garaged. The black paint shines like the day I got it. The interior shows almost no signs of wear aside from the drivers floor mat. No cracking of the leather, etc. I have had NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS whatsoever with the car in the 70,000 miles I've owned it. Aside from regular scheduled maintenance, I've replaced the brake pads and tires once and that's it. This car has proven to be the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned. I will never sell this car.
1997 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
Showing 3 of 6 listings
- 318i SedanMSRP: $8,500824 mi away
- 328i ConvertibleMSRP: $13,990873 mi away
- 318ti 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $11,900947 mi away
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1997 328i Sedan
camenta, 11/10/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have already run over 1,500 miles on this car and it has been everything I wxpected it to be. Used to have a 1991 318i and liked everything about that. This is that and more. The car pulls hard off the line and can still turn it on in 5th gear. I don't like that I have to hunt a factory CD player down (fits using a Z3 factory unit)and the cost of the CD is very high. With that said, nothing else to complain about. Smooth, fun and full of style. A must have for the driving fan.
Practical BMW
RHartounian, 09/12/2006
1997 BMW 3 Series 318i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have always loved BMWs. This one is not any less of a BMW. It has good handling and good torque in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear. I wish it had a sixth gear. This car has a very tight gear ratio so in the 5th gear at 80 mph the engine is begging for another gear. Too bad! The glove compartment is really poor, though. Everything you place inside, it keeps rolling out. I love the E30 glove box much more. I hate the vinyl interior. BMW is probably one of the only luxury car manufacturers that still makes vinyl seats. In the summer months it's an oven in there. One common problem with this car that cannot be fixed is the climate control. Overall it's a good car.
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.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
Incomparable car for its time
Johnny in NY, 07/01/2009
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The 1997 328i was my first German car and well, they've made a convert of me. My experience with this car, despite its age was extraordinary. The handling was like nothing I had experienced until then, even surpassing cars 10 years younger. Mechanically, I never once had a problem with anything, save a brake replacement, but that was due to my driving more than anything else. My praises for this car are too many to list, but it does come with a few warnings. 1. The car is very reliable, but expensive to maintain and repair. 2. The cup holders are useless. 3. The car handles very poorly in snow and ice, as is to be expected from any RWD car. Do not be mistaken though, the BMW is amazing.
Still the ultimate driving machine.
johnbmw328, 06/01/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car handles like no other. Haven driven many other types of cars, BMW is the most fun. It gives me a sense of security while driving, and for that I would pay any price. Yes, the cost is high for repairs but all good things do not come without a price. Find a reliable mechanic. Avoid the dealership.
Truly the "Ultimate"
H328i, 06/23/2004
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
When we had the second child, my wife suggested I get rid of my truck for a "family" car. With the only requirements to be an automatic and a 4-door I set out to find my new wheels, trying like mad to avoid a mini van at all costs. Missing my old sports car from high school and tired of seeing everyone in Camrys and Accords, I wanted different and unique. I found this 328i to be just the cure for the "midlife" and still making the wife happy for the rare transports of the kids. This car is awseome. Sometimes the best part of the workday is the drive to and from work. BMW is the Ultimate Driving Machine.
This is one kicking car.
John Sullivan, 04/09/2003
1997 BMW 3 Series 318i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Coming from a car history of teh 1980's this car is awesome. I have driven explorers,a nd Durango's but I love this car. 1985 BMW 524td (yes a Diesel) 1989 Volvo 240 GL Bow my 1997 E36 (318i) and I love it. Fun, zuppy, great mileage and its supposed to all be recyclable. Kudos BMW. Save the World.
The car is older and the driver is wiser
Laura, 12/07/2008
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love my 328i, but it costs, financially and physically, to maintain it! So far I have had to replace the radiator, radiator fluid tank, fuel pump, drive and ac belts, wiper motor, and thermostat (and I am only the second owner!). My dad, who loves to and can fix anything, HATES working on my car, but he does it reluctantly. It's too low to the ground to fit a normal jack under it, you need odd-sized tools, and the lay out under the hood is way to complicated. But I guess thats the price you pay for a lasting vehicle.
Still competes with current sport sedans
Jonathan, 08/05/2008
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I come from a Honda family, owning an unkillable (and I tried) Accord before the BMW, and so my standards for how a car should be built were set a little high. Most people "warned" me about buying a used european car claiming I'll be on the side of the road or with a monstrous repair bill in no time, but my BMW is still running strong. However, if you want this car and have low maintenance costs, be prepared to do a little work yourself. Labor is where shops will overcharge BMW owners and so doing basic jobs like brake pads or changing the oil will save you a ton of money if you do it yourself. Take care of it and it'll last longer than most cars on the road.
Reliability and performance over-rated
Brian Johnson, 08/25/2002
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I overestimated the BMW brand when I bought my 97 328i. The exterior design is distinctly BMW and it is a great "image" car for young professionals. The biggest challenge is reliability... hundreds of sensors constantly break and any visit to the shop will run at least $300. If you are going to buy one anyway - pass on the Inspection I and II checkups - which are serious waste of money. Overall, performance was less than stellar. I actually had more fun with my 97 Acura Integra, which really surprised me.
My bimma
Bimma, 10/24/2002
1997 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Great car, couln't complain, used to have a gm....and a honda.....uncomparable!!!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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