1998 BMW 3 Series Review
1998 BMW 3 Series Review

Used 3 Series for sale
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BMW 3 Series types
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- One of our all-time favorite cars. Carves turns faster than your dad carves Thanksgiving turkey.
Cons
- Price is a bit steep. Interior is a bit cramped.
What’s new
BMW swaps out the four-cylinder engine in the 318 coupe and convertible for a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter inline six -- these cars become the 323is coupe and 323i convertible (why it's "323" and not "325," we'll never know). Meanwhile, the 318i sedan and 318ti hatchback continue on unchanged. All cars get standard side airbags this year, except the 318ti, on which they are optional.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 BMW 3 Series 323is 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.11 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$176/mo for 3 Series 323is
3 Series 323is
vs
$168/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
People buy BMWs for a variety of reasons. BMWs carry an obvious panache that tells the world that you have, indeed, arrived. Driving a BMW also tells the world that you are a person who is young at heart, someone who may want to change their own gears from time to time; unlike, say, a stuffy owner of a Mercedes-Benz, Lexus or Cadillac. Lastly, BMWs politely tell people that you like to drive, and to please move out of that left lane so you can pass, thank you.
The BMW 3-Series is now in its seventh year of production. Despite this, the car is still fresh and exciting; evoking powerful feelings of desire and jealousy every time we see one cruising down the street. This year, the big news is the addition of a zippy little six-pot engine for the entry-level coupe and convertible. At 2.5-liters, the new engine makes 28 more horsepower and a whopping 48 more foot-pounds of torque than the four-cylinder engine that is still standard on the entry-level hatchback and sedan. Safety is another concern that BMW addressed in 1998, adding standard side-impact airbags to all of the 3-Series coupes, sedans and convertibles.
The 3-Series is BMW's most popular line of cars because it spans such a broad price range. Starting at just under $22,000 for the fun and cheap 318ti hatchback, the 3-Series reaches its pinnacle at more than $40,000 with the outstanding, high-performance M3 coupe, convertible and sedan. Despite the disparity in prices, the 3-Series models are uniformly fun to drive due to their wonderful chassis, excellent steering and top-notch suspensions.
We believe that the purchase of a 3-Series car is one of the best ways to get know that twisty stretch of road that you were always afraid to introduce to your Buick Century. However, this is definitely not the car for all people, since back seat room is cramped and limited cargo space makes it impractical for large families. But, if you are a person who enjoys driving, the 3-Series is a nice alternative to muscle car machismo. We are thrilled that BMW has exercised restraint in these times of overblown excess. By keeping their revisions to those things that need revising, leaving the core of the vehicle untainted, the 3-Series is able to improve itself, rather than replace itself, every few years.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 BMW 3 Series.
5 star(82%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(1%)
2 star(2%)
1 star(0%)
67 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
1998 BMW 318ti Sport
BB Fan, 10/21/2004
1998 BMW 3 Series 318ti 2dr Hatchback
Exception handling and braking. Great
gas mileage. Sports package is
exception and car looks great. Car is
fun to drive and is a real head turner.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Very Reliable Owner Must Have Basic Mechanic Skills
skydog526, 03/17/2013
1998 BMW 3 Series 318i 4dr Sedan
With out a doubt the BMW e36 M40 engines are a very reliable engine. These cars require routine maintenance such as oil changes with synthetic oil, oxygen sensor replacement every 30,000 - 60,000 miles for best fuel air mixture ratio and mpg performance. The cooling systems are prone to wear due to plastic BMW OEM parts however, replacing the thermostat, water pump and radiator with full … metal parts is highly suggested.
BMW parts for the E36 series are relatively inexpensive and can be found on the internet comparable to the price of Honda, or Toyota parts. I bought my 1998 BMW 318I in August of 2012 with 176,000 miles. I have not had any mechanical issues with it. I do my own maintainence
5 out of 5 stars
210,000 miles on factory clutch and counting...
bmwsiempre, 07/19/2013
1998 BMW 3 Series 323is 2dr Coupe
The BMW 323is (chassis code: E36) is a very reliable automobile with exceptional fuel-sipping properties. Naturally you'll have to replace some parts along the way, however they are not as expensive as most would have you believe. Most repairs can be done by even the most novice of home mechanics. The cooling system should be overhauled every 60-80k miles but even with OEM parts the … whole task should cost the DIYer no more than $350-400 (radiator, thermostat, water pump, hoses, etc.). The engine is brilliant and I still see 27 MPG as my overall avg. As mentioned in the title, I am currently at 210,000 miles and still on the factory clutch! I will keep this car for at least another 100k.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Its True (the Ultimate Driving Machine)
Cella , 07/18/2004
1998 BMW 3 Series 323i 2dr Convertible
This is my 1st BMW and I will always
own a BMW from this point on. The car
has features than are even listed. If
you own or buying a BMW you have to
read the manual. If I didn't I wouldn't
know so many things the car does for
me. It sticks to the ground like glue.
The electronic governer doesnt allow
you to go faster than 147 MPH. People
asked where I get it that fast … in
Chicago. It doesn't take long and U
don't feel it.
If you are thinking about buying one DO
IT!!! Drop that top and fly... HK
Stereo upgrade a must!!
1998 3 Series Highlights
Sedan
318i
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 24 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $162/month |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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