Used 1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
Used 3 Series for sale
1
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Very Reliable Owner Must Have Basic Mechanic Skills
skydog526, 03/17/2013
1998 BMW 3 Series 318i 4dr Sedan
24 of 24 people found this review helpful
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
1998 BMW 3 Series
THE "G", 05/09/2008
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought my Black 328i in 2000. 2nd owner it was a lease vehicle. I have been a naughty owner and have only changed the oil, rotors, brake pads, brake sensors & tires for the most part. I put TVs in the head rests, Chrome 18" rims w/z-rate tires and a kicking stereo system in addition to the HK system that included a tv in the radio as well. I've driven this car through out Germany, Belgium, Luxemburg, the Netherlands, and from coast to coast (in the US. The tint came in handy) plenty of times and never has it stranded me. I had a problem with the acceleration in auto and would have to drop down to manual but it still never starnded me and continued to out perform other vehicles.
1st BMW but not last!
MarkT, 05/28/2005
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
1st BMW but not last! Got a great deal on a great car. Have had it over 2 years and have enjoyed every minute. Only 1 minor problem, a leaky valve, $200, and not a bump since. Best driving car, the Japanese cannot compete with the Germans! Have had Honda, Toyota, Nissan, but nothing like a BMW!!! I am about to buy my 2nd, a 5 series, since having a baby. Would recommend a 98 328 to anyone condsidering an entry Beemer...
Fun car but watch out for maintenance
B-Man68, 01/06/2005
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
A lot of fun to drive but maintenance costs are very high. When my transmission went out I learned that BMW claims the earlier 328's have a "lifetime transmission" with a "lifetime fill" of fluid and do not recommend a tranny service. I followed the recommended maintenance to a T and never had the tranny serviced. Replacing it cost me over $4k. Had I had it serviced it would not have failed when it did. BMW now recommends a tranny service on newer models but still not on the older ones. Even the fluid mfg's recommend changing the fluid. Where BMW came up with the "lifetime" claim is beyond me. I ended up getting the money I spent on the new tranny back through small claims court.
1998 BMW 328i sedan manual
Twotone, 08/26/2009
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
The BMW 3 Series is the best balance of luxury, sport, comfort, fun to drive and style. No other small sedan comes close. No other front engine, manual transmission RWD sedans are currently available. I get 21 MPG around town and two road trips of 33 MPG driving 80+ MPH. Other have mentioned reliability issues. In the 4+ years I have owned it, all I have done is oil changes, brake pads and tires. This has been the most reliable car I have owned (I've had 20+ cars). It still looks and drives like a new car after 11 years and 95k miles.
!998 328ia sedan
Hotdog2020, 04/03/2004
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Owned car for 2.5 years and still have a huge smile on my face! This is the car that keeps on giving. My wife (not a car nut like me)after driving the car for a short errand will enter the room and still comments "nice car". Excellent handling and power. Some cars may do better in other areas, however, when you take the sum of all the parts,handling,power,fuel economy,safety and resale value, nobody beats BMW. I could have bought a brand new Taurus and after 5 years what would you have.
One of the Best Cars Ever Made!!!
average_dude, 03/01/2011
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had this car a long time now, and I am still amazed at how great it feels to be in it. I love the feel of the road and the sound of the sweet audio from the premium sound system in the car. It is super quick when I need it to be. And it is great on gas. I have only changed the alternator and done the regular mantinence since it was new. The space in the back seat is a little light. But, If I were a parent of 3 kids and needed a great second car, this would be it. I think the car looks so classy and screems traditional BMW style. It is the benchmark by which I will measure all future cars. It looks especially good in Alpine White. It's one to drive before you die. Own one if you can.
I will keep this car for many years.
soltnutz, 08/17/2014
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought the car 2 years ago from someone who had it for 11 years and never drove it in the winter. The car is near perfect condition with a few modifications ( the previous owner liked to go fast ). M3 cam, header, M50 intake, AA chip and 3 inch exhaust, full locking diff plus new adjustable suspension. The ride plus handling is tight.
The Finest in German Engineering
Trin->Starr, 08/24/2004
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I bought my BM used in 2002, and this car is AMAZING. There are few quirks that seem to happen with all BMWs but they are not life threatening, or highly irritating. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone. Dealership fees are a bit exorbitant, but look around where you live, you will find some that specialize in BMWs and other german cars. The internet also has a great repository of information on how to fix/repair, and troubleshoot. Most of them can be done by yourself
A longtime dream come true...
Trish Arnold, 06/06/2004
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have wanted a BMW 3 series since the mid 90's. I finally bought a '98 328i this year and I LOVE it!!! I have owned brand new cars that weren't as tight as this car! It's beautiful, handles fantastic, and is SO much fun to drive, I find myself making excuses to drive it!
1