Used 1998 BMW 3 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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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 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.
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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.
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.
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...
!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.
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.
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.
Love-hate relationship with my E36
Andy S, 07/16/2003
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love driving my 328i. The steering, throttle response, pedal placement, driving position, etc. were very well done. The down side is the know list of "common E36 problems" that I keep having to fix. Expect to replace front ball joints and rear shock mounts. Also, it's just a matter of time before some component of the cooling system will fail.
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!
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
Drive a BMW and you'll see why!
GearHeadPeter, 08/19/2005
1998 BMW 3 Series 318i 4dr Sedan
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
I am a car guy as I have 60' & 70's muscle cars. I bought this car in Sept. of 2003 with only 35K on it. This is the best car to have fun in. It has great power for I6, the HK stereo and CD changer are awesome. The only problems I had was the taillight warning light telling me I had a burned out bulb. I found out by using Google that it is related to a faulty Stop light switch, which I replaced for under $20 and never had a problem since. I like one or two others have had a auto transmission problem when serviced but it was covered under the extended warranty, 4 years unlimited mileage, and only cost me $75 for a new transmission. Too Cool!
I love my beemer!
cats_rule_texas, 02/23/2003
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
This car is fun to drive and comfortable. My car does not look like it is 5 years old. It handles well and is fun to drive.
Bavarian Cream
Colin, 03/01/2005
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
After years of BMW hating, my girlfriend finally convinced me to take one for a test drive. I drove an E46 325i (which I loved but did not find the price very inviting) and then my now E36 328i. Never have I experienced a car that is so connected to the driver and is able to "read" what I am doing next. For roughly $13k for a nice, low mileage example, there is simply no better car to buy than an e36 BMW. What a car! Much like an old Z, this is a car that I am kicking myself over for not discovering earlier. I bought mine from the dealership for an excellent price (With a 100k mile warranty included!) as a one owner, full history car. For those of you without one, you are truly missing out!
6 years so far!
jasbudd, 04/24/2005
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 1998 328i in January 1999. It had 14,000 miles on the odometer. It currently has 64,000. It has never broken down or stranded me. It is a 5 speed stick with premium package (no sport which means I can rotate the tires). The car is awsome and I am a car nut. The acceleration and handling are the tops. The HK sound system is excellent. My ave. fuel economy is 25 miles to the gallon. Yes you become one with the car, it's a BMW. I have only performed the routine scheduled maintenance since owning(the countdown lights). Nothing has broken so far. I did just replace the battery 2 weeks ago (original, it's in the trunk!). I hope to keep this car till either it or I expire!
My first bmw
victorrrq, 04/13/2006
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
The car is fantastic...when its fixed. When I first bought the car it was all right, but when the warrantee ended, I was forced to go fix the car. Cooling problems, electrical problems, I probably spent over 10g's of repairs and upgrades to the car. I love the car but the repairs for it are a...you know what. And the car is awful in winter, but that could be fixed with newer winter tires.
Great car, maintenance nightmare
cats-rule, 04/03/2003
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I love this car, but hate the maintenance. I did not want to have this close a relationship with a service department. The service department is great and they treat you well, but they charge you tons of money and your car is there a lot.
Ridiculous Cost of Repairs
mjsaad, 04/19/2003
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have loved this car for the past 5 years UNTIL I have had two repairs totalling $1,000.00 already and the issue is in the high cost of the parts. The fuel pump costed $250, which can be argued as my fault, BUT the $900 bill for fixing a leaking air condensor and drier was ridiculous. What is next? Maybe the $5,000 + engine? I am now concerned and am ready to trade in this car for another brand.
Always wanted one
hueston69, 08/16/2007
1998 BMW 3 Series 318i 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Always wanted a 5 series wagon, but when this came available I couldn't help myself. Other than being very slow off the line this is the best driving vehicle I have ever owned. This car is so smooth at highway speeds (and faster!!), that I can't wait to take long road trips. Have only had it for a few months, so can't say much about reliability other than I am not afraid to drive this car long distances.
Best car in the universe?
joynerr, 09/03/2002
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I started on a six-month long car hunt and drove the new Sentra, Maxima, used GS400s and LS400s, Jettas and many other fine cars. I stumbled upon a used BMW 325 and took it for a drive. It immediately impressed me and I later drove some 328s. I bought a 1998 328i with the Harmon Kardon sound system, sport suspension, and silver metallic paint and am extremely pleased with the car. The car transforms from family sedan to sports car by just flicking it into a few tight turns and down shifting. For around 20k it seems like a steal parked next to the new +20k Taurus in the parking lot.
Great Car
DPoon, 07/20/2004
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I had no intention of buying a BMW when I bought this car. It had been traded in 2 days before and was in perfect condition. It only had 48k on it. I did the test drive and there was no question about buying it. Surprisingly, the price was excellent. Much lower than I though a BMW should be.
I love that car!!!
HL1981, 10/18/2004
1998 BMW 3 Series 318i 4dr Sedan
0 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is so fun to drive!
Fun and Economical
Knoxville, 06/23/2010
1998 BMW 3 Series 318i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought this used four years ago when it had 84k. It was my first 'upscale' car and I am totally spoiled. The 4cyl feels like a 6 and it can really move the car. The handling is solid and smooth. I believe that the ASC even kept me out of a major accident. Mine is MT and I average about 28mpg around town (although I'm a very efficient driver). I put about $1300 into fixing an emissions problem when I first got it, but nothing has gone wrong since - other than taillight problems. Still feels like a new car.
my 328i
Turner, 02/27/2002
1998 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
great performance/comfort/appearance value! Fun to drive, reliable, and definitely worth it.