Used 1999 BMW 3 Series Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Great car spoiled by Reliability Issues
vikas, 11/30/2004
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought the BMW 3 series new in 1999. The car drives incredibly well; however, the reliability is far below competing japanese makes and maintenance costs border on the obscene. In the 84k I've had the car, I've replaced all of the window motors, changed the AC compressor (twice), replaced parts of the front suspension, repaired several fluid leaks and replaced the thermostat (twice). In addition, a new battery was $250, since you can't go to WalMart and buy a battery. The dealer wanted $1,200 for a normal brake service and over $1,000 to change the belts (I went elsewhere, but still expensive).
There's only one...
Matt, 02/22/2005
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased this car used a little over 2 years ago. I've had the "usual" repairs reported by most drivers - window motors, control arms and bushings - but this seems to be a standard problem that all owners have to deal with. If you're willing to put up with a high(er) maintenance car you won't ever want to drive anything else. It handles like a dream and holds the road like no other car I've driven.
1999 BMW 3 Series for sale near you
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- 328i ConvertibleMSRP: $13,99061 mi away
- 323i ConvertibleMSRP: $8,895142 mi away
- 328i SedanMSRP: $5,295189 mi away
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1999 328iA
benmchilds, 03/16/2003
1999 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased my 1999 328ia, steel blue from Century BMW in Greenville, SC. I traded in my 97 318ia for a newer model. I drive approximately 40,000 miles a year and have put over 65,000 miles on this car since I got it. Even with close to 85,000 miles on it, it still out performs everything that I come across and have test drove. I looked at everything including Jags, Acura, Lexus, you name and I test drove it and nothing can close to BMW. Great gas mileage and extremely comfortable seats for those long trips. Only thing that could be improved is more trunk storage since I travel so much, I could use a little extra space. Looking at an X-5 4.4 next.
BMW Owner No More
JUAN B, 12/01/2006
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I always wanted a BMW, this was my first and maybe my last. I have not driven the car one day without a light coming on. Either the turning lights (I haven't figured out the problem) or the check engine light, or the ABS and the list goes on. There is a lot of noise coming into the cabin from the suspension. The moonroof was always a problem. It is not a family friendly car, my baby's stroller barely fits in the trunk, and with the driver's seat in the driving position, not even my 6 year old would fit. I had to service the A/C because a low pressure hose broke. I hate sounding so negative, but it is true. I ended up buying another car, not a bimmer.
A Dream
lucky wolf, 02/18/2007
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bought this vehicle for myself with 97000 miles and fully loaded with no apparent deficits (one owner vehicle). Body, engine, paint, interior, exterior in immaculate condition. Have driven it on long and short trips and it continues to elicit stares from lexus and benz owners. This vehicle is made for driving!!
The E46 BMW is the total package.
Walt, 03/06/2002
1999 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The 3 Series is the best buy in sports sedan market segment. I have absolutely enjoyed owning it. The handling and stability going down the road is tremendous. I have driven about everything else that is listed as competition, but nothing comes close. Happily there are numerous aftermarket accessories and parts suppliers that provide an alternative to the high priced dealer.
Perfect except for reliablity
davidsmith, 04/14/2003
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Bit on the pricy side with only 170hp, since most japanese competition now offer 200 or more. But it doesn't feel slow by any means. Design and materials used in the cabin are top notch. Too bad they rattle like nissan sentra. Lots of minor problems, like airbag light being on constantly,(fixed 4 times already) but probably more fun to drive than lot of sport cars. Minor body roll without sport package.
Fun to drive, but...
photown, 03/31/2007
1999 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Feels as solid as a tank. Could be quicker but fun nonetheless. Handles as if on rails. The controls are in all of the right places. Looks to kill. Perfect car, but it's an absolute money pit to own. Spent $6000 on repair bills including water pump, computer ($2000), rear-end bushings, 3 window actuators ($375/each) and other misc. parts. Dealer wanted to do even more repairs totaling $4000 (replacing radiator and expansion tank was $2500!). Walk away uless it comes with a very good extended warranty.
Still Going Great
Zack, 10/12/2007
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought this car new in 99 and have had only minor problems since (brakes at 50, shocks and suspension at 80) but otherwise this car is a tank. No major problems and best of all I am still getting almost 27 mpg. One complaint is the dealership maintenance. Don't go there if you can help it, they charge 2x what a good local mechanic who knows BMWs does. If you have a late model BMW do yourself a favor and find a reputable local mechanic whom you can trust to fix your car.
Best for the money, most value
Jamie Randazzo, 04/26/2003
1999 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This car is a workhorse/tank. It offers the most performance, stability and safety unlike any other car. Acceleration is a dream while gas mileage is at 28mpg. And I shift at 5,000 rpm. I have only been serviced for oil changes.There is little back-end maintenance.
Good ride but caution
bucklaobmr, 07/11/2007
1999 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
First BMW, got another one (06 330i) even with the minor issues I had with this one. Caution on getting the first year of a new generation (1999 E46 in this case). Should have waited for the bug fixes. Good handling, styling. Had to replace 4 window regulators, 2 cooling fans and 1 control arm. Broken sunroof shade. BMW owner should know that these cars are high performance = high maintenance. Tires will wear out in 20k miles.
Less is Better
haj, 07/05/2003
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
One great vehicle. Handling is awesome, with plenty of pick up and performance in this little package of a 323i. Were a family of two and this car is perfect for a smaller family. The engineering is well defined and noted in this one.
BMW - Jalal
Jalal Shawwa, 03/17/2002
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The ultimate driving machine
Okay... I guess...
js, 12/09/2007
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I drove an '06 330 w/ sport pkg for a year, which is the greatest car I've ever driven outside of a Ferrari. I thought I'd ditch the new one for a used to avoid payments. Dumb. The 99 falls very short of my expectations. Sure, it drives great, when I'm not under the hood. 125k miles, and I've had to do "normal" wear and tear maintenance (control arm bushings, shocks, rotors, brakes, tires, battery, alternator, ac compressor, alignment, fluid flush, tune up, and a secondary air pump). Seems a bit excessive for "normal" wear and tear ($5300). My only fear is what's next?! Oh, and the stereo stinks! 8 speakers, none of which put out any bass! New stereo a must.
First & Last BMW
gl36, 07/28/2008
1999 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
BMW=Bring Money With You. This car was junk from day one. All 4 electric window motors & relays replaced. Ac condenser electric fan-replaced 4 times. Belt broke did $1100.00 damage. Radiator split, $1300.00 front end, list goes on & on. Best day of my life when it was gone.
Love it !
Fripp64, 06/12/2002
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
First BMW but not the last !
Fun & Reliable
Ana, 07/04/2002
1999 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is a fun car to drive. It is responsive, reliable and appealing to the fashionable driver. It is surprisingly economical for its performance. Two downturns: I had more hitches than expected, such as burned bulbs etc. - nothing major, but certainly a time consuming pain; not a spacious family car at all; passengers in the back seat are sure to complain during a long drive. Overall, perfect for a single adventurer or young couple. Absolutely love it and will continue to be a loyal BMW buyer (previously owned a 7-series and a M3).
Pretty Sad!!!! Better off Buying a Ford!
2L8-IWON, 10/03/2003
1999 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have to say I am thourghly dissapointed!! I have had two BMs and will never get another BMW Canada and their Dealers are most unhelpfull and inconsiderate, I have had to replace so far over $3,000 and BMW says I do not care sir even if you are only 3,500 miles out of your warranty, and then they say sorry you are not even the original owner so we will do nothing for you!!
323 rating
LESLEEBYRON, 01/25/2004
1999 BMW 3 Series 323i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
it is solid and reliable but needs maintenance like any bmw. You can't forget about the car like a Toyota or Nissan.
Best of the bunch
pmichaelis, 02/19/2003
1999 BMW 3 Series 328i 4dr Sedan
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
This is the fourth BMW owned. One 6 series, remainder 3 series. All cars have met expectations, particularly the 1999 328ia. This car has all the attributes expected in a high priced small car. It handles well, is comfortable on a long trip..1400+ miles, and has been utterly reliable. The only negative has been the brake pads wearing out at 24,000 miles. Excellent mileage, 32+ mpg on a trip, nonexistent oil consumption during service interval. My basis of comparison is a 1997 Porsche 993 C2S.