Used 1998 BMW M3 Sedan Consumer Reviews
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Great handling, lots of fun
pyite, 09/12/2011
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
8 of 8 people found this review helpful
I have owned this car for almost 2 years now, and it just feels great to drive. Check the "Melted Rubber" web site for a thorough review. With 230 HP, it is not going to win too many drag races; and I only get 25 mpg with 95% freeway driving. I could probably squeeze a couple more out of it, but it is practically impossible not to be a leadfoot. One thing to watch out for if you get one is the routine maintenance. It is typical for people to neglect this until 130,000+ miles, at which point the car will likely need shocks, bushings, etc all around and a clutch. BMW st^H^H dealers have turned overcharging into an art form - finding a good independent mechanic will save you a fortune.
Best Overall Sports Car Ever
Kevin, 07/26/2010
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
I have had my 4 door M3 since 2003. I bought it from a private dealership with only 17K miles on it. I added the Dinan software one day at the dealership on a whim and wow 155 mph and I had to stop. It might have done 160, but who knows, I could also have gone to jail because of that. Used it as a daily drive until 2007. Now it is strictly for weekends and appointments. I have a truck for daily use now. Now have 107K miles. Normal maintenance and no major problems thus far. I could keep this car forever. My 9 year old son loves it and wants me to keep it for him when he gets 16. Yeah right!
1998 BMW M3 for sale near you
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1998 M3 Sedan is outstanding
mmit0126, 09/28/2004
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This is the best handling car I've ever driven! I look forward to driving it all the time; from going to and from work, or just to the store--it begs to be driven! I have put in the following upgrades: Jim Conforti's Shark Injector software, Conforti's Cold Air Intake, Bavarian Auto's adjustable camber plates (to take out the slight understeer), UUC's power pulleys, UUC's short shifter and double shear selector rod.
Eight years old and we can't let go
pb, 05/25/2006
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
This car is great fun to own and although we've strongly considered the purchase of a newer E46 or E90 3 Series, we couldn't do it, this car is too good. Our E36 M3 is an automatic (so wife could drive comfortably, too), would've preferred manual, but no danger of the expensive missed shift that many seem to report with the stick. Automatics seem less likely to have been flogged, as well. Our's was in excellent shape when purchased with 50K on the clock and remains so with 64K. Extreme fun in the twisties and very efficient on the freeway. If you've got one, keep it.
Commute to Work & Run at the Glen
Melitameister, 07/27/2008
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
In my 60s and after driving economy family cars for many years, a friend gave me low down on E36 M3s. Found one cheap with 95k on odometer. Now, excited every time I climb in, even just for the short drive to work. Recently signed up for BMW Club "driver's school" at Watkins Glen and got to run total of over 100 minutes over two days hitting 130, sliding through corners at 80 and passing some hot cars. Will be doing that again! The feel of the road in this thing is so perfect you can't imagine the fun. Plenty of smooth power at all speeds. Quiet, winding country roads are heaven on earth. Shoot past cars when passing. Best way to have an affordable world class driving experience.
Awesome Car, Hope it Lasts Forever!
M3 Cruzer, 07/11/2009
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love this car. I wish it would last forever. I bought it used with 15K miles on it in 2002. I have driven it 90K+ miles with 100% reliability, it has never broken down once. This car is so much fun to drive that I can't imagine stepping down to any other car. I am forever spoiled! With 105K miles, this car still feels new. This is not exactly an inexpensive car to own. I get about 23 MPG in mixed city/hwy driving. Tires cost $1K every 25K miles. I have probably spent $5K+ on routine maintenance during the seven years I have owned it. Who cares though, what I love about this car is that it has 4 doors, hauls, gets 23+ MPG, has achieved 100% reliability to date, and is a blast to drive.
M3
BMWBob, 05/11/2004
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Flawless and Faultless. Amazing handling backed with all the power any fool should need. Granted a few straight line junkies might need more power, but on a real road this car offers more than enough to get in trouble. The car is a delight to drive and while I have a manual, I have driven the automatic and feel you give up much lees than you might imagine on the switch.
Amazing M3
Matthew S., 06/02/2005
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I purchased my M3 as a certified pre- owned about 2 years ago. The car is flawless. It can out run or keep up with many cars on the road today, easily. It is very quick, responsive and handles as if it's on rails. You can basically attack corners with this car and never feel over your head. The car also makes you look and feel like a better driver. The functionality of the car is also impressive because you can carry four adults in relative comfort with a few bags of luggage in the back. Most of all the car is fun to drive and will definitely put a smile on your face whenever you drive it.
Wow what a car!
BMWbiker, 04/21/2006
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I took delivery new USA model 11/7/97 in Europe. It took a week to get broken in and then it ran 148mph on the 'bahn with euro chip. Mine is a stick "all real BMWs.." But I spent a day on the track with an automatic and was very impressed. I have added the Dinan Exhaust and Chip so 255hp likely 150mph or maybe more? Dealers are really expensive/greedy, but basic maintainence is pretty easy, you save $100 an hour. If you need help there are lots of talented/reasonable independents who are passionate about the cars. Once I wanted a convertible, but after driving the more flexible and heavy, (fat) chassis I became truly happy with my sedan. Will keep it until it is worth 40k again.
Finally got my dream car
MARKSS, 04/15/2007
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have wanted an M3 sedan since they came out in 1997. Now that they are about ten years old, I am finally able to afford one. I have had mine now for a little over a year. It had 96000 on it, and now has 107000. It is still solid as a rock. I have driven it in high performance driving schools and autocross races. It is very quick and very stable, yet perfectly comfortable for everyday driving. The only complaints I have are the lack of steering wheel adjustments and a weak air conditioner. If you are sitting in traffic for more than a few minutes on an 85 degree+ day, it starts blowing hot air. Other than that the car is perfect. Most people are surprised when I tell them that it is a 1998.
The best there is
MARKSS, 08/19/2007
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I have had my M3 for almost 2 years now and absolutely love it. It is powerful, agile, looks great, and still feels solid even with 113,000 miles on the tach. Only a few problems; ac is very weak and some of the LEDs on the dash are going out, but hey, the car is almost 10 years old. I love how my M3 communicates with the road; the newer BMWs aren't as in tune with the driver. It definitely inspires confidence on the track, although winter driving is very scary. If you can afford to, have a different car for the winter (if you live in a state like Colorado). I plan on driving this car until the wheels fall off. By the way things are looking, that will be a very long time from now.
BMW did it again...
b0rf, 08/02/2002
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Best used buy for under $25k. Practicality of a 4 door with Motorsport engineering. Definately a better alternative to a new E46 3 series, especially considering the stock performance levels and the performance levels it can achieve with a few modifications.
The Best Car for under $60K
iam4ecu, 11/12/2002
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an amazing car - it was everything I wanted it to be. It makes me smile every day. As a car that won every award and review, I had high expectations and they have been met. If you are considering one of these, find one that is well-maintained and get it. You'll never regret it!
The funnest car I've ever driven
Larry Sorche, 01/26/2003
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This was definitely the best sports car to drive for the money. Can't get a new one because they're out of my price reach. Performance was awesome!...turned corners at 40+ with no fishtail and it could stop on a dime. Wasn't the fastest off the line but I could keep up with the vets and beat most 6 bangers. Aftermarket stuff can make this a beast. Repair cost are outrageous, but that has been sporadic.
Best 4 door Sports Car Ever.Period.
///M, 07/16/2003
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
World class performance with 4 real seats. Extremely stable at 140mph+.
1998 M3
ace24, 02/28/2003
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
The car is a perfect balance of power, handling, fit, function and finish. My wife has an audi A6 which I will admit offers a smoother ride but does not compare regarding feedback from the road. At times I feel as though I'm one with the road...feeling the slightest ripples in the pavement, smallest deviations in the tarmack, every grain of sand..etc. It gives the driver a sensation similar to that of driving a go-cart (light in weight, very responsive). When all is said and done my "silver bullet" is just plain fun to drive....
M3 rocks.
arcanadana, 08/28/2003
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I've ever had. It's incredible well balance and poise makes it hard to scare yourself, even in spirited sport driving. It's great around town, and especially in sedan form, it's a sleeper. Unless someone knows what an M3 is, it looks almost exactly like a 328. I got the sedan version because I'm tall and it has an extra inch and a half of headroom, which makes it enough for me. How many other sports cars do I fit in this well? Zero. I've had quicker cars, but it's quick enough, and the handling will keep pace with ANYTHING. It's my everyday e-ticket ride.
M3 4dr Std
phr, 12/22/2003
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Outstanding handling and braking abilities. I prefer the E36 interior and exterior styling to the E46 series. The only way to learn the potenial of this car is to drive it on the track. Spend a weekend getting instruction in the car with the BMWCCA. After that you'll really appreciate what the M3 is all about.
Black Beauty
pgorsuch, 02/23/2004
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Truly remarkable auto. Engine is powerfull and just keeps begging for more. Amazing gas mileage no matter how hard I drive it. Over 30 mpg while driving expressway at 80 mph. Transmission is perfect. Never hesitates just jumps into the next gear. Handles fantastic on the corners. Only drawback is the wide tires which necessitates putting it away for the winter. Can't wait until spring.
Do it all sedan
Sarge395, 05/26/2004
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I needed practical yet fun. Got it all with the M3. Not a cheap car to own or operate but it was worth it. Took it to Road America for 2 days of track time with the BMW club. Learned a lot about the car and my driving skills. Do it if you get the chance. Owned it now for 5 years and will drive it until it becomes uneconomical to operate. One sweet ride and 4 door practical.
Sports Car or Sedan?
QTip, 07/24/2004
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Sports Car or Sedan? BOTH! Who says having 4 doors means your car has to be sluggish and boring? BMW created a vehicle to shatter that misconception. I love the fact that I can go 0-60 in less than 6 seconds and still have groceries all in the same car. Thats not the half of it. The greatest feeling that comes from this beast of a machine is when you take 20 MPH turns at over triple the speed, yet youll still feel glued to the road. This car excedes all of my expecations. Whats can I say, this car keeps me coming back for more. Thats why its my second M3. Its the perfect family sports car.
For those who loves to drive ONLY!
mkfryrice, 07/08/2003
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Drive one and you will understand! This car is just so efficient - on EVERYTHING! Resell value is also better than most of the compititors!