Overview & Reviews

BMW's highly acclaimed 3 Series receives new engines across the board. The six-cylinder models drop the 325 designation for 328, thanks to a new 2.8-liter inline six. While the new six offers a negligible gain in horsepower (now 190), acceleration is significantly improved by a 14 percent increase in torque (now up to 207). To go along with the heartier engine, 328 models get vented rear disc brakes to minimize brake fade. The 318 models keep the 318 name despite an increase in engine displacement to 1.9 liters, which yields a slight increase in torque. Automatic climate control is standard across the line, except in the 318ti, and upgraded sound systems are optional on all models.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 60.00

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  Awesome car! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike James - March 18 - 8:28 pm

  This is arguably the best three series ever. It handles like a dream, has great power and has a classic design. The gas mileage is in the high 20s which is surprising. Big difference between this car and the earlier 325i. We plan on driving it until it reaches 250,000 miles.

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  The best 3 series ever - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Classic 3 series - March 2 - 5:39 pm

  We bought this car when it was 10 years old and with 62k miles and cannot believe how tight it is. Steering is awesome and power is impressive. It also gets about 29MPG on the highway. This model has all of the power options unlike the late 90s and early 00s where they started to option these features. The sport mode gives it a real edge and is great in traffic. We hope to have it for the next 150k miles.

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  The ultimate driving machine - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By john - January 2 - 10:19 pm

  Zippy fun to drive car! handling is excellent. pick up is decent for a 4 speed automatic, 4cyl car. In my opinion you can hang with any other sports sedan on the freeway with this car. One thing about BMWs that the owner must stay on top of is the maintenace. these are VERY sensitive cars and if you ignore the maintenance the end result will hit you in your wallet hard!

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  Still an Ultimate Driving Machine - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By White 2 Dr Coupe - November 8 - 3:18 pm

  After owning this car for five years I still enjoy the ride & performance of this vehicle. It makes just driving to the grocery store a pleasure. Keeping it clean brings comments to me all the time, like what year is your car and when I tell them they dont believe it. They say that car still looks new. And it feels good because I stay up on the maintenance.

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  Maybe Will Keep Another 50,000 - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By PAUL WILSON - July 5 - 12:02 am

  I purchased the car while living in Germany, although it was a U.S. made car. I now have 205,000 miles and I have always had it serviced at authorized BMW dealers. No engine or transmission repairs ever. It is a really fun car to drive, and overall I would say economical. The first five years of my ownership were in Germany, and the car really did well at high speeds. On the Autobahn I usually drove 85-95 MPH, but I have driven it as fast as 140 MPH with no problems. Although the car has 205,000 miles on it I think it will be good for at least another 50,000 or more.

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  Great little coupe - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Hellrot - April 20 - 10:18 am

  Very comfortable highway car. Im 63" 220 lbs. and I have plenty of room. It has plenty of power for the highway and is very agile in city traffic. The central locking system these Germans designed is a tough one to figure out. Thats my only beef. The car is very tight, solid. At high speeds it is quiet and smooth. You definitely have to pay attention to your speed or set the cruise control otherwise youll be traveling 80+ mph and not realize it. It handles like it is on rails but still maintains a smooth ride quality. This is my first BMW. I have owned 30 different cars over the last 30+ years. This car impressed me so much that Ill be adding another BMW to my collection very soon.

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  Genuinely fun but not for everyone - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - January 4 - 10:27 am

  BMWs have the reputation of being a car for those to whom driving is more than just getting from point A to point B and this car shows why. Its sophisticated fun especially with a five speed and good tires. Turns everyday boring drives into something to be enjoyed. However on an older car like this you better know how to work on it yourself or know a good independent mechanic who can. A dealer can be really expensive. Its just the price you pay for owning an out of warranty performance car. If you want basic transportation with minimum $$ for maintenance better find something more reliable.

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  Great Car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Michael - October 8 - 6:49 am

  I have owned this car for 4 months. The only problem being that the power steering fluid has a bad hose. I have taken it to a repair shop that told me the problem while not charging me a dime. You are supposed to fill the power steering fluid with the car running. 10/10 would buy again.

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  Great Value... - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By BigMikeyP - May 8 - 12:01 pm

  This is possibly the most reliable car made in the last 20 years. Mine has 193K miles and has yet to have any major mechanical problems. It has never broken down and I dont detect a drop in performance. Its not a great long distance car as it can ride a little stiff. The other problem is noise at 70+ mph. It can also get lite in the rain, especially at high speeds. Interestingly enough, it seems unstable at 70mph (dry road) but sits down nicely and rides beautifully at 85+mph. Clearly a car built for the autobon. My parting though is that I love this car and intend to drive it for another 60+K miles.

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  My First BMW - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Yves - May 6 - 10:11 pm

  I couldnt pass up the opportunity to buy this car. I have never owned anything close to this car before. I have driven many north american and a few european models and this cars driving experience exceeded all of those and my expectations. The engine is silky smooth right to the redline and puts out plenty of go. Although the auto transmission may not provide as much pure joy as the stick, the manual shift option comes close. The suspension is pure genius. Never too harsh, it provides a stable, confidence inspiring platform at any speed or road condition. Drop the top, and this little white car goes from attractive to gorgeous. Every time I drive it, I cant stop smiling.