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 21 through 30 of 60.00

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  Bang for the Buck - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By chris - December 2 - 12:08 pm

  Had this car for over 10 years and 180,000 miles and the car is still going strong. Body is sturdy and still no creaks or rattles whatsoever. Maintenance is cheaper than my Honda since parts dont break down or rust as much. Excellent fuel mileage and very practical due to the folding seats. Excellent handling. This car can take curves and corners at high speeds. Ive almost run off roads with rental cars since Im used to how this car handles. It would have been better if this had a 6 cylinder engine, but it holds up more than repectably when pushed at higher rpms. Torque is strong at all rpms. Too bad they stopped making this model. Europe still has it with 6 cylinder models.

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  Fun to drive, not to fix - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Tony - June 22 - 3:10 am

  I just recently (may 2005) got hold of a 1996 318 automatic. Owner before me had taken good care of it. I havent had any major problems (other than normal wear parts) with it so far (crosses fingers) and i just passed 100K. Check engine light came on for a "low pressure cat. converter" code, but i had that code cleared at a shop and it hasnt come on again. Gas mileage is great, i use 92 or higher, 94 if i can find it... (owners manual recommends 91 but gas cap says minimum is 89) Ive taken a 393 mile trip 3 times in this car and I can drive straight through and still have a quarter tank left...with the AC running full blast going up hills...which is even better mpg than my 97 accord

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  Amazing Car though not for everyone - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By russ - May 10 - 3:45 am

  Great car, love it but know what you are getting. Reliability: car will require some maintenance. Also reliability will vary with treatment more than some other cars, consider this when buying used. You will get electrical problems like brake light/check engine, do me a favor and dont buy/complain about this as it is not a "real" problem. Performance: depends on what you are comparing it to. Great compared to average cars: civic, grand am, saturn, etc. good driving experience corners well, accelerates, rear wheel drive which is completely under appreciated. Good blend of comfort and sport handling. But it is not a really fast car you will wish you had an M3 at times though you can mod.

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  Boston Green 318I Sedan - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Justin James - March 3 - 5:27 pm

  I recently purchased this car during the summer, and it was the best money I ever spent. The car itself has a sporty and sleek design. Although it is a 96 it still gives other cars of that year a run for their money. Over all the 1.9L doch engine gives it a fairy quick acceleration which can be put to the test with the 4 speed tiptronic. This car will respond with elequence and grace toward any turn you put in fornt of it. Due to the German sport tuned suspention. The boston green with a metalic flake compliments the light tan interior very well. Instumentation and acessories inside the car are of excellent quality and are easily viewed. Overall it is the best car Ive ever owned.

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  328i=Permasmile - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Matt Van Dyke - October 8 - 2:00 am

  Parts can be expensive, but most problems very easy to fix. This car is still tight and rattle free after 120k miles. I love it and will buy another BMW. Actually, I dont think Ill buy anything else again.

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  great way to bring friends along topless - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By marinerguy - September 26 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car to replace an 02 altima that had the same number of miles on it. Ive only regretted it when maintenance work needed to be done and unless you live in a big city, being selective about mechanics isnt easy. The radio reception sucks most of the time and off the line performance (automatic) suffers in hilly areas. The top is manual, so it takes a couple of minutes to take down, but the worst part is the clear plastic window. COPLETELY UNUSABLE!

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  going strong - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By So Cal driver - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 318ti for 6 years and it was the best purchase. Its 8 years old now and has 104,000 miles and is still going strong. It is mechanically sound and I havent had any problems, just regular maintenance. The biggest thing to go was the fuel pump (not bad @ 98K miles). Ive taken many road trips (thanks to all the room available when the back seats are folded down) and have driven on many upaved roads and it handled well.

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  Fun Ragtop! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By Tribefan47 - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Purchased this vehicle for top down springtome fun...it lives up to my expectations. It could have more power but looks awesome even standing still. The E36 body style is still the best looking 3 series made! My second 96 3 (other was a 328ia). These vehicles epitomize what BMW should still be...fun, sporty, stylish cars. The new BMWs (except the Z) seem to look like theyre built for old people.

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  Awsome Vehicle - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By RDSbmw - March 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car used, in great condition, and I fell in love with it immediately. The interior is still in great shape, I havent had any problems with it mechanically, and it is a pleasure to drive. The acceleration is unbelievable, it handles wonderfully, and the interior features work like a charm.

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  Love this car!!!!! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
  By diva_delite - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun Fun Fun....when I drive something else it feels very clumsy... this car has spoiled me! Car is 8 years old, I have owned it for five years and have had to do only normal wear and tear repairs and maintenance. Very zippy, great gas mileage. Back seat is a little small (cant fit a baby seat or large/tall adults) but the hatch back and folding seats provide lots of cargo space when needed! I dont think I will ever part with this car!