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 1 through 10 of 60.00-
Soooo fun to drive! Even with 200,000mi! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By 328i96 - March 17 - 7:36 pmThis car has by far been the most reliable car Ive ever owned. I previously had a 94 325is and a 95 Mercedes Benz c280. The car is alot like my 325is but It has more options and It just looks much better. I have driven this car from DC to NYC many times without issues. The only problems that Ive had so far is that the driver electronic seat backrest tilt doesnt function anymore. It just needs a new plastic gear for the seat motor. Another thing is that Over the years the black leather has become severely dried out because of the sun. These minor things dont bother me much. I just love the way the car handles and the looks I get from people when I drive around town.
-
SOOO expensive to repair - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By Heather - February 15 - 9:38 amThe head gasket is a major issue... YIKES. The engine components are made up of lots of plastic. I have had lots of electrical issues and the convertible top gets stuck sometimes. The top is leaking and caused mold damage to my back seats.
-
Fun to drive, not to fix - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By Tony - June 22 - 3:10 amI 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
-
Fun Ragtop! - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By Tribefan47 - April 21 - 2:00 amPurchased 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.
-
Fun to drive, have an extra car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By buddy916 - January 24 - 2:00 amI have had this car for about 2.5 years. It drives very well-lots of performance & power, but the usual Beemer electrical crap occurs. Repeated problems with the power top and power locks. Got locked out of the trunk a couple of times too.
-
love it...quirky though - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By ole - April 13 - 2:00 amthis car is SO much fun to drive. BMW makes a quality car, but crazy german electrical rears its ugly head.
-
Fun to drive...but SECURE? - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By barmem - March 1 - 2:00 amGreat car to drive, amazing acceleration, tightest turn radius Ive ever seen, and corners on a dime. Had some intermittent mechanical/electrical problems - but heres the concern on this car, people: Its been stolen twice in the last month. Both times, the thieves bipassed the FACTORY alarm without tripping it and started the car without touching the ignition or damaging the column whatsoever. BMW said it was impossible until they saw the car once we recovered it. Then they said there must be another key out there...until they accounted for them all. BEWARE...theyll say its theft proof...but its not any more.
-
for autobahn drivers not commuters - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By rajdc - February 21 - 2:00 amI bought a used 328i convertible in 1999. it got too problematic after 100K. who ever said german engineering is superior is crazy! ok maybe the perforance and design...but everything else--total crap. At first it gave me problems with the top. It would get stuck, and just act flaky. The car ran pretty well but had a lot of electrical problems--I mean A LOT! Pretty much everything on the dash was replaced at one point--even the HEATING unit!! spent about $5000 in repair.
-
Fun, but not worth it - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By Readyforanother - January 5 - 2:00 amGreat fun to drive, but at what cost? The car is in constant need of mechanical attention. The check engine and brake light sensors are constantly on, the electrical system is full of glitches, and everything started falling apart once it got past warranty (not that the warranty covered much anyway). If you are considering a used 3, find one with extremely low mileage or factor in several thousand dollars for repairs within the first few years.
-
Good Fun Doesnt Come Cheap - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By FLS - December 16 - 2:00 amGreat engineering went into the design of 328i. Great handling, good ergonomics, lots of cool gadgets, unbelievable at top speeds, but expensive to maintain. Other BMW owners seem to have the same comments.
