Overview & Reviews
Traction control and heated side mirrors are now standard across the line. Additionally, all cars receive minor styling revisions to the grille and rear fascia, as well as in the cockpit.
- Great steering, top-notch suspension, and nice exterior styling.
- Spartan interior and cramped passenger compartment.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 70.00-
Practical BMW - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By RHartounian - September 12 - 4:38 pmI have always loved BMWs. This one is not any less of a BMW. It has good handling and good torque in the 3rd, 4th, and 5th gear. I wish it had a sixth gear. This car has a very tight gear ratio so in the 5th gear at 80 mph the engine is begging for another gear. Too bad! The glove compartment is really poor, though. Everything you place inside, it keeps rolling out. I love the E30 glove box much more. I hate the vinyl interior. BMW is probably one of the only luxury car manufacturers that still makes vinyl seats. In the summer months its an oven in there. One common problem with this car that cannot be fixed is the climate control. Overall its a good car.
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Never want to give it up! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Fran - April 19 - 7:03 pmI love my baby beemer! Would not want to drive anything but a BMW since owning this car.
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Birthday present update! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Dsarge - April 4 - 1:04 pmA year since my last review. Have put 16,000 miles on the vehicle. During that time, I had to have the AC condenser replaced (did not lose AC, but discovered during a service). Additionally, rear bushings went out (dealer initially thought the shocks were bad spent $300 and did not correct the problem:(. Although these were not covered by the warranty I purchased (see earlier review), it has been a very satisfying auto! I upgraded the tires to Michelin Pilot A/S (MAJOR difference on traction and control), and recently added a stabilizer bar (AA Tuning). Considering getting a 2001 330i, but the potential problems are a turn-off. Can live with the older body for the reliability factor!
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BMW 328ic, a very well made car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Al - March 16 - 1:56 pmI bought my 328iC back in April 03. It was still fresh looking and amazing to drive given the fact that it had 50K miles on it already. I thought Id keep it for 3 years and just move onto another car, but I love this car! Im going to keep it for quite some time further, repairs have been non existant other than a waterpump and fan blade. Im nearing 100K miles so its time to replace some bushings, other than that its a solid reliable ride.
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3 series review - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Steve - October 5 - 6:00 pmAlways look forward to driving to and from work because of this vehicle. Great balance and tossability along with good power, brakes and fuel economy. A little pricey to service and may not have the reliabilty of a Honda. Makes me feel young again.
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Unreal - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Techie - July 21 - 10:41 pmUsed cars have been the routes Ive taken over the last 12 years. I have been driving Saabs for a long time and I decided to make the change over this time to BMW. Ive always wanted one so this was a nice car to add to my collection. I bought the car with 112,000 miles. Its been serviced accurate which makes all the difference. The car is still extremely tight inside and out, like it came off the show room floor. Ive been dazzled how it grabs the curves asphalt. I highly recommend purchasing a used BMW as an alternate to a less reliable and not near as fun to drive new car of any kind. The power band is perfect. Shifting gears is a must for the full enjoyment of what this car can offer.
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Birthday present! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By D Sarge - April 28 - 5:29 pmI received the 328I as a birthday gift. Now, for those of you married folks reading this, that translates into my wife letting me buy it:) I have had the vehicle just over a month. The dealer was so confident in the vehicle, he sold a 2 year, UNLIMITED MILEAGE warranty with it (just to be on the safe side, as Ive heard horror stories as well). So far, the only thing I purchased was wheel locks and window tint. The vehicle has been incredible to drive, and that is on the 89 octane (note: later models require premium fuel). Gas mileage ranges 21-25, but thats likely due to always pushing the 5-speed. This will be the first of a few updates, as I own the vehicle. So far, 2 thumbs up!
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70,000 trouble-fee miles - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By crazy4blues - February 27 - 1:26 amI bought this car new 7 1/2 years ago, and have thoroughly enjoyed it. The handling is very neutral, and spirited driving is always fun--never "scary." Ive never had any major issues with this car. Onramps are great fun, and I get about 28 mpg on the highway. 18 mpg City. It has started every morning and has never left me stranded. I have replaced the battery, the front brakes (rotors and pads), an AC module, and the water pump (as a precaution). While I have left it completely stock, this is a great platform for suspension upgrades and engine mods (CAI, Exhaust, Chip, etc.). I would definitely buy this car again.
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Ya Gotta Love it! - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By AtlantaGal - December 15 - 6:12 pmIve now had this convertible BMW for 5 years and its been a highlight of my driving days. I bought it used and still under warranty, which came in handy when the convertible straps needed replacing. I understand that happens at about 30K miles. If I had not grown up with two mechanic brothers working on Detroit vehicles, I would have had a chance to drive a BMW sooner. There is a reason why its the Ultimate Driving Machine. Some folks may not like the fact that the control panel tells you when to do what, but its a great help for me.
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nightmare - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By bob - December 2 - 11:45 pmi bought this car because i thought bmws were nice cars, mine on the other hand is a nightmare. i have spent over $2000 dollars repairing this car. i would have rather gone with something more reliable like a Toyota.
