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 1 through 10 of 70.00-
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.
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Be ware of your local BMW shop - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By saltyswede - March 29 - 2:00 amTook my car to S.F. BMW for a 60k check up. I was told that the cost would be 650. They then took of new wiperblades and replaced them etc. alot of hidden costs. They told me that the radiator was leaking and said that it with the "plastic waterpump and thermostate housing" at a cost of 3800. I took the car to a independent shop who informed me that the production date of my car indicated that it would not have the plastic waterpump. If you need parts for your BMW try the Partsbin.com they sell OEM and after market parts. S.F. BMW OEM Radiator 385 The Partsbin OME with shiping 169 The radiators are both made by baher and are identical.
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Reliability and performance over-rated - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Brian Johnson - August 25 - 2:00 amI overestimated the BMW brand when I bought my 97 328i. The exterior design is distinctly BMW and it is a great "image" car for young professionals. The biggest challenge is reliability... hundreds of sensors constantly break and any visit to the shop will run at least $300. If you are going to buy one anyway - pass on the Inspection I and II checkups - which are serious waste of money. Overall, performance was less than stellar. I actually had more fun with my 97 Acura Integra, which really surprised me.