Overview & Reviews
BMW swaps out the four-cylinder engine in the 318 coupe and convertible for a 168-horsepower 2.5-liter inline six -- these cars become the 323is coupe and 323i convertible (why it's "323" and not "325," we'll never know). Meanwhile, the 318i sedan and 318ti hatchback continue on unchanged. All cars get standard side airbags this year, except the 318ti, on which they are optional.
- One of our all-time favorite cars. Carves turns faster than your dad carves Thanksgiving turkey.
- Price is a bit steep. Interior is a bit cramped.
User Reviews:
Showing 21 through 30 of 65.00-
Drive a BMW and youll see why! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By GearHeadPeter - August 19 - 3:05 pmI am a car guy as I have 60 & 70s muscle cars. I bought this car in Sept. of 2003 with only 35K on it. This is the best car to have fun in. It has great power for I6, the HK stereo and CD changer are awesome. The only problems I had was the taillight warning light telling me I had a burned out bulb. I found out by using Google that it is related to a faulty Stop light switch, which I replaced for under $20 and never had a problem since. I like one or two others have had a auto transmission problem when serviced but it was covered under the extended warranty, 4 years unlimited mileage, and only cost me $75 for a new transmission. Too Cool!
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Truly the Ultimate Driving Machine - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By Dell Sanders - August 3 - 5:40 pmThis car had about 40,000 miles on it when I bought it under the Certified Pre-Owned program - that has turned out to be the best car-buying decision I ever made. I LOVE THIS CAR !! It now has over 104,000 miles on it - Ive driven it back and forth across the entire country several times and there was never a problem. BMW really has a way of making you feel at one with the car like no other carmaker seems to be able to duplicate. Maintenance costs have been average with no expensive surprises. Everyone is amazed at how clean the engine always stays, and at how shiny the original paint still is, although Ive lived both in dry desert areas and very cold climates. Again - I love this car!
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Amazing - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By gabe dietz - July 28 - 8:26 amBlack on black with tinted windows and a sun roof... ohhhh yea! This car drives amazing. I bought it with 59k on it a year and a half ago and now it has 72k. It feels like it will be good for another 100k. The only problem I have had with it was a failed catalytic converter, which was still under warranty. You will not find a better car for the money. Great performance and good gas mileage...I get just over 30 mpg on the highway and 25 in the city and the car takes regular 89 octane gas! If you want a sports car that is still somewhat practical, this car is perfect.
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Great Car - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By Jeff - June 20 - 2:16 pmThis has been a great car. I have 103,000 miles and never a problem. I plan on keeping it another 100,000,
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Best Series 3 Ever - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By Fonfed - June 12 - 10:40 amThe 328 IS is probably one of the best series 3 ever built by BMW. The engine is very responsive, powerful and yet quiet. Gas consumption is outstanding. I actually make 32 m/g on highway and 26 on city traffic. The interior is very confortable and luxurious. Needless to say the 328 is very well built with lots of attention to details. Mechanically the 328 is as good as it gets.
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1st BMW but not last! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By MarkT - May 27 - 11:55 pm1st BMW but not last! Got a great deal on a great car. Have had it over 2 years and have enjoyed every minute. Only 1 minor problem, a leaky valve, $200, and not a bump since. Best driving car, the Japanese cannot compete with the Germans! Have had Honda, Toyota, Nissan, but nothing like a BMW!!! I am about to buy my 2nd, a 5 series, since having a baby. Would recommend a 98 328 to anyone condsidering an entry Beemer...
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6 years so far! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By jasbudd - April 24 - 12:09 amI bought my 1998 328i in January 1999. It had 14,000 miles on the odometer. It currently has 64,000. It has never broken down or stranded me. It is a 5 speed stick with premium package (no sport which means I can rotate the tires). The car is awsome and I am a car nut. The acceleration and handling are the tops. The HK sound system is excellent. My ave. fuel economy is 25 miles to the gallon. Yes you become one with the car, its a BMW. I have only performed the routine scheduled maintenance since owning(the countdown lights). Nothing has broken so far. I did just replace the battery 2 weeks ago (original, its in the trunk!). I hope to keep this car till either it or I expire!
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Bavarian Cream - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By Colin - March 1 - 3:47 pmAfter years of BMW hating, my girlfriend finally convinced me to take one for a test drive. I drove an E46 325i (which I loved but did not find the price very inviting) and then my now E36 328i. Never have I experienced a car that is so connected to the driver and is able to "read" what I am doing next. For roughly $13k for a nice, low mileage example, there is simply no better car to buy than an e36 BMW. What a car! Much like an old Z, this is a car that I am kicking myself over for not discovering earlier. I bought mine from the dealership for an excellent price (With a 100k mile warranty included!) as a one owner, full history car. For those of you without one, you are truly missing out!
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Fun car but watch out for maintenance - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By B-Man68 - January 6 - 4:13 pmA lot of fun to drive but maintenance costs are very high. When my transmission went out I learned that BMW claims the earlier 328s have a "lifetime transmission" with a "lifetime fill" of fluid and do not recommend a tranny service. I followed the recommended maintenance to a T and never had the tranny serviced. Replacing it cost me over $4k. Had I had it serviced it would not have failed when it did. BMW now recommends a tranny service on newer models but still not on the older ones. Even the fluid mfgs recommend changing the fluid. Where BMW came up with the "lifetime" claim is beyond me. I ended up getting the money I spent on the new tranny back through small claims court.
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Thrill to drive - 1998 BMW 3-Series
By David C. - December 13 - 8:51 pmThis car is a thrill to drive. Even though it is six years old, it still looks and drives like a new car. The biggest thrill is with the top down. Very little wind in the front seat. All the great accesories are included with the car. Very well built and low maintenance car. Great gas mileage. This is my second BMW and it wont be the last. The car handles great and has good acceleration. The only draw back is there isnt much room in the back seat. This is a great car.
