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 51 through 60 of 65.00

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  Love-hate relationship with my E36 - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Andy S - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my 328i. The steering, throttle response, pedal placement, driving position, etc. were very well done. The down side is the know list of "common E36 problems" that I keep having to fix. Expect to replace front ball joints and rear shock mounts. Also, its just a matter of time before some component of the cooling system will fail.

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  323IS - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By C4Cabro - June 25 - 2:00 am

  This is a Great Car. Not is it just a BMW it is a Dream Car. I love driving Everyday. Just becuase i want to Drive it. i highly Recommend it.

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  Ridiculous Cost of Repairs - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By mjsaad - April 19 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car for the past 5 years UNTIL I have had two repairs totalling $1,000.00 already and the issue is in the high cost of the parts. The fuel pump costed $250, which can be argued as my fault, BUT the $900 bill for fixing a leaking air condensor and drier was ridiculous. What is next? Maybe the $5,000 + engine? I am now concerned and am ready to trade in this car for another brand.

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  Great car, maintenance nightmare - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By cats-rule - April 3 - 2:00 am

  I love this car, but hate the maintenance. I did not want to have this close a relationship with a service department. The service department is great and they treat you well, but they charge you tons of money and your car is there a lot.

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  I love my beemer! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By cats_rule_texas - February 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun to drive and comfortable. My car does not look like it is 5 years old. It handles well and is fun to drive.

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  M3 wannabe - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By kekle - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car gets no respect, but as far as Im concerned it is the most balanced, lightest bmw out there. big hatch, can fit 2x4 studs. Great car.

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  Ultimate Driving Machine? Maybe - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By ArturoIsGod - October 1 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 1998 323IS back in February 2002. I love the syling, handling, and the performance from the 2.5 liter inline 6 is pretty good. Thing is its only got 60K miles on it and Ive already had to replace the catalytic converter, the water pump, and the serpentine belt. The thing vibrates like crazy when at idle and seems to be getting progressively worse. One of the exhaust mounting brackets has broken loose and it rattles under the car. As soon as the extended warranty runs out its gone. Anyone know the phone # for Acura?

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  Oh yeah, baby! - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Indie21 - September 15 - 2:00 am

  My wife needed to upgrade to a newer, safer vehicle so we started looking. We live near the worlds largest automall so options were not a problem. We stumbled upon this vehicle purely by chance. After the test drive we knew it was the one. A week later the price dropped $4,000 and we jumped on it. Its hard to believe that such beauty, comfort, agressiveness, sportiness, and safety can be found in one vehicle. This truly is the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Great Fun - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By Sherry Moore - September 7 - 9:40 am

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  Best car in the universe? - 1998 BMW 3-Series
  By joynerr - September 3 - 2:00 am

  I started on a six-month long car hunt and drove the new Sentra, Maxima, used GS400s and LS400s, Jettas and many other fine cars. I stumbled upon a used BMW 325 and took it for a drive. It immediately impressed me and I later drove some 328s. I bought a 1998 328i with the Harmon Kardon sound system, sport suspension, and silver metallic paint and am extremely pleased with the car. The car transforms from family sedan to sports car by just flicking it into a few tight turns and down shifting. For around 20k it seems like a steal parked next to the new +20k Taurus in the parking lot.