Overview & Reviews

New standard goodies adorn 3 Series two-door models in 1999.

• Not all the models get revised at the same time. Coupe and convertible fans will have to make do with the former design.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 90.00

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  Great old second car - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By tssutton - May 24 - 3:21 am

  Bought my 99 323i in September of 2012 with around 150k miles on it. I have the automatic base model which doesnt include power seats or fog lamps. But has every other option such as leather and sunroof. Got it for around $5,200 with a 1yr unlimited mile warranty. Bought as a second car to keep the miles down on my 2011 VW Passat. Starter began to stick when weather turned really cold and was replaced at local BMW dealer under warranty ($750 bill) also had an issue with the left turn signal blinking continuously even when it wasnt engaged ($350 parts and labor). Overall not bad for a car bought cheap and is 14yrs old. Drives like a dream. A little thirsty on gas for a 6 cyl engine.

• 

  Best. first car. ever. - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By maggiewashere - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Ive only had this car for 2 weeks, and its definitely a huge change from my dads volvo wagon. Fuel economy is decent, especially for a car with a 6 cylinder engine, averaging 21 mpg (25-35hw). Backseat room was a pleasant surprise-2 58+ guys can fit in the back, no problem. Ive put 1,200 miles on it, and so far no problems. I get tons of compliments on my car, the heated seats are nice for a New Yorker, and the sound system is great for a 12 year old car. Road noise actually isnt bad The only thing I dont like is the cup holders.Its fine for a little cappuccino or a giant sweet tea, but anything in between doesnt stay in and I just hold it between my legs.:/

• 

  Good Car If You Can Afford It - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Jen - February 4 - 1:28 am

  My dad purchased this car for me in May. I had it inspected and they said it was in above average condition. Since I bought it Ive had to replace the expansion tank for $300, Power Steering Pump and Hoses $1000, oil change for $160 and other hoses for $500. This is come to be expected of an 11 year old car. The brakes and brake pads have been fixed but constantly squeak and my lighter and car door lock button are broken. Ive had the car inspected and the tires aligned but my car ALWAYS pulls! Other than those issues the car is good to drive, although it is TERRIBLE on gas. I am quite fond of the car but if I have a repair over $500 again, Im selling it!

• 

  328i - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By raisbeck - January 18 - 10:15 pm

  Long story short. I wound up with this car by accident. I thought that I was buying something nice and boring and maintenance free... Itt aint. These (I bought one for my daughter) things take some TLC but if you stay away from the dealers and do your own work, theyre no more expensive than a Pontiac(got the bills from my wifes dealer). E46 - watch out for the cooling system. Radiators and water pumps are plastic and die after 8-9 years. Keep up the "routine" maintenance religiously. Find a reasonably priced source of parts.

• 

  Reliable - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By Mike - September 24 - 2:58 pm

  We bought this the first year out and besides the window regulator not working and being replace a few time it has been a great car. I have looked to replace it and unless I spend over 30k is performs and gets better gas MPG then the new cars of it size. I get 20 around town and 30 on the hwy. I will drive it until it dies.

• 

  First & Last BMW - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By gl36 - July 27 - 9:53 pm

  BMW=Bring Money With You. This car was junk from day one. All 4 electric window motors & relays replaced. Ac condenser electric fan-replaced 4 times. Belt broke did $1100.00 damage. Radiator split, $1300.00 front end, list goes on & on. Best day of my life when it was gone.

• 

  Okay... I guess... - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By js - December 8 - 9:08 pm

  I drove an 06 330 w/ sport pkg for a year, which is the greatest car Ive ever driven outside of a Ferrari. I thought Id ditch the new one for a used to avoid payments. Dumb. The 99 falls very short of my expectations. Sure, it drives great, when Im not under the hood. 125k miles, and Ive had to do "normal" wear and tear maintenance (control arm bushings, shocks, rotors, brakes, tires, battery, alternator, ac compressor, alignment, fluid flush, tune up, and a secondary air pump). Seems a bit excessive for "normal" wear and tear ($5300). My only fear is whats next?! Oh, and the stereo stinks! 8 speakers, none of which put out any bass! New stereo a must.

• 

  Good ride but caution - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By bucklaobmr - July 11 - 10:36 am

  First BMW, got another one (06 330i) even with the minor issues I had with this one. Caution on getting the first year of a new generation (1999 E46 in this case). Should have waited for the bug fixes. Good handling, styling. Had to replace 4 window regulators, 2 cooling fans and 1 control arm. Broken sunroof shade. BMW owner should know that these cars are high performance = high maintenance. Tires will wear out in 20k miles.

• 

  Fun to drive, but... - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By photown - March 31 - 3:04 pm

  Feels as solid as a tank. Could be quicker but fun nonetheless. Handles as if on rails. The controls are in all of the right places. Looks to kill. Perfect car, but its an absolute money pit to own. Spent $6000 on repair bills including water pump, computer ($2000), rear-end bushings, 3 window actuators ($375/each) and other misc. parts. Dealer wanted to do even more repairs totaling $4000 (replacing radiator and expansion tank was $2500!). Walk away uless it comes with a very good extended warranty.

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  BMW Owner No More - 1999 BMW 3-Series
  By JUAN B - December 1 - 3:04 pm

  I always wanted a BMW, this was my first and maybe my last. I have not driven the car one day without a light coming on. Either the turning lights (I havent figured out the problem) or the check engine light, or the ABS and the list goes on. There is a lot of noise coming into the cabin from the suspension. The moonroof was always a problem. It is not a family friendly car, my babys stroller barely fits in the trunk, and with the drivers seat in the driving position, not even my 6 year old would fit. I had to service the A/C because a low pressure hose broke. I hate sounding so negative, but it is true. I ended up buying another car, not a bimmer.