Overview & Reviews
BMW's highly acclaimed 3 Series receives new engines across the board. The six-cylinder models drop the 325 designation for 328, thanks to a new 2.8-liter inline six. While the new six offers a negligible gain in horsepower (now 190), acceleration is significantly improved by a 14 percent increase in torque (now up to 207). To go along with the heartier engine, 328 models get vented rear disc brakes to minimize brake fade. The 318 models keep the 318 name despite an increase in engine displacement to 1.9 liters, which yields a slight increase in torque. Automatic climate control is standard across the line, except in the 318ti, and upgraded sound systems are optional on all models.
User Reviews:
Showing 41 through 50 of 60.00-
An exceptional car - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By RBL - March 26 - 2:00 amThis is one of four BMWs I currently own and my seventh overall, and it is one of the best: inexpensive to maintain with 25+ mpg in daily driving, absolutely reliable and as fun to drive as any BMW.
-
Best Ive ever had - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By oldf - March 18 - 2:00 amNot cheap but worth it. In the past trading in for a different car cost much more. Never kept a car this long and its going to be even longer!
-
Fun to drive...but SECURE? - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By barmem - March 1 - 2:00 amGreat car to drive, amazing acceleration, tightest turn radius Ive ever seen, and corners on a dime. Had some intermittent mechanical/electrical problems - but heres the concern on this car, people: Its been stolen twice in the last month. Both times, the thieves bipassed the FACTORY alarm without tripping it and started the car without touching the ignition or damaging the column whatsoever. BMW said it was impossible until they saw the car once we recovered it. Then they said there must be another key out there...until they accounted for them all. BEWARE...theyll say its theft proof...but its not any more.
-
Absolutely Awesome = 328i - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By SF328i - February 26 - 2:00 amIf your considering buying it, it is supreme over all competetors in its category. Considerable difference over the 325 also. Much nicer, highly recommended.
-
for autobahn drivers not commuters - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By rajdc - February 21 - 2:00 amI bought a used 328i convertible in 1999. it got too problematic after 100K. who ever said german engineering is superior is crazy! ok maybe the perforance and design...but everything else--total crap. At first it gave me problems with the top. It would get stuck, and just act flaky. The car ran pretty well but had a lot of electrical problems--I mean A LOT! Pretty much everything on the dash was replaced at one point--even the HEATING unit!! spent about $5000 in repair.
-
Fun, but not worth it - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By Readyforanother - January 5 - 2:00 amGreat fun to drive, but at what cost? The car is in constant need of mechanical attention. The check engine and brake light sensors are constantly on, the electrical system is full of glitches, and everything started falling apart once it got past warranty (not that the warranty covered much anyway). If you are considering a used 3, find one with extremely low mileage or factor in several thousand dollars for repairs within the first few years.
-
Good Fun Doesnt Come Cheap - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By FLS - December 16 - 2:00 amGreat engineering went into the design of 328i. Great handling, good ergonomics, lots of cool gadgets, unbelievable at top speeds, but expensive to maintain. Other BMW owners seem to have the same comments.
-
My 328i - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By Al Floer - October 11 - 2:00 amThis car was bought with 26 k miles on t.i We have had to replace the brake disks 2 times, but this may be due to incorrect torqeing of the lugs by me. The car otherwise has been great. Just now replacing the shocks at 76k. Plan to keep for many years. May even give it to my grand child that is not born yet.. LOL
-
Stuck w/ it - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By TEXanne - September 16 - 2:00 amThis is a really fun car, but the repairs and tune ups are very expensive. Be sure to include those costs when youre evaluating what car to buy. Even with my warranty, Ive still spent $2100 on repairs and the tune up inspection in one year! The service at the dealership in Austin, TX is beyond horrible (3 times they have told me I need repairs when the part isnt broken). If your BMW breaks down in Austin, take it to Black Forest Werkshop instead. My problem now is that with 91k miles, Im afraid Im not going to afford the repair costs much longer, but after driving this car, Im so spoiled that its hard to find a car Id rather have! :)
-
Its amazing - but here are some issues. - 1996 BMW 3-Series
By no alias - August 5 - 2:00 amSport package seats are very stiff and also extremely supportive. You wont want to take this on a 3+ hour trip, but its a blast getting to work each day! Also, remarkable in the snow with Blizzaks. The car is thought out very well, but the electric "glitches" can drive you nuts. Check engine light is aways on - but the performance exhaust and intake is probably my fault... Brake light indicator pops up from time to time, which I hear is a common issue. Everyone wants to race you from the stoplights - whats up with that!?! I have had only one repair in the past two years, and it was about $200.
