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 11 through 20 of 70.00-
Hidden Costs Of BMW Ownership - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By ACF - March 23 - 1:11 pmLook, the BMW 3 series is as about a pleasurable ride in a daily driver you can possibly get. Great road feel, great acceleration, great looks, & in the MT a superior shifting experience. However, be prepared to pay high maintenance costs, especially beyond 75k miles. I bought my 97 with 49k miles. It now has 99k, & I have put out around $7k in maintenance since. Clutch is $900, alternator is $450, ball joints are $500, water pump $400, tires (sport) $700 & brakes $300 done every other year. It has some quirky things too. LED displays (radio & odm) go dim/out, radiator necks break, coolant lever sensors go bad, paint chips/rusts way to easy. All in all a great ride, but youre gonna pay.
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Santa got it right - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By xmsbmw - January 14 - 10:13 pmSanta brought a 1997 red BMW 5 speed convertible to our house on Christmas morning in 2006. My wife absolutely loves this car. We took a ride along the southern half of the Blue Ridge Parkway this summer with the top down and it was an incredible trip. We have had (knock on wood) no problems and no repairs since the day we got it. All we have done in two years is change the oil. Some day the top will need to be replaced but we knew that when we got it. I compare this to a 1986 Buick "T" type I bought new that was suppose to be GMs answer to the BMW. I spent $16K on the Buick, had it 9 years and put over $17K of my own money in repairs. I now know, if you want a BMW, then buy a BMW!
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Through the painful part - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Bimconvert - December 23 - 2:58 pmToday, I love this car. Never felt like this before she handles so tight, races at every light. That is, after $3k in repairs had to get new body electronics module, A/C heater module, struts, balljoints, bushings, power steering hoses and still need to get aux fan and new top. Too much for the 85000 miles it has seen. In hindsight not the brightest purchase I ever made, but now that the painful part is over, this is the most fun Ive ever had on four wheels. At least while driving.
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The car is older and the driver is wiser - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Laura - December 7 - 3:48 pmI love my 328i, but it costs, financially and physically, to maintain it! So far I have had to replace the radiator, radiator fluid tank, fuel pump, drive and ac belts, wiper motor, and thermostat (and I am only the second owner!). My dad, who loves to and can fix anything, HATES working on my car, but he does it reluctantly. Its too low to the ground to fit a normal jack under it, you need odd-sized tools, and the lay out under the hood is way to complicated. But I guess thats the price you pay for a lasting vehicle.
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Still competes with current sport sedans - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Jonathan - August 5 - 8:12 amI come from a Honda family, owning an unkillable (and I tried) Accord before the BMW, and so my standards for how a car should be built were set a little high. Most people "warned" me about buying a used european car claiming Ill be on the side of the road or with a monstrous repair bill in no time, but my BMW is still running strong. However, if you want this car and have low maintenance costs, be prepared to do a little work yourself. Labor is where shops will overcharge BMW owners and so doing basic jobs like brake pads or changing the oil will save you a ton of money if you do it yourself. Take care of it and itll last longer than most cars on the road.
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Fantastic car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By slk328ic - February 8 - 12:29 amI purchased my 97 328iC from a PP (1 owner w/ all records) w/ 70K miles. In first year, had to replace front pads and rotors, light bulb under clock and radiator, hoses, thermos and housing. Replaced coolant related parts (water pump was aluminum and ok). I upgraded the stock wheels to 18". Car is Alpine White w/ Ash Grey leather. BEAUTIFUL car that turns heads EVERY DAY! Performance is great for an automatic!
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BMW fans unite - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By Constant Car Shopper - August 12 - 5:29 amEven before I got my drivers license I wondered why people payed a premium for BMWs. I openly criticized, but secretly wanted one. Now that I own one there is no doubt that the BMW 3 series is a car drivers dream. I test drove my current vehicle almost as a lark and wound up buying it on the spot. Much like other reviewers this car makes me glad to get up everyday to drive this car to work. So far the maintenance on this vehicle has been no more than other cars I have owned. I bought this car with almost 100,000 miles on it and would love to put 100,000 more on it.
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Dream car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By kayandbert - June 22 - 8:49 pmI waited a long time to own the car of my dreams. Still looks great sitting in my garage. I still get compliments on the car. Very reliable transportation whether to work or traveling the interstate to visit my granddaughters.
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BMW for life - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By bmwdan22 - May 15 - 3:56 amThis car has been amazing for the entire time I have owned it. The only major problem I have had with it is that the top stopped working after being jammed. It has lasted over 170,000 miles and still drives better than most cars on the road. I will only own a BMW.
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Great Drivers Car - 1997 BMW 3-Series
By drpctp - January 25 - 8:19 pmThis car is awesome, there is a high attention to detail and once you gun the gas, this car begs to be driven hard. No wonder its the ultimate driving machine.
