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1998 BMW 3 Series review from Croatia

"Fast and fun to drive"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Ventilation/AC central display occasionally stopped working at 140k km.

Infamous "Sticky 5th gear" problem, with stick being stuck in 5th gear gate when cold. Bit annoying, but the repair cost is not worth doing.

Worn rack & pinion.

General comments?

My second E36, first one was 320. Although it has "only" 43 hp more (193) than 320, feeling and performances are lot more impressive.

I installed Bilstein B10 kit (60/40 springs + sport shocks) and Powerflex bushings. With rest of the suspension rebuild and (arms, rods...) car handled like a dream. If only BMW offered more LSD diff's that would fit perfectly with ASC+T this car had it would be probably the best used stock handling driver's car money can buy.

I drowe it on tracks, fast roads and hills, pedal to the metal on highway and engine never caused any problem.

Small problem is that car runs lot better than rest E36 non M's, but shares the same brakes and clutch and those parts will be worn lot sooner than on weaker models. Also had a brake pad fade problem before I changed all discs and pads (THIS IS SOMETHING YOU DON'T SAVE YOUR MONEY ON THIS CAR!!)

Fuel consumption was 9 - 12liters, similar to other inline 6 E36's. For more you must push it real hard, or drive only short town routes.

Annoying things; interior door plates; always squeaking, common problem on E36's, lot's of wind noise on higher speeds (this was coupe, no door frames) and different noises coming from firm suspension.

General remark is that this car looks, runs and cots well :) So if you want one, you must work and earn well as well :-D.

I replaced it with a 540i6 which is totaly diferent purpose car, but will always be fond of this coupe...

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Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Model Year1998
First year of ownership2005
Most recent year of ownership2007
Engine and transmission 328i coupe Don't Know
Performance marks 8/10
Reliability marks 7/10
Comfort marks 7/10
Dealer Service marks  
Running Costs (higher is cheaper) 7/10
Distance when acquired101000 kilometres
Most recent distance149000 kilometres
Previous carBMW 3 Series
Date of Entry 7th May, 2007

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