1998 BMW 3 Series 318ti Compact 1.9 petrol

Summary:

Brilliant!

Faults:

Camshaft sensor, traction control sensors, oil and coolant leak, replaced thermostat, kept up with oil changes so the engine seems OK.

Cosmetically the exterior of the car has seen better days, but it is over 20 years old now. Interior is in very good condition however.

General Comments:

A fun little car to drive, the Compact 3 series is a great first BMW. Looks great in red with original alloys. Last of the older shape I believe before the newer model came along in late 1998. Though I think they made this Compact model well into the year 2000 with the older shape.

1.9 petrol with the auto box has a nice turn of speed in sport mode. Only does 32 mpg on average though, not great today.

Cabin is nice and refined, quality materials have stood the test of time. Very solid feel.

Pretty good to drive.

Not worth a heck of a lot (£1000 - £1500?) and I don't think this particular model will become a classic or rise significantly in value any time soon.

Generally been a great car if a little expensive to run, as per BMW, but I'll probably hang onto it as a second car despite its age, as it still runs well.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th March, 2023

4th Jun 2023, 00:38

I owned the model after, a 316ti 1.8 manual. I still see a lot of the older body E36 ones around, used as daily drivers, so they have proven quite durable. When I got my current car serviced at an independent mechanic, I got the automatic version of my E46 hatch as a loaner, I was actually quite surprised that even with the 1.8 engine and around 116 bhp, the car was pretty brisk, didn't feel sluggish. If your car's still in good shape, just keep it. It was clearly built well, and except for the odd issues (I also had to replace a cam angle sensor on my previous hatch - pain in the neck to get to), it's just normal maintenance expenses. All the best.

7th Jun 2023, 11:48

They were good cars. I had a 325i saloon back in the mid 1990's, fast, smooth, terrible on fuel but it was a company car and I wasn't paying! I loved every minute of driving it, put 100,000 miles on it with no major breakdowns.

1998 BMW 3 Series 328i M-Tech 2.8 straight 6

Summary:

The styling, price and engine speak louder than any opinion!

Faults:

Nothing so far has gone wrong, the car is absolutely mint.

Engine runs sweet, gear box is smooth and basically everything runs as it should be.

Coolants refilled frequently.

Oil changed for the 2nd time since owning.

BMW built an amazing M3 threat!

Hate the fact they all look like 318 Sports!

Yet soon as the lights change, they realize ha ha!

General Comments:

Car was amazing from the day I bought it, 2.8k even though it's a late edition. Bargain!

My model being a 98' 328i M-Tech coupe, Boston green, full black leather, M3 replica. Paint still fresh, only just marking its 10 year birthday.

Very quick considering an M3 has 93BHP more.

I've chased M3s, and believe me this car can hold its own.

I've put on a Hamann cold air induction kit for smoother throttle response etc.

0-60 roughly 6.3, my power being 204BHP... Quick!

Add Eissenman exhaust and ECU remap and you've got a 328i with a very tidy 230BHP, 330ci beater yes ;)

This car is built solid, and although the torque could have been louder, this car is a very quick 200BHP monster, it'll beat 200sx's, Boxter non S's and GTI turbos all day long!

It's my 2nd car; being 18 years old, it's a dream to drive!

Buy one with M3 extras such as aero kit and wheels, as it really looks something beautiful. Also get a sought after colour i.e. Boston Green, Estoril Blue or Avus Blue.

Mileage is quite good, unless you like stretching this straight 6's legs! I get around 22mpg around town.

Cornering is very precise and stable, as you'd expect for a £30,000 car new!

And to sum up, this car is very very good, it's lovely to drive, the leather is very comfortable, and the exterior styling and interior defines BMW luxury.

For 3.5K for a last edition 98 99 reg, this car is still selling quicker than the new shape.

Now I'm going to enjoy my last few months with her before upgrading to that 286BHP M3 monster :D.

Hope you enjoyed the review.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2008

21st Aug 2008, 19:39

That what BIMMER is all about: best performance for your money,enjoy your ride. here in Canada I enjoy my 328i.

30th Sep 2008, 13:30

"torque could have been louder"?

Also the mods you list are weird; the M50 intake manifold modification, more fuel pressure and a map will see 230, but not a filter and a map.

9th Oct 2008, 13:09

These are nice cars, you should look after it. Don't chav it up either.