1998 BMW 3 Series Sport 2.8i from UK and Ireland

Summary:

A fast, but cheap alternative to the E36 M3

Faults:

Battery needed replacing shortly after delivery.

Random screws keep appearing inside the car, not sure where they are from, but nothing has fallen apart yet. But that isn't to say the build quality isn't any good.

General Comments:

The E36 328i Sport is the one serious motor; it has everything you need, speed, comfort, handling and that all important image.

There isn't that much to improve upon, but I have enhanced the look by adding genuine M3 mirrors, front bumper splitter and have removed the bumper slats and replaced them with an M3 mesh.

The performance as standard is seriously fast, but I have had my car Superchipped and set-up on a rolling road; I would say the car is getting close to M3 territory, but without the high running costs. I highly recommend doing this!

Full leather looks nice, especially in light Grey, but seats can feel uncomfortable on long journeys; they really could do with lumber support.

This car certainly turns heads whilst driving about, even though the new E46 model has been about for a couple of years now.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 11th September, 2002

18th Oct 2008, 02:59

Even with a superchip, it will be nowhere near M3 territory. Also why do you 328 owners try to compare them to the M3? 328's are in Vectra GSi territory, although I will admit they're much more refined (GSi owner here).

The 328 is a great car, just don't compare it to the M3, no need to really as it's more than fast enough for UK roads :)

29th Jan 2009, 17:13

I agree with the Veccy GSI owner (nice car by the way) - a chipped 328 is not near an M3.

Even with the M50 inlet manifold, big bore throttle body, induction kit, M3 headers, lightweight pullies, US M3 cams, fan delete and a map you're still only seeing 250ish - so still well shy of an M3!

31st Jan 2009, 16:07

I have a 1995 328i. They are quick, but I wouldn't try to compare it to an M3. Fantastic car though, recommend it 100%.

1998 BMW 3 Series 323i Convertable 2.5 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

An all time classic car

Faults:

Climate control

Air bag light

Creaky clutch

Dead battery

Electric roof

Stereo

Leather wears badly.

General Comments:

A great stylish car which gets better with age. Still prefer it to the new E46 shape.

Poor speaker system for an expensive car.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th July, 2002

1998 BMW 3 Series 328i convertible 2.8 litre from UK and Ireland

Summary:

I loved it though rather thirsty if you drive it hard

Faults:

High oil consumption identified by the dealer as being a known fault. The cylinder block was replaced.

On board computer became erratic and replaced (under warranty)

General Comments:

A fun car to drive.

The fully automatic hood worked very well easily allowing maximum use of the 'convertible' aspect of the car.

Not comfortable for long journeys - seats are very hard and unyielding.

Rear leg room virtually non existent.

Driver's seat does not go far enough back and would be restricting for the taller driver. (I'm 5'10" and had the seat to its most rearward position when driving).

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th April, 2002

1998 BMW 3 Series 328i Sport 2.8 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

Great car - great performance!

Faults:

New engine bottom end at 34000.

Various dashboard creaks and rattles coming from back or passenger door.

Edge of the driver's leather seat is starting to wear.

Failed the MOT at 45000 miles at one BMW Dealer, stating wear in the offside front strut, another BMW dealer says it's OK! (BMW have offered 50% of the cost of replacement struts). All I want is consistency between BMW Dealers.

Gear change is sometime baulky, and very gated.

Drivers door rubber replaced free of charge by the main dealership.

General Comments:

Overall the car is a fantastic drive, excellent performance, affordable to run, head turning looks, and a better bet than an E36 M3. On a long run it averaged 35 to the gallon. Around town expect low 20's.

My only concern is the long term engine reliability (susceptible to sulphur in fuel damaging cylinder liners) and I am mega annoyed about problems with the front struts which are expensive to replace, and should not have got play in them at 45,000 miles.

Only buy from a BMW dealer. The 328 engine MUST have been replaced by now, if not walk!

Would I buy another - oh yes - considering that a brand new Ford Mondeo costs 15 to 16 grand, I would much rather have one of these.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 29th January, 2002

17th Mar 2009, 12:37

If you have a 328i which hasn't had the engine replaced. Then its not definate that the car will need an engine replacement. ULS fuel is standard throughout the UK now and so lowers the chances of the nikasil issue appearing.