1997 BMW 3 Series 328ic review from North America
"Head-turner of a Convertible"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Radiator neck failed at 89,000 miles (plastic- and designed to fail, as are the plastic impellers on the water-pump). Replaced radiator, all hoses, (all-metal) water pump, thermostat and all drive-belts for under $250 in parts (NOT purchased from Stealer.)
My time to do the replacements -as a novice at this- was about 3 hours start to finish.
Car appears to be designed for easy maintenance & repair.
Convertible roof has usual faults, due to 11 year old elastic straps in roof mechanism loosing elasticity. Paralleled original straps with rubber bicycle inner-tube and all is well for under $5 & 20 minutes time.
A/C cooling poorly in 2nd summer of ownership. Added 1/2 can of refrigerant; no need to evacuate system. Cost with hose I needed - $22.
Replaced all of the larger (5.25") speakers - 2 out of 4 were blown. Sounds good now.
General comments?
This convertible is still a Head-turner.
It's a 2nd summer-only car, well... shall we say, over 65 degrees F car? It lives in the garage all winter.
Nice acceleration, wonderfully precise steering, excellent -if dusty- brakes.
Car came Standard with both ABS & Stability Control, a pair of features you won't find even today (2008) on many cars.
Feels as solid at 110 MPH as an average car at 50 MPH.
Happy with purchase, but watch out for the late 1990's versions, which have many teething problems.
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| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Don't Know |
| Model year | 1997 |
| Year of manufacture | 1997 |
| First year of ownership | 2007 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2008 |
| Engine and transmission | 2.8 liter gasoline Automatic |
| Performance marks | 9 / 10 |
| Reliability marks | 8 / 10 |
| Comfort marks | 7 / 10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 5 / 10 |
| Overall marks (average of all marks) | |
| Distance when acquired | 88000 miles |
| Most recent distance | 95000 miles |
| Previous car | Toyota Avalon |
| Date of Entry | 11th August, 2008 |