1997 BMW 3 Series 328i Sport from UK and Ireland - Comments

There was a fault with the cassette player when I bought the car. Since I bought the car from a BMW main dealer they dealt with it straight away and gave me a courtesy car.

No other faults.

The car is almost as fast as an M3 (acceleration and top speed) whilst being significantly cheaper to run. The insurance cost was 1/3rd of what it would have been for an M3, the maintenance has cost me almost nothing (even though I am maintaining the full service history), and the car even has the M3 body kit and split rim 17 inch wheels.

Climate control is phenomenal, leather is sumptuous, steering feel and engine noise inspiring.

Perfect reliability.

Only thing I have to comment on as a flaw is the low speed ride which is a little fidgety. The car does have sports suspension though which is obviously designed for high speed work - the body control between 50mph and 150mph is fantastic.

The standard fit tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport SX, in 225/40 front and 245/40 rear. Whilst they grip prodigiously in the wet and dry and wear fairly well, they are VERY NOISY.

I shall be changing to Bridgestone S03's soon - I have these on another car and they are wonderful.

I would like you confirm the tire sizes you have quoted as std fit. Reason being that when I bought my 328 sport coupe it came with the split rim wheel with tire size 235 40 17 all round! I would have thought 245 would rub. Looking fwd to your response.

Thanks.

Moe.kadri@zoom.co.uk.

Hi there

i was wondering if you could tell me the engine BHP, just so I can settle an argument with a mate.

Thanks.

Hi there.

In relation to your question regarding bhp figures for the 328, they are as follows...

Power...193bhp

0-60...7.6

top speed.144mph.

I hope this helps.

Toyo proxes are the best tyres for the rear of a powerful BMW, they'll only last for about 8000 miles, but give you all the grip you'll need!

Not sure about the comment nearly as fast as an M3, my 96 M3 evolution does 0-60 in 5.3, electronically limited 155mph, and produces 321bhp, giving 350nm of torque. Good as the 328 is, no contest for an M3 evo I'm afraid.

Ultimate driving machines? You bet they are!!