1998 BMW 3 Series 328i Sport from UK and Ireland - Comments

6th Mar 2003, 11:09

"Sure footed, quick, fun without costing a fortune"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Non BMW Alarm plagued with problems (would pack up near GSM masts preventing switching the alarm off - great in motorway service stations). Replacement unit after several visits from disbelieving dealer.

Beyond that auto-dimming rear view mirror failed around 50,000 miles, replaced under extended warranty, but would have cost over 200 pounds to replace.

General comments?

Surprisingly quick. Outruns the basic Boxter S and on motorway runs there are few cars quicker (most Ferrari owners don't take they're investments down the fast lane).

Very confident handling with good feedback. Push the car over the line and it isn't subtle in its reaction, but I haven't lost it yet. Rear wheel drive is a joy.

Over long distances the M-Tech suspension is a pain and watch out for those speed ramps you're not driving an RV!

You can fairly comfortably cruise around, but the real car comes out when you start to put your foot down - this car really knows how to take corners - is very stable and makes you think about what you are doing.

One of the safest cars I have driven. I don't recommend you jump on the brakes as you would in most cars if you want to stop quickly unless you want to cause a pile up behind you!

Been running on Continental Contact Sports and have been getting 30k + miles which is very pleasing. Car is very well balanced I get very even wearing.

It really lives up to BMW's claim of the 'Ultimate Driving Machine' as several trips to Scotland from London and almost weekly darts to Devon account.

Motorway journeys 'over 85' will see mpg drop below 28 but still pretty good. Super unleaded increases bite and mpg just enough to justify the expense.

Even now the E36 coupe body is getting a little old it still is one good looking car.

Only question now is which BM do I get next...


17th Nov 2004, 13:36

Having owned BMW's for over 10 years, my current 3281 sport coupe follow`s the trend of my previoUs BMW`s'..the engine is bullet proof, and the bells and whistles work, but the rear end can slide away if pushed... be aware!


14th Oct 2007, 10:24

I agree with the first post, Very quick for a Sports cruiser and will out drag a non-turbo Porsche 911 (this is no light weight Golf GTI), Of course the e36 M3.3.2 being the conqueror of most German autobahns.

The 328i was restricted from the factory with a limited air intake manifold, most enthusiasts will charge this to a 325 M50 manifold to gain up to 20bhp.

My 328i sport is now 10 years old and still stands out from this square Ford Mondeo world we now live in.

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