1996 BMW 3 Series 328is from North America - Comments

22nd Oct 2003, 17:34

"Great car to drive, not so great on the wallet as regular maintenance and cost of fixing isn't cheap"

What things have gone wrong with the car?

Radio unit replaced at ~45k

Toe bushings at 50k, 52k, 93k

Clutch at 93k

Suspension at 100k.

Nagging problem with hose from Windshield Washer fluid to spout gets pinched and causes the right side not to spray.

Extremely difficult to replace fog-lamp bulbs.

One touch window close doesn't work most of the time. Replaced the motor twice.

Leather on Seats were wearing out when purchased, but leather creams and all that couldn't save it. Now, there's significant cracking in the driver-side.

General comments?

In general, this is a fast, fun, and good looking car. with Dinan mods (clutch, chip, and intake manifold) I wouldn't be surprised if the 0-60 was under 6 seconds.

Toe bushing cracking is a common problem with the E36 and if you drive the car like it should be driven (fast and hard) you'll have to get them replaced often ($800).

The layout of all the controls in the cockpit are beautiful and ergonomic. It's great. The only problem is the lack of a telescopic/tilt steering wheel.

Their's no trunk release inside the car, so you have to turn off the car to use the key to open the back. Just silly.

The trip computer doesn't accurately read the speed of the car, so it renders the estimations useless.

The cost of maintaining this car out-ways it's true value. Get rid of the car before the clutch goes out as that is a $3k cost. If you're looking to buy one, see if it's got a new clutch and suspension.

Inspection 1 (every 15k) = $400

Inspection 2 (every 30k) = $600.


30th Mar 2004, 20:37

Not to be mean, but 3k for a clutch is outrageous and you definitely over paid. you can get racing level clutches through www.bmpdesign.com for under $400 and replacing a cluth in a rwd car is a breeze especially with the space in the 328 engine compartment. you could probaly find a local shop to replace it for under $500. That's under $1k. Just for future reference.


26th Dec 2007, 17:25

Yes you have been completely ripped off by whoever changed your clutch. Never go back to them!

Add another comment

Note: A Comments RSS Feed RSS Feed is available. New comments appear in the Members Area before the main site

All BMW 3 Series reviews