1998 BMW 3 Series 328i M-Tech 2.8 straight 6 from UK and Ireland

Summary:

The styling, price and engine speak louder than any opinion!

Faults:

Nothing so far has gone wrong, the car is absolutely mint.

Engine runs sweet, gear box is smooth and basically everything runs as it should be.

Coolants refilled frequently.

Oil changed for the 2nd time since owning.

BMW built an amazing M3 threat!

Hate the fact they all look like 318 Sports!

Yet soon as the lights change, they realize ha ha!

General Comments:

Car was amazing from the day I bought it, 2.8k even though it's a late edition. Bargain!

My model being a 98' 328i M-Tech coupe, Boston green, full black leather, M3 replica. Paint still fresh, only just marking its 10 year birthday.

Very quick considering an M3 has 93BHP more.

I've chased M3s, and believe me this car can hold its own.

I've put on a Hamann cold air induction kit for smoother throttle response etc.

0-60 roughly 6.3, my power being 204BHP... Quick!

Add Eissenman exhaust and ECU remap and you've got a 328i with a very tidy 230BHP, 330ci beater yes ;)

This car is built solid, and although the torque could have been louder, this car is a very quick 200BHP monster, it'll beat 200sx's, Boxter non S's and GTI turbos all day long!

It's my 2nd car; being 18 years old, it's a dream to drive!

Buy one with M3 extras such as aero kit and wheels, as it really looks something beautiful. Also get a sought after colour i.e. Boston Green, Estoril Blue or Avus Blue.

Mileage is quite good, unless you like stretching this straight 6's legs! I get around 22mpg around town.

Cornering is very precise and stable, as you'd expect for a £30,000 car new!

And to sum up, this car is very very good, it's lovely to drive, the leather is very comfortable, and the exterior styling and interior defines BMW luxury.

For 3.5K for a last edition 98 99 reg, this car is still selling quicker than the new shape.

Now I'm going to enjoy my last few months with her before upgrading to that 286BHP M3 monster :D.

Hope you enjoyed the review.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th June, 2008

21st Aug 2008, 19:39

That what BIMMER is all about: best performance for your money,enjoy your ride. here in Canada I enjoy my 328i.

30th Sep 2008, 13:30

"torque could have been louder"?

Also the mods you list are weird; the M50 intake manifold modification, more fuel pressure and a map will see 230, but not a filter and a map.

9th Oct 2008, 13:09

These are nice cars, you should look after it. Don't chav it up either.

1998 BMW 3 Series 328is 2.8 I-6 from North America

Summary:

Luxury on rails

Faults:

Blown radiator at 155,000.

Problem with Automatic Climate Control Module (may only be a $2 soldering fix).

Squeaky clutch (resolved with a little bit of "WD40")

General Comments:

EXTREMELY exhilarating ride!

Handles better than a go-cart.

Extremely fast when getting on the interstate.

A real head-turner (more than the sedan or compact).

Beautifully crafted body and interior.

VERY durable and well crafted body panels, and interior pieces.

Very solid structure that you will NOT find in American cars.

Doors do not have a frame around the windows, so when you open the doors it is very sleek.

SUNROOF IS A MUST! Very enjoyable.

Sport seats are beautiful and comfortable.

Very good paint job.

A bit costly to fix. BUT WORTH IT!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 24th November, 2007

1998 BMW 3 Series 328i SE 2.8 from Spain

Summary:

Absolutely brilliant car

Faults:

Nothing to date.

General Comments:

Very nice looking, first of the E46 series.

Quick, comfortable, smooth, reliable and has great road presence - an absolute gem. The noise from the straight 6 is awesome.

Never owned a BMW before this, always thought that the badge was what you paid for. How wrong I was. These cars are simply in a class of their own.

Would definitely buy another - I love it!

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 13th July, 2007

14th Nov 2008, 08:34

I sold this car last month after a year of so of owning it. When I first got it, I moved up from a 2.0 Mondeo, so it felt extremely powerful and very fast. Since then I bought a 740i Sport which is obviously in a different league, and then following this an M5, so in comparison I sort of out grew it. However until the last I could not say I was anything other than impressed with this machine, great driving car, and sold to a good friend of mine, so I still see it from time to time!

Buy one of these, you will love it.