Looking for 328i Info

[Jim_328i]

I am looking into buying a 96 or 97 328i and am wondering about the cars' reliability after nearly ten years of use. What kinds of problems if any do these cars encounter at this age, and would it be a good purchase for an everyday driver that would last a long time.

 

[gusagar]

I am looking into buying a 96 or 97 328i and am wondering about the cars' reliability after nearly ten years of use. What kinds of problems if any do these cars encounter at this age, and would it be a good purchase for an everyday driver that would last a long time.

In my 97' 328i

back seats noises
front doors noises
very delicate front suspension

For me there is no more defects. It's a everyday car with a good powerplant, an amazing gearbox an a very nice look. Mine has 65000 milles and feels like it is ready for another 200000.

GUS [driving2]

 

[ih8rain]

My 97 328I

I picked up my '97 328I last year. It had 110k miles on it and it still runs great. I just had the compression and leakage tests done at Korman's in Greensboro NC and it's still holding up strong. I have replaced the pads, rotors, belts, and tires in the last couple of months but I saw that coming when I bought the car. I also had a new water pump and suspension put in this month, but that was more preventative than absolutely necessary. I'd have a mechanic check the suspension, specifically the condition of bushings, clutch (probably my next big job), brakes, and engine compression.

Good luck.

 

[fredo328]

My suggestion is to get the last year of the model. 1998 is the last e36 328, the next year, 99 328 becomes e46 and they have their own new problems. I've found that by 98 most if not all the bugs have been worked out of the e36. There are some issues, as with all cars, that you will still have to deal with but the big ones such as the plastic water impeller went out with the 97 328. Depending on how many miles your car has you will have to eventually deal with the cooling system and ac other than that it is all pretty much maintenance things. I've had mine for about 23,000 miles and have had no issues. I've changed my valve cover gasket (an easy DIY) and plugs along with regular maintenance things and it still runs like new. I needed a car I could put at least 35,000 miles/year on and still be reliable, this is the car. Good luck, make sure you get and look at the carfax too. By the way, ask the guys here http://www.328i.org/index.php any questions about the 328 too.