1999 BMW 3 Series User Reviews

I Miss Her.... Sometimes. — This little car surprised me every day. It was just as powerful as any sports sedan I've driven, yet as classy and refined as a luxury car. It was 12 years old, but it's more solid than any other car I've had for any considerable period of time. It was also roomier than you'd expect: I'm 6'8" and fit comfortably. As far as ownership, it could be a pain if something goes wrong. However, that's a big if. I rarely had to even think of maintenance beyond tire rotation/oil changes. But when something did happen, it was very expensive... particularly for a college music student. But it made up for that when you hit the gas on a wide open stretch of road and just let her run!

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Very Fast And Dependable Machine — Great car for blowing whole-shots. This car had tons of power but the rear tires kept going bald. (Hmm, I wonder why?) Almost silent ride and over 32 mpg on highway, 23 mpg around town. Not bad for 1999. This car was special ordered with a very rare Aerodynamic Package from the factory. I had to wait 3.5 months until it arrived.

I Would, Every Time. — Basics: RWD, straight six, naturally aspirated, 20 year old chassis design. Engine: a masterpiece. Sounds great, goes incredibly well, easy to maintain, surprisingly easy on fuel. 24 valves as opposed to the older 12v units. Handling: steering is quite remote, but reassuringly weighted and accurate. Chassis is FUN, but can bite if you are heavy handed. Very tractable, easy to drift, and a great kick on twisty roads. Suspension more suited to cruising than sports driving, but more than acceptable. Brakes aren't great, but do the job. Acceleration/speed: fast. Pulls eagerly from 800rpm, once it hits 4,500 it'll howl all the way to 6,400 in a delightfully addictive fashion. Powerband is full all the way round the rev range. From 20mph, you can use 5th all the time. Power can be increased easily with new intake manifold & remap. Practicality: better than most BMWs, but not amazing compared to many family hatches due to RWD layout and contemporary engineering. Boot can fit plenty in it- I've had four suitcases in there- but it's not a typical square loading bay. Rear seats are best for shorter people, or short people in the front so the seats can go forward. Quality: very good. The car is 13 years old and feels tight, strong & solid. Interior is very dated, but well built and comfortable. Very little rust outside, shutlines are great. Je ne sais quoi: it's a personable car, this one. They get under your skin. It may not be incredibly economical, but 30mpg combined is not to be sniffed at from a large straight six with no turbos going on. It feels loyal, enjoyable and fun. I'm very attached to mine.

Primary Use: Sport/fun (spirited driving, track racing, off-roading, etc.)

Love It —

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Fun To Drive — I only wish BMW would stop using plastic trim parts. (kidney shape grill) interior trim. I owned an older 528E BMW and it was solid trim and all. only regular, routine care to . Solid trim. Over all I still love the Performance of the BMW.

Primary Use: Commuting to work