Fun to drive with awesome handling can really feel the road unlike new cars

The in-line 6 cylinder engine is absolutely bullet proof. Do not let the BMW labels cause any anxiety because these cars are as easy to perform basic maintenance as any other lesser brands. Everything from oil changes to suspension work can be accomplished with a basic mechanics tool box. Part prices are really reasonable for the quality of BMW engineering.

I have owned an alpine white on beige E36 328i since September 2009. This car is nothing short of spectacular in almost every conceivable way. This is a very fun car to drive and I can't help but smile sometimes wh I juen driving. The handling is razor precise and the steering feedback is amazing to the point of being telepathic. Ultimately, this car is made for the highway where it's power truly comes alive. The ease of passing makes it seem like the other cars aren't even moving, the rev-happy inline six humming away, the exhilaration of feeling one with the road and car seem to come together to create something that is truly unique. However, it isn't all peaches and cream. If you buy this car expecting carefree Toyota-like maintenance and think it's German and not going to break you are very wrong. This is a very needy vehicle maintenance-wise- especially since the newest E36 non-M sedan models are now 15 years old in 2013. This is a car that requires PREVENTATIVE maintenance. You need to KNOW and UNDERSTAND this car in order for it to not drive you insane, which if you don't attend to its needs is the ONLY place it will be driving you. None of that matters though when everything is squared away. Every time I get in the car to go somewherest want to keep driving until I run out of roads.

Great car overall,has a lot of perks for such a small car. Visually the regular coupe is much more appealing but this hatchback has a lot of potential packed in a smaller package. Weight is a lot lower than it's sedan or coupe counterparts thus improving handling, fuel economy, and nimbleness.

Drives like a dream, power and handling like no other car. every part appears to be built to milityary grade durability specifications. Apples and Oranges above the so called competitors. Agreed to be one of the longest lasting best buys of all time. The '98 is the peak of the 3rd Generation of the BMW 3 Series, and the final year of the "E36" in the 4 door category. A true pleasureto look at and to own and to drive, built to last a lifetime if not abused too hard. I believe the '98 328i with all the options and the sport package is the Ultimate Machine.