Will start but won't stay running
Changed the fuel pressure sensor. Cleaned the air flow and map sensor. Has fuel presure
19 views
1996 BMW 3 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 1996 BMW 3 Series
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by Anonymous
Jan 25, 2015
Sporty but not too fast economical but stylish car suited well for city and highway driving. An excellent commuter with 25+ combined MPGs.
With a 4-cyl, this car wasn't too big a hit on insurance either. Bluebook way undervalues them though.Jan 25, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 26, 2014
I like the feel of being in this car, the seats are comfortable and very relaxing. I don't think there is one thing i dislike about this car besides it doesn't yet run but once its back going it will be very nice and dependable car.Mar 26, 2014
by Anonymous
Jan 16, 2014
i loved that mine was lowered when i bought it and i love how easy it was to work on. It could have used a little more power and the auto gear box is well, from 1996 not up to 2014 standards. Overall i loved this car!Jan 16, 2014
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 25, 2015
Sporty but not too fast economical but stylish car suited well for city and highway driving. An excellent commuter with 25+ combined MPGs.
With a 4-cyl, this car wasn't too big a hit on insurance either. Bluebook way undervalues them though.Jan 25, 2015
by Anonymous
Mar 26, 2014
I like the feel of being in this car, the seats are comfortable and very relaxing. I don't think there is one thing i dislike about this car besides it doesn't yet run but once its back going it will be very nice and dependable car.Mar 26, 2014
by Anonymous
Jan 16, 2014
i loved that mine was lowered when i bought it and i love how easy it was to work on. It could have used a little more power and the auto gear box is well, from 1996 not up to 2014 standards. Overall i loved this car!Jan 16, 2014
by Mitch P
Jan 02, 2013
We love driving this car with the top down. It is a blast in the summer time at the beach. It handles fantastic and gets pretty good gas mileage at about an average of 25mpg. I would definitely recommend this car.Jan 02, 2013
by David S
Nov 21, 2012
Its an 18 y/o car that came with 138hp out of the factory, so its not quite a
sleeper but i'll make it one by this summer. Takes corners pretty well but right now it doesn't have enough power to have difficulty taking a corner flat out.
For a car its age its in great shape and I'm the seventh owner. The drivers side door panel needs some work, and the driver's seat needs to be
replaced. Other than that the car is great. I absolutely love how the car looks.
Its a 3 series 2dr coupe, its gorgeous. MPG is great for the time being but I
haven't started modding the engine yet but i'm sure once i start my mpg will
disappear into thin air. All in all even though the car is a bit slow in the straight line, its still fun to drive especially due to the 5spd manual tranny.Nov 21, 2012
by John G
Aug 14, 2012
Car has great performance, braking and handeling are outstanding, love the interior and exterior styling, other than regular maintenance no major repairs. Has to be one of the most fun cars I have driven to date, very comfortable and smoothe even at high speeds it feels so stable and effortless to drive.Aug 14, 2012
by Vesa J
Jun 06, 2012
Handling is good, but the performance is adequate. Maybe I should change more powerful engine (for example M3 Engine). Beautiful sounds. I love to feel wind blowing into my face.
Good car for the summer fun. This car has style. It makes me young again :)Jun 06, 2012
by Bryan H
Nov 09, 2011
I wish it had a little more get up and go, but over all i really enjoy this car.
I really like the shape of the car, and the extra wide tires make it stand out from the other BMWs around here.Nov 09, 2011
by Tariq H
Aug 16, 2011
mmmmmm,,,, it nice car not lokking sexy anymore yet it was very nice if we see it before 10 years. i got this car for very good price its fun to drive, like a toy, easy handling, not much power since its a V4 , but the nice thing about mine is that it got a manuel gear box, which gives it the advantage to play with it all the time,, my advice is : DO NOT DRIVE IT WHEN ITS RAINING!!Aug 16, 2011
by David H
Jun 01, 2011
Performance: Strong. Felt more powerful than it is. Strong Mid range too. Brakes Good. Handles well.
Bulid Quality: Good, as expected
Appearance: Previous owner subtly modified it very nicely. Look great.
Cost of Ownership: Can get 46MPG which is very good for what it is. Cheap insurance
Fun Factor: Great fun, probably the best BMW 3 Series I have hadJun 01, 2011
by David H
May 05, 2011
Peformance: Acceleration is good, only a 2.0 but 6 Cyl makes it torquier. Brakes are great, handles as well as the Coupe/Saloon.
Build Quality: As always with BMW, good.
Appearence: Lovely condition, estate model much rarer than the others. Also had the Rare half leather sports interior which looked great.
Cost of Ownership: Just about noticably thirstier than the 4Cyl, but nothing shocking.
Fun Factor: Great fun to driveMay 05, 2011
by Toufeeq C
Apr 08, 2011
17 inch M5 E34 mags. M3 kit and power flow exhaust. performs well. handles well.
black leather interior and electric sunroof and mirrors. angel eye headlights. really
fun to drive as it a rear wheel drive and has a great sound.Apr 08, 2011
by Dimitar V
Mar 13, 2011
Great accelaration, very good handling and strong brakes. The quality of the materials is perfect. Cheap maintenance and rare repairs. This is the winner of it's class. A lot of joy while driving or drifting (think more drifting). ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE. I LOVE IT.Mar 13, 2011
by David H
Feb 08, 2011
Performance: 1.8 16V (318is Coupe) isn't very powerfull, but is plenty fast enough. Brakes Strong, handles very well. Feels much lower and stiffer than the saloon.
Build Quality: Good, as usual, one of the windows has fallen off its runner.
Appearence: Very nice, I love the pillarless doors and M3 Replica Alloys
Cost of Ownership: 46MPG on a run (supposedly) so good MPG and cheap to insure being only a 1.8
Fun Factor: Great fun to driveFeb 08, 2011
by Doug W
Dec 07, 2010
I love this car -- it has been a great
performing automobile. We have replaced the
leather seats and headliner - along with
periodic, normal repairs. Now we have very
reliable transportation in a FUN and attractive
package. It is performance vehicle that is
dependable and economical.Dec 07, 2010
by Anonymous
Nov 04, 2010
This car was a dream to drive, but it had been
very poorly maintained and was just not reliable
at all. I had to sell it after only about 2
months. I recommend an inspection before you buy
any car that tends to become abused.Nov 04, 2010
by John G
Oct 26, 2010
For a 1.9ltr car has great performance, braking and handeling are outstanding, love the interior and exterior styling, other than regular maintenance no major repairs. Has to be one of the most fun cars I have driven to date, very comfortable and smoothe even at high speeds it feels so stable and effortless to drive.Oct 26, 2010
by Tatu G
Oct 12, 2010
BMW 323i -96 261tkm 2.5L Vanos
-manuaalivaihteisto
-automaatti-ilmastointi
-lukkoperä
Auto on ollut minulla vasta kuukauden verran, ei suurempia vikoja ilmennyt. Tekniikka toimii jopa ilmastointia myöden. Mukava ajettava alustasarjan johdosta, kytkin hyvä ja vaihteisto toimii täsmällisesti. Ulkonäöllisesti ei mikään kedon kaunein kukka, mutta ajaa asiansa käyttöautona hyvin.Oct 12, 2010
by David H
Oct 11, 2010
Performance: Quite Swift, feels quicker than the saloon. Brakes very good, handles nicely with the rear drive.
Build Quality: As expected of a BMW. Very good.
Appearance: Very nice. This one awas a very nice colour.
Cost of Ownership: Cheap to fuel and insure.
Fun Factor: This was fun, especially on the snow and Ice.Oct 11, 2010
by Peter A
Jul 24, 2010
325TDS not 328i, quality, comfortable, refined, driver oriented, cruising machine! not much of a racer though, you want that, get the 328i an M3 or a jap car altogether. Although it can be quite fun when you're going sideways all day long on rainy days!Jul 24, 2010
by Tristan P
Jun 17, 2010
Love the way the car feels , drive ,smell(candyish, crayon) sort of smell to it, feels tight as a drum, very pleasing to the eye. 100% German made or made in Europe. Europeans don't play with quality when it comes to making their cars. You can sure feel it in this car. love it.Jun 17, 2010
by Andy B
Apr 11, 2010
Best example of high quality German engineering. Handles like a dream, famous and classic body shape. Although fuel economy can be beaten by other models, this isn't compromised on performance/looks/handling or the "fun factor" that others certainly lack.Apr 11, 2010
by Aston P
Mar 24, 2010
Performance: Good, torquey engine. A large amount available from under 3000rpm, makes for an easy driving car. the M52 engine sounds simply fabulous and a lovely growl from 3900rpm. 60mph in 6.6 seconds and 145mph has been achieved. Build quality: Good solid feel and hardwearing interior. Looks good and fresh still. Cheap to run, but parts and labour can be expensive. but parts last well. Capable of 400 miles to a tank
Its a fun car to drive. Handles well, just watch the tail in the wet. Has a very neutral balance overall the harder you drive the better it responds.Mar 24, 2010
by Niyazi D
Nov 30, 2009
it is a good car, perfect design and has a good performance. it is fun to drive. the build qualltiy is perfect, too. bmw is the best firma, who build cars, because german cars are sometimes very good. thank you...Nov 30, 2009
by Matt S
Nov 26, 2009
0-60: around 6 seconds, top speed: 140 (quoted) 130 (obtained), fuel mileage: 30mpg (on a good day), exterior: hellrot red, full M sport bodykit from the factory including M suspension and 17 inch BBS sport wheels, Interior: half leather half cloth sport seatsNov 26, 2009
by Kevin F
Nov 10, 2009
Great beginning European car. Gotta love the balance of the
E36 chassis. Not too fast off the line but cruises at 130 with
no issues. Great car to toss around an auto cross or a
mountain road. Build quality a little below typical BMW
standards though. Nov 10, 2009
by Mick H
Oct 15, 2009
ACCELERATION AT HIGH RPM is a good buzz,road handling is good , the car seems well balanced for a big car, but on the down side irish roads are very hard on back coil springs. all in though very glad i bought it , had some fast runs in it Oct 15, 2009
by Marc L
Oct 13, 2009
Rear-wheel drive + snow = Fun!
Drives Smooth, good gearbox, no grinds. moves quite well.
decent gas mileage for a 6 cyl. 26mpg mixed. ~32 highway.
Comfortable, leather, heated seats for the nasty buffalo winters.
A little expensive for repairs but well worth it.Oct 13, 2009
by Leonard N
Mar 06, 2009
Really good car, quite rapid, fun to drive, suprisingly low fuel consumption. Maintainence is very simple, most DIY mechanics can fiddle around with them at home.
Generally been reliable however I have had issues with the VANOS system which has made the car a real pain in the arse to drive but will be getting that fixed soon.
Great handling, good performance in a straight line, brakes are good too but could probably do with an upgrade as I feel using the same brakes from a E36 318i on an E36 328i is a mistake. It does struggle to brake quickly from very high speed.
Personally I think these cars look fantastic too.
Build quality of the interior is average, but everything else holds up very well.Mar 06, 2009
by Daniel G
Oct 07, 2008
Its a BMW, all that needs to be said. I bought it when it was 11 years old with only 79,000 miles and it still runs like its brand new. Insurance is slightly expensive but is to be expected with a BMW coupe. Has lots of upgrades, from being lowered two inches, sitting on 18" Hamann rims, limo tint in the back, new paint job less than three years ago.Oct 07, 2008
by Kevin H
Sep 10, 2008
it needs to be quicker only 140bhp want to be abt 190-210bhp back end is playfull when u want it to be but can be unexpected mine has 123000miles and still opens up well enough to piss little boy racers off in kitted up puntos. running cost is ok ish just dont throttle it all the time unless u have very deep pockets. smack it in a bend and u will be surprised how well it does handle Sep 10, 2008
by Brandon F
Sep 08, 2008
I bought this when I was 15 (currently 20) with 89K on it. The car itself is in great shape; terrific handling and a joy to drive. The car is of great quality requiring only the routine maintenance. Zero rust and minimal dingage, this car surely knows how to represent!Sep 08, 2008
by Jonathan T
Aug 15, 2008
This particular model of BMW is quite simple actually. Sharp, clean, and sleek. The 328i has exceptional power and good handling. Having the car's transmission as 5-speed manual makes the driving experience a lot of fun. My car color is black on black rims with chrome 3in. lips made from BMW. Stuntin' is a habit.Aug 15, 2008
by Mubarak A
Jul 18, 2008
good performing vehicle. pretty good pick up for a 2.8. BMW tried to pick up sales during the early to mid '90 and cheaped out on parts using plastic parts instead of the usual aluminum for the pretty critical parts of the car (i.e. cooling system)
if you keep up with the maintenance the car will run flawlessly, but the maintenance on this car is pretty pricey. so you'll either have to have money on the side or do it yourself.
this is a very fun car to drive as long as nothing breaks.Jul 18, 2008
by Tyler S
Jul 08, 2008
The exterior of this car is beautiful. It has a nice sunroof that you can set at all the way open or set it so it vents out the hot air while parked. The interior is sweet black on black leather. It has the famous red interior light so it looked a little like a space ship. The handling on this car is great it’s the nicest driving car I’ve ever owned, turns on a dime. The engine is a V6 but its fast. This car was great, I was sad to see it go. Jul 08, 2008
by Ciaran A
Jan 26, 2008
it was reliable but didnt set the world alightJan 26, 2008
by Sean B
Jan 09, 2008
Yet another car that I dropped probably about 5 to 6 grand into. Before the modifications it was still a great car, but after it was ridiculous. Pretty quick, loud, slammed to the ground, just a flat out fun car with four doors.Jan 09, 2008
by Brad W
Jan 06, 2008
Bought my bimmer September 06 sold it November 07 did not lose much very quick car not very econmical, parts were expensive and servicing was the small fortune.
Great summer car had lots of fun driving it and it was bloody quick accereration was very smooth.Jan 06, 2008
by Max P
Dec 03, 2007
I owned this car for about a half hour before it blew a head gasket... I dont know about all of them, but I would never trust one again.Dec 03, 2007
by Sean B
Nov 05, 2007
build quality is great, handles brilliantly and goes well for a 1.8Nov 05, 2007
What users have asked
throttle position sensor
can a bad throttle position sensor cause the gas peddle not to work?
27 views
should we sell the car or body parts?
i have a 1996 BMW 318i 140k miles; body is in excellent shape; needs a new engine; should we sell the body parts or the entire car for the most profit
4 views
My car is leaking oil
I noticed my car was leaking oil. Its not a lot of oil, and the car seems to be running fine. I'm thinking it could just be a worn out gasket or something. Any input???
10145 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1996 BMW 3 Series?Compare this car
1996 BMW 3 Series Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,130 to $41,960Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: vinyl
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-only
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Convertible roof: hard top
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: vinyl
Suspension
Front Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Spring Type: coil springs
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Moonroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Convertible roof: hard top
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent