1998 BMW 3 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1998 BMW 3 Series love the car for its impressive handling, sporty performance, and quality finish. Many appreciate the strong inline-6 engine and the thrilling driving experience. However, some express concerns about costly maintenance and poor fuel economy, especially in models like the 316ti Compact. While the driving experience is enjoyable, the rear-wheel-drive setup can also be challenging in winter conditions."
Fun to drive with awesome handling can really feel the road unlike new cars
February 27, 2025The 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.
October 6, 2020I 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.
April 20, 2013What owners say
Fun to drive with awesome handling can really feel the road unlike new cars
February 27, 2025The 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.
October 6, 2020I 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.
April 20, 2013Great 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.
November 28, 2014Drives 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.
July 10, 2012Performance - weak acceleration, good braking, good handling Build quality - very good Appearance - very good Cost od ownership - it only needs the necessary costs Fun factor - this car is better for normal drive, but in winter, it can drift ;-) E36 is the nicest combi in the world...
October 20, 2010This car is amazing at everything. Since it's a four door sedan, you might not expect it to handle like a sports car, but it does. In fact, I, an amateur driver, drive it very aggressively on the most difficult race track in the world, the Neurburgring. The brakes along with the handling are adequate as well. I put a lot of miles on my car. I drove it 15 hours straight from Oklahoma City up into Montana on the way back home in Washington. I was very comfortable the whole time. It took 5 hours to drive each 400 miles averaging 80 mph the whole drive that day. I'll add more when I'm inspired to do so later.
February 20, 2008I test drove the '98 BMW 318i for two days and fell in love with it. The car was so much fun to drive! The suspension was tight and very sporty. Driving this car was a blast!
February 6, 2008Beautiful car, the most amazing car I have owned thus far. As a driver the car is utterly a thrill to drive, and it accelerates to very high speeds quickly and effortlessly. the car feels just as secure at 120mph as it does at 60mph. German engineering truly is the finest. the leather heated seats make for a comfortable drive, always, and the automatic traction control and 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes keep me safe. The car is solid, and the suspension is absolutely amazing. Wonderful car, packed with power. Next on my list is an E46 M3, preferably a 2005.
December 25, 2007This one is the smallest BMW type. It is very powerful even though the engine only 1.8L. It has a very impressive handling and very handy dashboard. This car also very efficient in gas, and has a luxury interior. This car is fun to drive, because its small size and powerful acceleration.
January 10, 2010Trims & specs
Base MSRP $21,960 | Seating 5 |
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Base MSRP $26,720 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 10.3 cu ft |
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Base MSRP $29,270 | Seating 5 |
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Base MSRP $42,070 | Seating 4 |
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Base MSRP $33,770 | Seating 5 |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity 9.2 cu ft |
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Base MSRP $35,270 | Seating 4 |
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Base MSRP $33,670 | Seating 5 |
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