BMW 3-Series Saloon (1991 - 1998) 328i SE 4d (1996/P) Owner Review
Want to know everything there is to know about this car?
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Summary
What does this car say about you?
Either, “I'm a driving enthusiast” or “I'm a chav”, depending on how and if the car has been accessorised. Memo to all boy racers in 318is: Please DO NOT fit Lexus lights, 20” chrome 3-spoke alloys and Impreza-style rear spoilers! They ruin what is otherwise a dignified and respectable car and show up your obvious lack of taste!
What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?
Friends get jealous, but always like to be driven in it, most other drivers show it respect on the road, and I often get complements for it from random strangers, though that may be partly because they don't expect to see a young lad behind the wheel? Either way, it is generally liked.
Would you buy this car again and why?
Honestly I preferred the 325i, it's the more sporty and characterful of the two cars, so I can't really justify paying extra for a 328i, though it's also a great car. The M52 engines (323i 328i) have also had some reliability issues that the M50s (320i 325i) didn't, so check the engine thoroughly and go for the best you can afford.
What are you likely to buy next?
Tempted by an Alfa 156/166, though have heard quite a few bad stories, and an Audi A4 is just not as much fun, so probably another Beemer. Dream: Z4 M roadster Reality: 523i/528i
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Buying experience
Type of dealer you bought from?
Didn't buy from a dealer
Did you buy this car new?
No
What price did you pay?
£1,800
When did you buy the car?
October 2006
Did you get a good deal and why?
Reasonable: Tidy looking car for the price, but had some minor mechanical issues at the time.
Is there any special reason why you bought this car?
My previous car was a J-reg 325i Coupe, and I wanted to compare the 325i with the 328i, and the Coupe with the Saloon.
What was the dealer like?
N/A
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Driving it
What's it like to drive?
Good, but quite different to the 325i Coupe. The engine is smoother and torqueier, but less rev hungry and less musical to listen to. It would be quicker, but the gear ratios are noticeably taller, so ultimately not that much difference. The handling is also less tail-happy, but on the plus side it feels more stable and secure when cornering hard. Overall, still a great drive: Fast but refined, comfortable but entertaining.
What's it like to park?
Very easy to manoeuvre. The rear spoiler actually helps when reversing, as you can see where the back ends better.
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Living with it
Have you had any problems with the car?
The brake discs were warped when I bough it, new BMW discs = £60. ABS came on, new front wheel sensor = £50. Gearchange seemed a bit stiff and notchie at first, but this improved noticeably when I changed its oil.
What's most practical about your car?
Er...It has 4 doors and a boot? Not very practical as unlike my old Coupe, the rear seats don't fold, so it's useless for anything large.
Favourite gadget, option or accessory?
As before, the onboard computer is a nice gadget, even if the display pixels are a bit dodgy. Electric sunroof is nice in summer. Strange "butterfly" valve in the tailpipe means it only uses 1 of the 2 pipes most of the time, though the 325i standard exhaust still sounds better.
