I bought a used 1998 BMW 328i sedan with a 5 speed manual transmission to replace my 1989 Chevy Caprice. It was the first BMW I ever bought. I had been in the market for a newer car for a long time, and decided that if I was going to get something, that I wanted something I would be really happy with. I hadn't had a new car in 9 years, so it was a long time coming. I choose the BMW 328i since it is one of the few rear-wheel drive cars left in the world today (except for Ford Crown Vic and Mercury Gran Marquis, Mercedes, and other rare brands.) I could have gone with a Crown Vic, but since I am a single guy, granny cars are not going to score points with the ladies.

I was somewhat remorseful at choosing a BMW when I got it hone, thinking I would get "attitude" like I was pretending to be rich, or a "yuppie wannabe" or etc. But my neighbors and friends all fell in love with the car, so I got used to it. Now it seems as normal as driving a Chevy or a Ford, but I do get looks now and then, and some grad school friends flip over it.

The car is built like a tank, and although it is classified as uni-body, it does have heavy steel frame rails that are actually welded into a thick armor plate floor and it is all flat and flush like the bottom side of an armored personnel carrier. The first thing one may notice is how heavy the doors feel. It is like how American cars of the 50's and 60's were; made of heavy thick sheet metal. The doors, although heavy, are surprisingly skinny like on Japanese cars, but feel way more substantial. The doors all have sturdy and super-smooth hinges like from heavy equipment or a small safe. The doors all have that heavy solid "thunk" when you close them adding to the "secure as a bank vault" feel.

I was amazed at the fuel economy of this heavily built car. It gets about 30 miles per gallon, but it dips to average out at 28 mpg if you hot rod it (which it begs for). There is a fuel mileage gauge under the speedometer that reads up to 45 mpg and beyond (I guess in the 50 mpg range) and it visits that area often, but the needle dips to the 14 to 8 mpg range when taking a hill or passing someone, depending on the amount of engine effort and what gear you are in.

The paint is glass like, and much better in final finish than most cars or trucks I have seen, even better than brand new Cadillac's. But in areas prone to stone chips, it does suffer from road rash, although the paint seems to be more resilient, chip resistant, and tougher than many other vehicles I have encountered. The only exception is the front and rear plastic bumper areas - the paint there seems to be cheaper quality and chips or scratches easily, but can be touched up with a hobby airbrush and a can of custom matched paint from an auto parts store. I have used BMW's own bottled tough up paint too, and it looks good as well.

The car feels so nimble and tight, that it takes a while to get used too since most cars have some free play in how they are set up. Just moving the steering wheel a tad sends you into a new direction, so the wicked steering is a problem until you drive it a while. After that, it feels like that all cars should steer that way, as when I drive another new car or truck and can't believe how sloppy the steering is by comparison.

The acceleration is almost freakish like a drag racer, until one gets used to it too. It is not dangerously so, just that it is another thing to look out for until you get used to it. But I can see how someone could end up accidentally going faster than intended. It is very satisfying, especially on hills and when passing people, especially when trying to merge with high speed interstate traffic going like crazy.

The suspension is firm to make it tight and keep you where you want it, but yields enough to be comfortable too. Body lean is almost non-existent, and it grabs the road like it has spikes on the tires. I have yet to get anywhere near loosing traction on turns on dry pavement. But in rain and snow/ice, it will "side-wind" when you slam the gas for fun with the traction control off.

I usually disengage the traction control when trying to merge from an interstate on-ramp in rain, since the traction control clamps down on the wheels that may spin, and almost screws you up enough to not make it in time when coming out in to the interstate, which may get you run over. So I turn it off and burn my way in just in the nick of time to keep way ahead of what is coming.

The engine is smooth and quiet; with that famous BMW valve clatter at idle, from the straight 6 VANOS system (electronic variable valve timing). The 328i has the 2.8 Liter straight 6, that has horsepower between 190 and 210 (not sure exactly as I have seen different quotes). The only thing about the engine that I don’t like is that it doesn't "come alive" and kick in until 2800 to 3000 rpm; then it goes like a rocket. Below that, it tends to bog a little.

The 5 speed stick shift transmission shifts with solidly precise gear positions, but sometimes it resists 3rd and 1st in winter when the tranny grease is cold and stiff. When it warms up, it makes the shifting on our 2001 Ford Ranger seem like the Ford transmission was haphazardly and clumsily assembled with stone tools, and with tolerances that are loose as possible.

The interior is a contradiction. The seats are nice leather, and the other appointments are high quality like in a Mercedes or a Cadillac, but these elements are mixed with cheap plasticky knobs, buttons and other items, like the cup holders and ashtray, that look like bargain basement junk intended for a cost-cutting model of a Kia or a Suzuki. Some interior items are easy to break, while other items are industrial strength and "high class". It creates an odd impression. But it works and doesn't look too obvious, and the cheaper items just need to be handled delicately.

The trunk is spacious. The dash computer I have is the top of the line model that tells outside temperature, fuel mileage, average speed, fuel range, a timer, and tells you when there is something wrong (low wiper fluid, burnt bulbs, and dings at 37 degrees F to warn about roads getting icy).

The car has heated mirrors, heated seat, twin lighted vanity mirrors, sunroof, power seats, heated leather seats, Harmon Kardon (the best system available) stereo system with big under dash subwoofers, HI-FI "surround sound" mode that also modifies volume at various speeds with the windows down or the sunroof open and has AM, 3 bands of FM presets, WB (scanner weather robot voice), Cassette and in-trunk 6 CD changer.

The rear seating is cramped, but since I usually only carry one other person it isn't a big deal. I have had 3 passengers and they didn't mind, but it was a short trip. But I have friends that have other cars like a Mitsubishi Galant, a VW Beetle and a Ford Mustang that have cramped rear seating areas that are the same, so it is a common trait of cars this size.

I would definitely buy this car again, and will buy a new one someday soon. This is the best car I have driven and owned. It has had a few things that needed repaired, like new fog lights since they got cracked from stones (I put clear adhesive 3M protectors on the new BMW-ZKW lights), but everything else is flawless and like brand new. It had 60,900 miles when I got it, and it looks and runs like it was made 3 months ago.

It loves snow and digs right in if you have weight in the trunk and don’t horse it too much (true of any car or truck). But I try to keep it out of snow and salt to keep it nice, and drive my old junk Chevy Caprice instead.

I would say that anyone considering a used or new 3 series BMW is making a wise choice. I couldn't be happier!

Amount Paid (US$): 14000
Condition: Used
Model Year: 1998
Model and Options: 328i 5 speed stick, m3 sport suspension option