1997 BMW 3-Series

my car, a green on tan 1997 BMW 318i, is a fun little car. These cars, also called an e36 bmw, are from the 90s and thus getting to be 10 to 18 years old. So it is very difficult to find one that is in great mechanical shape for a good price. I found mine 3 years ago with 60000 miles on it for 7400 dollars plus tax and title. I took it to a mechanic as it needed the 60000 mile tune up which cost around 500 dollars and since then I have done all the work myself. Pros- These cars are great if you want to be a DIY (do it yourself) home mechanic. There are SO many books and websites and help forums that will allow you to save a bunch on mechanic bills. They look good for a 10+ year old design. They come in soft top, coupe and sedan versions YOU HAVE A BMW and you look good in it Affordable on insurance and gas. My insurance bill is 60 dollars a month for full coverage. Take about 14 gallons to fill on 87 or 89 Very sporty looking. Good sound. Quick and nimble. Many performance parts. Great brakes and suspension A very POPULAR CAR BMW panel gaps and paint are usually outstanding

Cons- I can sum up the bad in one word: Maintenance. Parts can be expensive and if you have a mechanic to work on the car, it is just plain out expensive. Bmw labor can cost almost 80 dollars A HOUR!! Hard to find a good example to buy that has not been abused. They are getting cheap and old. Getting old so things are falling apart. Manly the inside. The 318i is under powered with it barley putting out 140 hp WHEN NEW. But you can get a 325, 323 or 328 or m3 instead and they all put out close to 200 or above

Problems My car is now at 105000 miles and things are starting to break. The control arm bushings went bad. I replaced. 50 dollars for the part and 6 hours of my labor. Truck wiring rubber coating was cracked so there were shorts and had to fix. The c33 radio have a problem with the display. 2 hours to fix Had to have new tires put on. Leaky sunroof. Had to replace seal Sunroof headliner is starting to fall Need idle control valve, 2 oxygen sensors and front engine seals. 500 in parts Oil is expensive for it. I have been using mobile 1 full synthetic 5w-30. It is 7.50 a quart

Memorable moments -getting pulled over by cop for the first time. -handles great when raining and many many car trips. Great brakes, helped to avoid a couple of accidents Very reliable Buying it and showing family I had BMW

Who should buy this? First time car owners People who are between the ages of 18-30 High school students, it’s a safe car and is very sturdy Would be a great track car after mods.