BMW WILL NOT MOVE IN ANY GEAR.
BMW 340I WAS RUNNING AND DRIVABLE. I STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN. VEHICLE STILL RUNNING BUT WOULD NOT GO IN ANY GEAR. PLEASE HELP.
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1997 BMW 3 Series Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 1997 BMW 3 Series
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by Fariz-Freeze M
Nov 23, 2011
Probably the best car I've ever had. Rear wheel drive, great handling, sporty styling, relatively simple mechanics. Power was not its best attribute with only 140hp and 127ft/lb of torque. But at speed on the highway, its passing speed is excellent. On the track with its tight handling can keep up with more powerful cars, especially during cornering and turns. Nov 23, 2011
by Anonymous
Nov 03, 2011
Great car, great gas mileage, luxury feel with sporty handling. The car has had no major issues, maintenance is easy and parts are easy to find, it drives and handles like a dream, fuel economy is great for a 1997 car, the interior feel of the car is very nice. The car over all is a luxury car with a sporty feel, it is also a steal for the price!Nov 03, 2011
by Sam C
Oct 19, 2011
performance: smooth fast acceleration, good brakes, handling is good
build quality: its german its excellent build will last a llifetime!
appearance: still looks good today for a 14 year old car.
cost of ownership: keep it serviced and it shouldnt want for much
fun factor: its rear wheel drive what more do you want?Oct 19, 2011
User rating:
by Fariz-Freeze M
Nov 23, 2011
Probably the best car I've ever had. Rear wheel drive, great handling, sporty styling, relatively simple mechanics. Power was not its best attribute with only 140hp and 127ft/lb of torque. But at speed on the highway, its passing speed is excellent. On the track with its tight handling can keep up with more powerful cars, especially during cornering and turns. Nov 23, 2011
by Anonymous
Nov 03, 2011
Great car, great gas mileage, luxury feel with sporty handling. The car has had no major issues, maintenance is easy and parts are easy to find, it drives and handles like a dream, fuel economy is great for a 1997 car, the interior feel of the car is very nice. The car over all is a luxury car with a sporty feel, it is also a steal for the price!Nov 03, 2011
by Sam C
Oct 19, 2011
performance: smooth fast acceleration, good brakes, handling is good
build quality: its german its excellent build will last a llifetime!
appearance: still looks good today for a 14 year old car.
cost of ownership: keep it serviced and it shouldnt want for much
fun factor: its rear wheel drive what more do you want?Oct 19, 2011
by Trevor R
Jan 20, 2011
Performance is great as long as your not looking for economy. Getting a little expensive now with the fuel prices going up. I can vouch for the 0-60 time of 7.2sec and I can vouch for the 147mph top speed BMW claim. Its a 3-series coupe, so what more do ya need to say bout how it looks, it has the M3 alloys and soon enough will have the front and rear bumpers to match. Insurance is good for me, and the joy of driving is great! Gotta love rear wheel drive, specially with the winter we've just had :DJan 20, 2011
by Henrik H
Nov 05, 2010
Great acceleration experience thanks to VANOS, the brakes bite strong, handling is superb with the M-Sport suspension. The design is timeless and maintenance costs are normal if you know what you are doing! It is an ideal car for long road trips, hillclimbing with lots of corners, anything that is fun really.Nov 05, 2010
by Giannis A
Aug 25, 2010
A fun RWD BMW E36 with LSD and M-Pack Suspension. A fun-to-drive coupe, well built, with a nice fast response 1.9 engine and a nice setup that provides good handling. A cheap and reliable car for young drivers who want a RWD car but they can't buy a M3.Aug 25, 2010
by Anthony A
Apr 03, 2010
Absolutely the best car I've ever owned. Amazing handling, very quick
acceleration, and awesome looks. There is a reason they call it "The Ultimate
Driving Machine". When it was new, it fetched nearly $50,000. It's still every bit
the top of the line car it was in '97. Averages about 19/25 MPG. Needs very basic
upkeep. One or two squeaks from convertible top, but the car is solid as a rock. It's
definitely not a cheap car to buy or own, but the value is astronomical. Don't
hesitate...just buy it. Apr 03, 2010
by Adam P
Mar 06, 2010
The car is great. The main thing you have to worry
about with any BMW is price of parts. My advice is DO
IT YOURSELF. The Build Quality is top notch. I also
enjoy the styling of the car. Although it doesn't
accelerate like my mustang, its handling and braking
abilities are flawless. slight understeer, but thats the
way i like it. This particular vehicle has a lot to fix, but
I'm getting great deals on parts and doing all the work
myself - only way to go.Mar 06, 2010
by Kane W
Dec 21, 2009
good all round car, great handling, and good choice for performance as a lot u do can with the M52 engine including upgrading manifold and air flow etc. easy to be over 230bhp for a few quid. and for the money, u cant complain.Dec 21, 2009
by Jason L
Dec 19, 2009
Inline-6 has great torque curve
relatively light-weight
Mean Piston Speed comparable to Honda S2000 & Bugatti Veyron
Top speed 149 mph (electronically limited)
.95 G's on the skidpad
Possible to drift through corners
Runs on 89 octane fuel
S suspension package holds corners very well
Dec 19, 2009
by Philip H
Oct 14, 2009
This car may be 12 years old, but it still manages to preform and rive like a brand new car. It blends BMW driving dynamics with great luxury. It also feels really solid when your driving it. Its fun and really reliable.Oct 14, 2009
by Jacob S
Oct 07, 2009
My Bimmer is quicker than you would expect from a 1.9L. It also is capable of going 140mph on the high end. It has 5 shifting modes: Autoomatic, Sport, Manual, Mountain, and Towing. The BMW brakes hard with its four disc brakes. It is also equiped with driver controlled traction control and stability management. The 318Ti is a two door that seats 5 comfortably. The interior is clean and austere, but it has a lot of new age features despite it being 12 years old. I have a six CD changer, thermometer, stereo controls, and trip computer.It turns very tight and the handling is stiff. It still has a very comfortable ride, though. It also has storage. I can fit 4 full sets of golf clubs in the trunk and still have room left over. Practical and still a ton of fun to drive. It is different than most BMWs because it's a hatchback. Mine is 256/7 Calypso Red Metallic. I have the upgraded factory 15" rims. It is built as solid as a tank with no rattles or squeaks even with over 100,000 miles on it. It's fun to drive and cheap to own. I get around 35 miles per gallon on the highway and 24 in the city. No repairs other than basic maintanence. Oct 07, 2009
by Anonymous
Aug 20, 2009
Jaw dropping performance even for automatic. The tires chirp everytime during hard acceleration. For an older car the quality is through the roof its soo amazing how well its held up through the years. The previous owner took very very good care of it as will I just because I feel its owed to this car for having the honour of driving it. It loves to just drive and be driven hard. 184,000 kms on it and still kicking ass at everyturn. For my first BMW cant go wrong although would have preferred a 5spd but I do not regret buying this car for $9900.Aug 20, 2009
by Paul S
Jul 19, 2009
Car is extremely tight even with high miles. Not loose in the front end like most high mile cars and smooth riding.
I've owned Fords and Chevys before and they don't compare.
Repairs can be expensive but if you can do anything yourself it's not to bad, plus shopping around for parts on the internet can save you loads of money. Bavarian Auto is one of the best places to get parts for BMW's online and you will be sure to get the right parts and not waste your time and money.
135,000 miles is still considered low miles for a BMW, but any american made car with over 100,000 is pushing it. I would still feel very confident with driving this car on long trips like Florida too.Jul 19, 2009
by Jozef B
Jun 30, 2009
It is the best you can actually get , it's an BMW , best quality
for that money.
Parts are unexpensive and easily to get. It's so fun to drive
because of Rear wheel drive you can do drifting . Wow i love
it.Jun 30, 2009
by Anonymous
Apr 26, 2009
feels a quality car great engines,comfy and easy to drive ive had sports cars before but none have had the feel of a bmw.my wife finds it easy to drive both around town and on long journeys,would def buy anotherApr 26, 2009
by Justin M
Apr 08, 2009
Car is a '97 318ti Sport 5-speed (2-door hatchback)
Bought this car used about one year ago with 178,000 miles. Previous owner took great care of the car. Maintenance has been very inexpensive, and can be if you avoid the dealership. Performance is about what you'd expect from a 4-cylinder, however it's a little enhanced thanks to the lower weight of the car compared with the coupe/sedan. Handling is outstanding, at least compared to my previous cars.
Quality - overall pretty good. The window regulators have been an issue, but that's common with the E36 (and other German cars I hear). Interior materials could be better, but this was basically their entry model, so BMW saved money wherever they could. Overall I'd give it an A-
Appearance - I love it. I've always loved the boxy shape of the E36, whether it was the sedan, coupe, or hatchback. I've surprised numerous people when telling them what year the car is when they've asked. Straight-on shot of the rear isn't the greatest, but overall I like the car, and always have, even before I owned it.
CoO - Not very much. Again, if you find an independant shop of do some work yourself, maintenance costs are minimal. Take it to the dealer and you'll pay ($120/hr labor at my local dealer). Mileage is fantastic, 27-30mpg in the city, 31-35 on the highway. And being a 4-cylinder, it doesn't require Premium gas, only 89 octane minimum. So where there's only 87 & 91 octane you'll have to spring for premium, but in most parts of the US you can get by with midgrade.
Fun - Tremendous. I've never had this much fun with a car I owned (granted my previous car's weren't the greatest). Took a trip to the Denver/Boulder area shortly after getting the car and had a blast in the mountains. Left the car in 2nd & 3rd gear while doing some mountain driving, reaching speeds close to 60mph, and still averaged 35mpg. The car handles incredibly, and I can't wait to get my summer tires (Bridgestone Potenza RE-01R's) on.
Overall - Wonderful car. A tremendous buy if you can find a decent one cheaply. Hatchbacks have never been popular in the US, and neither have 4-cylinder BMW's, but when you combine the two it's wonderful. Add in the fact that you can easily swap in a 6-cylinder (including the S50/52 from the M3) and you have a terrific car for the cost.Apr 08, 2009
by John P
Mar 09, 2009
Performance- Pretty quick, but lacks the power of other BMW's being a 4 potter. Handles like a dream!
Build quality- Great quality, very solid.
Appearance- Pretty nice looking.
Cost of Ownership- Gas mileage is AMAZING I get 33+ miles per gallon depending on how fast i'm going.
Fun factor- Sooooo much fun to drive on winding roads. Handles great, but as I already said could use some more power-- DASC or S52 swap would be great.Mar 09, 2009
by Sudheer D
Jan 27, 2009
Loved this car for the few years I drove it. Always handled
well in dry and wet weather. Turning traction control
system off allowed for more fun driving. Back seat space is
kinda tight, friends never wanted to pile up in this thing.Jan 27, 2009
by Halldór S
Jan 12, 2009
The acceleration is quiet good for an 1,6 engine. He has good brakes althought i need to fix the handbrake a little. The interior and the exterior are in a good shape. It also has a low gas mileage and low maintenance.Jan 12, 2009
by Nelson P
Jan 05, 2009
I've had very few issues with this car, and it's lived a hard
life. Out of the box the 328's aren't bad at all, but with a
few key mods it totally transforms the car. I have yet to
drive the car through a winter, so it's still in amazing
shape, no rust at all. Surprising even with the engine and
driveline modifications I am able to still get about 700km
(435mi) out of a tank. I've had to replace very few parts
due to maintenance, and I'm sure I only had to replace
them due the track use.Jan 05, 2009
by Adam S
Nov 24, 2008
Performance - great pickup and killer torque!
Build Quality - second to hmm ferrari!
Appearance - classy yet doesn't stick out amongst the crowd
Fun Factor - fun to drive and corners on rails
Cost of Ownership - keep the maintenance up and it'll last forever
all in all its a great car as a daily driver and in 3 years will be my track car once its fully built up. Nov 24, 2008
by Joe C
Sep 03, 2008
This car was a lot of fun to drive, got great gas mileage, and was also nice to just look at! Unfortunately, BMW didn't know how to make a good 4cyl in 1997 and it had it's share of engine issues! All in all I enjoyed this car a lot!Sep 03, 2008
by Dave J
Jun 30, 2008
I loved this car! It is solid, fun to drive, great handling and comfort. The performance was good for stock but add a couple grand and it'll be great! the quality was great overall and it holds up excellent in a crash. I had a guy total mine by T-boning us. The car did it's job and kept us safe. We were at 0 mph and he was doing 40+. The car looked great with a nice tint job and I still miss driving that car! Jun 30, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 24, 2008
has plenty of pick up and doesn't use alot of gas.Mar 24, 2008
by Mikko N
Dec 24, 2007
Bought in 2004, no major failures in 80,000 km.Dec 24, 2007
by Gavin M
Dec 19, 2007
excellent build quality, not spent a penny on it in nearly a yearDec 19, 2007
What users have asked
How do I purchase a car outside California and bring it in state?
I live in California, and I am about to purchase a car private party out of state. With California's SMOG test requirements, I cannot obtain registration for the car until it's SMOG tested in state. Has anyone had experience doing this in the past? How have you gone about the process of transferring title, transporting the car, then obtaining registration in California for a car purchased out of state?
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I do not have the 5 digit code to unlock my radio. How can i get it?
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1997 BMW 3 Series?Compare this car
1997 BMW 3 Series Pricing
Original MSRP
$21,960 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
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: cloth
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 · Front side airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: 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
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
Roof
Sunroof: 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
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 · Front side airbags
Audio System
Single disc in-Dash CD · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: 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
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
Sunroof: 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
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
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: cloth
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
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
