1992-1998 BMW 325i/328i/323i Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation BMW 3-Series. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation BMW 3-Series.

1992-1998 BMW 325i/328i/323i Review

Completely restyled for 1992, the 325i sedan borrowed its rounded lines from the bigger BMWs. Wheelbase grew by 5.1 inches, overall length by 4.3 inches. Interior volume expanded only modestly. Switching from a single overhead camshaft to dual cams, the inline 2.5-liter six-cylinder engine added 21 horsepower. A 4-speed, 3-mode automatic transmission was optional. Standard fittings included a driver-side airbag and antilock brakes. Convertibles, however, stuck with the previous design until 1994.

Year to Year Changes

1993 BMW 3-Series: Six-cylinder engines adopted variable valve timing that was claimed to boost low-speed response and increase fuel economy. A sport suspension joined the option list. 3-Series cars also gained body-color bumpers and a fold-down center armrest. Sedans could now be ordered with optional fold-down rear seats.

1994 BMW 3-Series: All 3-Series models gained a passenger-side airbag. BMW's ASC+T traction control became optional. Starting in summer of 1993, convertibles adopted the smooth design of BMW sedans, abandoning the old profile. Four-passenger convertibles shared the coupe's lower body styling, but wore unique rear sheetmetal. A power top stows beneath a solid rear cover. A pop-up "Rollover Protection System" was optional on convertibles. A high-performance M3 coupe debuted in spring 1994, packing a 240-horsepower 3.0-liter engine and manual shift, with a firmer suspension and 17-inch tires.

1995 BMW 3-Series: The 325 saw only minor changes for 1995.

1996 BMW 3-Series: A bigger (2.8-liter) engine went into 1996 models soon after the start of production, and the cars were renamed 328i. The M3 high-performance coupe could have an available 5-speed automatic transmission.

1997 BMW 3-Series: All BMWs had traction control in '97. The high-performance M3 now came as a 4-door sedan as well as a 2-door coupe. BMW's twin kidney grille was reshaped to match the new 5-Series. Side marker and turn signal lamps were redesigned.

1998 BMW 3-Series: BMW introduced an old engine to the 3-Series lineup for 1998, the 2.5-liter inline-six that had been standard on the 1992-95 models. Called the 323, the new model was available only in coupe and convertible bodystyles. Side airbags are now standard on all models, and the convertible gets a full-automatic power top. The 3-Series was all new for 1999.

1992-1998 BMW 325i/328i/323i Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Wet-weather traction

Ride	Rear-seat room

Steering/handling	Fuel economy

Standard antilock brakes and traction control (later models)	Control layout

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Acceleration is swift and smooth at higher engine speeds, but early models suffered a shortage in low-end power, feeling somewhat lethargic until they revved past 3000 rpm or more. Performance in general is adequate with automatic, but these cars are best enjoyed with the highly inviting 5-speed manual gearbox. In town, though, that 5-speed needs to be shifted often. Fuel economy averaged 20.4 mpg in a test of a 1992 model with manual shift. Swift turns with the base suspension bring more body roll than expected, but the 3-Series feels tight, lithe, and surefooted. Antilock brakes deliver commendable stopping power and excellent sensitivity. Steering is sharp and precise, road manners nicely balanced. A firm, yet absorbent suspension soaks up road flaws while keeping the body stable. Beware in wet weather, as rear-drivers can get twitchy in rain or snow. Even with the traction control, snow tires are a must in northern climates. Space up front is adequate, but the rear is sufficient only for two on a narrow seat. Rear head room in coupes is tight, due to their slightly lower roofline, and the center rear occupant must straddle the driveline tunnel. Skimpy door openings on sedans hinder back-seat entry. The trunk floor is flat, with a large opening. Interiors are austere, with hard plastic surfaces. Radio and climate controls are close at hand but feature a confusing array of buttons.

Value for the Money
Like their bigger brothers, 3-Series BMWs are far from cheap secondhand, but their many fans are willing to lay out the extra bucks for top-notch roadholding and high-quality materials.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

BMW 325i sedan	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	4

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	7

Quietness	4

Controls/Materials	5

Interior Room	5

Room/Comfort (rear)	3

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	6

Total:	49

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1992-1998 BMW 325i/328i/323i Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Air conditioner: Air conditioners that don't cool well enough may need to have some of the R-12 (Freon) removed if the system was overcharged. (1992-93)

Automatic transmission: The automatic transmission may suffer from delayed engagement after sitting overnight because the fluid drains out of the torque converter. (1992-95)

Climate control: Small flakes may come from the vents or a foul odor may be present when the A/C is operated. (1992-93)

Dashboard lights: The hazard flashers may begin flashing by themselves and the turn signals may flash at twice the normal speed due to condensation shorting out the circuit board. (1992-94)

Doors: If the central locking system unlocks itself after being locked or locks itself after being unlocked, the actuators could be defective or the trunk lock may need to be adjusted. (1992-93)

Rough idle: Vehicles equipped with variable valve timing system (VANOS) engines may suffer engine valve jamming and varnish buildup if oil changes are extended. (1996-98)

Starter: The starter may fail because it keeps running after the engine starts and eventually burns out. The root cause is a sticking ignition switch. The whole lock and switch must be replaced. (1992-94)

Transmission leak: The oil drain plug on Gegrag transmissions will likely leak if reused. A revised plug is available. (1999)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$970

Alternator	$590

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,190

Brakes	$260

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$645

Exhaust System	$670

Exhaust System	$790

Shocks and/or Struts	$980

Timing Chain or Belt	$1,265

NHTSA Recall History

1992: Airbag contact-ring locking tab can break without warning, eventually causing broken wiring; airbag would not deploy in collision, and indicator would illuminate.

1992: Failed to meet safety standard for driver chest injury in crash test.

1992-93: Fuel hoses can harden and "set" over time.

1992-94 325i/iS: Brake lights may fail to operate, or be on continuously.

1992-95 325i/325Ci: Plastic bushing for cruise-control and throttle cables could break, causing throttle valve to remain partially open; car then might not decelerate as expected.

1992-95: Malfunction or failure of cooling system component can result in significantly increased coolant temperature and system pressure.

1993-94 325i/iS: Replace front transmission crossmember support.

1994 325iC: Brake lights may fail to operate, or be on continuously.

1995 M3: Brake lights may fail to operate, or be on continuously.

1995-97 M3: Plastic bushing for cruise-control and throttle cables could break, causing throttle valve to remain partially open; car then might not decelerate as expected.

1997-98 M3: Side airbag system is unduly sensitive to certain noncrash impacts, such as large potholes or curbs; could deploy without actual side crash. Battery Safety Terminal could also activate, so engine could not be restarted.

1992-1998 BMW 325i/328i/323i Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1992
325i/is	$2,500-3,100	$1,800-2,300	$500-700
Convertible	$3,800-4,400	$3,100-3,600	$1,200-1,400

1993
325i/is	$3,000-3,700	$2,300-2,800	$700-900
Convertible	$4,500-5,200	$3,700-4,300	$1,600-1,900

1994
325i/is	$3,600-4,300	$2,900-3,400	$1,000-1,200
Convertible	$5,600-6,400	$4,800-5,500	$2,300-2,600

1995
325i/is	$4,400-5,200	$3,700-4,300	$1,500-1,800
Convertible	$6,600-7,500	$5,800-6,600	$3,000-3,500
M3 coupe	$7,500-8,500	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300

1996
328i/is	$5,400-6,300	$4,600-5,400	$2,200-2,600
Convertible	$7,700-8,700	$6,900-7,800	$3,900-4,400
M3 coupe	$8,300-9,500	$7,500-8,600	$4,300-4,900

1997
328i/is	$6,300-7,200	$5,500-6,300	$2,800-3,200
Convertible	$8,800-9,800	$7,900-8,800	$4,600-5,100
M3 coupe/sedan	$9,500-10,700	$8,600-9,600	$4,900-5,600

1998
323i convertible	$8,700-10,000	$7,800-9,000	$4,500-5,200
323is	$6,500-7,300	$5,700-6,400	$2,900-3,300
328i convertible	$10,000-11,500	$9,000-10,400	$5,200-6,000
328i/is	$7,600-8,500	$6,800-7,700	$3,800-4,300
M3 convertible	$13,500-15,000	$12,300-13,700	$8,000-8,900
M3 coupe/sedan	$11,000-12,500	$9,900-11,300	$5,900-6,800

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1992-1998 BMW 325i/328i/323i Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	1992 2-door convertible	2-door coupe	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	101.2	106.3	106.3

Overall Length, in.	175.2	174.5	174.5

Overall Width, in.	64.8	67.3	66.8

Overall Height, in.	53.9	53.8	54.8

Curb Weight, lbs.	2990	2866	2866

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.0	14.3	15.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.4	17.2	17.2

Seating Capacity	4	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	--	36.7	37.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	--	41.2	40.9

Rear Head Room, in.	--	35.9	37.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	--	32.7	34.1

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

The initial 2.5-liter inline 6-cylinder engine made 189 horsepower (168 in convertibles and in 1998 models). Variable valve timing for 1993 yielded no power increase, but torque was produced at lower rpm. The bigger (2.8-liter) engine installed in 328i models, in 1996, added just 1 horsepower but gained 25 pounds-feet of torque. A 5-speed manual transmission has been standard all along. The optional 4-speed automatic has economy, sport, and manual shift programs.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I6	2.5 / 152	168	164	5-speed manual: 17/24	5-speed manual: --

dohc I6	2.5 / 152	168-189	181	5-speed manual: 19/28 4-speed automatic: 20/28	5-speed manual: 20.4 4-speed automatic: 17.6

dohc I6	2.8 / 170	190	206	5-speed manual: 20/29 4-speed automatic: 19/26	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: 19.8

dohc I6	3.0 / 182	240	225	5-speed manual: 19/27 5-speed automatic: 19/28	5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	1998 3-Series	1998 3-Series	1998 3-Series

Front Impact, Driver	--	--	--

Front Impact, Passenger	--	--	--

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany, USA

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

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Also in the 1992-1998 BMW 325i/328i/323i Review:

BMW 325i/328i/323i

BMW 325i/328i/323i Road Test

BMW 325i/328i/323i Reliability

BMW 325i/328i/323i Prices

BMW 325i/328i/323i Specs & Safety

BMW 325i/328i/323i Photos

BMW 325i/328i/323i Full Review