1999 BMW 3-Series Review Summary & Specs
318Ti Hatchback
Your passengers don't need to know how much fun you're having.
Summary & Specs
reviewed by
The 328i offers a combination that's increasingly rare in sedans selling between $30,000 and $40,000: rear-wheel drive and an available manual transmission. That's the package true driving enthusiasts prefer, and BMW's commitment to this combination speaks volumes about the company's priorities.
Other cars in this price range surpass the 328i in significant areas. The Oldsmobile Aurora has far more room inside. The Lexus ES 300 is smoother, and as quiet as an attack submarine in stealth mode. The Acura TL has more equipment for less cash, and Audi's A4 offers the all-season advantages of all-wheel drive. Yet with a thorough redesign for the 1999 model year, BMW has closed the gap in areas where the 328i previously fell short, and eliminated any discrepancy in others. A 3 Series owner won't give up much of anything to be entertained by a true sports sedan.
If driving satisfaction is a top priority, the 328i should top your shopping list.
Specs
| Vehicle Category |
Midsize Cars |
| Editor |
Bob Markovich |
| Model Lineup |
|
| Engines (standard) |
2.8-liter dohc 24v inline 6 |
| Transmissions (standard) |
5-speed manual |
| Engines (optional) |
170-hp dohc 2.3-liter inline-6 |
| Transmissions (optional) |
5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) |
Dual airbags, front side-impact airbags, head protection airbags |
| Safety Equipment (optional) |
|
| Basic Warranty |
4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In |
Munich, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone |
1-800-831-1117 |
| Manufacturer URL |
www.bmwusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP |
$26,970 |
Specs as Tested
| Model Tested MSRP |
328i sedan |
| Standard Equipment |
(328i) ABS, traction control, daytime running lights (selectable on/off), power windows, remote keyless entry, tilt/telescoping steering wheel with fingertip cruise and audio controls, eight-speaker AM/FM stereo cassette, six-way power seats with three-position driver memory, four-function onboard computer |
| Destination Charge |
|
| Options as Tested (MSRP) |
Sport package (includes sport suspension, 245/45R-17 performance tires, sport seats and steering wheel, $1,350), black leather interior ($1,450), titanium silver metallic paint ($475) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax |
|
| Layout |
rear-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested |
$37,245 |
| Horse Power |
193 @ 5500 |
| Torque |
206 @ 3500 |
| Fuel Economy |
20/29 |
| Wheelbase |
107.3 |
| Length/Width/Height |
176.0/68.5/55.7 |
| Track Front/Rear |
58.3/58.6 |
| Turning Radius |
34.4 |
| Seating Capacity |
5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room |
38.4/54.4/41.4 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room |
|
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room |
37.5/54.2/34.6 |
| Trunk Volume |
10.7 |
| Payload |
|
| Towing Capacity |
|
| Front Suspension |
Independent |
| Rear Suspension |
Independent |
| Ground Clearance |
|
| Curb Weight |
3197 |
| Stock Tires |
P225/45R-17 |
| Brakes Front/Rear |
vented disc/vented disc |
| Fuel Capacity |
16.6 |