1997 BMW 3 Series

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

• Weak cooling system All years One source so far

  What to check: Look for coolant drips and leaks.

  Turner Motorsport calls BMW cooling systems of this age notoriously weak.

  Sources ¹⁰

• Worn VANOS All years One source so far

  What to check: Listen at idle for a sound like marbles in a tin can.

  Turner Motorsport ties that sound to a failed VANOS unit.

  Sources ¹⁰

• Oil leaks All years

  What to check: Look for seepage around the oil pan, valve cover and head gasket, and listen for a hiss from a vacuum leak.

  BMWBlog adds that the crankcase ventilation (PCV) system often leaks oil and can cause a vacuum leak.

  Sources ^10,11

• Door cards and headliner falling down All years

  What to check: Look at the door panels, pillars, headliner and the rest of the interior trim for sagging or tears.

  Turner Motorsport says the door cards notoriously fall out and the headliner can sag. In an owner forum thread, a 318ti owner lists falling headliners among common faults.

  Sources ^10,12

• Water in the floor All years One source so far

  What to check: Feel the carpet behind the front seats for water.

  Turner Motorsport says the drain plugs behind the front seats are prone to rust.

  Sources ¹⁰

• Power steering leaks All years One source so far

  What to check: Follow the power steering hoses for wetness or grime.

  Sources ¹⁰

• Rust at the rear arches and sills All years One source so far

  What to check: Look at the rear wheel arches and the rear ends of the side skirts.

  BMWBlog says these places rust badly.

  Sources ¹¹

• Rough idle from the idle control valve All years One source so far

  What to check: Start the car from cold and watch for a rough, hunting idle.

  BMWBlog says carbon can keep the idle control valve under the intake manifold from opening.

  Sources ¹¹

• Windows, door handles and locks All years

  What to check: Try every window, both door handles on each door, and the central locking.

  Turner Motorsport says failed inner and outer door handles are common, and lists the window regulators and switches. In an owner forum thread, a 318ti owner lists failing power windows among common faults.

  Sources ^10,12

• Worn suspension and steering parts All years

  What to check: Feel for play in the steering and wobble over bumps, and look at the tie rod ends, control arm ball joints, steering rack boots, anti-roll bar bushings and end links.

  Turner Motorsport says the anti-roll bar bushings and end links will likely need replacing. In an owner forum thread, a 318ti owner reports every bushing worn and the shocks and struts blown when buying at about 40,000 miles.

  Sources ^10,12

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

• Sought after: The 328is coupe All years

  BMWBlog calls the 328is coupe the best non-M E36, with the 190 hp 2.8-liter six and a five-speed manual and limited-slip differential to be found. In an owner forum thread, a 318ti owner ranks the 328 above every badge but the M3.^11,12

• Avoid: A four-cylinder car, if you want the E36 at its best All years Less sought after

  BMWBlog advises any inline-six and steers buyers away from the four-cylinder cars. In an owner forum thread, two owners agree, one advising a six and doubting the 318 sedan, the other ranking the 318i last. Two 318ti owners in the same thread are happy with the four.^11,12

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.