1998 328is question - BMW Forum

dooglaz · 03-04-2009, 09:39 PM

Wht are the main differences between a 98 328is coupe and a 98 M3 coupe besides badging and the seats. Are they the same motors? Do they both have LSDs? Did the 328is come with the M appearance package? I'm considering buying one

wayoutcat · 03-05-2009, 11:28 AM

They are very different cars. Not the same motor. If you want an M3, and you have the cash, buy one. Buying a 328 and modding it to make it more like an M3 would cost even more than buying an M3.
A '98 328 can be bought in good condition for 4grand, which is what I paid for mine. No 328s came stock with LSD, so that has to be swapped out.
A 328 is very easy to live with, and costs less to maintain than an M3. But I hear the M3s are lots of fun, so if you do your own work or have deep pockets, go for it! : )

dooglaz · 03-05-2009, 11:45 AM

Thanks. The 98 328is is 5700 I was gonna offer 3800 and go from there. There is a 95 m3 for 7900 I was gonna try and get it around 6000 and a 97 m3 for over 8000. I think all are asking too much based on kbb. I recently got a 94 328i sedan for 1600. It runs great and very clean. After driving it I came down with bimmer fever and want another one.

wayoutcat · 03-05-2009, 01:45 PM

I hear you! I had never owned one before buying mine last October. I just wanted to get back in a RWD car. The only other good handling smallish RWD car in my price range was the Nissan 240SX, and the prices on those are artificially inflated due to the drifting craze (which I have nothing against. Drifting is cool). I love Nissans, but I think I got more car for my money getting the 328.

wayoutcat · 03-05-2009, 01:51 PM

Incidentally, I am happy to hear from someone else in southeastern Michigan. Have you found any local enthusiast groups?

I am looking for people to work on car projects with. Also planning on taking automotive classes at Washtenaw Community College. I visited a class there and they seem like a really good program. Fully accredited and all.

jmo69 · 03-06-2009, 07:32 PM

The 328 didn't come out till 1996, are you sure about that 1994?

dooglaz · 03-06-2009, 08:10 PM

that was a typo on the 94 328 it's a 325 sedan auto : ( that's ok though my wife drives it now although we take her car when we all go out now. I know what you mean wayoutcat about the rwd. I have a 08 GTI 6 speed and it's fun to drive but there's something missing. I haven't found any groups in this area yet. As far as the cars on craigslist I found nobody is answering my emails.

jmo69 · 03-06-2009, 08:36 PM

I'm very content with my 328, if I just wanted power, I would have kept my 68 Camaro. I like the comfort and the far superior handling and brakes. The Camaro was all tire smoke and noise.

dudehog · 07-20-2009, 01:14 PM

you chose a bmw over a '68 camaro? if anyone else has one of those they don't want let me know!!!!

SHAHAB323IS · 07-21-2009, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dudehog

you chose a bmw over a '68 camaro? if anyone else has one of those they don't want let me know!!!!

No kidding same here.

jmo69 · 07-26-2009, 03:04 PM

I had that Camaro for 22 years and hardly drove it. It sat so long the clutch disc rusted tight to the flywheel. My bimmer I drive every day and have more fun driving it. I goes where point it and stops straight when I step on the brakes, the A/C is nice too.