328is

[abraigbmw]

Guys, i'm pricing out a 1998 328is with 120K, 5sp, sport package, etc. How long do BMW engines usually last for (200K?), also how do these 328's handle in the snow? Anything else that maybe is a common problem with that year that I should watch for?

Thanks,

[TMac325is]

120k miles on a 98 is almost unheard of

but if a bmw is taken care of it will take you 300k miles
3 series do not handle well in the snow at all. its fun but very difficult

[abraigbmw]

Sorry, I meant 120,000 kilometers (70K miles) on it..

[whamman]

This year we got a ton of snow in Portland and I had quite a bit of trouble in my 328is with high performance all-season tires. However, after driving around for 4 days I didn't get completely stuck or crash once. ASC kicks ass.

[iantosca]

I got a 98 328i and I live in Jersey. We had a decent amount of snow this year. I must say that ACS does kick ass. However, I did have my fair share of slides ... but never lost complete control. Overall, it's not too bad.

[camnipotent]

Sounds just like my car. It is going to break 70,000 soon. Get the water pump replaced ASAP. That's the most common problem. The plastic breaks.

[Silver4evr]

Get some winter snow tires/rims. Swap them out each year. Put a sandbag or two in your trunk to increase traction if the snow tires aren't good enough.

[Cary328is]

I drove around the Snow in St Louis and my 328is handled really well with Toyo Proxes tires. You just can't be as aggressive when you are on snow, but if you understand how RWD swings a lot differently than FWD you'll be fine.

[fasin8me]

I wouldnt drive it in the snow if you dont want to die!!!

[Cary328is]

It snows in Germany. BMWs were designed to handle it. Only stupid careless drivers arent careful and don't survive in the snow.

[dutchbmw]

Who can't handle a BMW in the snow..?? Shame on you................

[roguesniper1]

Originally posted by fasin8me@Jun 3 2004, 03:00 PM
I wouldnt drive it in the snow if you dont want to die!!!

You are a MORON. Now we got that out of the way.


You should have no problem in the snow with the 3 series, unless you are in Alaska. If you want to be extra carefull, get some blizzak snow tires, they come with wheels too for little extra. Personally, I never ever had trouble in winter with RWD cars. I even survived a winter with Z28 in Wisconsin. I didn't even have winter tires for 325i last winter and might not even get them for future, since 3 series dosen't have that many problems in snow.


PS: My car has traction control and it helps a bit.

[BlantonG13]

It all comes down to the driver. My cousin got rid of a 6cyl 2003 mustang because it was "bad in the snow." If she knew how to handle it, it would have been no problem. I am loving my car in the snow. You just can't accelerate as fast as you are used to. I also find having a 5 spd makes controlling the engine speeds a lot easier, thus allowing you to have the RPMs you want for best control, the easiest.

[Cary328is]

Thanks Roguesniper for your blunt honesty.
BlantonG13 - You are correct, it all depends on the driver