Everything you need: unbiased reviews, product specs and great deals.
|
1998 BMW M3The 1998 M3 is available in three models - coupe, sedan and convertible. The M3 takes its place as a sport edition to the 328 model line...
Read More
The 1998 M3 is available in three models - coupe, sedan and convertible. The M3 takes its place as a sport edition to the 328 model line and incorporates a sport tuned suspension with 17-inch wheels, tires and special brakes. Standard features include all season traction control and a limited slip differential. Additional standard features include leather sport bucket seats, a 5-speed manual transmission with 3 different shift modes and a dual zone climate control system which allows for both driver and passenger to adjust temperatures individually. Safety features include dual front and side impact air bags, an anti-lock braking system and front and rear head restraints. An On-Board Computer system and heated front seats are optional.
Minimize
|
|
24 Reviews from Shopping.com
|
Iron Fist in a Velvet Glove.
| Author's Rating: |
|
Pros: outstanding acceleration/handling plus room for luggage and friends.
Cons: annoying brake squeaks, dash rattles and overpriced stereo.
| Handling And Control: |
|
With just a perfunctory glance, you might think that this is just another 3 series coupe/sedan but those who know, KNOW! This car is nearly totally balanced in hp/torque and weight distribution and to drive it is a pleasure for four out of the five senses. It may look like a "grocery getter" but it can easily out handle most anything on the road and the same goes for acceleration. Many of the cars that are sold as "sports cars" I've left behind at many a stop light/sign.
On the first M3's with the 3.0 liter engine the low end torque was fairly lacking but since trading up to the '98 3.2 liter engine I get an immense thrill every time I put my foot into it. The traction control (which is easily disabled with a flick of a switch for more aggressive driving) is another good reason to buy one of the newer models of the M series. My '95 model was all over the road whenever it rained and especially in the snow but while my '98 still does slip some it is much more controlled in inclement weather.
Now this car isn't perfect though. I have had my complaints, but they are small in comparison to the performance the it offers. I bought the upgraded Harmon/Kardon sound system and have been less than satisfied with its performance. As to date, I have had to have the right front midrange woofer replaced four times because of being blown (and no, I don't listen to the stereo obnoxiously loud) and the tweeters have a real hard time reproducing violins and soprano voices without significant distortion. For the price you pay for the upgrade you could probably get much better performance for just a little bit more money at a good high quality audio salon. I have also had a lot of problems with annoying squeaks and rattles in the dash and at this price point that shouldn't be a problem. I also can't get the brakes to stop squealing despite the dealer replacing the brakes. Their explanation of these problems was that this is a high performance sports car and I should expect to have some quirks. Although I don't like it, I will put up with the small idiosyncrasies, at least until they finally come out with the body style of M3 later this year.
While this car isn't perfect, it comes closer than any car that I have ever driven before and I don't see myself driving anything else other than M3's for quite some time to come.
Back to all reviews
