For the 1996 model year, BMW replaced the 325 with the lightly revised 328 model. Power was up with the new M52B28, good for 190 horsepower and 210 lb.ft of torque. Although the new motor represented only a 1 horsepower net gain, there was now 15% more torque and a broader, more usable power band with the M52. That change alone was enough to slash the best part of a second off the 0-60 time, which now came in 7.3 rather than 8 seconds. The motor was much more than just an increase in displacement; lighter internals, revised intake and exhaust and dual oxygen sensors meant it was more efficient and smoother, too. New wheels, body-color lower moldings and revised kidneys were met with, amazingly, a lower price point as the base price of the 328 coupe fell a little over $500 to approximately $33,000.
‘Meet the new Boss’ continued to be the theme for the 3-series then, which remained the benchmark by which all others were judged. Car and Driver pronounced the chassis as “the definitive sports sedan” and the 328 and M3 models continued their dominance of the magazine’s perennial 10 Best list. That this proclamation came from notorious Bavarian-leaning C&D is perhaps no surprise, but what may shock some is that the 3-series didn’t appear as a winner until the E36 chassis in 1992, while it would go on to place an astonishing and unmatched 22 times.
Yet despite their prowess, we tend to only focus on one model in the range – the M3. Perhaps that’s because of their prolific production, perhaps because of their relative affordability; likely we just take it for granted because the 3-series seems to be ageless in its competency. Certainly, it’s an injustice to the normal 325/328 models, in their own right an excellent choice for enthusiasts. So it was with a big grin that this lovely example of the Coupe came across our feed:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1997 BMW 328is on eBay
Year: 1997
Model: 328is
Engine: 2.8 liter inline-6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 87,576 mi
Price: Reserve Auction
1997 BMW 328is
121 pictures and CARFAX available at: BMW PICTURES
This is a rare BMW to find at this age, in this condition, with incredibly low mileage (87,576 miles). I’ve searched multiple online websites and found zero other 328is coupes of this era. This particular 328is is a two owner, 0 accident car. (CARFAX included) Both owners were adults, owning the vehicle from their 50’s to 70’s. Never beaten or driven hard. This car has been stored indoors its entire life. The second owner has multiple system schematics to go with the car as well as all of his receipts for purchases and repairs. These are included in the pictures.
About Us:
I am a licensed Dealer in the state of Indiana. The second owner stopped in to purchase a newer BMW from us and considered trading this 328is at the same time. He ultimately did not purchase the BMW but as BMW enthusiasts, we told him we would love to have his vehicle if he chose to sell. He got to the point where he could no longer shift anymore due to his knees and decided to see if we would buy it. We were very excited to have a chance to own, drive, enjoy and cherish this vehicle. We are prepared to part with this now and are selling it via our Dealership, “Drive Automotive Group”. The car is being sold AS-IS. All sales are final. The purchaser is responsible for paying sales tax on the final purchase price of the vehicle based on the state you declare residence. Purchaser is responsible for picking up the vehicle at our dealership or arranging shipment upon full payment of the vehicle and completion of all required documents required by the State of Indiana. We are NOT charging any document or titling fees with this listing. Purchaser is responsible for titling and plating vehicle. I am representing this car honestly in my description and pictures. Any known issues are mentioned in this description or are apparent in the pictures.Body:
Pictures of the under-body show it to be in excellent condition and no rust on the body either. There are only just a couple very small pin sized rock marks on the hood. There is one small scuff on the rear bumper. (As seen in pictures) The paint shines just as glossy as it did in the showroom in 1997. It’s absolutely stunning to see in person. The fenders, doors, roof, trunk lid and quarters are very straight and blemish free. Door jams are clean and rust free.Engine and Trans:
M52B28 DOHC 24-valve 2.8L inline 6 cylinder engine mated to a 5 speed manual gearbox. The engine produces 190hp and 210 ft-lb torque. The engine starts up almost immediately upon turning the key. No starter noises, no hesitation to start. It idles quietly and revs smoothly and powerfully. The transmission has a strong clutch that does NOT slip at all. All gears and synchros are in working order. There are no visible leaks or areas that appear to have any fluids leaking whatsoever. I’ve tried to photograph all areas in the engine bay that my camera could access.Interior:
The driver’s seat side bolster shows minor wear from getting in and out of the car. The rear seats are in like-new condition, possibly never or rarely sat in. The headliner is in very good condition without common sagging. The power windows and sunroof function properly. All power seat and heat options function normally. The digital climate control functions normally. Ice cold A/C and Heat work as they should.Steering:
Wheels are an absolutely flawless set of OEM BMW Style 30’s. No bent rims, scratches or blemishes at all. Tires are a matched set of Bridgestone Potenza G009’s with a healthy amount of tread left. All tires appear to have even tread-wear on them so far. Car does not pull left or right while driving. Steering is stiff and sporty with no play in the wheel.Safety:
All lights, tails, brakes, fogs, hazards, and turn signals are fully functional. Airbags have never been deployed. Seat belts all work properly. The brakes and rotors are smooth with decent life left. There is no brake pedal wobble.Features:
This vehicle has BMW power, sport, heated seats. It includes a factory stereo with cassette player and Hi-fi/Lo-fi options. The on-board computer (OBC) is fully functional and all pixels display properly. The instant MPG gauge, gas gauge, odometer, speedometer, and tachometer in the instrument cluster are all functional. The factory Harmon-Kardon sound system sounds clear and powerful without any blown speakers. This BMW still has all of the “extras” including, the flashlight in the glove box, and a full tool-kit in the trunk.General Terms
Notice to Bidders: All of the vehicles we list on eBay are for sale locally. We reserve the right to end an auction early. All cars are immediately ready for delivery upon sale.Deposit: We require a non-refundable $500 deposit within 48 hours of winning the auction via the PayPal provided.
Payment Types: Cash in person, Certified Funds, Institutional Financing
All sales transactions must be completed within 7 calendar days of auction close.
Fees and Taxes
Prices subject to change without notice and do not include Title, License, Registration Fees, State or Local Taxes or Processing Fees, if any. Please contact seller first for vehicle availability. Although every effort is made to present accurate and reliable information, use of this information is voluntary, and should only be deemed reliable after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to verify the existence of options, accessories and the vehicle condition before time of sale. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to time of sale. No expressed or implied warranties, including the availability or condition of the equipment listed is made. EPA mileage estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance. Sales tax, title, license fee, registration fee, dealer documentary fee, finance charges, emission testing fees, and compliance fees are additional to the advertised price. Vehicle is listed locally, we reserve the right to end the auction at any time.
While some of the E36 sedans moved production to Spartanburg in South Carolina, the Coupe and Convertible production remained in Europe. This particular 1997 328is was produced in November 1996 in Regensburg. Options included in a leather covered steering wheel (240), passenger airbag (243), Style 30 double-spoke 16″ x 7″ alloys (277), heated windshield washers (314), body color bumper covers (341), electric sunroof (401), electric and heated sport seats (458,481), front armrest (473), automatic air conditioning (534), cruise control (540), on-board computer (554), Harman Kardon with CD prep (674, 686, 692) and M sport suspension (704). Later 328s like this one had ASC traction control, too. Outside of its more muscle-bound M brethren, this was about as nice a 3-series as you could spec in 1997.
The color combination of Arctic Silver Metallic (309) over black leather (P7SW) is classic and both look to be in excellent condition, as do the wheels which feature good brand-name rubber. Miles are well below average at under 90,000, and the car has what appears to be a strong ownership history. There’s little evidence of wear in the extensive gallery of detailed photos from the seller (click here to view) – no pixilation of the computers, no worn buttons, no faded plastics. Indeed, the only real issue I see is the impending failure of the headliner; typical and to be expected of the soft-touch insulation at this age.
Hard as it may be to fathom, the E36 is now eligible in some states for “vintage” status. As other models move solidly out of affordability for some, the 90s 3-series remains a beacon lighting budget-minded enthusiasts’ dreams. Yet many are already pegging the chassis to rise in value, and increasingly it’s becoming quite hard to find good examples such as this one. The 328is remains just about the perfect choice for a practical enthusiast; a do-it-all package that is subtle, understated and a classic in the making which gives little up to the more famous models bookending it.
-Carter
