Brian Johnson 
1997 BMW 3 Series Sedan 328i 4dr Sedan
Reliability and performance over-rated
 I overestimated the BMW brand when I 
bought my 97 328i.  The exterior design 
is distinctly BMW and it is a 
great "image" car for young 
professionals.  The biggest challenge 
is reliability... hundreds of sensors 
constantly break and any visit to the 
shop will run at least $300.  If you 
are going to buy one anyway - pass on 
the Inspection I and II checkups - 
which are serious waste of money.  
Overall, performance was less than 
stellar.  I actually had more fun with 
my 97 Acura Integra, which really 
surprised me.