Another in a series of my reviews that appeared in the online version of African Americans On Wheels, a now defunct automotive magazine that was included as an insert in the Sunday newspapers of major cities.
I was excited about this car since this would be the first BMW I would have the opportunity to drive since my roommate’s battered and bruised 1982 320i. We drove it up to Connecticut for the funeral of a distant relative, and aside from the narrow seats being a bit uncomfortable for long trips, it wasn’t bad. We did get a few, “Did you move to New Jersey and buy a BMW?” questions (New Jersey is the location of BMW’s U.S. headquarters, so BMW press cars have NJ plates). I wanted to say yes just for fun, but I’m honest to a fault.
I don’t know if it was the automatic or all of the luxury features that made it feel more like a luxury car than an aesthetic driver’s car like the 320i, but it just didn’t move me. I wonder if a 318ti with a stick would have left more of an impression since I’m partial to small, sparsely equipped cars.
The BMW 323is, an entry-level luxury coupe, is almost in a class by itself. It’s nearest competitors are the Saab 9-3 Turbo and Acura 3.0CL, but the 323 is the only one with rear-wheel drive, a preferred configuration for most sports cars.
The 323is replaces the 318is as the base coupe, and is the first six-cylinder BMW in years with a base price less than $30,000. The 3-Series is also available as a sedan, convertible and hatchback in various four- and six-cylinder configurations. The current generation has been around since 1992 but is being replaced with an all new model over the next three years.
The rigid structure seems air-tight, and the frameless windows even drop a little to ease opening and closing the doors. Get inside and you find that the driving position is near-perfect, even without a tilt-adjustable steering wheel. The instrument panel is angled toward the driver, so all of the controls are within easy reach. The power steering gives just enough boost to ease driving while still providing a good feel of the road. On top of the excellent handling, traction control is standard (and it can be disabled if you’re feeling like a pro). The 323is accelerates strongly, and the four-speed automatic is a perfect match for the engine, although the standard five-speed manual would definitely be more fun.
Due to its small size and rear-wheel drive, the interior is cramped, with narrow seats in front (which made long trips difficult) and little leg room in the rear. Compared to a sports car such as the Toyota Supra, however, it’s pretty roomy. The trunk is also on the small side, but the rear seats fold to increase cargo room. Also included is the customary BMW tool kit – a nice touch.
The only major annoyance is the cruise control, which became very jerky when trying to maintain a constant speed downhill.
Although inherently less practical than sedans or SUVs, a proper coupe such as the 323is possesses two characteristics most other vehicles can only aspire to – style and substance.
For more information contact 1-800-334-4BMW
SPECIFICATIONS
Type: 2-Door Coupe
Engine: 168-horsepower, 2.5 liter inline 6
Transmission: 4-Speed Automatic
EPA Mileage: 19 city/27 highway
Tested Price: $30,505
I had the opportunity to test drive this beautiful 98 BMW E-36 5-speed. While I was contemplating/making arrangements for purchasing it, another buyer jumped on it. To my dismay, the new owner purchased it on a Saturday, and totaled it on the following Monday!! *Sigh* the one that got away!
Nice summation. And of the fact that the 3 Series was well on the path to what it has become.
I liked these but then I drove one, the lack of turn in was quite scary other than that quite a nice car slick gearshift everything felt good it just didnt answer the reins well, 15 minutes later I took a TDI 306 over the same course and it was faster and brilliant the way it took the hard turns and better than what I was trying to replace, that brand got the nod but not that car it pulled badly left in a straight line and the clean paint job didnt match rthe high mileage.
I’ve drive two E36 3 series in my life. 3 if you include my Z3, which is an E36/7, whatever that means. The first one was a clapped out 325i automatic, and it was simultaneously terrifying and fun. It had excellent throttle response, and it handled far better than the soft suspension let on. However, the driveshaft would bump against the undercarriage under heavy acceleration and also the thrust arm bushings had long since let go, which meant wheel shake between 40 and 55 miles an hour.
The second E36 I drove was in far better condition, but it was also an M3 with only 12K miles on it. That one was fast. The manual was fine, although it didn’t quite have the shift feel I was hoping for. It handled better than just about anything I’d driven up to that point. I also suspect BMW lied about the horsepower ratings. With 240 horsepower, I was able to shut down the last of the 4.6 liter Mustangs. Even with my weight advantage, I shouldn’t have been able to do that. It was also remarkably comfortable, although my yardstick for that has been influenced by several thousand miles behind the wheel of a very small and very stiff sports car.
I would not say the E36 was cramped. It was not big, and it had less usable room than the E21 and E30, but I always had enough elbow room when holding the wheel. I cannot say the same about my Z3.
I had a 97 318ti, the hatchback with the DOHC 1.9 liter 138 hp engine…Same platform as the sedan and coupe but had the trailing arm suspension from the previous E30. I loved the car. I took it to Watkins Glen and had a ball. Not very powerful…when coming out of the boot going uphill in 3rd gear acceleration was very modest but a fun car to learn on
Speaking of the BMW 3 Series Coupe, it first began as the BMW 2002 and then for the most part its the 3 Series until the Two Door Coupe’ were replaced by the current 4 Series Two Door Coupe’.
Now the BMW 3 Series Sedan which also includes the 4 Series Sedan as well and their beginning also started with the BMW 2002 Series Coupe’.
Your test made me realize that I’ve never driven a BMW with an automatic. A 1602, a 2800CS and several 2002’s, all 4 speed. An E30 and an E36 M3, 5 speeds, and an E39 540 with a 6 speed. Can one even buy a manual transmission BMW in the US anymore?
I believe you can buy a 2 series (the spiritual successor to prior 3 series models, in my opinion) with a manual, but you may have to spring for the M model. Someone will certainly correct me if I’m wrong.
Adam, I’ve noticed that your reviews always ended with a contact telephone number for the subject car. I don’t recall seeing that at the time in other reviews. Any particular reason why you did that?
Thank you for this review. My son and I just purchased a beautiful 323is from the original owner. It was immaculately maintained both inside and out. A true survivor!l. My son couldn’t be happier with his purchase!