I stopped at a dealer today to look at a 96 BMW 3series. That was all that was on the sticker. There are no badges on the car anywhere to tell wich model it is. I did a search on the net and it looks like it is a 318si, or 328si. Anyone know enough about them to tell me how to find out. The lot is never open when I go through so I can't just stop in and ask. Besides I really don't care to look like a fool when I am looking at buying a car.

 

I have a '98.
Unlike Ford the VIN is under the hood on the firewall, right side.

Since you think it is an 'SI' I assume it is a two door coupe?
The big difference is the motor
318 = 4cyl 1.8L
328 = 6cyl 2.8L

The six had twin pipe stock exhaust
The four had a single pipe.
Also the 328 had leather standard.
It could be an option on the 318 but, if its cloth it's is a 318.

The only badge was on the trunk right side.

I'd pass on a 10 year old Auto, 5spd is the only way to go with the 3series.
Good Luck.

 

Thanks for the info. Maybe I'll have to get a closer look. It actually looks just like the one in your pic only 2 door and a little different wheels. It is silver with black leather. It does have AT though. Is there a problem with that or the 5 speed just more durable? It does have the dual exhaust tip. Maybe I'll see if there is a phone number on the door or something and call them at lunch tomorrow. The only problem I have is that it is a rebuilder. This place buys wrecks and restores them. They do amazing work but it is still a rebuilder.

The price on the car is $6850 with 108k on the clock. Does this sound like a fair price?If my wife would let me I would consider trading the truck in.

 

The leather and dual is making it sound like a 328.

I bought mine last year for $8,000 private party. It had 106k.
I've only put 8k on it because I have four cars.

I get 26 mpg mixed.
33 highway.

These cars love to rev.
In trying to gain insight from other owners, I've heard the manual praised while the Auto is 'not praised' so much.

It could be just snobbishness, I don't know.
I would wonder what the rebuilder, rebuilt though.
You should see what is out there, private party for comparison.

 

It is really hard to find a used BMW around here. They had a another one a few months ago that didn't last long enough for me to even get to stop for a look. I think it was a 540 but wasn't sure. They wanted just under $6k for that one from the tag hanging on the mirror. It looked like it was a couple years older than this one as well.

The only place we ever see them used is on the BMW lot and that place needs a reality check.

 

Honestly, as long as they do good work, and they dont price as new, there is nothing wrong with rebuilt vehicles. Many are better than factory.
Here to get one licences after a rebuild, the dealer must get it inspected with DOT/highway patrol and they check EVERYTHING.

My boss rebuilds on the side, mainly F150's and mustangs, he was telling me one time, the first one he veer did, he took up to get inspected, and it was done except the headliner. It was on order but hadnt arrived yet, was just going to get it inspected and have it ready. They wouldn't pass it because it came from the factory with a headliner in it so had to have one to be registered.

 

i think you mean "IS", there was no "SI" models, only "IS" and "CI".
usually if your a bmw nut, you could tell what trim level it is and what model it could/could not be as far as what model it is but to anyone else, the 3 series all pretty much look the same.
nice cars, i had a '92 325is and '00 328ci.