RE: Shed of the Week: BMW 325i (E36) Convertible

[g3org3y]

s m said:

M3333 said:

24valve said:

That is fantastic. Rare to see one with A/C as well.

Very fond memories of my 325i saloon and I'd love this too - lovely engine.

Back in the day I sold my 325i for a e46 323i. The 323i in that car was totally different and I really struggled to bond with it like I did the e36.

If this was a different colour combo, I'd be wanting it.

I did exactly the same and agree ref e46. I had a very early 1992 325i coupe, pre vanos, it was one of the best cars I've owned and was totally reliable. I have a 328i convertible to play with at the moment as much fun as it is to work on it just doesn't have the same spark the old 325i did.

These really are great value for money and they are also so easy to work on.

The 323i in the E46 was also a 2.5 litre like the E36 325i................but tuned for torque delivery rather than all out power. Was also about 20 bhp down on the earlier E36 325 and hence slower, a less 'revvy' nature. The 328i engine is similar in character to the 323...more of a slugger than a revver. 328 puts out similar power to the earlier E36 325 ....but is also a lot torquier

I agree, the M52 2.8 feels a lot lazier than the M50 2.5. Spanks it on torque but runs out of puff at the top end whereas the 2.5 thrives on revs.



Both are great engines imo.

[1974foggy]

I seemed to remember the 325i and 328i had similar power as explained above, other than that a good write up.
I went back to an e36 as a summer car, from a nice e39, a lovely 328i sport spec resprayed in marrakech brown.

[Leins]

s m said:

Leins said:

A slight aside, but can you remember the reason why BMW didn't offer the 323ti in RHD? Just wondering if it was market or technical issues

It was supposed to be marketing.....analysis of the E36 buying market revealed mostly women purchasers/drivers and hence it was thought not worth offering the 170bhp 2.5 version here

Interesting, wonder why that should be different between the markets. Especially as nearly every other E36 Compact owner I've known has been male

Although maybe I just don't know enough women!

[Pat H]

dme123 said:

Typically I really dislike modified cars, but those wheels look good and not at all ridiculous. Not keen on the randomly positioned aftermarket badge on the last pic though

The randomly positioned badge covered up a ding where I reversed the car into the vice on my workbench....

[NiceCupOfTea]

Nice shed. I have had a 323 convertible manual as my daily for over 2 years now and it's not missed a beat.

Other than normal servicing it's had a new radiator and a spring. Had to replace the roof when I tore the window but although the roof works perfectly it now needs a helping hand. Anybody know how to fix?

Spots of rust coming through on mine but the arches are ok, it's just under the boot handle and petrol flap.

Goes well, sounds nice, love mine.

[sennasurgeon]

Wow
Can't find them for this price anymore 😢