E9X 325i - Advice

[kenam]

Looks good! - actually think 18s are just right on the 325

[andy118run]

A picture of my E90 325i SE manual, registered in December 2006

Not particularly the spec I would have chosen (beige cloth seats, anyone?!) but it's a 1 previous owner car and when I got it a few months back it was showing a little over 22k miles. Priced around the same as your budget as well.

A few thousand miles into ownership it's serving me well with no maintenance issues to report thus far. The readers' car thread is here - http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=148...

[nickfrog]

abarber said:

nickfrog said:

You can quite cheaply de-restrict a X25i back to X30i power through Evolve or P-Torque.

Not really, the 325i does not have the fancy intake system. Switch over a load of parts and then map it and you can get close. See on e90post.

If you want a 330i, get one to start with. There are no downsides compared to the 325i and you get a lovely top end that is worth revving out to 7k as often as possible!

I believe this is incorrect and an internet myth. Based on my own experience of the 125i N52 (and I assume the same logic applies to the 325i), the European N52 low power version has the DISA manifold so 100% identical hardware. It's the US only 128i/328i that don't have it. I have remapped a 125i to 130i power on Evolve' development rig. It's an off the shelf map. Again, this may not apply to the 3 series N52, but I would be surprised.

[Smuler]

OP. Not sure if you're still reading, but this isn't too far from your higher suggested budget and it's "up North,"

http://usedcars.bmw.co.uk/3-Series/2.5-325i-SE/Wal...

[Mr Tidy]

nickfrog said:

abarber said:

nickfrog said:

You can quite cheaply de-restrict a X25i back to X30i power through Evolve or P-Torque.

Not really, the 325i does not have the fancy intake system. Switch over a load of parts and then map it and you can get close. See on e90post.

If you want a 330i, get one to start with. There are no downsides compared to the 325i and you get a lovely top end that is worth revving out to 7k as often as possible!

I believe this is incorrect and an internet myth. Based on my own experience of the 125i N52 (and I assume the same logic applies to the 325i), the European N52 low power version has the DISA manifold so 100% identical hardware. It's the US only 128i/328i that don't have it. I have remapped a 125i to 130i power on Evolve' development rig. It's an off the shelf map. Again, this may not apply to the 3 series N52, but I would be surprised.

Maybe, but as far as I am aware the 325 got a 3 litre N53 engine after they stopped using the N52 (early 07 I think) whereas the 125 3 litre continued to be a 3 litre N52.

And with 2 threads on here about cracked 19 inch alloys I personally wouldn't want to go bigger than 18s!

[3795mpower]

Have owned this for coming up to a year now.
It's a 55 plate 325i Msport.

I've always owned Bmw's for 20+ years, this is my daily which is backed
Up by my old M5 garage queen.

Plus points>

It's a six pot, revs to 7 k.
Nice gearbox,
Looks great in M-sport trim.
Great seats,
Good standard kit count (exceptional on this car)
Handles very well,
Fairly well screwed together.
Will do 30-34mpg if you're careful on a run.

Minus points>

It lacks torque, (but I am used to a 3.8 six and my last car was supercharged !)
Gearing very very tall which takes some learning. (ie you'll pull more mpg in 5th at 60pmh than 6th
As 6th is too tall).
Ride around town is harsh, if you live and drive in town all day you're better off with an SE.

Things to watch when buying....

They are easy to clock and hide wear well.
View a few to gauge the wear and tear (ie at 80k the wheel should not be worn smooth but the
Gear lever will be starting to wear)

The original 20k service intervals were stupid and caused quite a lot of premature engine wear,
Especially coupled with not having a temperature gauge (stupid stupid stupid).

They are tappety from cold but should quiten down within a few minutes and this should not return.

They benefit from a good engine flush and always use decent engine oil.

[3795mpower]

kenam said:

So I have settled on trying to find a 325i (maybe a 330, but 325 seems plenty enough!) from 2007 - i.e. the N52 engine.

Anything major I should be looking out for on the servicing? As far as I can tell the N52 (even in the 2.5l form) is solid enough? What about other components in the car? What else should I be looking for? Also - when checking out the service history - how can I know whats written is valid? Do I need to call individual garage stamps

An 07 onwards LCI (3.0 325i) will sort my car's lack of torque.

Two of my mates have 130i's, the 325 is a more grown up option, although
Handling wise, the E90 is slightly more planted thanks to a longer wheelbase.

As far as history goes, you want old mot's, receipts and a stamped book.
Counter check all of these three against each other to ensure dates & mileages add up.

Walk away from cars with crap history, ditto those with gaps in the history.

They are spec sensitive on price.

Good luck !