Question please lads..

[Luvvly Linda]

I've got a 325i - and I love it... but I've just bought a 323i convertible and I was shocked at the difference, being as they are both 2.5L.

Now I know the 325 has an M50 engine but is there supposed to be such a difference between them?

Perhaps someone would be kind enough to explain how this is so (not too technical please!)

Thanks

[BlackStuff]

Isn't the 323 basically a de-tuned version of the previous 2.5 litre engine? In other words top end power sacrificed in favour of better torque.

I used to have a '94 325 and it felt quick and smooth but you really needed to keep the revs up to get anywhere. I've never driven the later 323 but I'd imagine it's less frenetic but ultimately not as quick.

[Luvvly Linda]

That would explain it I think because it hasn't got the acceleration or response that the 325 has.

Can you tell me was the 323 not very popular because used ones don't seem to be that expensive. I hope I didn't pay too much for it!

[chris_freebie]

www.parkers.co.uk/choosing/tech_data/index.aspx?manu_name=BMW&manufacturer_name=869&model_id=94&fueltype=&months=&spare1=&spare2=

It's odd.... according to this there is no difference in performance.

When my dad had a Z3 2.8 I was bemused when my next door neighbour bought a 325Ci which was also 192BHP..... Odd people these BMW makers !

[chris_freebie]

Actually having re-read that page there is 22 horse power difference in some cases.

Having driven his 325 Ci I can tell you it's alot faster than my 320D

325 = 192BHP
323 = 170BHP
320d = 150BHP (and 330nm torque - snig snig)

The other thing to bear in mind - is the 323 broken in or is it new new? It will loosen up & you will get used to the car so it will feel faster on both accounts.

[Luvvly Linda]

Yes I suppose you could be right about that. I was a bit worried about which one to keep and which one to sell, the newer or the quicker?

[silverback mike]

QUICKER..

[Luvvly Linda]

I can tell what you do as a pastime!

[Luvvly Linda]

BlackStuff said:

Isn't the 323 basically a de-tuned version of the previous 2.5 litre engine? In other words top end power sacrificed in favour of better torque. I used to have a '94 325 and it felt quick and smooth but you really needed to keep the revs up to get anywhere. I've never driven the later 323 but I'd imagine it's less frenetic but ultimately not as quick.

Actually BS there isn't that much difference in top speed, its the acceleration I find different. Maybe it's time I slowed down a bit anyway.

[silverback mike]

Luvvly Linda said:

I can tell what you do as a pastime!

[hughjayteens]

The main difference is the inlet manifold and the exhaust. You should ask for more details on www.e36coupe.com as a few guys on there have upgraded their 323s to 325 spec fairly cheaply I think.

[XM5ER]

Don't forget that the soft top is quite a bit heavier due to all the extra steel in the chassis. You're carrying the equivalent of 2 passengers extra weight.

[Luvvly Linda]

Really?

I still think its a big sluggish and that it should be more responsive than it is. Maybe I've been spoiled having the 325i first eh?

[Coxy the Bear]

The 323i is always going to be more sluggish than a 325 as quite rightly, it is detuned. Get rid of both and buy an M3, that'll solve the problem!

[Luvvly Linda]

That's the best suggestion I've heard yet!

[douglasr]

Isn't the convertible about 150kg heavier ?

[chris_freebie]

Go for the torque, get a 330d and then goto google and type in bmw diesel tuning box and buy one of those ones for £250 and get an extra 25% and have a diesel with something like 250 bhp....... and all that toruqe... .oh bye bye 330i...........

[chris_freebie]

actually the m3 idea does sound (literally too) good...

[Coxy the Bear]

I'm biased, I work for a BMW Dealer, but for the money you'd spend on a 323, you could get a reasonable M3 Evo or a very good Pre Evo. Personally, I think the 3.0 is easier to drive fast and a little more satisfying at the expense of the extra gear. You don't say how old the 323 or 325 is. Click on www.bm3w.co.uk and you may find what you want. I'm RS2100 in the forums and we could do with a few ladies joining. Over 3000 members worldwide and I think they are just about all blokes!

[Luvvly Linda]

You nearly went into 'too technical' mode then... almost

Seriously, the only thing that puts me off the M3 is the insurance. It's quite a leap up from mine to an M3.

Oh by the way, the 323 is 1994 and the 323 is 1998. I've got a BMW specialist looking at it(323)tomorrow just to check first of all that its running the way it should; if not, to see if he can make any suggestions as to what he can do.

Or else .............. it's gone and I'm on to that page you've told me about to see what's about.

Thanks guys - all your suggestions etc are much appreciated