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

[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!

[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?

[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.

[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?

[Luvvly Linda]

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

[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

[Luvvly Linda]

I'm changing it hopefully this week for a 328 - then only got the 325 to sell and life should be sweet again

[Luvvly Linda]

Coupe


.... and it'll break my heart!

>> Edited by Luvvly Linda on Sunday 18th July 18:18

[Luvvly Linda]

Oh yes, sorry. Metallic petrol blue, 1996, convertible, black leather int, power hood, hard top etc

from a garage in Manchester. Do you know Manchester very well?

[Luvvly Linda]

I believe that's the case with both the 323 and 328. I just couldn't cope with the 323 - lovely looking car but it wasn't any fun. I truly thought there was something wrong with it because I couldn't believe that a 2.5 engine could be so lethargic so I asked a friend of mine, whose a BMW independant specialist to test drive it to see what the problem was with it.

When he got back, he said 'yep, that's a 323' so it's got to go I'm afraid. I just hope the 328 is a lot different.

[Luvvly Linda]

Mustard
I saw on another thread you replied to someone who was buying a 328 convertible and said:

"Mail Scoobyzoom, to check theres no issue with your particular car with regards the bore wear problems (nicasil(sp) on some of BMW's Six & 8 Cylinder engines."

What's that all about and should I be doing that?

[Luvvly Linda]

silverback mike said:

Linda, Scoobyzoom works for a BMW dealer, and is generally helps us out with questions that only dealers can answer. He has helped me out in the past with tracing service history. All I had to do was to email him off list, and supply the last 6 numbers of my chassis number. He's a good egg, I suggest emailing him to find out. In fact, I am sure he checked out whether my 523i was one of the potential nicasil problem cars....It wasn't The nicasil issue is in relation to premature bore wear due to the liners used in the block....(very brief explanation!)

Thanks for the advice, I got the help from him.... nice chap!

[Luvvly Linda]

He may not be such a good egg when he reads the e-mail I've just sent him!

[Luvvly Linda]

I am so disgusted with the garage I went to tonight to do a deal for a 328!!

I asked him 4 maybe 5 times beforehand if he wanted to change his mind as I didn't want to go flying up to Manchester after work to waste time and money. He assured me he was interested in taking my car and that we would come to some sort of arrangement..

He messed me about and insulted my intelligence. First he wanted to do a deal, then he didn't and eventually he suggested he would come to me tomorrow night to do the deal!!!

What's the difference?? It all seems a bit shady to me!

So my e-mail to Adam was first to tell him I'd given him the right reg but wrong digits. Then one followed to tell him to forget it, I'm not doing a deal with him when he arrives anyway.

Sorry Adam but it's not my fault... it's his and I think you should go round there and punch him on the nose (for me at least!)

So anybody know where there's a nice 328 convertible for sale?


Thinking about it, can anybody give me an idea of the cost of having my 323 'seen to' pls?



>> Edited by Luvvly Linda on Wednesday 21st July 22:28

>> Edited by Luvvly Linda on Wednesday 21st July 22:51

[Luvvly Linda]

I've decided to hang on to my 323. Mechanics checked it over and its a lot better. Had new discs & pads, new caliper and bushes and.... I'm getting there.

Need some decent tyres now so if anyone can tell me where I can get some at a good price, I'd be most grateful.

When Alpina's back off his hols, I'm getting a kit off him and having it fitted... that should do the job!

Then I might just be happy with it