newbie to BMW's questions on auto 323 and 325's
Discussion
hey people, i normaly lerk around in the jap chat. i own a MR2 turbo which i'm currently selling due to a driving ban *cough* whoops
it's actually a LOT cheaper for me to insure a BMW 323 or 325 so that's pretty much what i've set my mind on, got just over a month to go of my 56 day ban :(
still i'm looking at a few on auto trader ect and just wondered if there's anything to look out for on the 1992-1998 323's and 325's? anything big need doing at certain millages like cam belt ect? what can go wrong that kinda stuff.
considering an auto box as it makes the car more comfortable for the journey to work so whats the auto box like on BMW's? is it a 5 speed auto on the years mentioned? can they and do they go wrong?
just after as much info as possible as all i know really is jap cars so need to learn a lot of new stuff!
MR2 turbo still for sale if any BMW owner fancies a change? :)
cheers for the help people!
it's actually a LOT cheaper for me to insure a BMW 323 or 325 so that's pretty much what i've set my mind on, got just over a month to go of my 56 day ban :(
still i'm looking at a few on auto trader ect and just wondered if there's anything to look out for on the 1992-1998 323's and 325's? anything big need doing at certain millages like cam belt ect? what can go wrong that kinda stuff.
considering an auto box as it makes the car more comfortable for the journey to work so whats the auto box like on BMW's? is it a 5 speed auto on the years mentioned? can they and do they go wrong?
just after as much info as possible as all i know really is jap cars so need to learn a lot of new stuff!
MR2 turbo still for sale if any BMW owner fancies a change? :)
cheers for the help people!
Just things like the bottom ball joints worn due to a large straight six sitting out the front of the car.
Check that the steering rack (i think that's it), was replaced under a recall. BMW can supply you with this information, and it was and still will be replaced by them for free.
Apart from that try to get one with a service history and there shouldn't be much amiss. Just the usual things you'd look for on a car like poor accident damage repair.
As for the box, BMW did fit a five speed auto. My Father has a '98 328 coupe with a five speed but I'm not sure whether that's standard for that year or whether they fitted a four speed previously.
Anyway, congratulations on deciding to plump for a BMW. I'm sure you'll enjoy owning one.
Dave.
Check that the steering rack (i think that's it), was replaced under a recall. BMW can supply you with this information, and it was and still will be replaced by them for free.
Apart from that try to get one with a service history and there shouldn't be much amiss. Just the usual things you'd look for on a car like poor accident damage repair.
As for the box, BMW did fit a five speed auto. My Father has a '98 328 coupe with a five speed but I'm not sure whether that's standard for that year or whether they fitted a four speed previously.
Anyway, congratulations on deciding to plump for a BMW. I'm sure you'll enjoy owning one.
Dave.
325i will have the M50 engine. Bombproof.
323i will have the M52 engine. Do a Google search on "Nikasil".
Both are chain-driven, so no belts need replacing.
Not sure exactly when the 5-spd auto was introduced on the E36, but my June 1996 had this box. Doesn't seem to be weak. Unit is sealed for life, but no harm in replacing the ATF.
As mentioned, there was a recall for corroded steering spindles. Nothing serious.
Rear suspension top mounts can fail. Easy fix.
323i will have the M52 engine. Do a Google search on "Nikasil".
Both are chain-driven, so no belts need replacing.
Not sure exactly when the 5-spd auto was introduced on the E36, but my June 1996 had this box. Doesn't seem to be weak. Unit is sealed for life, but no harm in replacing the ATF.
As mentioned, there was a recall for corroded steering spindles. Nothing serious.
Rear suspension top mounts can fail. Easy fix.
sounds good cheers for the info! well i got plenty of time and don't really have to much to what i want. not fussed about colour to much.
as long as it has service history, air con and leather seats i'll be more than happy!
decided on a BMW as i wanted RWD and a change from jap cars for a while. think it's a wise choice hehe. is there a big difference in power between the 323 and 325 that i would notice?
anyone know any torque figures for the engines as standard as well? all i can find is bhp figures and i dunno if there right.
as long as it has service history, air con and leather seats i'll be more than happy!
decided on a BMW as i wanted RWD and a change from jap cars for a while. think it's a wise choice hehe. is there a big difference in power between the 323 and 325 that i would notice?
anyone know any torque figures for the engines as standard as well? all i can find is bhp figures and i dunno if there right.
wingchundave said:
323 has 170bhp and the 325 192bhp. I think that's enough to notice a difference. Not sure about the torque figures. 323 should get over 30mpg whilst the 325 will get you more like 26/27 (at least that's what I averaged).
I'd be inclined to check the torque figures before making a statement like that: 325 has 192bhp while the 328 has 193bhp... the latter being noticeably quicker due to the increased torque...
wiggy001 said:
323 has 170bhp and the 325 192bhp. I think that's enough to notice a difference. Not sure about the torque figures. 323 should get over 30mpg whilst the 325 will get you more like 26/27 (at least that's what I averaged).
I'd be inclined to check the torque figures before making a statement like that: 325 has 192bhp while the 328 has 193bhp... the latter being noticeably quicker due to the increased torque...
Check my profile....I had a 325 and I now have a 328. You're right though, the latter is noticably quicker
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