BMW 325i

Catsmokinpot

im lookin for a new car... was thinkin about gettin a classic 325i maybe an 88 or 89, or a 318 is their any common probs i should look for when im goin lookin at them?

spockety

Big difference between a 325 and a 318!

Only thing I will say is that you will pay premo-bucks for an 88 or 89 325, they seem to be incredibly expensive, they cost more than the e36 ones which are younger!

Catsmokinpot

spockety wrote:

Big difference between a 325 and a 318!

Only thing I will say is that you will pay premo-bucks for an 88 or 89 325, they seem to be incredibly expensive, they cost more than the e36 ones which are younger!

oh yeah i know theirs a difference but their both nice cars... really want a 325. my friend suggested getting a classic, hes got a 79 escort mark 1 so i had a look around and i fell in love with it as soon as i saw it. you think there would be much probs with finding a good go'er for around 4 or 5 grand? not one with much done to it, cause i want to get it done up myself

Gatster

A few points, apart from having commitment to find a decent one...

1. Try the North/UK, but as previously stated you will pay a premium for a 325i if it's a Sport. Normal 325i's can be got quite cheaply but you need to look around for a good one. If you get to drive a 325i sport anything else (including standard 325i's) will feel wallowy (if that's a word) compared to an E36 or other E30's. Look on autotrader.ie and specify the age range and keyword 'sport', searching all counties.

2. Get a six cylinder

3. If you are lucky enough to get a sport, don't mod it. Original examples hold their value very well even now (would like to have one myself [came very very close] but don't have the space or money to spare).

Or try this - post it if you get a good one, good luck!

http://www.635csi.co.uk/carsales/htm/3s.htm

These could be useful:
http://www.bmwe30.net/
[URL=http://images.google.ie/imgres?imgurl=http://www.octane.ie/guide/images/originals/44--1.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.octane.ie/guide/model.php%3Fmodel%3D44&h=300&w=400&sz=18&tbnid=arLofxdOyKsJ:&tbnh=90&tbnw=120&start=7&prev=/images%3Fq%3D325i%2Bsport%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D]E30 325i Sport Review[/URL]

mike65

I'd say you would have a job finding a proper 325i in the republic, they are very thin in the ground. I'd go for a 320i and be happy with that.

Kbannon is your man for this question...he'll be online soon enough I'm sure!

Mike.

bmoferrall

Here's one (a little over your budget though):
http://www.octane.ie/cult/forum/showthread.php?t=1617

And here's a bargain (320is) you've just missed:
http://irishperformancecars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=713
(went for 2500 in the end)

Seth Brundle

thanks Mike

As said there is a big difference between a 325i and a 318i.
The 325i came in a number of forms 2/4 door and also the sport. The sport is the best and had loads of bits including the M-tech kit and LSD.
You will be lucky to get one in good condition in this country - the UK is your best bet! However, should you import a sport then you are talking about 2-25.k in VRT.
The 320i is the other 6 cylinder and is underpowered but a great cruiser! Apparently the two (320i & 325i use about the same amount of petrol with the 325i possibly being better!).

The 318i is also good but hasn't got the power nor does it have the straight 6! If you are going for a 4 cylinder then possibly get a 320is which is a great car.

Either way, these cars are going to 15+ years old and suffer from tin-rot in places such as the boot area, wheel arches and sunroof so check it carefully. Many non-rust examples for sale are rusty!

Lastly, you might consider the 320is - a 2L 192bhp version of the M3 engine in a 325i sport body. There was one for sale here recently* but better off heading over to the UK - try places like Munich Legends!
edit: the VRT on these is low enough AFAIK unlike the 325i Sport

* see http://www.octane.ie/cult/forum/showthread.php?t=726&page=1&pp=10

Catsmokinpot

lads thanks a million makes the task ahead a little less* daunting ill post some pics when i get it