3-Series (E21, E30)Chat relating to the BMW 3-Series from 1975-1983 and 1984-1991 line. Specific models: BMW 315, BMW 316, BMW 318, BMW 318i, BMW 320/4, BMW 320i, BMW 320/6, BMW 323i, BMW 320i. E30 Family models include: BMW 325e, BMW 325i, BMW 325is, BMW 325ix.
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Hey guys im thinking about buying an e30 to go along with my e36, and i really wanted a 325is, but im thinking an ix would be tight due to the all wheel drive, and i go snowboarding all the time, and yeah all wheel drive would be tight!!! I hav a question... are they the same as the 325is, and does the all wheel drive take away from the overall power to the wheels, i guess are they slower the the normal 325i or 325is? Also would all the parts for the i and is go ont he ix with no problem?
no not all parts are interchangeable between an i and ix. especially suspension parts. however iX's come with alot of plus' from the factory like sideskirts, 15" basketweaves, small fender flares, and most came with iS lips (though there's a good chance that it got broken off during the life of the car). There's a little more driveline loss, but i think it wouldnt be too bad as long as your getting good use of the AWD system. there's also some transfer case problems, but i'll leave that to someone else to explain since ive never really looked into it
Originally posted by Stuka@Feb 8 2004, 12:43 AM Good luck finding a 325ix. I actually cant think of anything more rare. I wish to god i had one, but my 535 is doing my nicely right now.
theres 3 for sale within 75 miles of the downtown seattle area right now, so it shouldnt be to hard... but i might just go with the is not sure yet!
Originally posted by bigred318@Feb 7 2004, 05:12 AM Hey guys im thinking about buying an e30 to go along with my e36, and i really wanted a 325is, but im thinking an ix would be tight due to the all wheel drive, and i go snowboarding all the time, and yeah all wheel drive would be tight!!! I hav a question... are they the same as the 325is, and does the all wheel drive take away from the overall power to the wheels, i guess are they slower the the normal 325i or 325is? Also would all the parts for the i and is go ont he ix with no problem?
There are a few differences between the iS and the iX.
1. The iX is heavier and to compensate for theis extra weight they changed the final gear ratio(or differential) from 3.73 to 4.10.
2. A lot of people say they are very reliable. As most of you might know BMWs tend to be rather reliable, but the transfer case in the iX's is somewhat weak. They have a tendency to break the couplings.
3. Another part that tends to break in the iX's in the front differential and the front differential case
I myself considered an iX, but if you want complete dependability you have to go with what you know will work and work well. If you are willing to shell the extra cash for an iX and can still maintain it, I say go for it. Their AWD system was unbelievably advanced for its time. I would dare say that its right there with the Mitsu Evo AWD system. They are both a point and shoot operation. Point the car in the direction you want to go and just slam on the gas.
I have an 1988 325ix, 2 door, 5 speed car and its truely a blast to drive. We have had snow twice this year and the car performs outstanding. My car has apx 160,000 miles on it now and I have never had any ix specific concerns. I would recommend to check the splines on the transfer case as to check the condition of them. I have read about stripped concerns on other posts. From what I understand if the fluid stays up to level chances are you will not have any problems from the output shaft splines. This is my 6 th BMW and I will admit that my E36 M3 is more fun to drive in dry weather but when the little white flakes fall from the sky the ix is un-beatable. My other half has a new Outback Wagon and the ix is more predicitable because it still feels like a RWD because of its 63% rear power and 37% going to the front wheels. If you ask me, I think you will be very happy with the ix. If you want to come to NC to buy I would sell mine for the right price. I also know of another one for sale.
Most people reduce their average speed 5-10 mph when it rains or snows, dont bother with the IX. With a nice set of tires you wont be able break it loose on anything less than ice. I have an 89 2-door that loves the rain. Maybe I'm just crazy but i find it challenging to break this car loose on any surface. My roomate has a 90 535 5 speed and it will wag its ass all over the road in heavy turns. People say that the IX doesnt handle as well as other e30 325's but i would challenge them. The all wheel drive is undetectabale unlike some other awd wannabes. You just overshoot the turn a little and bury the gas. The car asks for more.
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