new to bmw's, need help, NEWBIE

[SquackDiddy]

could some one fill me in on the basics? the engine codes? the chassis codes? i want to know everthing, and if i get this car, i want to make it fast!!! its a 4door 325 5speed with 145k miles for $1975. my name is mackenzie, and nice to meet you.

[greenlightracer]

Hmm well, there is prolly at least 750$ worth of work that needs to be done before u worry about making it fast. u didn't give the year, but u say 325 without a designation, so I'm gonna assume its one of the 325's of 87 and there abouts, chassis code is e30, engine code is M20 eta, the eta matters cause the two main 325's... the 325i, and the 325e, the i is 2.5 liters, and the e is 2.7 liters. yours is prolly 2.7. once u buy the car, drive right to ur mechanic, have him change the water pump, timing belt (along with the other belts) and tensioner. My name is Brian, Nice to meet you.

[e30devo]

more specifically, the engine codes: 325i:m20b25, and 325e or just 325:m20b27.

[gotKRAUT]

All your answers are in the Bently BMW Manual for e30's i highly recommend you buy that before ANYTHING anywho...ya what devo said

[witeshark]

A good way to see if the car has been in any wreck is to check for VIN stickers on hood, deck lid and doors and front fenders

[gotKRAUT]

dude i hate when people call it a deck lid...thjose are on bugs lol...my 67 beetle has a deck lid but not my bmw...i have a trunk and a hood....thank you haha :P