Thinking About Buying An 85 325e - BMW Forum

twisted325e · 10-11-2004, 09:15 AM

Hello!
here is my first post.

I currently drive 2000 custom Turbo charged Celica GT-S (nothing ricy so don't hate

My friend is selling an 85 325e, 4 door, 5 spd. It's in good condition and it runs good. He would give it to me for $300

Mainly i'm looking to start a new project since i'm almost done with the celica. I've always liked bmw's and i have a new found love for 80's car so it seems like the perfect choice. Now i've reading around and it seems like the 325e is not the best car for performance mods?
i might not be looking to do anything crazy but at least have some nice power so i can trow the car around for some fun spins. But i also might get carried away and want to build the hell out of the engine. How is the aftermarket for this car?

Should i go for it? or should i save up more and get a better car. It seems like a really good deal to me.
Eventually I'm looking to dump 5 to 8k on it depending how carried away i get.
I just don't want to buy it and then be like damn i should bought this other one because this or that.

thanks!

Fox · 10-11-2004, 10:10 AM

the e is a great car to do CHEAP mods on. To get that car rockin all the parts you need come from the 325I. ALmost everything is a direct swap. Throw in a 3.73 (thats pretty high for that engine) differential, I heads and dual exhaust, the cam, the intake, and then throw on a chip.

All thats stuff can be done for under $1000 together. And you now have a turbo celica so that shouldnt be anytrouble doing.

Aether · 10-11-2004, 10:11 AM

The aftermarket for the chassis is quite strong, but the motor isn't. You'll want an M20B25 325i motor, and use a combination of the 325e bottom-end and i valvetrain to make a custom block. You can stroke it to three liters for a couple thousand, and a supercharged 3.0L M20 hybrid motor can put out 250+hp for less than $8,000. Don't forget though, that an E30s sportiness lies chiefly with its handling.

twisted325e · 10-11-2004, 10:39 AM

that all sounds great, if it it was too easy then it wouldn't be fun.
looks like i'll be joing you guys here