Please Help Me Make a Wise Choice

[isaq]

Hi everyone I'm so confused on what E36 Bimmer I should buy, I'm stuck Between 325is and 328is. From reading the forum I'm quite aware that the 325is are well known for overheating. so please send me some responses on which one is better and why. Thanks alot

[94BMW325i]

Usually because owners don't replace components when they have over 100k miles on them.

A 328is with a few modifications will be faster than a 325is. Depends on what you are wanting to spend, etc..

[isaq]

thanks for the response. But 328is seems to be more expensive and almost slightly better

[drz]

Both cars are known for overheating. All BMWs are known for having cooling system issues if not well taken care of.

It really depends on what you are planning to do with the car. If you want to get the most power possible out of he engine without using forced induction, I'd go with the 325is. The engine management system is OBDI, and with the use of a chip, etc., you can get plenty of power from it. If you will go stock or are going to do FI, then the 328is is the way to go -- this engine responds very well to turboing. ANd stock, it has slightly more power and a noticeable amount more torque than an 325is.

The 328is was teh replacement for the 325is starting with the 1996 model year. In general, they should be equivalent. My personal recommendation would be the 328is -- larger engine displacement and will tend to be newer.

[johnnyBgood]

328is..........will be a few years newer than the 325is.....& in my opinion will be easier to find in decent shape.....plus, I am a little bias.....for I own a 97' Black on Black 328i with the Optional Sports Package......& I love this car.....& I know I got some extra power out of the 2.8 with these modifications....M50 Intake Manifold Swap, CAI, Supersprint free flow Catback Muffler, & the Conforti Shark Injector Software.....just my 2 cents!

johnny,

[isaq]

How about the 323is is it better than both 328is & 325is? sorri I just wanna make sure of everything. thanks

[johnnyBgood]

Originally Posted by isaq

How about the 323is is it better than both 328is & 325is? sorri I just wanna make sure of everything. thanks

323is has a 2.5 engine too!


BMW 3 Series (E36) - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Coupes
Name Volume Engine Valvetrain Fuel Output Torque Engine code 0-100 km/h,s Top speed Years
316is 1.6 L (1596 cc, 97 cu in) 4cyl SOHC 8V Petrol 102 PS (101 hp/75 kW) @5500 rpm 150 N·m (111 lb·ft) @3900 rpm M43B16 11.3 201 km/h (125 mph) 1993–1998
318is 1.8 L (1796 cc, 110 cu in) 4cyl DOHC 16V Petrol 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @6000 rpm 175 N·m (129 lb·ft) @4500 rpm M42B18 10.2 213 km/h (132 mph) 1992–1996
318is 1.9 L (1895 cc, 116 cu in) 4cyl DOHC 16V Petrol 140 PS (138 hp/103 kW) @6000 rpm 180 N·m (133 lb·ft) @4300 rpm M44B19 10.2 213 km/h (132 mph) 1996–1999
320is 2 L (1991 cc, 121 cu in) 6cyl DOHC 24V Petrol 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5900 rpm 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4700 rpm M50B20 10.0 214 km/h (133 mph) 1992–1993
320is 2 L (1991 cc, 121 cu in) 6cyl DOHC 24V Petrol 150 PS (148 hp/110 kW) @5900 rpm 190 N·m (140 lb·ft) @4700 rpm M52B20 9.9 214 km/h (133 mph) 1993–1999
323is 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) 6cyl DOHC 24V Petrol 170 PS (168 hp/125 kW) @5500 rpm 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm M52B25 8.0 227 km/h (141 mph) 1995–1999
325is 2.5 L (2494 cc, 152 cu in) 6cyl DOHC 24V Petrol 192 PS (189 hp/141 kW) @5900 rpm 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4200 rpm M50B25 6.9 233 km/h (145 mph) 1992–1995
328is 2.8 L (2793 cc, 170 cu in) 6cyl DOHC 24V Petrol 193 PS (190 hp/142 kW) @5300 rpm 280 N·m (207 lb·ft) @3950 rpm M52B28 6.7 236 km/h (147 mph) 1995–1999
M3 3 L (2990 cc, 182 cu in) 6cyl DOHC 24V Petrol 295 PS (291 hp/217 kW) @7000 rpm 323 N·m (238 lb·ft) @3900 rpm S50B30 6.0 250 km/h (155 mph) 1993–1995
M3 3.2 L (3201 cc, 195 cu in) 6cyl DOHC 24V Petrol 321 PS (317 hp/236 kW) @7400 rpm 350 N·m (258 lb·ft) @3250 rpm S50B32 5.5 250 km/h (155 mph) 1995–1998

[isaq]

thanks alot

[drz]

No. There is absolutely no debate. The 323is is nowhere close to beating out either the 328is nor the 325is. It is the worst of both worlds: the more restrictive OBDII engine management system of the 328i coupled with the smaller displacement of the 325is. Less power and less torque is not what I would choose.

[carbonfiber dream]

aside from the obdII problem, why dont u just go up to an e36 m-3. i got a 99 and it's got balls. not to mention u got a decent amount of power to begin with. it might be alittle pricier but ur getting better overall performance and more upgrade options.