I know about Volkswagen, but I admitedly know very little about BMW's. I am thinking of getting a BMW 325 to replace my Jetta I am selling. I want something cheaper, and something that can become a project car. What are some good sites, or advice anyone can give me for performance upgrades for such a car?
Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options?
wolfsburgSLC
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I know about Volkswagen, but I admitedly know very little about BMW's. I am thinking of getting a BMW 325 to replace my Jetta I am selling. I want something cheaper, and something that can become a project car. What are some good sites, or advice anyone can give me for performance upgrades for such a car?
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Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (Kafka)
ROFL HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
THATS AWESOME....I SO SICK OF THAT F**KING PICTURE...IT NEEDED TO BE FRESHEND UP HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
ROFL HAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
THATS AWESOME....I SO SICK OF THAT F**KING PICTURE...IT NEEDED TO BE FRESHEND UP HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (wolfsburgSLC)
I had a '93 325i for a few months, and ended up trading it in for the SRT-4. Honestly, I was bored too tears with that car. Driving it just did absolutely nothing for me, and in my opinion the interiors just aren't that great.
This car was stock though. Can't really comment on modded ones...
I had a '93 325i for a few months, and ended up trading it in for the SRT-4. Honestly, I was bored too tears with that car. Driving it just did absolutely nothing for me, and in my opinion the interiors just aren't that great.
This car was stock though. Can't really comment on modded ones...
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Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (wolfsburgSLC)
93-99.5 was when the favorite car in tex was created (well technically 94-99.5 i think)...The e36 3-series! and more importantly the e36 M3 (bow down!
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). Anyway Just for reference up to 95 cars were OBD and 96-99.5 were OBD-II, the latter being harder to tune (I think the difference between systems was emissions and more protecting against tuning?) Anyway a 95 will be cheaper than a 96 because of this. There are lots of things that can be done to a 95 325, and i think it would be a good base (an m3 would be a great base) for an autocrosser and a daily driver...To the extremes Active Autowerks makes turbo systems for 325's, which make a good 300+hp, but you can also take the traditional route of intake cams exhuast, suspension yadda yadda yadda.
However i would suggest looking for a good M3 for starters because it is just a better base (handling, engine, interior).
I'm pretty sure the 325 engine stayed the same in 96, however the M3 engine did goto 3.2L instead of 3.0L
![Image]()
![Image]()
93-99.5 was when the favorite car in tex was created (well technically 94-99.5 i think)...The e36 3-series! and more importantly the e36 M3 (bow down!
However i would suggest looking for a good M3 for starters because it is just a better base (handling, engine, interior).
I'm pretty sure the 325 engine stayed the same in 96, however the M3 engine did goto 3.2L instead of 3.0L
Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (Chomp On This)
E36 goes ALL the way back to 92 actually
95s are pretty much the best to go with
the 92s are FAST, but they changed alot between 92 and 93.
they alsohave slightly different suspension in the 92s
the sway bars attach to the strut housings instead of the control arms...
![Image]()
the original M50 engine is nice, but they actually gave it a HOT CAM!
it idles slightly rough due to this.
however due to the new model of a car, they had quality issues.
the 93s did away with the hot cam and introduced VANOS! (which is a mixed blessing, because the old engine was kinda fun.
honestly
for a good source of information get the March 2003 issue of European car
they did an E36 buyers guide (but did not include the Z3 or 318ti)
E36 goes ALL the way back to 92 actually
95s are pretty much the best to go with
the 92s are FAST, but they changed alot between 92 and 93.
they alsohave slightly different suspension in the 92s
the sway bars attach to the strut housings instead of the control arms...
the original M50 engine is nice, but they actually gave it a HOT CAM!
it idles slightly rough due to this.
however due to the new model of a car, they had quality issues.
the 93s did away with the hot cam and introduced VANOS! (which is a mixed blessing, because the old engine was kinda fun.
honestly
for a good source of information get the March 2003 issue of European car
they did an E36 buyers guide (but did not include the Z3 or 318ti)
Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (Chapel)
Not sure what your price range is, but I was considering selling the Passat and picking up a BMW. I couldn't find anything newer than a '92 for less than 12K, with less than 100K miles. Good luck finding a 95, I'd assume it would cost you almost exactly whatever you can sell your Jetta for.
Not sure what your price range is, but I was considering selling the Passat and picking up a BMW. I couldn't find anything newer than a '92 for less than 12K, with less than 100K miles. Good luck finding a 95, I'd assume it would cost you almost exactly whatever you can sell your Jetta for.
2025 Ford Bronco Raptor, 2025 Ford Explorer ST, 2003 Porsche 911 C4S, 1996 Miata, 1982 VW Rabbit
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Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (fitch)
I just got back from test driving one...and that steering feel (along with brake, gas, clutch) is light years ahead of VW's. Well, I cannot speak for A1's, but I've driven everything else with all sorts of combinations of suspension mods, and nothing really comes close. The E36 just has the more precise, best weighted wheel I've ever felt. I was in the market for a MKIII GTi, but now I'm not so sure.
I just got back from test driving one...and that steering feel (along with brake, gas, clutch) is light years ahead of VW's. Well, I cannot speak for A1's, but I've driven everything else with all sorts of combinations of suspension mods, and nothing really comes close. The E36 just has the more precise, best weighted wheel I've ever felt. I was in the market for a MKIII GTi, but now I'm not so sure.
Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (3WheelGTi)
the E36 body style started in 92 with the four door sedan and Coupe. A Year later the convertable came out. The 325's M50 engine is a gem, and produces 189 horsepower. The car has excellent steering for a stock automobile. However, I would get a 1996 328 for a couple of reasons. 1 horsepower, and around 20 more foot pounds of Tq. Also, you will recieve colored sideskits and front and rear bumpers as well. Also, make sure you purchase one with the sports package, it is a lot better because you get sport seats, suspension, bigger wheels/tirees, etc...
A excellent choice that will last a very long time if taken care of properly. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
They also reply to mods very well, and shows nice gains with just I/H/E
[Modified by A3JET, 5:56 AM 3-21-2003]
the E36 body style started in 92 with the four door sedan and Coupe. A Year later the convertable came out. The 325's M50 engine is a gem, and produces 189 horsepower. The car has excellent steering for a stock automobile. However, I would get a 1996 328 for a couple of reasons. 1 horsepower, and around 20 more foot pounds of Tq. Also, you will recieve colored sideskits and front and rear bumpers as well. Also, make sure you purchase one with the sports package, it is a lot better because you get sport seats, suspension, bigger wheels/tirees, etc...
A excellent choice that will last a very long time if taken care of properly. http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
They also reply to mods very well, and shows nice gains with just I/H/E
[Modified by A3JET, 5:56 AM 3-21-2003]
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Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (A3JET)
I found one here in Utah, actually two, both around 100000 miles, both coupes, which is what I want, both right around $9000. It depends what I can get out of my Jetta, but it is significantly less. One is green and has a tan interior, the other is black on tan. I am leaning toward the green one, has less miles, and already has an aftermarket exhaust though I don't know what kind. I cna't afford an E36 M3, or else I would be all over it. For now I think it would be sweet to build up a 325. I want to autocross it too. Are there decent/affordable superchargers available for it? Thanks for the info guys.
I found one here in Utah, actually two, both around 100000 miles, both coupes, which is what I want, both right around $9000. It depends what I can get out of my Jetta, but it is significantly less. One is green and has a tan interior, the other is black on tan. I am leaning toward the green one, has less miles, and already has an aftermarket exhaust though I don't know what kind. I cna't afford an E36 M3, or else I would be all over it. For now I think it would be sweet to build up a 325. I want to autocross it too. Are there decent/affordable superchargers available for it? Thanks for the info guys.
Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (wolfsburgSLC)
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[Modified by 1Point8T, 1:38 PM 3-21-2003]
quote:[HR][/HR]I know about Volkswagen, but I admitedly know very little about BMW's. I am thinking of getting a BMW 325 to replace my Jetta I am selling. I want something cheaper, and something that can become a project car. What are some good sites, or advice anyone can give me for performance upgrades for such a car?[HR][/HR]
Are you going to keep one of your VW as your primary drive? Which model year are you looking at? If that is the case, why not get something more radical and fun like a Z3/M Roadster? Try not to pick up a '00/'01 325i if you value things like steering feel (it has none like a Camry). Get something either older or something from the '02. Or, if you want some cheap fun, get a E30 325i
[Modified by 1Point8T, 1:38 PM 3-21-2003]
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Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (1Point8T)
E36, not to fond of them reliability is so-so and you have to deal with that cheap interior. Ever thought of getting an SC300/400
![Image]()
E36, not to fond of them reliability is so-so and you have to deal with that cheap interior. Ever thought of getting an SC300/400
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Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (RoadDevelopment)
I wasted some punk kids one night in an automatic SC300 in my Jetta. But I am sure a 400 would be sweet. I will be keeping my '03 GTI, which my wife will be driving most of the time. I am still going to mod it. I already have Bilsteins and H&R Race springs for it, and I am planning on doing the normal other stuff to it. But I need something a little older and cheaper than my Jetta, and an older BMW sounds like a great idea to me. (As well as being $6000 or $7000 cheaper). Plus my dad is great at body work, and has his own private shop, and I want to fix the body if it has any problems and repaint it something else. I think an 325 would be the perfect project car for me.
I wasted some punk kids one night in an automatic SC300 in my Jetta. But I am sure a 400 would be sweet. I will be keeping my '03 GTI, which my wife will be driving most of the time. I am still going to mod it. I already have Bilsteins and H&R Race springs for it, and I am planning on doing the normal other stuff to it. But I need something a little older and cheaper than my Jetta, and an older BMW sounds like a great idea to me. (As well as being $6000 or $7000 cheaper). Plus my dad is great at body work, and has his own private shop, and I want to fix the body if it has any problems and repaint it something else. I think an 325 would be the perfect project car for me.
Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (RoadDevelopment)
Reliability is much, much better in the later years. Get the latest year as possible, but stay 94 and newer. M3's are a whole different level from the 3-series in driveability, but comparable in reliability. I've had my 95 M3 since Sept 01 (36,000 miles at purchase) and now have 60k miles. Only two things have gone wrong since then 1) O2 sensor 2) muffler just rusted out 2 weeks ago. So damn, I had to buy an Active Autowerks cat back exhaust, what a shame
![Image]()
Cheap interior
![Image]()
I really like mine a lot and it is holding up perfectly. No interior flaws whatsoever, even after 8 years. Hellrot w/ black leather.
Reliability is much, much better in the later years. Get the latest year as possible, but stay 94 and newer. M3's are a whole different level from the 3-series in driveability, but comparable in reliability. I've had my 95 M3 since Sept 01 (36,000 miles at purchase) and now have 60k miles. Only two things have gone wrong since then 1) O2 sensor 2) muffler just rusted out 2 weeks ago. So damn, I had to buy an Active Autowerks cat back exhaust, what a shame
Cheap interior
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Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (Kaiservon)
It is going to be my daily driver and my fun to play with car. I want to autocross it too. I really want to respray one in that dark M5 color, or one of the new M3 colors, either the red or blue. I forgot the exact names of those colors. It just seems like an affordable launching point into the Bavarian brand. Are there any good sites that deal with mods to 325's? Particularly a '95? What are some companies who make a lot of after market performance items? Thanks. :thumbup
[Modified by wolfsburgSLC, 4:19 PM 3-21-2003]
It is going to be my daily driver and my fun to play with car. I want to autocross it too. I really want to respray one in that dark M5 color, or one of the new M3 colors, either the red or blue. I forgot the exact names of those colors. It just seems like an affordable launching point into the Bavarian brand. Are there any good sites that deal with mods to 325's? Particularly a '95? What are some companies who make a lot of after market performance items? Thanks. :thumbup
[Modified by wolfsburgSLC, 4:19 PM 3-21-2003]
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Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (Chomp On This)
A: 2 3.2L Euro M3 engines molded together!!!!!
![Image]()
![Image]()
quote:[HR][/HR]I'm pretty sure the 325 engine stayed the same in 96, however the M3 engine did goto 3.2L instead of 3.0L
![Image]()
[HR][/HR]
Q: What's even better than a 3.2L Euro M3 engine?????
A: 2 3.2L Euro M3 engines molded together!!!!!
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Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (MartijnGizmo)
I saw that on another thread. Pretty sweet motor though. I'll take one.
I saw that on another thread. Pretty sweet motor though. I'll take one.
Re: Getting a '95 BMW 325 as a second car -options? (MartijnGizmo)
The aftermarket support solely depends on what part you are looking for. There are many, many tuners out there for BMW's. As good of support as VW's. A few are Tuner Motorsports, Active Autowerks, UUC, Bimmerworld, TC Kline.
BTW - All 92-95 325's had a 2.5 ltr. 96-97 the 325 changed to a 328, because the motors were now a 2.8 ltr. But in 98+ all 323's got a 2.5 ltr and the 328's got a 2.8 ltr
Cheers
The aftermarket support solely depends on what part you are looking for. There are many, many tuners out there for BMW's. As good of support as VW's. A few are Tuner Motorsports, Active Autowerks, UUC, Bimmerworld, TC Kline.
BTW - All 92-95 325's had a 2.5 ltr. 96-97 the 325 changed to a 328, because the motors were now a 2.8 ltr. But in 98+ all 323's got a 2.5 ltr and the 328's got a 2.8 ltr
Cheers
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