Difference between the 325i and 328i E36
Discussion
Hey all, I've spent the afternoon looking at cheap E36's on the classifieds and after looking at insurance there doesn't seem to be a whole lot of difference in the 2 engines.
Is the 328i restricted in anyway? Or is the 325i just a more modern engine hence the similar power output?
What are the torque differences? I found out that the 328i has 280nm of torque, but couldn't source a figure for the 325. Can anyone confirm?
Danny
Is the 328i restricted in anyway? Or is the 325i just a more modern engine hence the similar power output?
What are the torque differences? I found out that the 328i has 280nm of torque, but couldn't source a figure for the 325. Can anyone confirm?
Danny
The 325i was available at launch, when face-lifted they introduced the 328i, and fitted a restrictive inlet manifold to meet german tax bands.
As this meant the 328 was only 1 bhp more powerful than the 325, they also fitted a restrictive manifold (and exhaust) to the 2.5 litre engine and called it the 323.
So 328's will be newer than 325's. They only have 1bhp more, but a noticeable amount more torque.
As has been said, you can fit an inlet manifold from a 325 to a 328 which de-restricts it (it's not a straight swap, but kits are available).
I would go for a 328 if I was you (although I would say that, I have one). They are newer and easy to get more power out of. Originally they had nikasil lined cylinders which had problems with the sulphar in petrol corroding them and losing compression. Many have been replaced with steel-liners, and anything with a production date after march 98 will have steel liners from the factory. No 325's were nikasil lined.
Everyone with a nikasil 328 will tell you it's nothing to worry about, and if it was going to break, it would have happened by now. Everyone with a steel-lined 328 will say what's the point of taking the risk. You can make your own mind up
As this meant the 328 was only 1 bhp more powerful than the 325, they also fitted a restrictive manifold (and exhaust) to the 2.5 litre engine and called it the 323.
So 328's will be newer than 325's. They only have 1bhp more, but a noticeable amount more torque.
As has been said, you can fit an inlet manifold from a 325 to a 328 which de-restricts it (it's not a straight swap, but kits are available).
I would go for a 328 if I was you (although I would say that, I have one). They are newer and easy to get more power out of. Originally they had nikasil lined cylinders which had problems with the sulphar in petrol corroding them and losing compression. Many have been replaced with steel-liners, and anything with a production date after march 98 will have steel liners from the factory. No 325's were nikasil lined.
Everyone with a nikasil 328 will tell you it's nothing to worry about, and if it was going to break, it would have happened by now. Everyone with a steel-lined 328 will say what's the point of taking the risk. You can make your own mind up
reggie82 said:
The 325i was available at launch, when face-lifted they introduced the 328i, and fitted a restrictive inlet manifold to meet german tax bands.
As this meant the 328 was only 1 bhp more powerful than the 325, they also fitted a restrictive manifold (and exhaust) to the 2.5 litre engine and called it the 323.
So 328's will be newer than 325's. They only have 1bhp more, but a noticeable amount more torque.
As has been said, you can fit an inlet manifold from a 325 to a 328 which de-restricts it (it's not a straight swap, but kits are available).
I would go for a 328 if I was you (although I would say that, I have one). They are newer and easy to get more power out of. Originally they had nikasil lined cylinders which had problems with the sulphar in petrol corroding them and losing compression. Many have been replaced with steel-liners, and anything with a production date after march 98 will have steel liners from the factory. No 325's were nikasil lined.
Everyone with a nikasil 328 will tell you it's nothing to worry about, and if it was going to break, it would have happened by now. Everyone with a steel-lined 328 will say what's the point of taking the risk. You can make your own mind up
^What he said.As this meant the 328 was only 1 bhp more powerful than the 325, they also fitted a restrictive manifold (and exhaust) to the 2.5 litre engine and called it the 323.
So 328's will be newer than 325's. They only have 1bhp more, but a noticeable amount more torque.
As has been said, you can fit an inlet manifold from a 325 to a 328 which de-restricts it (it's not a straight swap, but kits are available).
I would go for a 328 if I was you (although I would say that, I have one). They are newer and easy to get more power out of. Originally they had nikasil lined cylinders which had problems with the sulphar in petrol corroding them and losing compression. Many have been replaced with steel-liners, and anything with a production date after march 98 will have steel liners from the factory. No 325's were nikasil lined.
Everyone with a nikasil 328 will tell you it's nothing to worry about, and if it was going to break, it would have happened by now. Everyone with a steel-lined 328 will say what's the point of taking the risk. You can make your own mind up
325i sounds better and imo much nicer to rev to the red line. 328i can feel a little on the lazy side but that extra torque is deceptive and you'll find yourself going a lot quicker than you expect.
Economy is similar, autobox really stunts it though.
Edit to add, very early 325is were pre VANOS (variable valve timing) - avoid these.
Edited by g3org3y on Sunday 23 January 08:57
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