Discussion
A few questions:
1. Was the '89 325i sport (coupe) fitted with an LSD?
2. Is there a difference between the 325i "MOTORSPORT" and the 325i "SPORT"? In the adverts they look the same and have to same Mtech kit on. Both state they are original, is there a difference or just an advert error?
3. What are the performance figures?
4. Does it have A/C?
5. Anyone know of any good buying guides, websites or can point out tips when looking at these models?
Cheers
1. Was the '89 325i sport (coupe) fitted with an LSD?
2. Is there a difference between the 325i "MOTORSPORT" and the 325i "SPORT"? In the adverts they look the same and have to same Mtech kit on. Both state they are original, is there a difference or just an advert error?
3. What are the performance figures?
4. Does it have A/C?
5. Anyone know of any good buying guides, websites or can point out tips when looking at these models?
Cheers
325 sports are great cars and quite different from a standard car. Come with M Tec kit usually leather seats often a/c, but not guaranteed. Differences from a standard 325 include black headlining. If it does not have this it's not a sport. Stiffer lower suspension. Close ratio gearbox H patten and LSD. Performance wise it is not far short of an E30 M3 and will get to 60 in about 7 - 7.5 seconds. Some are auto's but I would recomend a manual far better to drive. Will not get near an E30 M3 for handling though. Torque engine makes for lazy driving, but will happily rev if needed. Easier to drive than M3 and cheaper to run. Bullit proof engine box etc. Getting on a bit now so must have FSH. Buy on condition and how it has been looked after rather than milage. Best ones will be through the owner club or drivrs club or through specialist magasines. Hope this helps,
good luck.
P.S. Motorsport usually referes to the late convertables with the bodykit not the sports.
good luck.
P.S. Motorsport usually referes to the late convertables with the bodykit not the sports.
If you want to aquire one best to go and look in the clasified section of either BMW Car Magasine or Total BMW. Prices should be around £3500 - £5000 for a good one. Would recomend an unmolested non tuned car. Do not buy if it has been lowered too much 20mm is fine otherwise you will do rear tyres in less than 5ooo miles and it won't handle. The standard set up is best.
An alternative worth considering is a 320is. This is a rare italian model with a 2 litre E30 M3 engine taken down in size. It will give out some 25BHP more than a sport 198bhp compared to 171bhp, and is low on insurance as insurance companies think it is the same as a standard 320. It is no slower than a M3, but has the sport bodykit and spec so is more understated. Will have same performance as honda civic type R with 60 hit in about 6.8 - 7.2 seconds. These are available with very low milage from a dealer in Norwich for around £3500 - £5000 with under 60k. They are however only available in LHD. Hope this helps
James
An alternative worth considering is a 320is. This is a rare italian model with a 2 litre E30 M3 engine taken down in size. It will give out some 25BHP more than a sport 198bhp compared to 171bhp, and is low on insurance as insurance companies think it is the same as a standard 320. It is no slower than a M3, but has the sport bodykit and spec so is more understated. Will have same performance as honda civic type R with 60 hit in about 6.8 - 7.2 seconds. These are available with very low milage from a dealer in Norwich for around £3500 - £5000 with under 60k. They are however only available in LHD. Hope this helps
James
sohlman said:
If you want to aquire one best to go and look in the clasified section of either BMW Car Magasine or Total BMW. Prices should be around £3500 - £5000 for a good one. Would recomend an unmolested non tuned car. Do not buy if it has been lowered too much 20mm is fine otherwise you will do rear tyres in less than 5ooo miles and it won't handle. The standard set up is best.
An alternative worth considering is a 320is. This is a rare italian model with a 2 litre E30 M3 engine taken down in size. It will give out some 25BHP more than a sport 198bhp compared to 171bhp, and is low on insurance as insurance companies think it is the same as a standard 320. It is no slower than a M3, but has the sport bodykit and spec so is more understated. Will have same performance as honda civic type R with 60 hit in about 6.8 - 7.2 seconds. These are available with very low milage from a dealer in Norwich for around £3500 - £5000 with under 60k. They are however only available in LHD. Hope this helps
James
Hi james, cheers for this, have heard of these things before, sound very good. Dont suppose you know the name fo the Dealer in Norwich do you? I'm heading that way tomorrow as luck would have it!... Cheers
The name of the garage is German Cars and they specialise in BMW's and import a number of 320is's, M3's etc. I made a mistake in my last post in that i though they were in Norwich, but on looking them up for you they are in fact in Kings Lynn in Norfolk. Got the county and area right anyway. Currently they have two 320is advertised at £4995 and £3995 and they are both black and have a/c. Got this info from this months classic and sports car magasine. There contact numbers are 01485 544683 and 07788 620730. Hope this helps and good luck. Oh by the way they also have a E30 M3 Sport Evolution the ultimate M3 and about as quick as an E36 M3
They don't handle quite as well as an E30 M3, but better than a 325sport due to the lighter front end. Will happily keep up with an M3 unless you have Montoya at the wheel. Not sure if they have the same stering rack as the M3 as I know the 325 and M3 rackets are miles apart which is a big factor on the steering. Anyway let me know how you get on.
Regards
Regards
sohlman said:
....is low on insurance as insurance companies think it is the same as a standard 320....
James
Sorry to spoil the party, but the insurance companies - like Direct Line have wisened up to the trick and now have the car as a 320i 16v . In other words they know what they are talking about and we can't con them anymore. I was after one, but having seen my premium rise up to £1300 from £1100 for a 320i Cabrio (written off) I went out and bought a 4.7l V8 320PS Porsche 928, for which I am paying £1400 pa.
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