Difference between revisions of "325i"

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[[Image:325i.jpg|300px|right]]
  
'''Model variants'''
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=History=
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==325i==
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Being a "standard" E30 model base, the E30 325i was available as a [[Coupe|coupe]], [[Saloon#4-Door|saloon]], [[Cabriolet]] and in later years as a [[Touring]]. Like all models (apart from the "Touring" model), the 325i was available during the "Pre-Facelift" era (known for its chrome bumpers and other touches) and the "Facelift" era (Plastic bumpers).
  
'''Standard Specification'''
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The 325i is considered  the most sought-after standard E30 due to its desirable engine and availability over other models. There are "rarer" models (such as [[M3]] and tuner model cars) but these are serious collectors' items with a price to match. Commonly, people choose the 325i as the E30 of choice.
  
'''Options'''
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During its production run, the 325i was available in all four E30 body types, at the following times:
  
'''Prices'''
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* 1984-1991 - 325i  [[Saloon#2-Door|2-door]] and [[Saloon#4-Door|4-door]] saloon
 +
* 1984-1993 - 325i  [[Cabriolet]]
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* 1988-1994 - 325i  [[Touring]]
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* 1984-1991 - [[325i_Sport|325i Sport]]
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* 1985-1987 - [[325e]]  ETA engine
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* 1988-1991 - [[325iX]]  Coupe/Saloon
  
*Original prices and market values
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==325i SE==
  
'''Common upgrades'''
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At some point during the E30 production, BMW introduced a trim level known as SE, for Special Equipment, which was only offered to 6-cylinder models (For the [[316i]] and [[318i]], this trim level was called [[LUX]]). This SE package makes the 325i SE a genuine BMW model, which should be shown on the vehicle registration document. The SE trim level was available on all four body styles - [[Saloon#2-Door|2-door]], [[Saloon#4-Door|4-door]], [[Touring]] and [[Cabriolet]].
  
'''Production Quantities'''
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The SE trim level equipped the car with some basic cosmetic options, including [[Interior|interior]] upholstery and [[Steering_Wheels|steering wheels]], plus foglights. Bumpers and valances were colour-coded, and some electric items such as a [[Roof#Sunroof|sunroof]] and [[Doors#windows|rear windows]] were installed. However, the actual SE package changed from year to year, depending entirely on what accessories BMW wanted to include.
  
'''Common Problems'''
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Most importantly, SE cars were entitled to optional extras from the Motorsport list, thus offering LSD, Sports Gearbox and Suspension options to the vehicle, as well as Motorsport body kits. This meant that a 325i SE could be equipped to an extremely high level, far beyond that available to a standard 325i.
  
[[Category: E30 Range]]
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==325i Sport==
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:''Main article: [[325i_Sport|325i Sport]]
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[[Image:P1020482.jpg|thumb|240px|right|325i]]
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As the SE package became increasingly popular, UK dealers planned a new package would equip a standard 325i with the full SE trim level and the best Motorsport items as standard, but only mounted to [[Saloon#2-Door|2-door]] bodies. This car would be known as the 325i Sport, and is a UK-only model.
 +
 
 +
All cars were fitted with LSD as standard, as well as M-Technic bodykits. However, the only way to differentiate a fully-equipped [[Saloon#2-Door|2-door]] SE with a standard Sport is the black headlining fitted to the roof of the car.
 +
 
 +
There where two models of this car commonly referred to as a "Tech-1" and a "Tech-2". The 'Tech-1' refers to the pre-facelift model and 'Tech-2' refers to the facelift model.
 +
 
 +
Classic options were the sport gearbox (or automatic sportbox). Also they had the sports interior, which could be fitted with optional materials, including the 'Houndstooth' cotton or a range of leather interiors. Other optional extras were available to the buyers of Sports that weren't available to buyers interested in the "standard" 325i.
 +
 
 +
The 325i has also been used as the base for the [[Alpina]] C2.7 series of E30s, as well as those of other tuning companies.
 +
 
 +
=Technical=
 +
 
 +
==Engine==
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''Main article: [[M20]]''
 +
 
 +
The 325i was powered by the [[M20#M20B25|M20B25]], a 2495cc (2.5L), 6 cylinder engine and the largest in the [[M20]] family. Smaller M20 engines could be found in the [[320i]] and [[323i]]. The 325i is commonly fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox. These engines are known to produce 165BHP-175BHP from the factory.
 +
 
 +
==Suspension==
 +
''Main article: [[Suspension]]''
 +
 
 +
The 325i had a different suspension setup to the other models (other than the cabriolet and later touring models). The 325i was fitted with 51mm struts as standard, compared to other coupes/saloons which where fitted with 45mm struts. The 325i was also fitted with rear disk brakes (as opposed to drum brakes).
 +
 
 +
==Differentials==
 +
''Main article: [[Differential|Differentials]]''
 +
 
 +
The 325i has had many differentials available to it over the years. These include: 2.79, 2.93, 3.23, 3.46, 3.64, 3.73, 3.91, 4.10. These where available in different models and no model had the option of all of the ratios. For example, the low ratios (2.79, 2.93) where commonly found in the [[325e]] ("ETA", the American economy model) and the higher ratios (3.91, 4.10) where found in the common 325i's and sports. Most of the differentials where available as 'Open', 'Mechanical', or 'Limited Slip'. The 325iX used four differentials. Each differential was used to power a wheel, but the front two where open differentials.
 +
 
 +
==Common Problems==
 +
 
 +
==Common Upgrades==
 +
 
 +
=Options=
 +
 
 +
=General Info=
 +
 
 +
Weight balance = % front / % rear
  
(This is my addition the the 325i Wiki, to be analised and fixed where possible, then ammended into the sections above! Not sure how to add pictures...NayC)
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Unmanned weight = kg /  lbs
  
The E30 BMW 325i is one of the models available within the E30 range, which was considered as their entry-level luxury cars falling under the "3 Series" range, which is a counterpart to their more luxurious models, the "5 Series". There where other ranges available at the time as well. The E30 was a replacement for the E21.
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Power to weight ratio = 6 bhp/ton
  
The E30 model, being released in 1984, was continued right through to 1991. Being a "standard" E30 model base, the E30 325i was available as a coupe (2 door, sometimes refered to as saloon), saloon (4 door, sometimes refered to as sedan), cabriolet (2 door with a retractable roof) and in later years was available as part of their touring range (5 door estate model). Like all models (apart from the "Touring" model), the 325i was available during the "Pre-Facelift" era (known for its chrome bumpers and other touches) and the "Facelift" era (Plastic bumpers).
+
Wheel base = 101.2"
  
The 325i was powered by the M20B25 which is a 2495cc (2.5L), 6 cylinder engine. This is similar to the 2.0L variant, the M20B20 found in the 320i models (There was also the *M20B23 found in the 323i). The M20 engine was found in the larger engined E30s, whilst smaller engined models used four cylinder engines such as the M10(316/(early)318i), M40(316i/318i) and M42(318iS). During the two eras of E30s (the 'pre' and 'post' facelift eras) the M20 came in two variants, the older is commonly known as the "High Compression" and newer as the "lower compression". There wasn't too much difference in the engines other than compression ratios, radiators and different fittings for various components in the engine bay (this will surely be covered more in a comprehesive wiki on the M20B25). The 325i is commonly fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox. These engines are known to produce 165BHP-175BHP from the factory.
+
Turning circle = 34.4 feet @ 4 turns lock to lock (p/s), 4.4 turns L2L (m/s)
  
The 325i had a different suspension setup to the other models (other than the cabriolet and later touring models). The 325i was fitted with 51mm struts rather than the other coupes/saloons which where fitted with 45mm struts. The 325i's were also fitted with rear disk brakes (as opposed to drum brakes).
+
Fuel tank capacity = 61.8 Litre / 13.6 Gals
  
The 325i has had many differentials available to it over the years. These include: 2.79, 2.93, 3.23, 3.46, 3.64, 3.73, 3.91, 4.10. These where available in different models and no model had the option of all of the ratios. For example, the low ratios (2.79, 2.93) where commonly found in the 325e ("ETA", the american economy model) and the higher ratios (3.91, 4.10) where found in the common 325i's and sports. Most of the differentials where available as 'Open', 'Mechanical', or 'Limited Slip'. The 325iX used four differentials. Each differential was used to power a wheel, but the front two where open differentials.
+
Cd(A) factor (aerodynamic drag) = 0.35
  
The 325i was the range that BMW worked with the Motorsport department to produce a "325i Sport". There where two models of this car commonly referred to as a "Tech-1" and a "Tech-2". The 'Tech-1' refers to the pre-facelift model and 'Tech-2' refers to the facelift model. These cars came with a bodykit (*was this actually an option??*) and had certain options open to them. Classic options were the sport gearbox (or automatic sportbox). Most of these cars (if not all) had Limited Slip Differentials (LSD). Also they had the sports interior, which could be fitted with optional materials, including the 'Houndstooth' cotton or a range of leather interiors. Other optional extras were available to the buyers of Sports that weren't available to buyers interested in the "standard" 325i.
+
Base price when new = std £ (1990)
  
The 325i has also been used as the base for the [[Alpina]] [[B3/C2_2.7|C2.7]] and other tuner company models.
 
  
The 325i is considered as the most sought after E30 due to having the more desired engine and availablity over other models. There are "rarer" models (M3s and tuner model cars) but these can go for a serious "enthusiast's premium" and therefor are only sort after by serious enthusiasts. Commonly, people choose the 325i as the E30 of choice.
+
Please also see the [[E30 325 Register]]
  
Models of 325i available.
 
  
*1984-1991 - 325i  Coupe/Saloon
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[[Category: E30 Range]]
*1984-1993 - 325i  Cabriolet
 
*1988-1994?- 325i  Touring
 
*1984-1987 - 325i  Sport "Tech-1"
 
*1988-1991 - 325i  Sport [[Tech 2|"Tech-2"]]
 
*1285-1987 - 325e  ETA engine
 
*1988-1991 - 325iX  Coupe/Saloon<|||>
 

Latest revision as of 13:21, 2 June 2014

325i.jpg

History

325i

Being a "standard" E30 model base, the E30 325i was available as a coupe, saloon, Cabriolet and in later years as a Touring. Like all models (apart from the "Touring" model), the 325i was available during the "Pre-Facelift" era (known for its chrome bumpers and other touches) and the "Facelift" era (Plastic bumpers).

The 325i is considered the most sought-after standard E30 due to its desirable engine and availability over other models. There are "rarer" models (such as M3 and tuner model cars) but these are serious collectors' items with a price to match. Commonly, people choose the 325i as the E30 of choice.

During its production run, the 325i was available in all four E30 body types, at the following times:

325i SE

At some point during the E30 production, BMW introduced a trim level known as SE, for Special Equipment, which was only offered to 6-cylinder models (For the 316i and 318i, this trim level was called LUX). This SE package makes the 325i SE a genuine BMW model, which should be shown on the vehicle registration document. The SE trim level was available on all four body styles - 2-door, 4-door, Touring and Cabriolet.

The SE trim level equipped the car with some basic cosmetic options, including interior upholstery and steering wheels, plus foglights. Bumpers and valances were colour-coded, and some electric items such as a sunroof and rear windows were installed. However, the actual SE package changed from year to year, depending entirely on what accessories BMW wanted to include.

Most importantly, SE cars were entitled to optional extras from the Motorsport list, thus offering LSD, Sports Gearbox and Suspension options to the vehicle, as well as Motorsport body kits. This meant that a 325i SE could be equipped to an extremely high level, far beyond that available to a standard 325i.

325i Sport

Main article: 325i Sport
325i

As the SE package became increasingly popular, UK dealers planned a new package would equip a standard 325i with the full SE trim level and the best Motorsport items as standard, but only mounted to 2-door bodies. This car would be known as the 325i Sport, and is a UK-only model.

All cars were fitted with LSD as standard, as well as M-Technic bodykits. However, the only way to differentiate a fully-equipped 2-door SE with a standard Sport is the black headlining fitted to the roof of the car.

There where two models of this car commonly referred to as a "Tech-1" and a "Tech-2". The 'Tech-1' refers to the pre-facelift model and 'Tech-2' refers to the facelift model.

Classic options were the sport gearbox (or automatic sportbox). Also they had the sports interior, which could be fitted with optional materials, including the 'Houndstooth' cotton or a range of leather interiors. Other optional extras were available to the buyers of Sports that weren't available to buyers interested in the "standard" 325i.

The 325i has also been used as the base for the Alpina C2.7 series of E30s, as well as those of other tuning companies.

Technical

Engine

Main article: M20

The 325i was powered by the M20B25, a 2495cc (2.5L), 6 cylinder engine and the largest in the M20 family. Smaller M20 engines could be found in the 320i and 323i. The 325i is commonly fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox or an automatic gearbox. These engines are known to produce 165BHP-175BHP from the factory.

Suspension

Main article: Suspension

The 325i had a different suspension setup to the other models (other than the cabriolet and later touring models). The 325i was fitted with 51mm struts as standard, compared to other coupes/saloons which where fitted with 45mm struts. The 325i was also fitted with rear disk brakes (as opposed to drum brakes).

Differentials

Main article: Differentials

The 325i has had many differentials available to it over the years. These include: 2.79, 2.93, 3.23, 3.46, 3.64, 3.73, 3.91, 4.10. These where available in different models and no model had the option of all of the ratios. For example, the low ratios (2.79, 2.93) where commonly found in the 325e ("ETA", the American economy model) and the higher ratios (3.91, 4.10) where found in the common 325i's and sports. Most of the differentials where available as 'Open', 'Mechanical', or 'Limited Slip'. The 325iX used four differentials. Each differential was used to power a wheel, but the front two where open differentials.

Common Problems

Common Upgrades

Options

General Info

Weight balance = % front / % rear

Unmanned weight = kg / lbs

Power to weight ratio = 6 bhp/ton

Wheel base = 101.2"

Turning circle = 34.4 feet @ 4 turns lock to lock (p/s), 4.4 turns L2L (m/s)

Fuel tank capacity = 61.8 Litre / 13.6 Gals

Cd(A) factor (aerodynamic drag) = 0.35

Base price when new = std £ (1990)


Please also see the E30 325 Register