325i

History

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:

• 1984-1991 - 325i Coupe/Saloon
• 1984-1993 - 325i Cabriolet
• 1988-1994 - 325i Touring
• 1984-1991 - 325i Sport
• 1985-1987 - 325e ETA engine
• 1988-1991 - 325iX Coupe/Saloon

325iSport

Main article: 325i Sport

325i

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 and black headlining (not an option and visually the only way to tell a genuine sport model from a 325i/se) 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.

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

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

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

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.

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)