323i what do you know?

[Cal]

been offered a cheap but healthy looking '86 323i
wondering what are the pro's and con's on this model?
I am new to the zone and would be gratefull for any help
Also found a cracking 87' 316 in very good nick. Is there that much difference in performance.
Although it would be for a runaround

[PeteE30Tourer]

Hi Cal,

Firstly, welcome to the zone - you've come to the right place if you're interested in these cars.

To get a better response from your post though, it would be better placed in the E30 General Chat section though, so i'll move it there for you.

Good luck!!

[astondg]

Mine seems to be not too bad. It's a bit slow and probably down on equipment levels from a 325i but I think it is also a bit lighter (should help handling) and still has ok suspension with ARBs and disc brakes all round and stuff. Mine has foglights and electric mirrors too, not sure if they were standard or not?

I think most people go for the 325s but if you can get a 323i fairly cheap it should be ok.

Any of the 6 cylinders (except maybe the ETA) should be noticably quicker than a 316 I think and also have noticably more torque. A 316 should be not too bad for a runaround, depends what you want really.

Aston

[MONSPORT42]

The 323 is a great car, I had one for 16 years. Not blisteringly fast by today's standards but a respectable 150bhp from the factory and a very smooth 6 pot. This would be a chrome bumper/pre facelift model and unless it has been very carefully looked after is likely to have some rust so I would look very carefully around jacking points, sills and inner rear wheel arches.
If the body is solid more or less everything else is maintainable but expensive if you have to pay to have it done but you'll get plenty of help here on the Zone.
Engines can sound noisy at the top end but this is normally a characteristic injector ticking. Watch for overheating.
There's quite a big difference between the 316 and 323 in power terms but for a general runaround the 4 pot 316 will be more economical but don't expect to outdrag anybody at the lights.
Happy hunting!

[Cal]

Thanks everybody.
I have decided against the 323 as I really would only be using it as a runabout in hte winter.

Anyways thanks again