What engine do i have ?

Post Tue Sep 26, 2006 11:03 am

Hi,

i have a 325 mtech 1 (year 1987) and i would like to know if i have an older, high comp. engine or new low comp. one.

I dont know the cars history and i dont know if engine was swapped at some point. Is there a reliable way to find out what engine do i have, other than using a VIN number ?

I do have a O2 sensor and a 380 ECU, but then again, i dont know if the car came like this from factory.

Post Tue Sep 26, 2006 4:27 pm

From what Iv heard Tech 1 cars came with the higher compression engines.

Post Tue Sep 26, 2006 4:30 pm

do a compression test or get a garage to do it for you if you dont have the tools for the job.

Post Tue Sep 26, 2006 5:30 pm

380's definately not the original ECU from a 1987 car... It's from a later low comp engine, but who knows if it's just the management that's been changed? Can't see how the VIN would help either, but I expect a BMW garage could tell you from the engine number...

Post Tue Sep 26, 2006 5:39 pm

380 ecu is from 9/88 onwards.

Post Wed Sep 27, 2006 9:31 am

ed325i wrote:380 ecu is from 9/88 onwards.

Yup.

& afaik, a compression test'll tell you how good your rings & seals are, but I can't see how it'd tell you much about the CR?