engine code

Post Mon Sep 16, 2013 11:25 pm

My 325i 1987 pre facelift is an import. There is no rust at all on car. Must of come from warm country. Was told might be south Africa. And might be a rare model 325is as they had .

Can anyone help me identify were it came from. This is what I was told

Wellllll.....actually there are a massive variety of engines in E30's dependent on market but badged the same across the world.

Eg

Euro 325's can be the 2.5 170bhp or the 2.7 "e" version with 120bhp
North America 325's can be one of 4 different engine/drivetrain configurations all different from Euro setups
South African 325's can be the 2.7e or the "iS" versions which are up there with the Euro M3 as far as power is concerned with a 2.7ltr

If its an Import I'd check the chassis codes and engine codes, you could be sitting on a 325iS imported from South Africa which will be worth literally £1000's more than a UK 325i

Post Tue Sep 17, 2013 9:22 pm

What are the last seven digits of the VIN.....?

Post Thu Nov 21, 2013 7:29 pm

Guys, can anybody explain what`s the difference between these two engines?

325i 125 KW/170 PS 12/1986 - 06/1991 2494 ccm M20 B25
325i 126 KW/171 PS 09/1983 - 11/1989 2494 ccm M20 B25

How do I know which one I have if my car is 06/1989 ? Where can I find engine code?

Post Thu Nov 21, 2013 7:33 pm

The 325i wasn't made in 1983, so wherever you got that list of engines is wrong.

The difference between the 170 and 171hp engine was the September 1987 switchover, when the high-compression engine was changed for a lower compression with better emissions. Your car will definitely have the later engine.

For the engine number:

http://www.e30zone.net/e30zonewiki/index.php/M20#Block