Engine differences

[fahnz]

Hi Guys, new to this forum. Have a quick question before i look to buy my first E30... sorry if it sounds stupid, i'm new to these

How can i be 100% sure that the engine in the car is a 325i and not a 320/323/325E?

The engine numbers seem to be really awkward to locate so i was just wondering if there was obvious differences that i could look for..

Thanks in advance

[fahnz]

Anything obvious I can look for around the engine bay? I'm struggling too see an 885 on the head or the main engine number near the starter motor..?

[jmc330i]

The inlet manifold is the first obvious difference, but they can easily be changed. The 325i inlet has much thicker and curvier runners compared to a 320i inlet - a quick google search should bring up a pic showing the two manifolds.

This recent thread may help...
http://www.e30zone.net/modules.php?name ... ine+number

[Grrrmachine]

A 323i should be the easiest to identify, since they all had a mechanical distributor down by the sump rather than a distributor cap on the end of the head.

For a 320i engine it can be tricker as these engines were fitted for 12 years, so there's lots of variation around. Early ones also had the distributor, but later ones are almost identical to a 325i engine of the same period, so your only guaranteed method is to find the engine number. But if you're lazy, checking the part number on the air flow meter and/or the ECU is a good indicator of what engine you have, if not actual proof.

[fahnz]

cheers for your help guys