What are post 1992 3 series like?

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:14 pm

What's the E number for the post 92 3 series?
Either way, I've seen quite a few of the newer 320 and 325s for sale for reasonable money. I don't like the way they look so much; I'm a big fan of the old school E30 look. However, are there are advantages to the new cars? Are the engines pretty much the same? Do they weigh more?

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:17 pm

weigh more, not a much fun to drive but better as a long distance hauler

engines are 24v so more power

good mainly as a source of engines for transplants for the e30

they are the e36

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:19 pm

they are the e36 and they are just plain

WRONG!!!

the 320 and 325 are m50 engines iirc with 24v and a bit more 'poke' (allegedly)

driven a fair few of them- the engines are good (6potwilpot has an m50 2.5 in his e30)

however, the hanling is boring and the build quality is lame (IMO)

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:20 pm

they handle alot better in standard form. 24v a bit better on squirt too

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:27 pm

24v is about the same on fuel for the kinda trips i make, got 27mpg on the motorway that one time tho...

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:28 pm

I prefer the E30 anyway. The E36s are a bit close to the aspirational estate agent look for my liking anyway.

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:28 pm

tomstickland wrote:I prefer the E30 anyway. The E36s are a bit close to the aspirational estate agent look for my liking anyway.

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:29 pm

Simon13 wrote:they handle alot better in standard form. 24v a bit better on squirt too

true,true but if I wanted MPG i'd buy a diesel

as for the handling, maybe i'm biased due to the touring's 50/50 weight distribution

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:31 pm

There's a 325 touring on Ebay at the moment with a buy it now of Ãƒ”šÃ‚£800. I was quite tempted.

Post Mon May 09, 2005 8:34 pm

tomstickland wrote:There's a 325 touring on Ebay at the moment with a buy it now of Ãƒ”šÃ‚£800. I was quite tempted.

if its low miles with sh and mot go for it! worst comes to the worst you can part it out or do an engine transplant!

they're not all bad and can be reliable if looked after-theyre just not as DIY friendly or interactive as the e30

Post Tue May 10, 2005 12:43 am

Ive had an E30 325i SPORT. Also owned a 1995 320i SE with the M52 engine. The E36 was lovely to drive, smooth and refined and sounded the nuts.

However the styling of my E30 325i SPORT was by far better.

The M50/M52 24v engines are better than the M20 though!

Stu

Post Tue May 10, 2005 2:38 am

i`d be tempted if i saw a decent e36 325 sport come up for sale,
they are good cars best feature is the m50 lump as other guys mention

Post Tue May 10, 2005 2:44 am

The bottom end of the E36 market has overlapped that of the top end of the E30 one well and good now

It would tempt me too but an E36 is too big and bulky for my needs.
Theyre quite nice cars i think, but look w@nk next to an e30, its styling isnt here nor there; not old school like the e30 but not new like the e46.

M50 engine is a gem,itll be something i remember long after i sell this car. So effortly powerful and revvy.....