325's

[twintrack]

Hello, I'm looking in to buying a 325, have read they are 170bhp, but have been looking on autotrader and I see there is a sport model, are the engines or gearboxes any different on these ? do all the 325's have an LSD ? (would like to have some fun! )

I assume there is more difference between them than just looks as the sports seem to be double the price of the cheapest 'normal' 325s!

Any advice appreciated.

[Richy325iTouring]

sports have a different gear ratio on 1st 2nd and 3rd and an lsd diff bodykit black headlining and map lights standard

[Toby_Unna]

sport has standard 2.5 engine but different gearbox ratios and an lsd. lsd optional on normal 325.

lots of small differences with a sport, someone who owns one will tell you exactly what!

main thing is, get one with an LSD!!

[Zayyan]

This thread'll tell you the difference between a Sport and a normal 325i

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... pic&t=9120

[twintrack]

Thanks for the info, quick replys!

Do these engines last long then I take it, lots of very high mileage ones for sale

[Ant]

seen many turn over 250K without any problems, neglect one at your peril though

ignore the miles ( to a point) just look for some fresh oil and a recent cambelt and you'll be halfway there
dont risk one that runs hot.... could be a cheap fix but often isnt

regarding the LSD, yep its a must have item, but there are plenty popping up for sale on here and its an easy retrofit.

some non sports were factory blessed with one anyway so see what you can find dude.

[jamie325isport]

The way i look at the sports (any car) the body work is THE most important thing. All mechanical parts are replaceable, simply bolt on but once the rust is in (unless you do major work) its always going to be there. It sucks i ended up scraping my first E30 (323i) due to the bulk head rotting away i was gutted. . Obviously nothing to fu*ked but then saying that you could pick up a rot box doner car mechanoically sound for not a lot of money.

[Brianmoooore]

Most E30 LSDs will have lost their LS properties by now, unless they've been rebuilt at some time, so if you buy one with a LSD check that it works, or negotiate the price accordingly.

[twintrack]

How do you check them ? spin it on grass/gravel etc ? have been told if you jack them up then the wheels should turn the same way, however also been told this can happen on non-lsd diffs too
also, ive read that BMWs have galvanised bodies from a certain age, does this apply to this age of car ?
thanks.

[Brianmoooore]

No galvanized panels on an E30, but the underseal/paintwork on an E30 is pretty good after about 1984, IIRC.
Rust doesn't tend to creep under the sealant like it does on most cars, and its common to find a hole right through where the coating has been damaged by some means, and to find bright clean metal all around, only a half inch from the hole.

[Zayyan]

How do you check them ? spin it on grass/gravel etc ? have been told if you jack them up then the wheels should turn the same way, however also been told this can happen on non-lsd diffs too
also

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... pic&t=9206

If you have a look through the old threads or use the Search button near the top of the page you should find most questions have been answered already

[twintrack]

Thanks again

[Splondike]

Twintrack - welcome mate, check this thread for Sport info...

http://www.e30zone.co.uk/modules.php?na ... pic&t=9133