93 325is what do you think?

[BADwayz]

I currently own a E46 323i 5 speed with sport pakage and I love the car. This is my first BMW, so I do not know about the E36, or any other models at all, so I hope someone here can help me out.
I have the chance to buy a 93 325is with just over 100k miles and an auto trans. The car is in great condition and a tasteful exhaust is the only aftermarket mod done to this car. I can get the car for $3900. which is below trade-in value of the car by at least a grand. The value is not too much of the questions I have, as for the car itself. Of those who have experience with these cars:

- Would this price be worth it to you to buy another 325?
- How is the auto trans on these cars? (acceleration/shifting)?
- Is there something specific I should be looking for, when inspecting a 325?
- what are your opinions on your 325?

I would appreciate any and all comments on this car and I thank you for your opinions.

 

[brahtw8]

I currently own a E46 323i 5 speed with sport pakage and I love the car. This is my first BMW, so I do not know about the E36, or any other models at all, so I hope someone here can help me out.
I have the chance to buy a 93 325is with just over 100k miles and an auto trans. The car is in great condition and a tasteful exhaust is the only aftermarket mod done to this car. I can get the car for $3900. which is below trade-in value of the car by at least a grand. The value is not too much of the questions I have, as for the car itself. Of those who have experience with these cars:

- Would this price be worth it to you to buy another 325?
- How is the auto trans on these cars? (acceleration/shifting)?
- Is there something specific I should be looking for, when inspecting a 325?
- what are your opinions on your 325?

I would appreciate any and all comments on this car and I thank you for your opinions.

Why are you considering buying another car? Is it simply because you think it is a good deal, or do you actually need another car?

Assuming the car is in good mechanical and cosmetic shape, it is a very attractive price. A thorough inspection by a reputable mechanic/dealer is necessary.

The acceleration on the auto transmission cars will be down about 1-1.5 seconds to sixty versus the 5-speed. The transmission is a noted weak point, so make sure it is in good shape.

On the E36, the plastic water pump impeller should have been replaced with a metal one, the radiators are weak, the HVAC system can have problems, and there is a problem with the rear subframe (actually not the rear subframe, but it is called the rear subframe issue and I can't recall the name of the problematic part/weld.)

I like my 325 a lot. Pretty good reliability, with minimal expense in the last two years and 45k miles. That car has essentially the same engine as in your 323i, but tuned to make greater hp. and similar torque, albeit at a higher rpm. It is OBDI, so you can get greater gains from aftermarket parts than on your OBDII E46.

 

[BADwayz]

Re: Re: 93 325is what do you think?

Why are you considering buying another car? Is it simply because you think it is a good deal, or do you actually need another car?

I am buying this car becuase it is a good deal and I am going to give it to my wife so we can get rid of her Chrysler 300M..... and I always need another car, especially another BMW in the family.

 

[Dnz]

define 'radiators are weak'...

 

[Natopotato]

i like mine i paid $6400 @ 120k for that exact car mine had these ugly 16"s though...

 

[brahtw8]

define 'radiators are weak'...

The original radiator has a plastic neck and other plastic parts that crack and leak over time. They now make metal ones in the aftermarket. I think Korman may sell them.