BMW noob w/ questions.

[BigLou325]

hi everybody,
I'm no stranger to forums, which is why I'm fully aware of the risk I'm running at getting flamed for this, but i'm gonna give it a shot anyway. By no means is this post asking bmwboard members to go on a 4 hr. internet search for my purposes, but I do need some seemingly common info about the e36 4dr. 325 that I need answered fairly fast. So if one of the many 3 series guru's finds something that they know offhand, I'd appreciate greatly if it can be posted. Mind the flaming everybody, it's really just a waste of time for everybody. Just so you know, I'm looking at a 1992 325 4dr. 5 spd. w/ 103xxx on the clock - 4100.
1. I need some cold hard facts. acceleration, braking, curb weight, etc.
2. i need to know some of the common probs w/ a e36 325, and those that are specific to the 1992 model.
3. I'd also like to know what some the identification symbols are on the end of the "325", you know, "i" "t" "c" "s". What's the difference btwn. a 325 and a 325I ?
4. Also, what octane fuel is required/recommended in a 325, which is really impt. as gas prices are growing so fast.

Guys, any help would be VERY appreciated, but please, lets keep the flaming to a minimum.

 

[frolf]

welcome, no flaming will be had at bmwboard

one, a 92 325 with 103xxx miles is low miles, so thats awesome, i have a 328iS so we are almost in the same boat. you will not find a 325, it will always be an i, or an iS. The iS is the coupe, minor differences, same weight, acceleration and all that jazz. you can run 89 in that car, but probably run 91. I always run premium. Don't let what kind of gas it takes sway your decisions, because it doesn't matter. Even a person like myself who makeslittle money will only go as far as bitching about gas prices than to actually buy a less fun and less engineered car just to save on gas.

common problems are the water pump and the ball joints. water pump was a plastic impeller that broke often, but usually they are replaced early, and i do not believe that car would make it to 103xxx with a plastic impeller, but still ask. the ball joints are notoriously weak from the get go, but again, i'm sure they have been replaced, and its good to replace them anyways.

 

[BigLou325]

hey man, that's great info, I appreciate it a lot. I think I'm going to try to call the owner tonight to get more information about the car, most importantly any accident history...again, thanks for the reply. Hopefully this turns out well and I'll be a more frequent visitor to this site.
Thanks again

Oh yea, if anyone has anything to add, please feel free

 

[frolf]

if you have any other questions post away, we will do what we can to get them answered. also if you'd like you can email me directly

[email protected]

 

[BigLou325]

alright, very good. I won't hesitate to do that...again, thanks a lot

by the way, I like your sympathy note to VW, very nice!

 

[frolf]

 

[BigLou325]

unfortuantely, that car was sold, I just got in touch with the owner yesterday. However, I found another 325i for less money, less miles (99xxx), but it's a 1990. I actually like that style a little better...Thanks for the help again, you'll probably find me in the E30 forum...