new member..new car....tech specs

[soupbone]

Hi, i am a new member and i was looking at getting the e30 for a while, but i think i will end up with the e36 for obvious reasons.

The most sporty trim of the 325 is the is, correct?

Right now i drive a 2002 nissan sentra spec v.
I dont know how large this community is, but im trying to get some input from current owners of the 325is.

here are some questions that i have:

1. how much of a difference is there between the 325i and 325is (horsepower, engine-> limited slip, more displacement, sport orientation, etc)
2. what are realistic horsepower numbers i am to expect from the 325i or 325is stock?
3. do these cars respond well to modifications (bolt ons, etc)
4. what are major problems with these years cars?
5. What problems should i look for in buying the car that is specific to this year?
6. Is there a good aftermarket for these cars?
7. What are some horsepower numbers for tuned e36s?
8. how do these cars handle& what about weight distribution?
9. what are common engine swaps into the e36


that is all i can think of for now...like i said, i am concerned with performance and i will be tuning this car to the utmost of its potential.

thanks for reading, and any info whatsoever is appreciated

 

[frolf]

the is has a limited slip, the i does not. the motor is the same either way, 189bhp and i can't remember (192? lbft) torque?? the engine and car itself are already fairly well tuned, so don't expect a chip to net you 15, or even close. major problems = weak ball joints, plastic impeller on the water pump goes, squeaky clutch. there is a great aftermarket for these cars, and an awesome community behind them. the weight distribution is near 50/50, maybe 49.9/50.1, they handle like a freaking dream. common swaps are the US Spec S52, which is a 3.2l I6 with 240bhp.

the most tuned, and essentially most pure E36 BESIDES an M3 is the 1995 325iS M-Technic, best part is that even though they are rare, most people don't know what they are, so they sell them as a basic 325iS

 

[Wadula]

1. how much of a difference is there between the 325i and 325is (horsepower, engine-> limited slip, more displacement, sport orientation, etc)
- same

2. what are realistic horsepower numbers i am to expect from the 325i or 325is stock?
- around 190

3. do these cars respond well to modifications (bolt ons, etc)
- hm...always depending on the add ons you think of. turbos usualy do a good job

4. what are major problems with these years cars?
- climate control unit, wheelmount, eats bulbs

5. What problems should i look for in buying the car that is specific to this year?
- not specificaly known

6. Is there a good aftermarket for these cars?
- sure, from 2F2F style to real classy mods

7. What are some horsepower numbers for tuned e36s?
- sorry...but w/o proof we do not believe most of the numbers stated.

8. how do these cars handle& what about weight distribution?
- handle??? fine, nice, great, fun, raaaaaace...

9. what are common engine swaps into the e36
- M engine mostly i guess

 

[soupbone]

thanks for all the replies everyone.

I am a do it yourself-er and it is through this that i am anticiapting being able to cover the apparently hefty maintanance bill of owning a bm.

How about spare parts...are they readily available..in junk yards, other places?

I know that more recent bmws are really technologically advanced, a oil and you cant even change the oil without having a special tool to reset the computer. How about the e36, is it relatively "low-tech"..i mean, am i gonna be able to freely work on things without constantly having to take it to dealers?

189 at the crank...with a "sporty" inline 6 cylinder...that is kinda weak isnt it? i mean i have 180 at the crank, and putting down about 150 at the wheels with my sentra right now. And that is a 4 banger.

Im probably gonna end up buying a e36 with high mileage and probably swap motors. I know the m3 shares the same bodystyle...is the m3 motor the S50B30US ? what are they running at the wheels/crank?

im gonna keep bothering you guys with questions, so please bear with me...i just wanna know what im getting myself into here.

seems like a good community you guys have here....