Was thinking about this.

[DOA]

I used to have the saloon version and they are pretty good solid cars. Yes the rads go, but thats neither an expensive or difficult job to do (bleeding the coolant system isnt hard either), they munch wishbone bushes for fun seemingly and the brake pipes are a pain to do when they corrode (which they do) but from my experience I would say they are no more trouble than any other car of that age. They do handle quite well out of the box and are pretty easy to improve in that respect. The engine on the other hand is a proper dog that was tuned down due to German tax laws (IIRC the 328 had to fit in a certain bracket so they had to detune the 323 so it wouldnt be better, FWIW, the 323 does NOT use the same engine as the 325, its a completely different engine and the inlet mods mentioned earlier are not as simple as they sound). Basically, they dont breathe so dont like revving, have sod all low end torque to compensate, is mated to a gearbox with some of the worst ratio choices I have ever experienced and are basically not all that fast (sure it might be faster than the 8V mk2 I have at the moment but it never felt it even after a few mods and a dif ratio change and thats due to the size and composure of the thing) or economical (I certainly never saw anything like 35mpg in mine at any time). I think what Im trying to say is that they are actually a bloody good car, especially for the price but the engines a duffer. If you can find a 325 or 328 touring instead though, they are the ones to go for. Either that or a 325TDS and chip it.

[barrym381]

I used to have the saloon version and they are pretty good solid cars. Yes the rads go, but thats neither an expensive or difficult job to do (bleeding the coolant system isnt hard either), they munch wishbone bushes for fun seemingly and the brake pipes are a pain to do when they corrode (which they do) but from my experience I would say they are no more trouble than any other car of that age. They do handle quite well out of the box and are pretty easy to improve in that respect. The engine on the other hand is a proper dog that was tuned down due to German tax laws (IIRC the 328 had to fit in a certain bracket so they had to detune the 323 so it wouldnt be better, FWIW, the 323 does NOT use the same engine as the 325, its a completely different engine and the inlet mods mentioned earlier are not as simple as they sound). Basically, they dont breathe so dont like revving, have sod all low end torque to compensate, is mated to a gearbox with some of the worst ratio choices I have ever experienced and are basically not all that fast (sure it might be faster than the 8V mk2 I have at the moment but it never felt it even after a few mods and a dif ratio change and thats due to the size and composure of the thing) or economical (I certainly never saw anything like 35mpg in mine at any time). I think what Im trying to say is that they are actually a bloody good car, especially for the price but the engines a duffer. If you can find a 325 or 328 touring instead though, they are the ones to go for. Either that or a 325TDS and chip it.

the 325i an the 323i are the same engine in e36s

323i
 
2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)
 
6cyl
 
DOHC 24V
 
Petrol
 
170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @5500 rpm
 
245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm
 
M52B25
 
8.0
 
231 km/h (144 mph)
 
1995–1998
 


325i
 
2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)
 
6cyl
 
DOHC 24V
 
Petrol
 
192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) @5900 rpm
 
245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4700 rpm
 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4200 rpm
 
M50B25
 M50B25
 
8.0
 7.5
 
233 km/h (145 mph)
 
1991–1993
 1993–1995
DOHC engines were used across the range (except in entry level models, see table below), with VANOS variable valve timing introduced in 1993. The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325i models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328 line. Another 2.5 L I6 engine, the M52B25, was reintroduced for 1998 but badged as the 323i rather than 325i

[leigh_harty]

I dont know about the 2.3 engines on beemers but if it is has the nikosil lined engine then stay away if poss. I know some 328 engines still have them, most where recalled by bmw for proper lined engines, easy to check.

Yes the cooling system is a pain but to change the waterpump (the plastic propelled ones are sh*t) thermostat etc are a piece of p*ss and fairly cheap to do yourself.. with the upgraded metal propeller jobbie

Easy to bleed coolant when you learn the easy way

325 (m50) inlet is about £100-150 for a decent converted one. expensive but the cheapest 15-20 top end bhp you'll make

Parts arnt too expensive.. unless you have an M3 or want the bosch parts.

thats all i can think off for now, just relax and enjoy the comfortable rwd smoothness of the straight6

[DOA]

the 325i an the 323i are the same engine in e36s

323i
 
2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)
 
6cyl
 
DOHC 24V
 
Petrol
 
170 PS (125 kW; 168 hp) @5500 rpm
 
245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @3950 rpm
 
M52B25
 
8.0
 
231 km/h (144 mph)
 
1995–1998
 


325i
 
2,494 cc (2.494 L; 152.2 cu in)
 
6cyl
 
DOHC 24V
 
Petrol
 
192 PS (141 kW; 189 hp) @5900 rpm
 
245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4700 rpm
 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @4200 rpm
 
M50B25
 M50B25
 
8.0
 7.5
 
233 km/h (145 mph)
 
1991–1993
 1993–1995
DOHC engines were used across the range (except in entry level models, see table below), with VANOS variable valve timing introduced in 1993. The 2.5 L M50B25 used in the 325i models was replaced in 1996 with the 2.8 L M52B28, creating the 328 line. Another 2.5 L I6 engine, the M52B25, was reintroduced for 1998 but badged as the 323i rather than 325i

Sorry but they are completely different engines, the main difference being the 325 block is cast Iron and the 323 is an ali block (shared with the 328, IIRC the only difference between the two is the stroke on the crank but its been a while) but please feel free to carry on in this vein if you feel the need  .

[leigh_harty]

They all have the same covers init so must be the same!

Whack the m3 (3.0) rear diff on to have LSD

Propably put the m3 (3.2 evo) manifold for some extra ponies... All e36 here

My 328 will pull from 500rpm in 5th gear without putting up a fight but didn't want to redline until the 325 manifold was put on

Oh and with the right parts you can adjust your rear camber to stupid in about 5mins :-) lol