late 80's 325i convertible

Prozak · 05-11-2006, 04:32 PM

I am currently in the market for a late 80's 325i convertible, I was just curious if there is anything I should be on the look out for with this car. I plan on buying it with the intentions of doing performance and body work to the car.. so I am mostly curious about the engine/drivetrain aspects, ie. any known problems with it. This will also be the first BMW I have purchased, and it fits in my price range, wich unfortanetly isnt very high.

Thanks in advance,
-Prozak

ward · 05-11-2006, 04:39 PM

Watch out for the automatics, those are the most problematic item in those cars

with a manual tranny the thing can be pretty bulletproof as long as the timing belt is changed as often as recommended 5-6 years or 50-60 thousand miles. if that belt brakes the engine can be ruined

springs, shocks and swaybars will help the car a ton in the handling dept

Prozak · 05-11-2006, 04:43 PM

thanks... I will be sure to check that the timing belt is in good shape, and has been replaced regularly.

I also had another question, I've been doing some looking around for parts, and have found Bavarian Autosport.. they seem rather pricey tho. Are there anyother performance companies that you can recommend. Sorry for all the questions.

-Prozak

ward · 05-11-2006, 05:38 PM

www.turnermotorsport.com www.bmpd.com are both vendors I've bought stuff from in addition to bav auto

it's all expensive though

CrazyDesi · 05-11-2006, 09:51 PM

dude I have an 89 325ic

get the 91 it has plastic bumpers which is a more updated look...but draw back is the automatic top which is known to go kaput.

dont bother with an auto get the stick they both have a 4.10 LSD so you are going to have a blast.

areas for you to watch out for are the top, spray water on it and see that it does not leak also check the carpet in the rear seats these cars are known to leake and water builds up there.

if it does leak you might be able to get away with adjusting the top...

in terms of sway bars they have thick ones the same width as the e30 m3 but you can get the suspension techniques sways which i believe are the tickest ones out there.

in terms of suspension I have Bilstien shocks with suspension techniques springs which offer a lot of drop since the ICs ride higher then other e30s.

Also pictures are ultra rare 15 inch 3 peice bbs wheels and a hard top.

here is a shitty picture of my car....

05-11-2006, 04:32 PM	#1
Prozak Registered 4 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 1987 325i convertible Join Date: May 2006 Location: new paltz, new york iTrader: (0)	late 80's 325i convertible I am currently in the market for a late 80's 325i convertible, I was just curious if there is anything I should be on the look out for with this car. I plan on buying it with the intentions of doing performance and body work to the car.. so I am mostly curious about the engine/drivetrain aspects, ie. any known problems with it. This will also be the first BMW I have purchased, and it fits in my price range, wich unfortanetly isnt very high. Thanks in advance, -Prozak
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05-11-2006, 04:39 PM	#2
ward Major General 161 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	Watch out for the automatics, those are the most problematic item in those cars with a manual tranny the thing can be pretty bulletproof as long as the timing belt is changed as often as recommended 5-6 years or 50-60 thousand miles. if that belt brakes the engine can be ruined springs, shocks and swaybars will help the car a ton in the handling dept
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05-11-2006, 04:43 PM	#3
Prozak Registered 4 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 1987 325i convertible Join Date: May 2006 Location: new paltz, new york iTrader: (0)	thanks... I will be sure to check that the timing belt is in good shape, and has been replaced regularly. I also had another question, I've been doing some looking around for parts, and have found Bavarian Autosport.. they seem rather pricey tho. Are there anyother performance companies that you can recommend. Sorry for all the questions. -Prozak
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05-11-2006, 05:38 PM	#4
ward Major General 161 Rep 6,158 Posts Drives: F Join Date: May 2005 Location: T iTrader: (0)	www.turnermotorsport.com www.bmpd.com are both vendors I've bought stuff from in addition to bav auto it's all expensive though
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05-11-2006, 09:51 PM	#5
CrazyDesi Custom User Title: 7 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 89 325ic, '06 330xi Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: New Fucken York City iTrader: (0) Garage List 1989 M3 [0.00] 1989 325ic [0.00]	dude I have an 89 325ic get the 91 it has plastic bumpers which is a more updated look...but draw back is the automatic top which is known to go kaput. dont bother with an auto get the stick they both have a 4.10 LSD so you are going to have a blast. areas for you to watch out for are the top, spray water on it and see that it does not leak also check the carpet in the rear seats these cars are known to leake and water builds up there. if it does leak you might be able to get away with adjusting the top... in terms of sway bars they have thick ones the same width as the e30 m3 but you can get the suspension techniques sways which i believe are the tickest ones out there. in terms of suspension I have Bilstien shocks with suspension techniques springs which offer a lot of drop since the ICs ride higher then other e30s. Also pictures are ultra rare 15 inch 3 peice bbs wheels and a hard top. here is a shitty picture of my car....
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