87 325i what engine?

[bigredguy]

I have a 1987 325i 4 door, and im not sure which engine it has. I thought 325s had the m20b25 engines, and every other 325 ive seen has the tachometer go up to 7k or so. Mine only goes up to 5k, and I thought only the es models had that. Could someone please correct me because I am beginning to get very confused.
Thanks

[blefevre]

Post a picture of the engine.

[bigredguy]

I cant figure out how to post on this site. Could you post a picture of an eta and a m20b25 and i can tell you which i have?

This is the cluster i have.

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=215089

The name of the thread is eta cluster, but did BMW make a 325i with an eta engine?

[Mercury[BKM]]

whats the VIN, ill tell you whether or not someone sold you an i and its really an e

[B Randon]

sounds like some one might have swaped deck lids lol

[bigredguy]

i already ran the vin, before i bought it, and it was what they said, an 87 325i, 4 door, 1 owner. It was owned by an older man, so most likely he never changed the badges to make it an e. Im just trying to figure out what engine is in it because im planning on doing engine work soon, and i dont know if it is worth it do do in an eta.

[bigredguy]

just to clarify etas are 2.5l and super etas are 2.7 right? and also would it be worth it to possibly supercharge an eta if thats what i have?

[blefevre]

All etas are 2.7L. A super eta has the "i" head casting, domed pistons like the "i", but intake and cam and such as an "e".

Supercharges are rare and hard to do, why not just turbo it or swap it?

[bigredguy]

so i definately dont have an eta? Why does my m20 only rev to 4500 then? and i was debating between a supercharger and turbo. I definately dont want to swap it. I am only getting between 18 and 20 mpg so im pretty sure its not an eta.

[blefevre]

An eta should redline at 4750 stock. Even a 325is will give you 25mpg, something's wrong with your 325e/i.

[bigredguy]

i do all city driving, and i know my injectors are dirty. im just so confused about my engine. it does redline at 4750, but its a 325i.

[blefevre]

search for pictures of an eta and "i" engine or intake manifold. The intake manifolds are slightly different. This will give you a visual clue on what engine you actually have.

[bigredguy]

alright. do any of the i engines redline at 4500?

[bigredguy]

and if i do have an eta would it be worth it to turbo/supercharge it?

[blefevre]

"i" engines redline at 6200 if everything is correct and stock.

If you have an eta engine you could do the "i" head swap (people call is the 2.7 stroker) and lower the compression which would be good for boost.

E30tech.com is the boost site, check around there if that is your route. You will find a lot of information already answered.