How to tell between 325 and 325is?

[kristap]

I'm not sure if I have a 325 or a 325i. Yeah, sounds stupid but there aren't any marks on the trunk nor clues on the registry. Well, maybe on the registry as it says 325. Anyway to tell from the vin or ??

thanks,
kristap

[arsevader]

http://www.carfax.com/

Put your VIN in and it will tell you what the car is supposed to be

[kristap]

Perfect! Thanks for the tip. Turns out to be a 325i. :D

[Tangent]

Another quick way to tell is the valve cover. "i" engines have "BMW" on the valve cover, non-"i" engines have a roundel.

[Nathan]

Another easy way to check is to see whether or not your exuast is dual pipes or single pipes, single being a 325(e(s)).

[Old'n'Slow]

Another quick way to tell is the valve cover. "i" engines have "BMW" on the valve cover, non-"i" engines have a roundel.

My 325 (no "i", no "e")(it's an ETA) has "BMW" on the valve cover, so this is not necessarily a valid indicator. In 1988, "e" engines had "i" heads, so the valve cover is indicative of an "i", but it's really an "e". Confused??? :shock:

Is your engine a 2.5 or 2.7?

2.5 is an "i". 2.7 is an "e".

[arsevader]

Another easy way to check is to see whether or not your exuast is dual pipes or single pipes, single being a 325(e(s)).

Easy but not accurate, as the 1988 325 (super ETA) has a dual exhaust.

Just use the VIN and all will be revealed.

James

[PeaveyBassist]

Stock Tach redline. 5k=325(e) '84-'87 6k=325e '88 only 7k=325i(s) '87-'91

Will

[kristap]

The vin told me it's a 325i. Couldn't tell from the exhaust as the previous owner had a custom job installed. And can't tell from the tach as I just dropped the car off on the other side of town to get the tranny seal replaced. While I can't run out to look, I want to remember it going to 7k ;)

[MR 325]

What year is your car?

[kristap]

It's a 1987