I need advice on a planned BMW purchase.

[Andrew]

Hi there,
I just sold my old 1989 525i.
I am searching for 325 or 325 convertible from between 1987-1991.

I have a question though:

Which one should I choose?
The 325IS or 325I?
What is the difference between these two?
Is it wise to buy a convertible?


I have an old Chilton book (18300) and it says that in 1988 325is had a M20 engine, while an 1987 325is had M30? Is it possible? Look at page 1-11 if you have a copy...

[Erick]

About the M30 comment, I am 99% sure that's not true....

About what e30 you should pick, it's all about what you want. You have to average out the advantages of a topless vs a coupe and vice-versa and figure out which best suits your needs.

The 325iS is not an easy find, so if you find one, lucky you..... The 325iS has a limited slip differential ( optional on 325i ) and also power everything ( sunroof, etc ). The 325iS also has the basketweave wheel which is just a a bit wider..... 14x6.5 as opposed to the bottlecaps 14x6. There are also the sport seats, which is something everyone wants..... and the 9 button on board computer.

I cant remember the rest.... but you get the idea.....

[Jarvis]

Well I have an '87 325is, and I'm 100% positive that it DOES NOT have an M30 engine - just an M20 like all over E30 "i" cars.

I vote for a 325is. Arguably more fun to drive than a regular 325i or convertible. A convertible top is just a whole other potential problem area, vs 325is with a sunroof (also a potential problem area, but always cheaper and easier to fix than let's say, replacing the entire convertible top).

Good luck with whatever you choose.

[bmwguru007]

Another thing you might want to consider is if you want the diving boards or the later painted plastic bumpers. They started putting plastic bumpers on coupes and sedans sometime in 88 while convertibles didn't get the change until 9/90. And the Chilton is wrong, the M20 was used in all e30 325 models.

[Andrew]

Thank you for your response..

Thank you very much,

Now I am starting to have an idea...
One last question, what is the difference in power between 325I and 325IS?

Is this true that IS has 189 HP instead of standard 170hp?

I think I will get myself 1989 325IS. Fortunately these are not hard to find in LA.
They are so cheap too.

[Nick325is]

Actually there was an e30 that came with an m30. It was manufactured only in South Africa though. Let me try to find some info on it.


Nick

[bmwguru007]

Actually there was an e30 that came with an m30. It was manufactured only in South Africa though. Let me try to find some info on it.

I assumed we were talking about US models since the majority of members on this board live in the US and Andrew doesn't have a location listed. Don't take me wrong, I'm interested in hearing about the South African model.

[KevinM]

http://www.strictlyeta.net/technical/differences.html

That should tell you everything you need to know and is well organized. Its cool that Fred wrote it up.

[Andrew]

Thank you Kevin,

This is exactly what I was searching for.

Fred is cool. Fantastic description.
:D :D :D :D

[EtaSport]

There was an m30 e30 made for south america. It was a 333i. I've found some pictures of it before but all of them were modified. Aparently the car had the m30b33 motor with something like 200+- hp. Hit up any search engine and type in bmw 333i or m30 e30.. You should find some info on it.