E36 328i to 325ti

[L~C~G]

Hey Guys.

I currently have a 1998 E36 328i with around 290000kms on the clock.

I love this car but she is getting a bit tired now and I am battling to find the time / funds to get her back into shape.

There are a number of problems showing up and I would suspect it would take around R25k to get her back to a really good state.

I have recently had a look at some 325ti`s and would like some input on this idea.

What are the pros and cons of going from a 328i to a 325ti.
Ie: Power, consumption, maintenance, parts etc?

I drive around 1200kms per month and don`t have any kids at this stage. That will probably change in about three years so if I want a two door the time is now. I have a fairly decent sound system in the 328i but I refused to port the car so it does not get through very well whre it would with the Ti

Would a 325ti be a good move or should I rather look at a E36 328i vert raise:

 

[Doomsdaya]

Stick with the 328i :thumbs:

 

[Diablo Jnr]

Go for the 325ti...as long as it is in good condition. Only regret i have with my 318ti is that it does not have enough power. 325ti should solve that problem and as the ti's come standard with sports suspension, the handling and bracking in better than that of an E36, but don't expect to get the thrills that a E36 will give you

 

[L~C~G]

The way I look at it. My E36 is pushing 290000kms and has a miss fire at around 3000rpm so it has probably lost many of the original horses that the factory put under the bonnet anyway.

I havent driven one yet but I would imagine the power is not down that much on a 328i

90% of the traveling that I do is on back roads so braking and handling would really be useful on those roads.

I can probably get around R35k for my E36 in its current condition and neat 325ti`s run at around R100k so I can upgrade for around R1700 per month.

To get my E36 back will cost me far more than that. I love that E36 and will miss it like crazy but finding R25k in a few months is far more difficult than finding R1700 a month over 54 months.

 

[Nick]

i also have a 318Ti and the only regrent i have is not having power of a straight 6, however the ride and handling is very good!
If you find a clean one with low KM's id say buy it.

 

[Legacy]

What is your budget? If you don't mind me asking.

 

[L~C~G]

Looking at around R100k. And it would need to be a year that could be financed with a R35k deposit.

I have just dropped R100k cash on a wedding and honeymoon so I would rather not spend more right now if I can help it, especially on a car.

I was also looking at an E46 328i but they seem to be a soggy E36 328i ?

 

[Diablo Jnr]

You would be better off going for a E46 325i than a E46 328i...beside, don't think you going to get fianace for a E46 328i and any decent interest rate. Not sure, but i think the E46 325i make the kw's as the E36 328i, with more torque than the 328i...I stand to be corrected. Will have a look at the handbooks this evening.

 

[moranor@axis]

the 328i has the same induction and exhaust as the 323i i think there can be alot more power made off them...

 

[L~C~G]

You would be better off going for a E46 325i than a E46 328i...beside, don't think you going to get fianace for a E46 328i and any decent interest rate. Not sure, but i think the E46 325i make the kw's as the E36 328i, with more torque than the 328i...I stand to be corrected. Will have a look at the handbooks this evening.

From what I understand the Kw output is the same on the 325 and 328 but the torque is 20nm - 30nm lower on the 325?

 

[Sankekur]

If I am not mistaken the 325 and 328 both have around 140 (both e46 and e36) but the torque of the 325 is 250Nm and on the 328i it is 280Nm, I think you would feel this difference.

The 325ti is a nice car and they are a bit cheaper that the equivalent saloon last time I checked so you could get a pretty decent deal. Also consider trying to find a ti with the body kit on as they look a lot better than the standard ones.

 

[328ii]

getting a R25K loan from the banksters to fix your 328i
must be cheaper than a R100K loan for 325..?

8?>

 

[msm]

Looking at around R100k. And it would need to be a year that could be financed with a R35k deposit.

That's close to 330i money - just putting it out there for you to consider ...

 

[Freak1]

Hi There,

The E36 is a demon of a car has both the comforts and power to make it enjoyable. I have the E46 318ti and i sorely miss the extra horses under the bonnet but most of that is due to the rims and tires i have.

Drove the 325Ti and i think its a suitable candidate to swop out the E36 because it looks nice nippy and has those extra comforts of a newer car

 

[L~C~G]

Do I even want to know what the insurance costs on a 330i?

My E36 328i is R750 a month!

 

[moranor@axis]

i dont think a 330i will be much more than a 328i

 

[Chucky]

Go For the TI

 

[Doomsdaya]

Do I even want to know what the insurance costs on a 330i?

My E36 328i is R750 a month!

My insurance is also steep, paying R480 + R250 for mechanical warranty

 

[Raybimmer]

e36 328i will stir the soul if money spent on it . IMHO the ti is ugly , so I would say buy it - some guys have ugly wives that make them happy !!!
328i had 142 kw and 280 nm , 325ti had 141kw and 245 nm , but a lower diff ratio than 328i so acceleration was ok .

 

[L~C~G]

Ok........................maybe I should look at it this way.

My biggest concern on my E36 is a problem with something on the rear suspension. When accelerating hard she squats down on the left. I also go through a set of rear tyres in about 7500kms. And its not my driving because they are worn on the inside only and the outside of the tyres are still perfect. She also sits a bit lower on the left rear when parked on a level surface.

If I switch the traction control off things really get rough. I can barely hold her straight under power in 1st and when hooking 2nd gear at 6000rpm it takes some serious correcting to keep in a straight line.

On the open road the back also feels a bit floaty.

Where can go I go in JHB to have this looked at by some one who knows what they are doing? I have had two mechanics and two tyre fitment places have a look and none of them could find anything wrong.

I do not appreciate being told there is nothing wrong, I know this car and it is not right.

If I could sort that suspension issue out without having to spend a fortune then the car may be worth hanging onto. If they come back and tell me the chassis is bent or something then I know what has to happen.