[Justonegear]

I'm looking to buy a 3 Series as a restoration project say 82-93, what would be my best choice. Considering parts still available and those that were mostly free of problems. What is the popular choice. Thanks for the help. Happy Motoring

 

[downhiller]

89-91 i or is. plastic bumpers look better, has the 2.5 which has more mods available.

 

[JohnMadd]

89-91 i or is. plastic bumpers look better, has the 2.5 which has more mods available.

+1 or an M3.:thumbup:

 

[Hairy325is]

completely agree i have the 89 is model and love it and cant wait to finish it.

 

[Justonegear]

Thank You, any preference on 4 or 6 cylinder engines ???? and a side note will a 84 318 motor work in a 89-91 318 ????? thanks again

 

[_Ethrty-Andy_]

Thank You, any preference on 4 or 6 cylinder engines ???? and a side note will a 84 318 motor work in a 89-91 318 ????? thanks again

yes, get the 6. no that wont work. they have different engines

 

[wag-zhp]

There is nothing wrong with the 1.8 liter motor. The 2.5 is just so much more powerful. The chasis is basically the same, but having the larger engine really makes the car come alive.

 

[Justonegear]

What is the difference in fuel mileage ???? with the 1.8 vs the 2.5 ? given they are both in tip top shape. thanks

 

[_Ethrty-Andy_]

What is the difference in fuel mileage ???? with the 1.8 vs the 2.5 ? given they are both in tip top shape. thanks

in all honesty pretty much nothing. depends on your driving style really, if you cruise at speed then the 2.5 is going to be better, and if you sit in traffic all day in idleing then its going to make no difference. 2.5 is better as a restoration project as youll be more happy with the extra power on tap (over half as much again as the 1.8

 

[Hairy325is]

The six is much better in my oppinion too, it is just fun to drive.

 

[JohnMadd]

What is the difference in fuel mileage ???? with the 1.8 vs the 2.5 ? given they are both in tip top shape. thanks

Get the 6. I get almost 25 city and 28 highway...and I floor it at almost every light and onramp to the interstate. Parts are more available also.

 

[03bmw525i]

Love my 87 325E. True, not as quick off the line as the smaller 325i 2.5--the 325E actually is a 2.7L. But, with the 5spd tranny it is very torquey, and reaches max torque at lower revs--the tach redlines at 5-6 rather than the 6-7 rpm of the 325i. Lower revs and fewer moving parts = longer lasting. I have 186k and no re-build yet. No oil being burned. Great gas mileage, too. 26 city 32 highway.

 

[downhiller]

Love my 87 325E. True, not as quick off the line as the smaller 325i 2.5--the 325E actually is a 2.7L. But, with the 5spd tranny it is very torquey, and reaches max torque at lower revs--the tach redlines at 5-6 rather than the 6-7 rpm of the 325i. Lower revs and fewer moving parts = longer lasting. I have 186k and no re-build yet. No oil being burned. Great gas mileage, too. 26 city 32 highway.

redline for the eta is 4500rpm where the 2.5 is 5500

 

[Justonegear]

What is the difference between the 318i, 325i models vs the 318is, 325is, for those years 1989-1991 ????? thanks

 

[JohnMadd]

redline for the eta is 4500rpm where the 2.5 is 5500

2.5 is 6300

What is the difference between the 318i, 325i models vs the 318is, 325is, for those years 1989-1991 ????? thanks

i=4 doors
is=2 doors