hey guys i was strolling around in my neighborhood and found a fairly nice bimmer laying around in a driveway. the "grandma" who died hardly used it and the brother is trying to get rid of it. its a 320i and its in good condition for an 86. I am test driving it today to see how it runs. I am a newbie and i dont know much about the differences with other models and such. its a 2-door, 5 speed with 160.000 miles. may any of you be generous enough to aid me with some details and if i should buy it for 2,000 flat. i want to get into driving (racing) but its my first car so i need some pointers if this is the car for me. thanks in advance
found a 320i 86
- Thread starter krups
- Start date
I don't know about the pricing as I am not from your part of the world, but the vehicle you are looking at is a good vehicle design. The problem with the 320's is that they offer only minimal increase in performance over a 318 (which is a 4cyl) and similar gas mileage to a 325 (which does have much more performance).
If you want to race it, you will want to buy a M325 with a Limited Slip Diff, or stick with the 320 and re-engine it, or do some crazy mods - like a 2.7L conversion. (Turboed Toyota 4ages seem to be quite a popular engine swap if you go down that road). None of this is cheap however.
If you want a good car (with great looks) that has the sound of a straight six, for modest money, and is a fantastic drive in my opinion, then it is for you. If you want a car that will be better setup for racing (ie require less modification) then I recommend a 325 or M325 (not an M3!, but the motorsport or sport version of the 325)
The kms are ok for a vehicle of that age, but you will need to think about a cam belt replacement, and the usual service and tune after you buy it. Look for any problems as you would with any car like rust, electrics that don't work, leaks etc.
Go test drive it, and come back with some questions, I will be happy to help if I can.
If you want to race it, you will want to buy a M325 with a Limited Slip Diff, or stick with the 320 and re-engine it, or do some crazy mods - like a 2.7L conversion. (Turboed Toyota 4ages seem to be quite a popular engine swap if you go down that road). None of this is cheap however.
If you want a good car (with great looks) that has the sound of a straight six, for modest money, and is a fantastic drive in my opinion, then it is for you. If you want a car that will be better setup for racing (ie require less modification) then I recommend a 325 or M325 (not an M3!, but the motorsport or sport version of the 325)
The kms are ok for a vehicle of that age, but you will need to think about a cam belt replacement, and the usual service and tune after you buy it. Look for any problems as you would with any car like rust, electrics that don't work, leaks etc.
Go test drive it, and come back with some questions, I will be happy to help if I can.
If it's in good shape, I think $2000 is a good deal for a 325es. My 325e coupe had about 250,000 miles on it when I bought it and I paid $1500. Basically the 325es is the same as a 325is except it has the 2.7L "eta" engine instead of the 2.5L higher revving engine in the 325is. That means the car you are looking at has a limited slip differential, sports suspension, sport seats, rear spoiler, etc.