Looking to buy 92 or newer 325i

[sarge]

My wife and I are looking to buy a 325i 1992 or newer. Are there any problem areas I should look for. We are looking at one in particular with 145K. It seems decent, but It feels like it is very sluggish for the first few seconds of acceloration. After it is rolling it seems the acceloration is OK. Also seems that there is a clunk from the rear suspension on bumpy roads. I intend on getting it on a lift today to see what is going on, but would like any input you can give.

Thanks

Sarge

 

[huhtafamily]

careful

Our sons each have 1996 BMW's, both have suffered clear coat failure and the local company has been arrogant and not willing to help, even though this is a documented problem in some 1996's. We paid $12,000 and $14,000 for these as used cars several years ago for our sons. Maintenance has been VERY high which we accept, but the clear coat failure might be the last straw. Be very careful--I always wanted a red BMW and now, finally, when money was no object, the disappointment is huge for ours sons and us. We had the white 325 repainted last summer and to see it this morning on the red 318i is just . . .

 

[Faze]

I bought a 93 325i late last year, and I didn't have much money to spend (none really), so I was limited in what I could afford. My supension is also clunky in the rear. This is most likely the rear upper shock mount. It's about a $50 part. I need to just replace the whole suspension but again, $$$ is the issue. I know that bimmers are expensive to maintain, but I had to have a nice car. Even though mine is a bit of a basket case, and I raced it (autocross), so now it's even worse, I still love it.

Mine is also a bit sluggish on the acceleration, more so lately. I am about to order a K&N airfilter ($40-50) and I hope that will help. My current filter is pretty gross, and it's my bad for not replacing it long ago. I also warped my rotors racing. They were brand new too. Darn it!

I think you will like the 325 no matter the issues. I love the recaro (based, or real?) leather seats, very much like the recaros in my VW GTI that I previously had. The interior ergonomics are excellent. Everything is laid out intelligently and accessible. Even down to the dead pedal being in the ideal place. I drive my mom's S4 (also '93), and though her car has a higher trim level, I prefer mine on driving comfort alone.

I know if I could dump a few grand into her, she would be a top notch ride. Hopefully I can do just that someday soon. I'll be sticking with BMW until I can afford my Porsche.

-Joe

 

[f1racer77]

The sluggish acceleration is due to a dirty air filter, and I almost certain the clunk in the rear suspension is a trailing arm bushing. Get it replaced soon or it will burn the rear tire out.