325is - United Bimmer Community

**nsupra27** · 01-02-2006, 04:19 PM

I'm looking into getting a 92+ 325is, and I'm asking the people that own them, how well are they, how reliable, and what is the average price range for one.
I've seen quite a few on autotrader for around $5-7k.
I think they look great, nice engine(2.5L I-6 189hp, 181 ft-lbs tq.)

DEATH2000 · 01-02-2006, 05:24 PM

First, Welcome to United Bimmer!!!

The 3 series ia great car, specially the 325 and 328's. Average price is about $5-10k depending on year. Like a 95 would be your best bet. They are very reliable as long as they are properly maintaned and taken care of. So do some reasarch and look around, make sure u find the best one you can afford. You wont regret it.

**catalyst** · 01-02-2006, 05:28 PM

Price range is anywhere from 3500 for a higher mileage one, to 6500 for a mint lower mileage one.

They are reasonably fast, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds or so, good on gas, 23-24 city, 30 or so highway, and very reliable.

The cooling system is a weak link on these cars so make sure that it has been replaced before purchase, or be ready to drop some cash into the car.

Also, the bushings and alot of the suspension components on these cars wear out fast, so be ready to replace them as needed.. for a lot of them it would be a good idea to upgrade to aftermarket parts so that they dont wear out as fast.

The 92's had weaker subframes than later models, and had the non-vanos motor, which is actually more desirable to certain people.

**EuroStyle** · 01-02-2006, 06:12 PM

Quote:

The 92's had weaker subframes than later models, and had the non-vanos motor, which is actually more desirable to certain people.

+1
Non-vanos for teh win

-Matt

**xsperf** · 01-02-2006, 08:44 PM

yes, non vanos is more responsive.. and a better thing is that 92's usually go for much cheaper than the rest of the group, but the only downside is when you come to sell it, tis not any different

**nsupra27** · 01-03-2006, 12:05 AM

How would you rate the 92 and 93 from 94+?
Also, with one well taken care of, how many miles do you think it will go before it starts to need much bigger parts replaced, such as transmission, major engine work, major suspension work? Thanks.

**nsupra27** · 01-03-2006, 01:44 AM

Also, when it comes time for me to be buying one, which will probably be later this year after all the snow is gone, where would be the best place to look for one and to have the best deals. Autotrader.com is a pretty good place, but it seems it might be hard to find one near where I live(Ohio).

**EuroStyle** · 01-03-2006, 07:06 AM

Quote:

How would you rate the 92 and 93 from 94+?
Also, with one well taken care of, how many miles do you think it will go before it starts to need much bigger parts replaced, such as transmission, major engine work, major suspension work? Thanks.

First off, this is impossible to tell because every owner of a car treats the car differently. Some owner’s neglect the regular maintenance, which in turn only speeds up the process of bigger components breaking.
The only difference w/ the 325 was the 92 (non-vanos) and 93-95 (vanos motors). There really is no significant difference in the actual cars only parts of the engine. And if you don't know about bmws’ its just two damn hard to explain.

Quote:

Also, when it comes time for me to be buying one, which will probably be later this year after all the snow is gone, where would be the best place to look for one and to have the best deals. Autotrader.com is a pretty good place, but it seems it might be hard to find one near where I live(Ohio).

Two things to look for when you are purchasing your car. First and most important, documented service records. This is the best indicator to determine how well the owner took care of his/her car. Second, appearance. If the engine is mechanically sound, but the body/interior suck you still aren't getting what you paid for.
I am also from Ohio

(I live in Cincinnati) if you want some help looking for cars when the time comes, let me know.

-Matt

**zeit00** · 01-03-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catalyst

The 92's had weaker subframes than later models, and had the non-vanos motor, which is actually more desirable to certain people.

Weaker subframes? I have not heard that. They look identical from a 92 to a 99... The only difference was the M3 enforcement mounts.

As far as reliability goes. My car has 258,000 miles on it and is just showing its age. But everyone that has ridden in my car (even M3 owners) are tottaly suprised by the car. It has tourque everywhere.

I personally don't like the "feel" of the 93+, but there is absoultley nothing wrong with them. They are great cars. My advice... drive both. see what you like.