E36 325i vs 328i vs their coupe variants

[Ozimandius]

Here's another pointless thread from my end asking for your wisdom...

After scrapping my plans for going for the E36 M3 Evo II, I've been thinking, what's the harm in buying (info from Wiki) if it's cheap:

1) E36 325i Sedan, '93 to '95
(192 PS, 141 kW, 189 HP @ 5900 / 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 4200)

2) E36 325i Coupe, '92 to '95
(192 PS, 141 kW, 189 hp @ 5900 / 245 N·m (181 lb·ft) @ 4200)

3) E36 328i Sedan, '94 to '98
(193 PS, 142 kW, 190 hp @ 5300 / 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 3950)

4) E36 328i Coupe, '95 to '99
(193 PS, 142 kW, 190 hp @ 5300 / 280 N·m (210 lb·ft) @ 3950)

Is there any difference between the 325i '91 and '95, except for the power delivery at higher RPMs?
Are they lighter or heavier than the other?
They're all pretty cheap these days, and I'd love to know why. Is it because they're abused, and a PITA to maintain?
Are they fun cars to drive, but easy to maintain at the same time?
Does the sedan have any advantage over the coupe and vice versa (except the 2 extra doors, seats at the back that can be used, and lower insurance rates?)
What's the advantage of the 328 over the 325? The only thing I can see is the 1 HP and huge torque, is it worth the extra price?

Link to source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_3_Series_%28E36%29

[Ozimandius]

Bump! :(

[Ayham]

Sedan E36 VS Coupe E36: Sedan has a better torsional rigidity compared to the coupe. Hence most racing teams opt for the 4-door.

I've owned the M50 and M52 E36's, loved the M52's torque and "cruise-ability" that offers, but the M50 had a better higher end (research OBDI VS OBDII intake manifolds).

They are cheap now because most are abused. E36 interiors are notorious for sloppy plastics, rivets, gaskets, relays, etc...But they are the best chassis BMW has ever offered to date.

[Ozimandius]

Many thanks :D

1) What would be the average price of these? I know it's a vague question, but what's the maximum I could/should pay for one?

2) What would the average mileage be?

There are loads on Dubizzle, ranging from 6500 to 15000! If I'll be buying one, I'll need to get it sorted then cleaned up/de-riced.

So between the 325 and 328, which one's easier to live with/maintain, tune? I'll research on the OBD thing in a bit. So I guess the convertible ones are out of the question because they might be a money pit?

I found these:
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/classified...6/bmw-325-i-2/
http://abudhabi.dubizzle.com/classif...onvertiable-3/
http://abudhabi.dubizzle.com/classif...325is-coupe-3/
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/classified...ed-final-pr-2/
http://sharjah.dubizzle.com/classifi...i-for-sale-12/
http://sharjah.dubizzle.com/classifi...-coupe-6000-2/
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/classified...or-6500-aed-2/
http://dubai.dubizzle.com/classified...convertable-2/

[SHkater]

http://abudhabi.dubizzle.com/classif...325is-coupe-3/ this 1 belongs to a member "ws86". Good luck with your purchase!

[springz]

I think its overpriced tho..
I've always loved the E36 Sedan more than the Coupe.. :)
Thanx for the info Ozimandius n ayham

[HeLL-BoY]

Sedan E36 VS Coupe E36: Sedan has a better torsional rigidity compared to the coupe. Hence most racing teams opt for the 4-door.

I've owned the M50 and M52 E36's, loved the M52's torque and "cruise-ability" that offers, but the M50 had a better higher end (research OBDI VS OBDII intake manifolds).

They are cheap now because most are abused. E36 interiors are notorious for sloppy plastics, rivets, gaskets, relays, etc...But they are the best chassis BMW has ever offered to date.

Agree.....they have the best chassis. Infact easy maintenance coz less electronics compared to the newer models

[SewerSideUp]

I'd go for the 325i. It's revs happily compared to the 328i, it's focused for more top end power rather then low end. Both are bulletproof engines, the M50B25 is less prone to problems due to less electronics, late model M52B28s had electric throttle for example. And the M50B25 is an OBDI motor, so simpler everything, basically more effective!

The OBDI intake manifold thing is better breathing at higher RPMs because of bigger ports and better runners on the M50B25 vs the M52B28.

You can even get an early M50B25 without VANOS, but you'd be lucky to find one that's done below 200,000kms.

Remember I'm coming from a more track focused point rather then a cruiser point. They will both do each others job nicely, but one is better than the other in its own.

The sedan has more rigidity because of the center pillars but it is 50kgs heavier. Sure, you can strip it out but you can't loose the rear doors completely.

Looks wise, Coupe over Sedan anyday! And convertible with hard top over both!!

Which one is superior depends on what you want to do with the car. And may I ask why you ditched the M3 EVOII ?