1992 BMW 3 Series 325i from UK and Ireland - Comments

Overall this has been a very reliable car. I drive it hard once up to full temperature and love that 6-cylinder engine :-)

A trait of the early e36's is water pump failure. BMW fitted water pumps with plastic impellers. Over time these break and your car overheats. If you are very unlucky then all the bits of plastic will be sent round the cooling system causing blockages. Also if you don't notice you may overheat and do serious terminal head damage. Read 1000ukp+ to repair.

Why am I saying this? I learnt the hard way! Luckily though all I needed was a new pump. I knew of this fault when I bought the car, but didn't replace the pump as a precaution. If you have a pre 95 with the M50/M52 engine then please change that pump! Its 27ukp from eurocarparts and is very easy to fit. Less than an hours work for an average home mechanic.

I also had a rear wheel bearing done.

The car just flew through its MOT and I was very happy and suprised.

This is the E36 version (91-98)

My cars first owner (chartered accountant) had it for 9 years. The first 3 of those were as his company car and then he bought it from the Lease Company. It's a fantastic spec and has over 5k worth of options. Sunroof, climate, air con, computer, cruise control, auto gearbox, extended wiring loom (???), spoiler. You get the picture! Total cost was 28k, nearly the same as the current 325i!

Second owner had it for 2 years and also looked after it very well.

I bought it in February this year. Even though it is now 10 years old I can say it still drives very well. Rear suspension may need some work soon, but there is nothing of major expense. I've added late e36 coupe alloys, white 'm3 style' light kit, parking sensors, sports interior from a 98 328i sport and my private plate. It looks just like a 98 car now. Tasteful mods I think and nothing overboard or non BMW.

The coupe handles so much better than the saloon as it has the full MTEC suspension. My old e36 318i was a bit like jelly in comparison, but still a nice car all the same.

These cars are currently crashing price wise. Grab a nice one now before the boyracers ruin them and it will last you for years. Much better than a 12 month old boring corsa or fiesta!

To be honest parts and servicing are also very reasonable. I get mine 'oil' serviced at a main dealer and do all the other bits and pieces myself. Last service including full valet and courtesy (e46 316I) car came to 70 quid! The dealer I use is Preston Hall in Stockton.

Go on, buy that BMW you have always wanted :-)

I would like to say thank you to the guy who wrote this. I'm a 22 yr old girlie who loves the coupes. Just this morning I put a deposit on a 1992 J Red 318is Coupe - much against my families disagreement. They've heard the stories - oh they over heat - bad news etc. I can now go back with this... and a new pump in hand and say 'sorted'. As I know nothing about cars - its good to hear comments from those who know and can help others out. Cheers mate - hopefully my dad will stay off my case now :-)

My pleasure, glad to help.

I've still got the car and touch wood its still going strong with 130k miles. I was thinking of bottling out and selling, but as they are currently worth zilch and I still get a buzz driving it, she can stay!

If you need any help or advice with your BM give me a shout!

Cheers.

Ash.

Hi, I enjoyed your write up, and the lady I am about to take one on. K reg 325i Deep Metallic Blue, Boot spoiler, will have 'Angel Eyes' fitted, chrome over wheel arches and mirrors (may have these removed) low mileage and been in the family for 7 years, so I am fully aware of its history.

Selling my 'tired' Omega Elite. Great car, but I don't need a big car to cart all the baby gear around anymore. Plenty of room in the rear of the BMW for my little one. Think I may trying to relive my youth before I hit 40.

Great Comments about your car and looking forward to my delivery Dec '04'.

Please e-mail because I would be interested in the pit-falls of owner one of these.

Thanks

leecpearson@ntlworld.com

Sorry, forgot e-mail address

leecpearson@ntlworld.com.

Hi All.

Just a quick question for anyone out there, especially to the person doing the review on the 325i. :-)

I have a 325i coupe and have recently purchased an M3 Evo SMG rear bumper, this comes complete with the parking sensors.

Basically, I just wondered how easy these were to fit to the 325i which don't come with the sensors as standard.

If anyone has any information regarding this then please could you contact me on scott@scooner.co.uk.

Thanks very much.

Scott.