1988 BMW 3 Series 325i from North America - Comments

Theres a clunking noise in the drivetrain which is hard to find (backlash of somesort when braking)

Within first 5,000 miles of owning it:

Waterpump, fouled plugs, fuel regulator, f/r shocks dead, passenger seat worn, driver side oddly not worn noticably.

Sunroof crank won't stay in the closed position, just dangles, dome light switch broken, a/c aux fan resistor, sway bar links, tie rods, control arms, f/r rotors and pads, left front headlight broken from rock.

At 165000:ignition coil, ignition wires, charcoal canister (got flooded and ruined by overfilling the gastank (previous owner) )

I love bmws, and about half of the stuff needed for the car was just 60,000 mile maintenence, although it had all legitimately gone bad. List cost on items is same as price for a 2004 bmw, your best bet is to buy things at a discount bmw place or ebay or something like that, otherwise it'll suck you dry of all your money.

I'll be selling this car soon and buying a e39 540i. I do too much long distance high speed driving, and the comfort level of the 540i is amazing. The 3 is a good fit overall for my 6'2" frame although the seats are not supportive especially in a highspeed windy road situation which I daily put my car through.

Very comfortable to drive at high speeds though, now that I replaced the shocks and springs. I drive my car daily to/from work at 95mph with no issues at all, although I wish it had a 5th gear in the automatic.

Always treat your BMW well by using full synthetic oil and the motor will last forever. My last 3 bmw's I've had run past 200k miles each with no real mechanical failures or lost compression. I always use Fram oil filters and castrol 10w-30 full synthetic and it runs like a champ, even when driven 100 miles a day at 95mph (which is about 4200rpm constant)

I agree with the comment about the 5 series being better for long trips and such. they are a more luxurious car in general.

I have the 87 325i convertible with automatic and at 95mph, mines turning only around 3700. is there a different gearing for the convertible or the 87 models?

Also, I know my car has 5 gear shifts. I have bet people to count the number and won every time, it shifts into an overdrive like mode at around 50mph everytime. what is up with this?

"I have the 87 325i convertible with automatic and at 95mph, mines turning only around 3700. is there a different gearing for the convertible or the 87 models?

Also, I know my car has 5 gear shifts. I have bet people to count the number and won every time, it shifts into an overdrive like mode at around 50mph everytime. what is up with this?"

NO, the 87 325i convertables are equipped the same as an I or an is in terms of powertrain gearing.

And no, your car does not have 5 gears to it's automatic, it has only 4. It could only be a locking torque converter that makes you think it's another gear, but it's only 4 speeds.

A much better car for highway driving, was my last e30 3 series, it was a 325es. at 100mph it would only be turning 3,000rpm's!!!

I'm considering to buy a BMW 325i 1988, it has never gone out during the winter and was always stored away in a heated garage, it has 150000 kilometers on the speedometer (98 798 miles) and always well taken care of so its in very good shape. Do you think there might be many expensive parts to change in the years to come or only the normal parts to change (brakes, fuel filter, oil, etc.) and would it be a good buy if I want a sportive vehicle. thanks.

I have a 1988 325i.. don't use it in winter when it snows or any type of percipitation.. it is a POS in snow.