1991 BMW 3 Series Consumer Discussions

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: In the market... [m6user]

  Written by: plekto on Sep 18, 2011 9:24:59 AM

  When you could get a car the size of a Crown Vic back in 1965 that weighed only 3000lbs, with maybe 2lbs of plastic (knobs and so on) and the only aluminum in it at all was in the engine block itself, yes, we've come back to the 1970s all over again. At 3500-3600 lbs and a wheelbase that's just under two inches shorter than a Buick LaCrosse, the current 3 ... Read More

• Re: spy shots of 2012 TL [plekto]

  Written by: shipo on Sep 29, 2010 3:23:50 AM

  The problem is that, in this era of airbags, anti-crush passenger zones, and gizmo packed cars, I seriously doubt any company could build your "real sport sedan" for an affordable price. FWIW #1, the 2011 328i weighs in at 3,362 pounds, only 165 pounds more than my 1999 328i. Not too shabby. FWIW #2, the last time a 3-Series sedan with an I6 engine weighed 3,000 or less was 1991 (although ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Life time maintenance cost? [roadburner]

  Written by: busiris on Jul 9, 2010 9:40:23 PM

  No US spec BMW has had a timing belt since late 1991. I wasn't sure about the specifics, but I also thought that no current model BMW's used timing belts.

• Re: Life time maintenance cost? [srs_49]

  Written by: roadburner on Jun 28, 2010 1:54:12 PM

  No US spec BMW has had a timing belt since late 1991.

318ti fan problems

• Re: 318ti fan problems [leroy69]

  Written by: roadburner on Jun 15, 2010 9:09:24 PM

  The guy for some reason had to mess with the wiring, something about it being in the wrong position or something, the replacement engine, apparently was a slightly different edition (his words) Here's what almost certainly happened: You original engine was an M42, and your "mechanic" has installed an M44 motor, which is used in later tis(@10/95-on). The M42 has an OBD I engine management system while the M42 uses the ... Read More

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: Help for the weary [slance66]

  Written by: roadburner on May 24, 2010 10:36:59 AM

  No US spec BMW engine has used a timing belt since late 1991. The cooling system is the only major issue. Most owners practice preventative maintenance and replace the water pump, thermostat, and radiator at @100K miles. My indie shop charged me @$1000 to do the work on my wife's 528i back in 2005(it's an easy afternoon DIY job but it was the middle of winter and my wife needed the ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: What oil consumption should I expect in the first 3000 miles [kominsky]

  Written by: bhill2 on Nov 20, 2009 12:52:35 PM

  Thanks, kominsky. I am a newby to this forum (1st BMW) and you saved me some searching. As luck would have it, in 1991 I bought an '85 Mercedes with 70,000 miles and was concerned when it burned oil at the rate of a quart every 3000 miles (i.e. it was down a quart at every oil change). 190,000 miles later it's still doing it. As long as it isn't a ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• Re: 3er for my son [erickpl]

  Written by: roadburner on Dec 17, 2008 9:27:39 AM

  Anybody have any input on performance of these 4cyls? I have experience with BMW's I-6 and V8, but not their 4 cylinder. How is acceleration? Longevity? That 318 has about 138k on it, so I have a concern for reliability. The M42/M44 engines produce @140 bhp stock. They develop most of their usable power above 3500 rpm so you have to shift accordingly. An E30 318is will knock out a 0-60 ... Read More

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: LS400 / Q45 [habitat1]

  Written by: fedlawman on Jan 9, 2008 4:27:52 PM

  It's not just the luxury cars. The MSRP's of the 1991 Nissan 300ZX Turbo, Mitsubishi 3000GT VR-4, and BMW M3 were all in the mid to upper $30K's. Considering that today, $35K buys a 300hp Subaru STi or BMW 135i, you can see just how exotically priced those early-90's halo cars truly were. On the other hand, I guess one has to consider the cost of the technology back then to ... Read More

• LS400 / Q45

  Written by: habitat1 on Jan 9, 2008 3:54:46 PM

  Back when the Lexus LS400 and Infiniti Q45 first came out, I was working for a Fortune 500 company and every other VP and SVP started looking at them. Some of it was the better price/value they offered, but at least as much of it was the fear of expensive repairs and maintenace headaches. Lexus gave very good luxury- albeit in a boring to drive chassis - with Toyota like dependability. ... Read More

BMW 3-Series - AWD or RWD?

• Re: Speaking of AWD [circlew]

  Written by: roadburner on Dec 12, 2007 8:49:44 AM

  If I wanted a BMW track car, M3, please. A REAL -E30- M Drei, I'd hope... ;) And once again, I wouldn't rule out an E28 M5. Then again, as I mentioned in another topic- Some poor sod up the road from me has a 1991 318i four door for sale. The guy spent a ton of money(rebuilt engine, clutch, radiator, and so on) on and now wants to get out ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• Re: E30s [sunilb]

  Written by: roadburner on Dec 5, 2007 10:56:51 AM

  So, I'm contemplating picking up an E30 (specifically a 318is)... anyone have any experiences with these? Anything I should look out for? Great cars. A LOT of BMW for the money. The M42 engine had a problem with what BMW calls the "profile gasket" , but any cars that suffered from than problem should have had the gasket replaced with the upgraded part years ago. The E30 318is didn't come with ... Read More

Article Comments - Comparison Test: 2007-2008 Sport Sedans

• Re: CTS [circlew]

  Written by: sevenfeet0 on Nov 28, 2007 11:04:55 AM

  I would disagree. Cadillac was world class for much of its early life and certainly through the hey day years of the 20's and 30's where it was one of the marques you hired a custom coachbuilder to make you a unique vehicle. V12 and V16 engines were available. The 40's and 50's were highlighted by new and increasingly radical styling along with the first OHV engines. The long decline in ... Read More

Volvo S40 vs BMW 3 Series

• Re: sorry bmw [dhanley]

  Written by: cubanomx on Jun 22, 2007 1:40:20 PM

  As I say before, the Volvo name has become synonymous with strength and reliability. See this $81 million dollar Volvo Safety Center, the most technologically advanced crash-test facility in the world: http://www.driveandstayalive.com/info%20section/crash%20testing/crash-testing-centers_volvo.htm "Volvo's crash laboratory is the most advanced in the world. It has two test tracks, one permanent and one movable, which can be turned by as much as 90 degrees. Advanced laser technology ensures that every test is conducted ... Read More

Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

• Re: All those names... [hauss]

  Written by: shipo on Mar 11, 2007 7:31:00 PM

  hauss, blueguydotcom is referring to the nomenclature for the specific BMW models. A quick cheat sheet (off the top of my head so may be off by a year here and there) is as follows: 3-Series: E30 -- 1983-1991 E36 -- 1991-1998 E46 -- 1999-2005 E90 -- 2006- (Coupe version called E92) 5-Series: E28 -- 1982-1988 E34 -- 1988-1996 E39 -- 1997-2003 E60 -- 2004- Options: ZPP -- Premium Package ZSP ... Read More

BMW 335i 2007+

• Re: 3 series stick [dhamilton]

  Written by: div2 on Nov 14, 2006 10:17:30 AM

  Bottom line, most BMW buyers are badge buyers... Yep, I call them BMW wearers. Sadly, they've been around for some time. Back in 1991 I was judging a CCA chapter concours, and I asked the owner of a pristine E28 M5 how the car handled on the track. He looked at me as if I'd asked him if he bred goats in the back seat...

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Comprehensive list of items at 60k [luckybill]

  Written by: div2 on Jul 16, 2006 9:11:25 PM

  Hello, I have a 1991 318is that is our babe! Sweet car. One of my favorites. I need to locate the fuel pump. It is located in the fuel tank. A brief DIY pictorial can be found here. The later model 3ers are very similar so this DIY page should also be of help. If you are replacing the pump be sure to get either a BMW or a Bosch pump-and ... Read More

• Re: 1995 318ic convertible Should I buy [Mr_Shiftright]

  Written by: div2 on Jul 9, 2006 9:07:15 AM

  You might want to check when the timing belt is due on that car. I think it's at 60K?? The M42 engine has a timing chain. As a matter of fact all BMW four cylinders sold in the US used timing chains. The only US-spec BMW engine that used a belt-the M20 "small" six-was replaced by the M50 in 1991/1992.

• Comprehensive list of items at 60k

  Written by: choco325 on Mar 17, 2006 11:53:46 AM

  Im not sure about 60k but when you get close to 70k or so make sure that you check your water pump bearing play. I have had three BMWs (1984 318i, 1991 325, and currently own a 1994 325is with 92,000 miles.) I generally replace most parts myself because I used to be a mechanic. Each of my cars required by 85,000-90,000 a water pump, radiator,thermostat,belt and sometimes idler pulley.I had ... Read More

BMW 3-series vs Lexus IS

• Re: Biturbo BMW 3 series? [brightness04]

  Written by: kdshapiro on Feb 21, 2006 8:00:51 AM

  "Supra Turbo, 320hp on 3L), Nissan in 1991 (300ZX, 300hp on 3L" Forget about the past, they couldn't build the same car today due to changed air pollution regulations. so let's compare 2003 and above. A Duesseldorf also had an incredible engine, you couldn't build the same engine today. "If you meant the "incredibly well" tuned description for the non-turbo engine, Acura NSX as early as 1991 had close to 300hp ... Read More

• Re: Biturbo BMW 3 series? [kdshapiro]

  Written by: brightness04 on Feb 21, 2006 7:59:21 AM

  Also, the hyperbole about redlining at 9k, probably intended as a barb at Honda/Acura, is also ill-conceived. The 1991 Acura NSX was spec'ed at 270hp (actually more power than that) at 7000rpm, whereas 2006 BMW 330i makes 255 at 6600rpm. 6600/7000 * 270 = 255! In other words, the NSX was probably making more than 255hp even at 6600rpm simply because the turque curve is sloping down rapidly approaching power peak. ... Read More

• Re: Biturbo BMW 3 series? [kdshapiro]

  Written by: brightness04 on Feb 21, 2006 7:29:38 AM

  That's because BMW tunes their engines incredibly well.. It's still a 3L engine that produces over 300 hp and doesn't have to be redlined at 9K to do it Let's see, Toyota accomplished that in 1993 (Supra Turbo, 320hp on 3L), Nissan in 1991 (300ZX, 300hp on 3L), and Mitsubishi in 1991 (3000GT, 300hp on 3L). If you meant the "incredibly well" tuned description for the non-turbo engine, Acura NSX as ... Read More

Best new or used vehicle for $30,000

• Another good topic Calidave

  Written by: fedlawman on Jan 2, 2006 5:52:44 PM

  And a little closer to my price (comfort) zone... 1995 Porsche 911 Carrera 2 1991 BMW M3 2006 Mitsubishi Evo RS 2005 Subaru WRX STi 2004 VW R32 2006 Mini Cooper S

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• dave 330i

  Written by: seivwrig on Nov 21, 2002 2:47:38 PM

  I learned to drive manual in 1991, while in college. It was kind of funny. I came home one summer. My stepfather had bought a Mitsubishi Colt. He did not realize that I could drive a manual until I took my mother and his car to the grocery store. My love for a manual really depends on the car. My Ford Ranger is a manual. It is a 4-cyl, so from ... Read More

Good, Bad or Ugly - Current and Future styling trends of BMW

• Modern BMWs....

  Written by: merc1 on Aug 3, 2005 2:47:27 AM

  While I've always liked BMWs they have slipped behind Audi in design, imo. My favorites of the past are the original 6-Series Coupe, 1989-1995 5-Series and the 1991-1997 8-Series, which I'm most likely in the minority on. The current models: 2006 3-Series - Not nearly as bad as the 2002 7-Series and about tied with the current 5-Series. Since I know a coupe and a convertible are coming I'll wait to ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• devil78

  Written by: div2 on Jun 17, 2005 8:36:38 AM

  The ti is the hatchback that was sold in the US from 1995-1989. It is @9" shorter than the coupe or sedan, and it uses the rear suspension from the 1984-1991 Threes. You'll hear lots of(mostly bogus) horror stories about BMW repair costs, but the truth is that Threes of your vintage are quite reliable and repair costs are very reasonable.Over almost ten years and 97000 miles my 1995 has cost ... Read More

BMW 318ti

• suggestions needed to buy 1991 318i sedan

  Written by: 6688 on Jul 28, 2002 8:38:30 PM

  I have some idea of buying this BMW: 1991 318i, second-owner, sunroof black standard, new rims, tires, mileage: around 137 thousand. Some scratches on the surface of hood and some cracks inside. I am a Ph.D student, tight budget. What's the best price for this car? Thanks a lot.

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• Wagons

  Written by: 1pierce on Aug 9, 2002 10:22:49 AM

  First let me say: I like station wagons. We had a Subaru Forester (which is a wagon, not an SUV, don't let them kid you), and we liked it alot. I could easily see us having a Volvo or Audi wagon or an Outback. But, let me explain my "opinion" of wagons, and why I made the comment I did. 1. Wagons are great for hauling people (but inferior to a ... Read More

• a history of automotive infidelity.

  Written by: getz1 on Jul 19, 2002 8:30:42 AM

  -1986 Pontiac 6000 LE -1986 Chevy Z28 totalled >> 1986 V6 Camaro for insurance purposes -1988 Honda Accord -1989 Honda Prelude -1991 Honda Prelude -1993 Hyundai Elantra -1996 Nissan Sentra -1996 Infiniti G20 -1997 Toyota Paseo -1999 infiniti G20 -1999 BMW 323i (E46) -2000 Honda Civic -2000 Honda Accord V6 Coupe -2001 Honda Accord V6 Sedan -2001 Nissan Pathfinder -2002 Nissan Maxima When I married my wife I told her she ... Read More

• Car History

  Written by: midtowneast on Jul 18, 2002 4:50:09 PM

  I haven't posted in a in a while anyway here they are, 1985 Honda Accord hatch first car totaled 1987 Mazda 626 lx stolen twice in three months it did not return the second time 1985 Toyota celica gt good car long 2nd gear, totaled 1983 Honda Accord Lx a good get around car totaled 1993 Honda Accord EX got this one new, its still my work car 115,000 and counting. ... Read More

• re: Don

  Written by: JingleJill on Jul 18, 2002 5:11:05 AM

  I ended up ordering with John Roberts in Austin. They wanted to play in the "game" and when my husband and I orginally drove up there for some test drives, we liked the salesman. No pressure. Even had us drive a used M3 that he knew we had no interest in purchasing. So, when I decided to buy, I called him and asked if he wanted to "play" the game. He ... Read More

• I'll tag along

  Written by: seivwrig on Jul 18, 2002 12:29:52 AM

  Been young, I have not owned many cars. I have owned more bicycles. Also, been British, I grew up on mass transit (aka buses and trains). 1984 Pontiac Sunbird Station Wagon-My parent's car bought new while in Syracuse, NY. Learned to drive on this car. No appeal when your a teenager trying to pickup women in Miami Beach. In 1988, I bought a 1978 Mercury Zephyr coupe. I was big and ... Read More

• My list...

  Written by: div2 on Jul 17, 2002 9:08:26 PM

  In order of purchase: 1974 Monte Carlo-bought new. Added: 3.42 gears, Edelbrock Performer Intake, recalibrated(by me)Q-Jet carb, Crane Hi-Torque Cam, Blackjack headers, CBQ Turbo Mufflers, Mallory Unilite/MSD-5A ignition, B&M Transpak Shift kit, Monroe Gas Magnum shocks, 15X7 Cragar SS wheels, Michelin X tires. At full throttle the sled would chirp the tires on the 1-2 and 2-3 upshifts. 1969 Datsun SPl-311 roadster-bought used in 1977. Intended to restore it and never ... Read More

• JingleJill et al.

  Written by: eos on Jul 17, 2002 4:02:19 PM

  My vote would be Orient Blue -- it's a bit less common than black, and may show swirl marks, etc. a it less (anyway, my wife wanted it, so she got it). It's a beautiful color, IMHO. The last few posts make me feel a little less old, but ... 1955 Chevy BelAir (saved for me by my Dad, and totaled by me sophomore year of college). 1962 Renault Dauphine (summer ... Read More

• chronology

  Written by: erickpl on Jul 17, 2002 7:58:55 AM

  Okay, here goes... 1985 - parents 1985 Mazda 626 - totalled in a car wreck - my fault - manual 1986 - bought 1976 Chevy Monte Carlo - banana yellow with black tint and a 4' antenna. Looked like a dang bumble bee! - swivel seats in front - auto - relatively few problems (mainly electrical because somebody crossed jump start cables) 350 V8 that would about die when the gas ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Maintenance and Repair

• ally

  Written by: div2 on Aug 19, 2004 7:18:42 PM

  The 1984-1991 BMW Three Series cars have proven to be reliable and durable. However, they do require regular maintenance. A good independent BMW specialist will charge around $150-$200 for an Inspection I(15000 mile service) and $350-$400 for an Inspection II(30000 miles). Figure $50-$75 every 7500 miles for an oil change using synthetic oil and factory filters. Brake fluid needs to be changed on an annual basis, coolant semi-annually. If you would ... Read More

• Possible BMW buyer

  Written by: ally on Aug 19, 2004 5:10:21 PM

  I have the opportunity to purchase a 1991 BMW 325i convertible with 97000 miles on it. Since I am currenly an owner of a bottom line Ford, I am a bit apprehensive to buy a car with so many miles on it. If it breaks down it will be a struggle to pay for repairs due to my low income. I haven't been able to find any reports on it in ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• looking for info

  Written by: sunilb on Apr 30, 2004 5:24:04 PM

  Anyone know of a good place to find more information on the E30 (ie, BMW 325i circa 1989-1991)? Or, if any of you have one, could you post a review?

• Brave

  Written by: 1pierce on Jun 4, 2002 9:21:59 AM

  Boy, lots of spirited discussion last weekend while I was away. Sorry I missed it. Brave: I was mistaken. I thought the only option you had on your car was SP. I must have been thinking of somebody else. It sounds like you got nearly the exact same car I almost bought, before I decided that I would miss the luxury items more than the added handling and cool seats of ... Read More

• brutus85

  Written by: kyfdx on Jan 24, 2004 1:07:34 PM

  I can't speak for the value or costs in buying a BMW of that age, but I do have a recommendation on the model. 1991 325is This was the final year for that body style. The 325is has the bigger of the two engines available, and has all the sport options including a little lip spoiler in the rear. It is only available in the two-door coupe. The '91 has nice ... Read More

• ddblue

  Written by: div2 on Dec 11, 2003 9:33:23 PM

  Back in 1991 I was helping judge a CCA chapter's fall concours. One couple had brought their immaculate E28 M5. I asked them how it handled on the track, and they looked at me like I'd asked them if they let goats mate in the back seat. Pathetic. When I eventually nab a 2002tii Turbo and an M1 I can assure you that they will see a few different road circuits ... Read More

• BMW325 RWD or 325xi AWD 2003 or 2004?

  Written by: indigo320 on Aug 22, 2003 9:23:37 AM

  I am deciding between these 2 models have owned 1981 320i and 1991 318is 5speed,been very happy with my BMWs but every winter put 4 snow tires and extra weight in trunk, which helped with traction..Now with the new traction/stability control in 325 is that helpful,or is worth extra money for 325xi?

• Tell me what you know about 1991 325i

  Written by: cshrock on Jul 20, 2003 6:25:54 PM

  I am new to BMW's. I have my eye on a 1991 325i convertible, appearance great, 68k miles, new top.($8990) I want to use it for zipping around town. (my van is too big) Please tell me what you know about: maintenance cost, common problems, reliability. Is there anything I should be careful to look for when test driving?

• mjvchicago

  Written by: div2 on Apr 24, 2003 9:35:56 PM

  Ignore the advice of the Geo-driving "expert". The E30(1984-1991 Three Series) is still held in high regard by thousands of BMW enthusiasts. The best bang for the buck would be a 325is; the only real down side is that the M20 "small six" engine has a timing belt which must be changed every 60K miles. I'd avoid the '84-'85 318i as well as the 325e. The 1991 318is is a sweet ... Read More

BMW European Delivery

• ED Part 2

  Written by: shipo on Mar 3, 2003 6:59:40 AM

  Regarding negotiations with the dealer: I got on the BMWUSA web site, obtained the name and phone number of the four closest dealers (all within 15 miles), that took 10 minutes, tops. I then called the first dealer, got a salesman on the phone and said, "Will you sell me a 530i via the BMW European Delivery Program for $1,500 over ED Invoice?" His response was, "Hmmm, we don't usually do ... Read More

BMW 3-Series: FAQ

• ladolceboy

  Written by: div2 on Jun 24, 2002 5:42:30 PM

  The 1992-1993 3ers had quite a few teething problems. Also, prior to 1994 the 1.8 engine had a problem with failures of what BMW calls the "profile gasket". I would want a qualified BMW tech go over the car with a fine-toothed comb. I would also want a full service history showing that oil, coolant, and brake fluid were changed at the specified intervals. If I couldn't afford a 1994-up, I ... Read More

• Used 325i

  Written by: mikeg444 on Jun 7, 2002 11:43:45 AM

  I am in the market for a E30 (1989-1991) series BMW 325i/is and wanted some opinions from those who have owned such a car. I have been devoted to Honda and Toyota for 20 years but I really want a small fun car to drive back and forth to work (about 40 miles/day). Is the 325i really worth the extra $ in maintenance? And will it leave me stranded on the ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Sport Wagons

• 325ixT vs Passat vs A4 Avant

  Written by: borowiec on May 6, 2002 9:54:57 AM

  I've been weighing the respective merits and disadvantages of these three cars, too. My venerable 1991 Saab 900s has 162K and won't last much longer, and since no-one makes a usable hatchback with a flat load floor, I'm forced to consider a station wagon. I won't drive an automatic, so that narrows the field considerably (no SUVs). I thought I had finally figured it out: my wife has a 2001 A4 ... Read More

BMW 3-Series 2005 and earlier

• catching up

  Written by: nyccarguy on Apr 25, 2002 10:55:35 AM

  WOW! Lots of posts from Friday until today! So Cal was great! I can't believe the amount of 3 series out there! So speaking of idiots, my uncle just moved from a suburb of Cleveland, OH to Anaheim Hills, CA. He always likes to show off and I got wind from my mother that he bought a BMW Convertible when he moved out there last month. I got to his Apartment ... Read More

• pseudonym1

  Written by: div2 on Mar 31, 2002 8:37:08 PM

  The 1991 318i is a spunky well-balanced sedan. By 1991 the E30 platform had been in production for eight years so all the bugs were worked out. The 1.8 M42 engine is a robust unit that will go over 175,000 miles with proper care. The pre-1994 engines did have a problem with the "profile gasket" which deteriorates and leaks coolant- and requires removal of the cylinder head to replace. Any 1991 ... Read More

• brave #14734

  Written by: 1pierce on Mar 26, 2002 2:39:35 PM

  I agree with your sentiment, that the time is now for a 325i. I almost bought a 318i in 1991, but the car was just so spartan and had such a small engine for the money (about $19,500, nearly stripped). The vinyl seats were grossly inferior to today's leatherette - and looked like vinyl, the 4-speaker stereo sounded like the inside of a garbage can, and it came with 15" wheels ... Read More

• BMW Advice for BOSTON

  Written by: ncbmw on Nov 10, 2001 1:34:40 PM

  I am strongly considering getting a BMW to replace my trusty 1991 4-Runner. At this time, I have two simple questions: 1) Whose the best dealer in the Boston area?? I like honest and informative. 2) Are there any options best taken afterwards? (eg, adding a premium stereo aftermarket, or better getting the factory premium deal). 3) Okay, one more. If MA has a tax free holiday in Late November/ early ... Read More

• hey guru....

  Written by: unboringuy on Jun 14, 2001 6:32:41 PM

  I'm here! Just found out the my second 330xi is aboard the Jingu Maru and is scheduled to arrive in port in NJ on June 26. My dealer called yesterday and said they wanted the loaner back, so today I'm back to driving my 1991 Miata (a great car, but....) I'm still more than a little miffed that BMW has known about this fan problem for quite some time and has ... Read More

• getz1 HP...

  Written by: alpine325i on May 25, 2001 9:02:32 AM

  I am a Lincoln Tech grad, but I stopped working in the field in 1991. So much has changed and I don't know that much about the new cars. I agree with you 100% with the horsepower issue, I love my 325i but wish it had more "off the line" power and more HP overall. I'm going to test drive the new SVT Cobra Mustang, 320HP for $28,000. I know that ... Read More

• tcn2k

  Written by: div2 on May 2, 2001 9:16:00 PM

  All US BMW engines use timing chains. The last US model to use a belt was the E30 325i back in 1991(1992 for drop tops)

• Insurance

  Written by: ds2k1 on Apr 26, 2001 3:52:45 PM

  Insurance quotes are going to vary greatly by area and also by age. For instance, my insurance quotes dropped dramatically when I moved from Los Angeles to the SF bay area. Why? I don't know. Probably less car theft in my new zip code and less accidents. Relatively speaking, however, the BMW was very reasonable to insure. I just replaced a 1991 Acura Legend with a 330i and it's costing me ... Read More

• 325xi

  Written by: jamrock4 on Mar 31, 2001 5:23:53 PM

  jk26 & goody4 appreciate the info. on my AWD question. I am curious as to why BMW offered this option in 1988 thru 1991 and stopped. Although BMW offers dynamic stability control nothing beats the reassurance of AWD. My intent is purchase a 2002 model car this fall and the 325xi is on my short list. Is anyone familiar with the BMW dealerships in the Atlanta area? Next to reliability the ... Read More

BMW 3-Series Sport Wagons

• Leatherette Seats

  Written by: popthathood on May 18, 2000 2:32:48 AM

  Hi ... I am a proud new owner of the 323i wagon, though I went for the basic options to keep the price down. The leatherette seats tend to make for a bit of a sweaty experience unless you have the air on cold all the time. I was wondering if the leather seats do the same? The seat covers offered by BMW look pretty limited ... no interest in woolly ... Read More