anyone know 320's?

[bimmerz eh]

So I have a 1995 320i, I have tried looking into it, but did BMW even produce that model in that year? I’m skeptical about this car, I found out after the fact that she’s had 7 previous owners. Also I thought traditionally that a 320 had the 4 cyl and lower rear end gears. The only thing being my car has 2.5 inline 6, and I’ve taken it to 135mph, so gears are not the case. Could it be a 325? It’s not stolen but I don’t think it matches the VIN and registration. The guy I bought it from had no idea anything about it, his girlfriends car…there is respray in the front of the engine too. what do you think?

[328iSANJ]

The 320i has a straight 6 150 hp motor and you can get that model in that year. It shouldn't have a 2.5 unless it's a 325 in disguise.....

[Dave G]

Yes, it's the real deal... I've got one!
In North America, the E36 320i was only brought to Canada. That's why the tuner shops in the U.S. never have them listed.

It's got a 2.0L six cylinder, not a 2.5L six, and if yours has an auto trasmission, it's a 5-speed, as opposed to the 4-speed auto in the 325i and 318i... hopefully you've got a manual tranny. You are partly right though, the old E30 320i was a 4 cylinder.

The only other real differences between your 320i and the 325i is a slightly different exhaust system, with a single tip out the back, and the differntial gearing of the 318i (for quicker lauches with our meager 150 hp) and a Siemens ECU as opposed to the Motronic for the 325 (which means it won't accept a 325i chip).

Everything else from a 325i is interchangeable with the 320i... but, if you want to modify the engine (for more hp), you're pretty much screwed... no one in North America makes anything for the 320i 2.0L six. Only options are exhaust and a K&N filter.

Power aside, it's identicle to a 325i... handles great, stops on a dime, has amazing highway maners, and the 6 cylinder motor is smooth as hell. Also, the used 320's in Alberta don't seem to be abused as much as most 325's, since women were usually the original owners... like yours, and mine.

As for the VIN, you can check it here

http://www.bmw-z1.com/VIN/VINdecode-e.cgi

Hope that helps.

[bimmerz eh]

how much do you think its will sell for in calgary? it seems they juck up the price to our fellow canucks. can you get any dinan chip for it?

[olongapo]

Dave G,
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I’m an American currently living in the <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" /><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region>. I saw your response concerning the e36 320i 6 cylinder. I also own one of these. BMW Corporation of the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Philippines</st1:place></st1:country-region> limited the vehicles sold in this country. E36’s were only offered as 316’s, 318’s with manuals, and 320’s with automatic transmissions. All of which are considered “European” models. There are a few other versions of the e36 floating around the country but all were imported and purchased through the “Grey” market.
<o:p></o:p>

My 320 was completely stock when I purchased it except for a 325 badge on the trunk lid. I always assumed the previous owner changed the badge but after reading the post from Bimmerz Eh, I’m now questioning this again. I find it strange that this has occurred in two separate countries.
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I enjoy my 320, however I could certainly use more power and a quicker throttle response in the lower RPM range between 1,500 and 3,500. I’ve installed supersprint headers and exhaust, and opened up the intake with a CAI but the performance gains were mostly in the upper RPM range. I’ve tried re-mapping the ECM without any success but haven’t given up yet. More homework and research is needed. I’m also considering a lower set of gears for the final drive but again need to do more research on this also. I’ve done ring and pinions on off-road vehicles but never with an automatic transmission. Are the results the same between auto and manuals, and are the gears from the 325 interchangeable with the 320? Gear sets are not sold in this country but if the gears for the 325 are interchangeable with the 320, I could ship a set in from the States.
<o:p></o:p>

I’m interested in any information you are willing to share. I’m including my e-mail address if you care to mail me directly. olongapo1@hotmail.com
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<o:p></o:p>

Thanks.

[Dave G]

bimmerz eh:

Depending on km's and overall condition, in Calgary, I'd say it's worth between 5k (if it's rough with no options and high km's) and as high as 9-10k if it's low km's and clean, unmolested condition with all options (leather, fog lights, cruise, keyless entry, etc.)

Don't know about the Dinan chip, but I think you might have to look to the UK to find any serious engine mods for the 320. If more power is what your after, I wouldn't bother... sell it now and buy a 325 or a 328. It'll cost you way less in the long run and you'll be happier with it.

olongapo:

Check your PM's.