Looking at 1992 325i auto...help please

[giantrobot9000]

I already own a 95 M3 coupe,but I might be able to pick up a very cheap 92 325i auto to possibly use as a beater or daily driver. I know about the usual e36 stuff, but what are some of the popular and proven upgrades that you can make to this particular model? I wouldn't be going crazy with it since I have the M3 to keep me entertained, but I can't leave anything well enough alone for long. Anything in particular to beware of, or to upgrade right away?

Also, I've heard that the smaller bore M50 takes turbocharging fairly well. I'd imagine the auto tranny wouldn't, though. Thoughts? I know I said I wouldn't go crazy, but I'm curious just in case the tranny goes and I make it a project or something.:D

[downeaster1]

The only 3 Series E36 I would personally go with would be a 1992 325i. The crazy things last forever assuming that you would treat it right. I'm pushing 600,000 Miles on my stock automatic transmission. If the build date is 12/91 or before, you will have 1995 M3 front suspension. Other differences include no passenger airbags as well as not having the troublesome VANOS system.

Hope you get it!

[bmxludwig]

92's are teh sechsiness maximus.

[325iklu]

YES. non-vanos > vanos

[Jondd88]

I would definitely like to know what specific preferences that some of the E36 drivers here have with the non-vanos over the vanos engines. I just bought a '92 325i to replace my '94 325is and was hesitant at first because I thought the engine would be noticeably weaker. Although I haven't had the chance to really give it a good test run, I haven't noticed a significant difference. I haven't driven my '94 325is in about 2.5 months so it could just be me but you guys seem to prefer the non-vanos.

[ms109]

my daughter drives mine it has 240,000 miles on it and so far it's doing ok, had some trans shifting problems that come and go and i replaced the blower motor and o2 sensor, but that's it. drives great. i will be looking for another one next year for my son.

[downeaster1]

non-vanos engines have a far less chance of breaking. The most common problem with the M/S/50/52 engines are the vanos systems. With non-vanos, you can run them to the ground and they will always ask for more.

I <3 Non-Vanos

[Bears]

I've got a 92 auto, and I can't wait for the summer to come so I can swap the tranny out. The auto tranny is pretty strong; it still runs as good as the day I bought it, and I beat the piss out of it :D

Lack of low end torque sucks though, and the auto gets very boring... which is why I'll be swapping it out this summer hopefully :D

[Truman325i]

I've got a 92 auto, and I can't wait for the summer to come so I can swap the tranny out. The auto tranny is pretty strong; it still runs as good as the day I bought it, and I beat the piss out of it :D

Lack of low end torque sucks though, and the auto gets very boring... which is why I'll be swapping it out this summer hopefully :D

Its what I did a while ago , whole new car..


92 while great are getting old. If you have the patience to find one with a good maintenance record and good owner , your set. As long as maintenance has been done your pretty set.

[Bears]

Its what I did a while ago , whole new car..


92 while great are getting old. If you have the patience to find one with a good maintenance record and good owner , your set. As long as maintenance has been done your pretty set.

How much did the swap run you? I've gotten different quotes and I'd like to get an idea of what's reasonable.