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Thread: 2002 525it or 2004 325xi?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
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    2004 325xi Wagon

    2002 525it or 2004 325xi?

    So, I'm looking at both these vehicles and have to decide between one or the other.....

    2004: 3 series: Needs new radiator and tires (2 owners). Probably buy sub $1k
    2002: 5 series Touring: Needs new tires, multitude of owners (several years each). At least 500-$1k more.

    Both could probably use rear shocks, as well.


    I live in a snowy place and would prefer the AWD of the 325xi but that vehicle needs repair work. Not too high on the RWD of the 2002. The Nav in the touring is meaningless, I have a little Garmin unit to use.


    In your honest opinions..... what should I do?

  2. #2
    Pelican Parts's Avatar
    Pelican Parts is offline Senior Member Supporting Vendor
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    '02 E39 Touring
    Hello and welcome to the forum! The first thing I would do is get a PPI report of both cars. This should give you a fairly definitive answer as to which one you should consider.
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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2014
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    Lawrence Kansas
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    2004 325XI/2008 GL320
    I live in Kansas and its hard to beat my wifes XI when the snow falls. The XI will require more initial care than the 5 series but I believe you'll enjoy it more.

  4. #4
    Join Date
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    Des Moines, IA
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    2004 325xi Wagon
    Yeah, I went with the Xi. That was quite the drive with the broken rear shock and blown springs....


    Already replaced the radiator, now I need to look into finding a shop to work on the springs or do it myself

  5. #5
    Join Date
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    Des Moines, IA
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    2004 325xi Wagon
    This seems informative
    https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...ring_Coils.htm

    So, this might seem dumb.... does anyone know about lifting the vehicle with a jack?

    Anything special?

  6. #6
    Pelican Parts's Avatar
    Pelican Parts is offline Senior Member Supporting Vendor
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    Quote Originally Posted by Durlaker View Post
    This seems informative
    https://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/tec...ring_Coils.htm

    So, this might seem dumb.... does anyone know about lifting the vehicle with a jack?

    Anything special?

    What would you like to know about lifting the car?
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  7. #7
    Join Date
    Jul 2018
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    Des Moines, IA
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    My Cars
    2004 325xi Wagon
    Curious about a lower capacity hydraulic jack

    Like this
    https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...cUKIw1wWCXnrXO

    And cheap jack stands
    https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-...PY9YARBKNT06JV

  8. #8
    Pelican Parts's Avatar
    Pelican Parts is offline Senior Member Supporting Vendor
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    Quote Originally Posted by Durlaker View Post
    Curious about a lower capacity hydraulic jack

    Like this
    https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...cUKIw1wWCXnrXO

    And cheap jack stands
    https://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-...PY9YARBKNT06JV



    That jack should work fine - jack stands, personally I would not invest in 'cheap ones' - you don't want to have the car sitting and they give out. Other members will likely chime in with their thoughts as well. Whichever ones you get, make sure that they far exceed your car's gross weight.

    Look at these or something similar : https://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog...Ojs-detail.htm
    Last edited by Pelican Parts; 07-19-2018 at 08:15 PM.
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  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2019
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    Columbia, Mo.
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    My Cars
    2005 BMW 325i

    Fix for rear end vibration

    All,

    after doing research, It seems to be common that the rear end vibration occurs in E46 models. The solution is the driveshaft flex plate or the center carrier bearing in the driveshaft assembly or both. I am replacing both this afternoon and will update with a driveability test. Hope this helps if you all still have the problem!

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