OVERVIEW

The E30 325i Sport, even though the updated model was introduced in 1989 and manufactured to 1991, it is still a very smart looking car with the performance and handling to allow it to hold it's head high amongst newer performance cars.

As you enter the cabin and slot into the BMW sports Recaro seats, you instantly feel plugged in like the final piece of a jigsaw puzzle.  The controls all fall to hand and all the major controls seem to be in the right place.  Some drivers may find that the non adjustable steering column is let down but when you are pressing on hard, provoking and correcting slides it doesn't make any difference.  As you twist the key and bring the 2.5ltr 6cyl engine into life you are rewarded with a unique subtle growl that settles into a nice burble.  Once on the road, the 325i drives smoothly offering enough power and in gear acceleration to overtake any vehicle from as little as 2,500rpm.  Slam the throttle and enjoy the kick as it pushes you back in your seat, keep your foot too the floor and watch the tachometer needle rush relentlessly past 4,000rpm where the 325 Sport really starts eating up the road and before you know it, its time to select another gear via the silky smooth 5spd close ratio gear box, indulge in the relentless surge once again, and again, and again to suddenly where a 131mph top speed limit intervenes.  The 131mph top speed limit and non adjustable steering column are the only negative points about this amazing drivers car.  The pedals may seem harsh on the car at first but you get used to them and soon you will adore their resistance but continuous stop start traffic (big, long traffic jams) will slowly tire out your left ankle.  

The steering is sharp, direct and communicative but just a little lighter than what more focused drivers would prefer.  The chassis is perfect for road and fast road use as standard ensuring the there isn't excessive body roll and also dealing with any bumps and imperfections in the road surface with minimal fuss whilst still offering a focused set up.  However, for regular track use, the 325i Sport would benefit from a more stiffer set up and adjustable dampers along with very slightly firmer springs are all that is required.

The balance of the car ensures balanced cornering in either direction and also helps with sliding.  The 325i Sport is very easy to provoke into a slide of your choice and once you have the car sliding it is very easy and smooth to bring back into line without over-correcting the slide and causing the car to slide in the opposite direction.  Once you have gathered the skills required to powerslide and oversteer a car the 325i Sport will be one of the very best cars to exploit such skills in.  The one aspect to take into account whilst sliding a 325i Sport is that due to the close ratio gearbox the rev limiter can break and unbalance a slide if you don't select an appropriate gear prior to the slide.        

RELIABILITY

On the whole there isn't much to worry about but there are some vital things to remember to protect yourself against expensive repairs.  Misfires can cost upto £1000 to rectify and can also be an indication of cracked/cracking cylinder heads which is the really the only weak point about the E30 model BMW's.  If there are any misfires, have them diagnosed or rectified prior to purchase.  Look out for any loose interior fixings which will indicate neglect/abuse.  Check for signs of crash damage as many people will at some point have an over-steer moment that they cannot control and end up crashing.  Check the condition of the rear suspension springs as they are reported cases of them breaking to some extent. Listen for any excessive rattles from the rocker cover area as this rattle will cost about £500 to put right and could also indicate further cylinder head trouble. Worn  valve guides and and signs of head gasket problems conclude the engine under bonnet mechanical inspection.  Ensure that the clutch and rear subframe bushes are in good condition as these are the only 2 other main points that are a common problem on E30 models.  

Unfortunately many have been bought by negligent owners which will have been poorly and minimally maintained resulting in a car that is probably in need of some major work to ensure that it is in perfect order and running smoothly.  Also there are some 325i Sport models about that have been lowered, ensure that they have been lowered using 325i Sport M-Tech specific springs as very few companies manufacture suspension springs specific to the BMW Sport M-Tec models and most people will lower the car using springs for the standard model 325i.

I encountered the following problems with my 325i Sport

• 2 broken rocker arms (each time cost £950 to rectify at a BMW dealer)

• broken fog light (£110 to fit a new fog light kit at BMW dealer)

• burst radiator (no damage was caused to the engine, cost roughly £160 to supply & fit a new one at my local BMW dealer)

• seizing drivers door lock

• front wheel bearing (£95 for a hub kit at BMW dealer consisting of a hub for each side of the car)

• blowing exhaust silencer (see modifications)

• broken rear suspension spring (£265 for O/E specification M-Tech springs front & rear at BMW dealer)

• clogged injectors (£110 to strip and clean at and independent tuning company)

What else I replaced to keep the car driving 100%

• new control arms complete units (roughly £260 at BMW dealer)

• new track rod end (£15 each after market)

• new gear box and differential oil every 2000 miles

• new cambelt

HINTS & TIPS

Getting a professional car inspection by a company like the RAC/AA or even an independent BMW specialist will be beneficial and highlight any areas that you may have overlooked or missed whilst inspecting a car yourself.  I paid £145 for a full inspection including a HPI report by a company called ABS Inspections and this allowed me to reduce the asking price of the 325i Sport I bought by another £350! 

Fitting fast road orientated brake pads will help to enhance the brakes performance during fast road driving conditions and s/s steel braided brake hoses will also help give more feel and enhance the performance giving the 325i Sport a nice subtle edge.

Change the gearbox and differential oil at normal service intervals, you will have to specify to have this done as its not done under normal servicing schedules.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

PERFORMANCE

MODIFICATIONS

• Scorpion 1/2 system 2x3" stainless steel exhaust

PICTURES

MAGAZINE REVIEWS

'..those angular, rather dated lines of the 325 give near perfect all-round visibility and a 'user friendly' feel of easy manageability ..' - Performance Car Oct 1989

'.. the BMWs unit remains the engine for the purist.  With a distinctive wail, it revs so smoothly, cleanly and eagerly.' - Performance Car Oct 1989

'.. responsive engine, light, crisp controls and easy, slick gear change, which perhaps re-emphasises the point that looks (and age) aren't everything.' Performance Car Oct 1989

'.. the BMW rides firmly but not unpleasantly..' - Performance Car Oct 1989

'..the Sport sways less, is better damped and feels much crisper..'  - Performance Car Oct 1989

RELATED LINKS

http://www.e30forum.net/ - very useful BMW E30 community, contains practically everything you need regarding the BMW E30