Power!
During the lifespan of the E30, there was a 2.5L six that was the top engine. Then the E36 came out, and the 325i lived on. In 1996 suddenly, there was no middle engine 2.5, only the 1.9 and the 2.8. This lasted through 1997. In '98, the 2.5 came back, but it was called the 2.3L, and was only available in Coupe or Convertible form. 1999 brought the E46 sedan with the 2.3L and the 2.8L. Then for 2000 the E46 Coupes arrived with the same badging. 2001 model year introduced the new 3.0L replacement for the 2.8. Oh, and the 2.3 was now gone. The 2.5 is back. Why? I'm not sure.
What we know for sure, is that the 2000 323i produced 170hp past 6000rpm. This provides for some nice power curves, and the 323i doesn't leave you hungry for more. Typical engine cover is in place...oh well.
BMW did a good job on the new interiors. The sport wheel is nice and responsive, and functional too. That glare above the dash is a bumper to a Ford F-350 diesel, which was parked in our parking spaces. Some hillbillie kids were in back and were laughing at me for taking pictures. So I nailed the horn if they got too close and they eventually moved away.
Sport Seats
Outside the car is Titanium Silver, and inside it's Tanin Red leather. And what a combintaion. It looks superb. The sport seats aren't power, which makes me happy because manual are more sporting, and are extremely supportive. They hold you in around the curves as well as the M3 does, which we have found out....
Continue on to Page Three of the 323i.
