BMW V8 or I6?

[SpasticR450]

I plan one buying one with in a few weeks. A older one from the 90s. I dont no much about BMW's. What type is better? I have my eye on a 540 V8 4.0 e34 and love the sound but don't know if its better or if a I6 like the 325I would be better.

[trailrider894]

325I isn't that great... driven a few and wasn't impressed at all. Why do want a BMW anyway...?

[SpasticR450]

Out of the lower cost rwd cars with ok power the bmws stand out to me. Id much rather be in a V8 bmw than a camaro. And the sound a v8 BMW makes sounds so much better than an american V8. The 325I has an I6. How much more power does the v8 have than I6 I wanna no. And how much diff in handling.

[ALAMX37]

If you get a 325 you have to get a 325is. An exhaust upgrade is almost mandantory. The v8 is like a tank. Handling nowhere near the smaller lighter car. I owned a e36 is for a long time, after I got the motor tuned in it was a blast.

[SpasticR450]

Originally posted by ALAMX37
If you get a 325 you have to get a 325is. An exhaust upgrade is almost mandantory. The v8 is like a tank. Handling nowhere near the smaller lighter car. I owned a e36 is for a long time, after I got the motor tuned in it was a blast.

Is that because the bigger engine or is it just that the car over all handles worse than the inline 6?

[ALAMX37]

The v8 is a four door. Both the body and engine are heavier. And there is no emphasis on handling like you get with is model. If your looking for something sporty the v8 will just let you down.

[ALAMX37]

And the 325i is a turd as well. The only way to go is to get the is, or m3.

[SpasticR450]

V8 vs I6 whats the power diff?

[ALAMX37]

Well that is not exactly applicable. As the higher power doesnt translate to faster car. The v8 has about 100 hp advantage, but you would never know it. The auto trans has tall gears and pulls slow on the e36 and e34 cars.

[SpasticR450]

The V8 im looking at is manual and e34 engine 4.0

[ALAMX37]

Well snatch that motor and put it in a decent handling chassis and win. LOL. The handling will be the only issue with 545.

[CJM]

Only one worth it is the M3.

[trailrider894]

Originally posted by CJM
Only one worth it is the M3.

x2 or a Subaru

[SpasticR450]

That M3/M5 and what not confuses me to. Is a bmw 540 a M5? Is a bmw 325I a M3?

[Hondamaster5505]

SLOW:chinese:

I guess either one of them are a step-up from your ricer eclipse. What happened to this rotary powered viper or whatever the hell you used to blab about.

Anyway, no, a 325i is not automatically a M3, a 540 is not a M5. The M3 is a performance version OF the 325i. Basically a 325 with a more performance-oriented engine. (I believe different cams, headwork, etc) Also has better suspension.

So basically the M-series, is the more expensive, performance-oriented car.

Don't get the V8 BMW. They're overweight, and due to this, slow. The M3 is the way to go, but if you can't afford an M3, I would still go for the 325 over the 540.

Everytime I see a 4-door 540, I picture old people driving it.

[SpasticR450]

rotary viper lmfao. Naw. Prob will end up with a 325i.


I still dont understand what makes a car a M5 or M3. If I buy a 325i is it a M3? Or just a 325i?

[Hondamaster5505]

Originally posted by SpasticR450
rotary viper lmfao. Naw. Prob will end up with a 325i.


I still dont understand what makes a car a M5 or M3. If I buy a 325i is it a M3? Or just a 325i?

No. Just a 325i. If you buy an M3, it's basically the upgraded 325i. More power, better suspension, etc.

M3's are called M3's, 325's are called 325's. Same E36 platform, one is just more upgraded over the other.

[SpasticR450]

I still dont really understand. If I get a only 325I after the few mods would it become a M3? BMW has so many numbers car numbers and engine numbers and im pretty lost on what means what.

[Hondamaster5505]

Originally posted by SpasticR450
I still dont really understand. If I get a only 325I after the few mods would it become a M3? BMW has so many numbers car numbers and engine numbers and im pretty lost on what means what.

Think of it this way,

The eclipse for instance. There's the eclipse GS. (non turbo 2.0L 4-cylinder) Then there's the GST, and GSX. (Turbo 2.0L 4-cylinder, spoiler, suspension)

Think of the 325i as the GS, and the M3 as the GSX. It's the faster, better handling model. Same E36 platform. (Like all firebirds from the V6 up to the Trans Am, are all considered F-bodies)

325i and M3 are both E36 platform. M3 has a slightly different motor setup that makes more power and is more aggressive overall, and better factory suspension and exterior trim.

[Hondamaster5505]

You can technically make an M3 out of a 325i, but it would be more money in the end then it's worth, and would still only be a "clone" M3, not a factory M3.

Like people taking regular Trans Am's and converting them to a WS6, but in all reality, it isn't an actual WS6. Just a clone.

[fastrnrik]

I still dont really understand LOL Can you explain it a fifth time? LOL

[SpasticR450]

Originally posted by Hondamaster5505
Think of it this way,

The eclipse for instance. There's the eclipse GS. (non turbo 2.0L 4-cylinder) Then there's the GST, and GSX. (Turbo 2.0L 4-cylinder, spoiler, suspension)

Think of the 325i as the GS, and the M3 as the GSX. It's the faster, better handling model. Same E36 platform. (Like all firebirds from the V6 up to the Trans Am, are all considered F-bodies)

325i and M3 are both E36 platform. M3 has a slightly different motor setup that makes more power and is more aggressive overall, and better factory suspension and exterior trim.

Off topic but gs/rs 95-99 is 420a engine n/a. 95-99 gst-gsx is frw/awd 4g63 turbo.

I like bmw I6 and V8. The I6's i seen look way better than the V8's stock any ways. The pic of the bmw in the first post isa 540I V8. looks nice. Going to get a I6 I guess. They also sound bad *** lol almost exotic.

[SpasticR450]

Originally posted by fastrnrik
I still dont really understand LOL Can you explain it a fifth time? LOL

Ya your to funny. Just trying to learn... I know engines but not bmw cars.

[Hondamaster5505]

Originally posted by SpasticR450
Off topic but gs/rs 95-99 is 420a engine n/a. 95-99 gst-gsx is frw/awd 4g63 turbo.

I like bmw I6 and V8. The I6's i seen look way better than the V8's stock any ways. The pic of the bmw in the first post isa 540I V8. looks nice. Going to get a I6 I guess. They also sound bad *** lol almost exotic.

I KNOW about the 420a and 4g63, I don't need the DSM expert to chime in here. I was going into basics to explain my point in the difference between two models..

[SpasticR450]

:o

[ALAMX37]

If you get a 325 make sure to get an is, not just i. Its a bridge between 325i and m3. It has tuned suspension and different rear end. I have owned, still have a e36 convertable. If you can afford it the m3 is hands down better, by far. If you get the 325is you drop in the m3 cams, throttle body, and even get mapped to the ignition curve to match m3. It is fairly cheap to make one pretty quick. Plus I have 350,000 miles on my little convertable and she keeps on rolling on.

[HondaPohl]

Just keep in mind that parts are real expensive for Beamers and they are an electrical nightmare. I had a 94 7 series. It was like a car the Gestopo would drive. It always needed something.

[ProspectorJim]

e30> e36

also if you get a bimmer, please please please keep it clean and don't put a stupid body kit on it like the picture you posted. If anything get the m3 kit.

[SpasticR450]

Originally posted by ProspectorJim
e30> e36

also if you get a bimmer, please please please keep it clean and don't put a stupid body kit on it like the picture you posted. If anything get the m3 kit.

How can you call that ugly? Look at that and then a factory body of a 540. In pic is a 94 540 V8. I love how it looks.

[RATPACK Z400]

I just got 02 bmw 330xi ! forget the 325 look at the 330,s they have 240hp with 215 torque run 0-60 under 6 seconds the 325 is like 7 second m3 is 4.3 sure the m3 is king but the 330 is the next best thing beside a new 335i twin turbo ! look at the 328,s aswell bmw has the best handling cars I ever driven wouldn,t go back to jap,american cars!

[ProspectorJim]

Originally posted by SpasticR450
How can you call that ugly? Look at that and then a factory body of a 540. In pic is a 94 540 V8. I love how it looks.

i prefer the clean factory lines, maybe lowered a bit with some different wheels.




Originally posted by RATPACK Z400
I just got 02 bmw 330xi ! forget the 325 look at the 330,s they have 240hp with 215 torque run 0-60 under 6 seconds the 325 is like 7 second m3 is 4.3 sure the m3 is king but the 330 is the next best thing beside a new 335i twin turbo ! look at the 328,s aswell bmw has the best handling cars I ever driven wouldn,t go back to jap,american cars!

one of my friends dads has a new 128i, I have to say it looks alot better than recent 3 series. It's a good bit smaller like a euro car should be. handles amazing as well.

[trailrider894]

Originally posted by SpasticR450
:o

Let me tell all of you right now... Spastic will be right even if he is wrong. Stop wasting your time and look up the last car discussion thread we had that got locked... ha ha good times...

SUBARU FTW!!!

[SpasticR450]

What about the V12 like the 850i? Went for around 90K new. Now is under 10k. How are them cars? My bro got a newer V8 pontiac and im looking to show em up lol. Think im just going to get a V12 on a loan now. There a bmw exotic like a ferrari but sold so cheap now. Im sure they cost a load when somthing breaks but idk i see engines on ebay go low as 1500 thats not all that much making me think maybe they aint all that much to maintane. My mothers cosigning for me. (spelling)

http://i180.photobucket.com/albums/x186/HondaLars/BMW850CSI.jpg
http://i208.photobucket.com/albums/bb231/tempeheat/BMW%20850/camera028.jpg
http://i239.photobucket.com/albums/ff119/craigdmcd/Autosport%202009/Autosport2009003.jpg

[ProspectorJim]

Originally posted by SpasticR450
What about the V12 like the 850i? Went for around 90K new. Now is under 10k. How are them cars? My bro got a newer V8 pontiac and im looking to show em up lol. Think im just going to get a V12 on a loan now. There a bmw exotic like a ferrari but sold so cheap now. Im sure they cost a load when somthing breaks but idk i see engines on ebay go low as 1500 thats not all that much making me think maybe they aint all that much to maintane. My mothers cosigning for me. (spelling)



just because its a v12 doesn't mean its super powerful. They only made close to 300hp new and a used one your going to find for under 10k is going to make less than that. the parts for that car are very expensive and I hope you have deep pockets if you ever need it serviced. costs of engines on ebay are not a good indicator as to how much it costs to maintain a car. also if youre trying to show up a v8 pontiac with a bmw, just go around a corner.

[Hondamaster5505]

Originally posted by ProspectorJim
just because its a v12 doesn't mean its super powerful. They only made close to 300hp new and a used one your going to find for under 10k is going to make less than that. the parts for that car are very expensive and I hope you have deep pockets if you ever need it serviced. costs of engines on ebay are not a good indicator as to how much it costs to maintain a car. also if youre trying to show up a v8 pontiac with a bmw, just go around a corner.

Hey 3rd and 4th gen Firebirds/Camaros don't handle all that bad:p Mine corners pretty nicely actually.

[Hondamaster5505]

From what I looked up, the 850i is pathetic. Only 296hp and 0-60 in 7 seconds.. Out of a 5.0 V12.

And 4,000lbs

[ALAMX37]

Take it from someone who has spent thousands of dollars and owned about 10 different BMW's. The only performance you will truly find is a M3 or a tuned 325is. And if you need parts I got the place, cheap prices and quality parts.

[Tommy Warren]

Originally posted by ALAMX37
Take it from someone who has spent thousands of dollars and owned about 10 different BMW's. The only performance you will truly find is a M3 or a tuned 325is. And if you need parts I got the place, cheap prices and quality parts.
what about the z4? my boss has one.....man its fun to drive

[ProspectorJim]

Originally posted by ALAMX37
Take it from someone who has spent thousands of dollars and owned about 10 different BMW's. The only performance you will truly find is a M3 or a tuned 325is. And if you need parts I got the place, cheap prices and quality parts.

I still think the others are fun to drive. Its alot like the gti. theyre not all that fast, but theyre alot of fun anyway. Then again slow is probably looking for something to go fast in a straight line.

[SpasticR450]

Originally posted by Hondamaster5505
From what I looked up, the 850i is pathetic. Only 296hp and 0-60 in 7 seconds.. Out of a 5.0 V12.

And 4,000lbs

It's about saying look at me n my car. Most ppl with nice or fast cars dont have them to race other guys they have them to say ha I have a better car than you. The V12 is a 14 sec car and thats not to good. But it looks nice and sounds sweet with an exhaust and is exotic going for 95k new.

[RATPACK Z400]

I got 330 xi and Im so happy with it handles better than 90% of the cars on the road today(road &track reveiw) power is very nice for inline 6 ,Far better than 325,328 have steptonic which I can leave in automatic or switch to shifting myself . Runs 0-60 5.8 same as old mustang thats good anuff for me now! 60-140 is where you really see performance ! this car made to run top end! my next car I want is either a 335i or m3 ! if you can get m3 get it if your worried about gas milage and dont need that fast a car but still want performance get 330,328 screw that 325! there the most bought and slowest of the bunch there what the 318 was! If you want performance get M3 if you want something luxury/and good reliable motor get 330 with clutch will do 5.4 0-60 with steptonic(5.8) m3 0-60 4.3. Also the body kits make this car look nasty! look on youtube for bmw330,m3 vrs others they show the 330,m3 beating wrx,s,GTI,sand other sport cars in drag races.

[Hondamaster5505]

In review's, the new 5.0 mustang almost beat the new M3 even with it's old crappy live axle setup:p

BMW's are overrated imo. They're nice cars, but not what people make them out to be.

[ProspectorJim]

Originally posted by Hondamaster5505
In review's, the new 5.0 mustang almost beat the new M3 even with it's old crappy live axle setup:p


I'd have the 1m before either of them . It keeps the M spirit of a small, fast, lightweight coupe with incredible handling alive. The m3's have become somewhat bloated over the years. an E30 m3 is my dream car though.

[bens250ex]

i have a 86 325 forsale if you are interested

[SpasticR450]

Originally posted by bens250ex
i have a 86 325 forsale if you are interested

Prob would be other than your in MS and im in WI.