'88-'91 325ix purchase

bimmerdog · 04-13-2003, 07:38 PM

A friend of mine is considering the e-30 325ix model for his first BMW. He wants to know if any owners or previous owners of these cars have had any issues he should look out for. It is my understanding that some of these have had transfer case issues & are rather pricey in repair fees. Are parts for these cars interchangeable with the 325i/is e-30 cars? I suggested that he get a 325is car instead but really wants this one.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 04-15-2003, 10:32 AM

I wouldnt reccommend it

The iX cars are heavier, and parts availability is a concern. I know if the transfer case goes, it's big bucks for a new one. Most of the engine/body parts are interchangable, but the suspension is different. I'd take an "is" anyday over the iX.

bimmerdog · 04-15-2003, 10:25 PM

Yep I'm with you. I told em & he is now shooting for an '89-'91 "is" & then hook it up w/ some mods. It will be his first BMW & I know he will thoroughly enjoy the "is" ride.

Jeff at WallWerks · 04-15-2003, 11:36 PM

agree with jared on that. the ix is pretty problematic. The guys that have them are pretty mental about the car though.

blw · 04-16-2003, 12:50 AM

The ix cars are really awesome for certain applications. I always drive on roads - ie no offroading - but then my road often resembles "offroad" in that it is a mess during the winter time. My E46 M3 did not like it at all, and since I don't drive nearly as much as I once did, I looked into a 325ix. It was great, even in the snow, which conveniently fell the day I test-drove it. I'd have bought it in a flash, but the wife preferred an X5 instead...

If you ski a lot, the ix is a good investment - one of my friends goes up to Lake Tahoe a lot and finds it a lot more fun than an SUV and just as practical. (He has no kids, though...)

clevy70911T · clevy70911T's Garage

I am also interested in a 325ix. I'm in Indiana and have a 45 minutes drive to work. My Saab was awesome in the snow, but I have "new car fever" and am looking for an 325 E30 and selling the Saab. Love the car, but hate the 4 banger engine. Can anyone tell me how the 325is is in the snow and if it is tolerable after putting weight in the rear? Or just tell me more to talk me out of the 325ix. Thanks

Overpaid Slacker · 06-18-2003, 05:56 AM

Scott -

This February I bought an '89 iX to replace the '69 Land Rover as my foul-weather vehicle (heat *and* CD player?! this is heaven!!) and I've had nothing but good luck with the car. The iX handled the massive amounts of snow in the NE this winter w/ ease. THEN I put Blizzaks on it and I really felt invincible in the snow. Believe me, a few round-trips to Syracuse during the winter will tell you what you need to know about a car in the snow. I like its manners in the snow more than any Quattro I've driven.

Now, am I setting land speed records? No. But I've got other toys for that and they can't go in the snow/slop. When I've got some money to burn, maybe a Dinan intake and chip and the car will be zippy, but it's really a great day-to-day get-me-where-I-want-to-go-regardless-of-weather vehicle. With Dunlop SP 5000s you can cruise at 85+ in complete comfort.

If you want one, get one - but have the transfer case checked and have the splines for the front driveshafts checked as well. I don't think transfer case failure is as epidemic as many people would have you believe, but you can improve your odds if the prior owner(s) kept up with fluid changes and have maintenance records.

Check out the iX Registry for more info (and classifieds, which is how I found mine -- 20 minutes from home).

Best,

JP

iX Registry