Upgrade or buy E46?

[ejb14]

Hello,

I have a 96 328i with 118k miles on it. It runs perfect and is fast and fun to drive.

It has a standard suspension (not sport). I have a friend with the same car, but it has the Sport Suspension Package.

He thinks I should just trade this one in for a used 328i with the sport package.

I think it might make more sense to upgrade the car I know with a new suspension (about $2k worth of parts and labor), which I am guessing I would use a TC Kline package with Sport Springs koni shocks, and sway bars.

The question I have before putting money into this car:

What else will I have to replace over the next 80,000 miles (when it hits 200k miles)?

Alternatively, I am also looking at E46 323i's (my price range). Will I be happy with one of those (performance wise) when compared to my more powerfull E36?

Thanks
-Ed

[blkongry]

I'd say hang on to your 328i and install some M3 suspension. Here... get something like this... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33590&item=2480046262&rd=1 ...and just swap your stuff over. It'll be factory equipment giving a good ride but nothing nasty and harsh. This package deal will probably go for under $200. You can probably get a shop to do the install for about $300, so you can get M3 suspension for about $500 out of pocket... or do it yourself and save a chunk.

Things you'll replace over the next 80,000 miles... possibly nothing if you keep everything maintained. You might be changing brakes and shocks/struts, but you have probably changed those by the 120K mark. Is it a standard? You may change over the clutch. You may also have a couple coil packs go bad... it's so hard to say. But none of these issues are major concerns.

If you like your car, but you want sportier suspension, get this used M3 kit and do the change over... you can't go wrong.

[Dave at Pelican Parts]

I'd say keep what you have. If you enjoy the way it drives now, why change it? If you think it needs to ride a bit firmer (but with better grip), start modifying the suspension.

--DD

[94'325i]

Yeah, but how much will the E46 M3 set that is on ebay lower your E36? I bet it will lower it some and if you have 18" wheels like I do it will be a waste because you won't be able to use them...you'll have no clearance. Does anybody know what the height difference is? Please advise.

[blkongry]

I don't know the height difference (plus that set is for an E36, not E46), but I have an E36 with sport suspension, which is lower than stock, and I roll on 18's... no clearance problems at all.

[ejb14]

Thanks for all the help guys!
-Ed

[Wayne 962]

Hmm, the 323 actually has a 2.5 liter engine in it, so you'd be comparing the 2.5 vs. the 2.8. Some improvement there, but I think the actual peak HP ratings are very similar. I think the 2.8 comes in with more torque. I've got a 2.8 in my 5-Series, and a similar 2.5 in 2 of my 3-series. According to BMW, the HP numbers between the two are identical (I think, off the top of my head, about 190 HP), but the 2.8 has more torque, which is what you really want for every day driving.

Bottomline, I'd say that acceleration and performance wouldn't be very much slower in the 323 versus the 328...

-Wayne