325i or 325e?/Help

[909Bimmer]

I'm thinking about buying a e30 325, but how can i tel if its an i or e motor? What can i look for? The car is 87/88 model, as you can tell im new to bimmers.
thanx

[Yurick]

909Bimmer,
The most obvious way to distinguish would be based on the model number of the car. If it is 325i, 325is, 325ix, or 325iC, then it is fuel-injected. If it is 325, 325e, or 325es, then it is not fuel-injected.

[bertible]

Actually, a slight correction, 325, 325e, 325es cars are all with the "eta" engine, which are all Fuel Injected (as are all the "i" engines.)

The eta (greek word depicting economy) engines have lower horsepower and are limited to 4500 rpm. They have about the same torque though.

I understand that the block is essentially the same, but the pistons are domed on the "i" engine for higher compression so the head is shaped differently to allow for the domes.

The 87/88 could be an e or an i as these were the years when the e was phased out. (convertibles were i's from the start in 87)

As far as E30's go, the i's have it, because of sportiness. There are lots of other differences year by year. Ellipsoid headlights, body colour bumpers, etc. that make later model years more desirable.

Anyway, enough rambling or I'll convince myself that I should apply for Wayne's telecommuting job!

[Jared at Pelican Parts]

The tach is a giveaway

Stay away from the e model. Boring and slow