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kaisen kaisen is offline
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Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Minneapolis
Posts: 7,482
i= injection, and with no other letter signifies sedan
ci= coupe, injection
ic= injection, convertible
ix= injection, all wheel drive (only available on sedan now)

318= 'very old' four cylinder
325= 'old' small inline six
328= 'old' big inline six
323= 'new' small inline six
330= 'new' big inline six

There is little difference between a 328 and 330 motors...just a little torque.

Just like any car, stay away from the first year of the new (e46) bodystyle (1999 if sedan, 2000 if coupe, 2001 if convert)

Look for service/maint history, make sure services are up to date. Absolutely do a pre-purchase inspection.

A lot of 3's were owned/leased by wanna-be's that couldn't really afford to maintain or treat them properly. 3's are the step up from a ricer in the twenty-something crowd. On bimmerforums you'll find plenty of body kit, neon lit, rollin' on dubs 3's.

Buy one from a reputable dealer, or from a owner that seems a bit more mature.
If the seller says 'dude' over the phone....pass.

E
Old 03-13-2005, 08:00 AM
  Pelican Parts Catalog | Tech Articles | Promos & Specials    Reply With Quote #5 (permalink)