OT 325i vs 325e

[Guest Anonymous]

I know its off topic but you guys always have the best answers anyway. I know the differences between the i and eta motors but how do spot one. Im looking at an 86 thats magically turned into an m3. Its got no options(blue vinyl seats, manual sunroof, poor stereo, no trip computer etc but I want to know if its an eta motor or not. can i check with the vin?

[bergie33]

ONLY way to check is to look at the head. On the intake side it will have a casting that says "eta". If you drive it and the revs max below 6k, then it is an ETA. If the revs go up close to 7k, then its an "i".

I watched a mechanic doing an engine replacement for an unsuspecting customer that was getting an eta installed in their 325i convertible. I'll bet they were pi$$ed when they took it for a drive the first time. (Boy, this doesn't seem as fast as it was before!?!?)

[Bill_Riblett]

First year for US 325i was 1987.

[SteveJ]

If it is an 86, it will be nothing.

The designation was simply 325. No e, No i.

The e designation was picked up when they brought out the i.

The e and non-e are basically the same car.

My wife's E30 was a 1986 4door 325.

[Guest Anonymous]

Both the "e" and "i" cars are great fun....in the city I PREFERED the eta motor - honest ta' god - it was alot more fun / torquey from light to light.

On the twisties and highway - the "i" is nicer (that's what I have now - but I miss the eta torque!) I sold the "e" at 317,000 miles. I suspect it's still running *somewhere*. My current "i" is at 198,000 miles and still strong - though it leaks about 1 qt of synth oil every 3000 miles.

Plan on doing control arms and bushings up front, stick with OE Boysen /BMW exhaust (they're cheap and they FIT!)

the redline on an "i" car is 6400 or so - with the redline on the eta about 5000-something. Just peek at the dashboard / gauges.

Also - I think only the eta cars had a cold start injector hanging out over the valve cover into the intake plenum. "i" cars didn't use a cold start injector (at least the later ones didn't - mine's a 1990).

Go for it - but check for rust behind the rear wheel under the battery (right corner trunk floor).

Paul