a few questions about a used 94 325i

I am looking at a used e36 and recently test drove a 94 325is and a 94 325i. The 325i seemed to be slower then the 325is we drove (both 5speed) any reasons for this? Would this make the 325i a bad buy? the 325is was in bad condition inside and out but it ran fine the 325i was in much better shape and seemed to run fine but was much slower feeling then the 325is. Another problem with the 325i was the On board computer display was fading out on the right side so you couldnt clearly read the end of the display message. Is this problem easily fixed? I plan on having the 325i checked by a mechanic sometime this week and have pretty much ruled out the 325is because it was in bad shape. One more thing i noticed on the 325i was that when the car was started(i was standing outside the car) it seemed like the exhaust was very loud but i have no comparison because i did not hear the 325is start up from out side the car.
Any info you have on 94 325i would be great as well as any specific information on the problems i saw on the car.
Thanks

I am not sure but I believe the 325is is supposed to be more powerful than the 325i so that is normal. I am actually thinking of buying a 95 325i myself. :bigthumb:

I'm pretty sure the 325is and 325i, both have the same power. Still a 3.5 L, inline 6, with the fuel injected "i" head. The "s" adds better suspension parts, like stiffer springs and dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars, lower ride height, etc. Now, I'm not sure about this, but check on what differential (final drive) comes with each car. The 325is may have a limited slip differential with a shorter gearing than the 325i, which may give it faster acceleration. Have to check tho.
As far as the exhaust being loud, was it gritty or brash? Bimmer exhausts tends to be more louder and more throatier than other cars.

oh as far as i knew the "s" stood for coupe but other then that there were no other differences

the "s" stands for sport, indicating that the particular bimmer has the sport package.

The "S" does stand for sport and it does mean its a 2dr in the E36. The motor size is a 2.5L. The obc problem is common. If its faded on one side or the other or in the middle for that matter, there is a bulb out in the display. You can use a flat tip screwdriver to pry it out and on the bottom side there are three or four bulbs. I would reccomend replacing all the bulbs that way you don't have to do it again anytime soon, not that its hard to do. If the pixles are broken up, you need to replace it, well if you can afford it. The exhaust, yes they are a little louder than other cars. You may have some exhaust leaks that make it louder though. Next time you go look at it, grab a rag and place it over the tips of the exhuast, use common sense and don't burn yourself. Hold this rag tight against the tips. If you have a leak, you will hear a hissing sound. Blocking the exhaust off will make it plain as day if you have a big leak or not. Me personally would go for the i, and make it a sleeper. Alot of the M parts will fit on it so it makes it that much better. Have this helps.