1989 325 or 1989 325i? Whats difference?

[DreamneoS]

Alright, i'm looking at purchasing one of two cars...either a 1989 325 or 1989 325i. My sister has a 1987 325. It runs fine and hasn't had any major problems. The only thing I don't like is its "get up and go". Is the 325i any better off the line? What are the major differences? Thanks in advance.

[Filehorse 525i]

I just parted with a 1989 325i which I put 174,000 miles on. The car was well maintained and mechanically flawless. Engine and transmission still felt like new. As for off-the-line performance, forget it unless you plan to make a major investment. The car will run 100 MPH all day long but won't get out of it's own way from a standing stop. The 5-speed might be better but the automatic is not geared for excitement at the stoplights. Now, once the engine gets above 4500 RPM, performance takes on a whole new meaning. Lotsa luck.:smoka:

[ExemptX2000]

325s (without lettering) I've heard are the base models with the slower (but better for longevity) ETA engine and less options, the I is supposed to be really fast with 168HP, and supposedly with a 4.10:1 LSD swap in the rear end can keep up with and possibly beat an M3...

Heres more info on the 325i beating an M3 (325is is used but s just means the sports package, better shocks, stock amplifier, and a few other options, same basic engine as 325i)...
http://www.unofficialbmw.com/cgi-bin...c&f=1&t=003852

Automatics are generally slower than a standard off the line if u know how to shift... So thats possibly why the aforementioned 325i was slower than expected...