Looking to buy BMW E92 325. Help with engine choices.

[sswats]

325i range is confusing me a bit.

I know there are 2 engine sizes, 2497cc and 2996cc.

The main difference seems to be the MPG with the 3.0l model being far superior (39 v 31) and a slightly better 0-60 (which is not too important)

Question is was the 2497cc model discontinued when the 2996cc model came out? ie is anything newer than a 57 plate a 2996cc model?

Or as i've been told by an unreliable source, both models were continued.
BUT the engine switch off management system was put in the 2497cc model in late 2007. so the MPG figures of newer 2497cc models is higher so the MPG figures are higher.

Or should I just get a 320i?

 

[[TW]Fox]

Most of the information you have so far is wrong Ignore any further information from this source.

The start-stop system is not available on the 6 cylinder prefacelift E92's (Not check whether the facelift (ie March 10 on) moedl has it but I doubt it) so that isn't the difference.

All 325i E92's from onwards September 2007 (ie 57 plate) are the 2996cc N53B30 engine developing 214bhp. The two engine sizes did not continue alongside each other. Therefore you should get the 57 plate or later car if you can - as this will be an Efficient Dynamics model with the better, newer engine.

There seem to be quite a few 325i's kicking around with mid spec levels offering comparatively good value for money at the moment (If you can call a 2-3 year old 3 Series at £20k 'good value' that is). I normally advise that a 325i is pointless in the face of a 330i because the running costs are the same - which they are, but when you can pick up a 325i for a considerable saving over a 330i it's a valid choice. Certainly with 214bhp it is far from slow and is still a 3 litre petrol Coupe at the end of the day. It's possible to get a 325i M Sport from a BMW main dealer for less than £20,000 now. I do not recommend you spend any more than £20k on a 3 Series as its just too much cash for a 3 Series. If the spec you want isnt available for under £20k then wait like me - because it wont be long before it is.

The 320i is a different kettle of fish entirely. It is a 4 cylinder engine developing 170bhp. I don't really think the 4 pot has much place in a nice BMW so I'd find it hard to recommend it to you unless you find an absolutely sensational deal.

What is your budget? If you can find a 330i of similar specification and age for the same sort of money then it is of course a no brainer as far as I am concerned. With 272bhp the 330i M Sport E92 is a fantastic car.

 

[sswats]

Ok that makes more sense. Lying so and so was trying to flog his car to me. thanks
So are all 57 plates 2996cc's?

£16k is my budget for an auto.
I found a good condition 330i for that price. But the car is mainly for my wife (hence the auto), and her jumping from a 1.6l civic to a 268hp car seems a bit much.

 

[[TW]Fox]

Not all, there might be some old stock kicking around.

16k is not much for an e92 so an M Sport is out. A 325 is your best shot at a half decent car. I think you will be lucky to get a 57 or newer though.