320coupe's e36 320i auto

[dougiefourspeed]

Looks like a good'un this. I really enjoyed my E36, a run-out 318iS on a V-plate. 

 

I thought the 320/325 only ran until mid-94ish and that was when the 323/328i came in on an M-plate. So consider me educated.

[Stebob]

As far as I remember the 320 remained in the range until the death of the e36.

 

I memory serves the 328 replaced the 325 and the 323 slotted in between.

 

The 323 was a 2.5 but with restricted inlet meaning it only gave 170 brake.

 

That's why the old m50 2.5 inlets and throttle bodies go for mega dough because it can get a 328 over 200 brake and restores a 323 to about 190 ish.

 

The 320s were apparently on the coupe forums regarded as the best sounding six even if they weren't the quickest, it's nice to have to wring its neck though, nicest sounding six I've heard.

 

Steve

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

320i's were discontinued in the UK late 1996 iirc as they fell out of favour. The 318i and 323i basically replaced it.

[320touring]

Tried starting it earlier without the key in the ignition.

 

Looks like it has ews

[320touring]

Managed to check the fluids on this today as its a 2man job - bonnet does open, but need to bounce the front of the bonnet whilst the handle is being operated.

 

 

Oil checked out lovely

 

Air filter, not so much!

 

I also wanted to check the autobox fluid, but there is no dipstick, and the fooking only way to do it is to remove the fill plug on the gearbox:(

[Supernaut]

Ah, so that's what an E36 engine bay looks like with the correct number of cylinders in it!

[320touring]

Been looking at tyres for this tub.

 

Currently it runs 225/50/16 at the front and 225/55/16 at the rear. It should be 225/50/16 all round.

 

The 225/50/16 tyres of decent brand I can find are super expensive.

 

205/55/16 are much more pocket friendly, and within 0.16% (1mm) difference in diameter.

 

Given its a 2.0 with a slushbox, I don't think I'll have issues with grip, esp if the new tyres have tread depth.

 

Sound reasonable?or is it a nuns n kittens issue?

[Tickman]

You would probably get as much difference between different tire pressures.

[Split_Pin]

If 205 was deemed sufficient from factory to hold an Astra Coupe on the road then it will be sufficient to hold an E36. Mine were cheap tosh ones as well.

[320touring]

See they came on a 205/60/15 too.

 

Currently trying to see what's the best deal out there

[320touring]

25 days in and 1600 miles covered.

Coincidentally, I've spent approx £320 on fuel so far..

 

The combo of small 6 petrol and auto means its sometimes a touch juicy.

 

I'm also not doing anywhere near the miles for work that I was with the Skoda, so the old expenses are not putting as much of a dent in the running costs as previously.

 

Still loving it as a concept- plenty comfort, quick enough and small enough for town work. I just need to get my head round the fact its cost per mile is so high.

[Stebob]

They're well known for it, 328 owners apparently get more to the gallon than we do...

 

Also I had a blind ray of hope that once mine was concerted to a manual that it would be more economical, aaaand I was completely wrong, just as bad as before, but I love it so I don't care.

 

Steve

[stripped fred]

I had an e30 2.5 touring a few years back and that was a thirsty beast. 25mpg around town, 30 on a run if I remember rightly.

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

I'm running around in my E34 520i automatic, smoooooooooth! Does sound nice and what's this? A car that actually has suspension for absorbing bumps and things? Long springs, effective new dampers and 60 profile tyres as well as 'Hermann Goering' spec seats. I'd forgotten what 'suspension' was all about.

[320touring]

Aye its a welcome change, although the auto does 'lessen' the engagement with the car somewhat. That's probably useful when doing 90 miles a day

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

No need to control it, it's totally automatic.

[dome]

I don't see the Point(ers) of the last two posts.

[320touring]

Akshul work was undertaken today on this tub..

 

First up was a lovely new filter for the air it ingests

 

Then some fettling of the bonnet catches whilst the oil drained

 

 

The Pela was working hard for its money today, as the m50 is good for about 6Litres with a filter change.

 

 

Net result is it sounds a shit load smoother and seems happier.

 

I also had it out for a blat last night on some fast A roads towards Loch Lomond.. Its a bit slow and wandery:(

[The Reverend Bluejeans]

The 520i Automatic has been served and will be heading up towards Scottishlandshire in a week or so, Inverness in fact. Took a dipper on it yesterday, need to do a few bits first - water pump and belt, regrease the idler rollers and stuff like that.

 

It was never going to be long term, and I have saved it from certain death at the hands of a breaker. Mission accomplished.

 

Three cars is enough, four is too many for me.

[320touring]

I think I currently have 3.5..

[They_all_do_that_sir]

Thread hijack BUT you lot have reminded me I'm yet to have a BMW but quite fancy sampling one. For towing and stuff I think an e39 diesel would be the weapon of choice......

 

Sent from my SM-A510F using Tapatalk

[320touring]

This has been on fleet for a month now..

 

1975 miles, total spend on fuel £381. Including purchase, servicing and work mileage claimed it is at 38p per mile.

 

Not too shabby..

 

I'm hoping the service at the weekend adds on an mpg or so

[320touring]

It had to happen.

 

Full tank of gogo juice and it rewards me by twisting the drivers seat back.

 

Not best pleased.

Any ideas how to resolve? Frame doesn't seem to have snapped, almost feels like its skipped on the adjuster ratchet.

 

Pulling the back adjustment lever and pummelling it did nothing.

[Split_Pin]

You say lever, presumably not adjustment dial? I'm wondering if left and right side have a cable each side?

[320touring]

You say lever, presumably not adjustment dial? I'm wondering if left and right side have a cable each side?

Deffo lever, and not a turny cog. Total pain in the are!

[Split_Pin]

Still thinking cable. Our Chevy had those, pull up and lean back for recline and sit up, pull and it smacks you in the back.

 

Does the whole seat recline as it is now?

 

Thinking that it must be a cable that releases the ratchet either side has come off?

[320touring]

Still thinking cable. Our Chevy had those, pull up and lean back for recline and sit up, pull and it smacks you in the back.

 

Does the whole seat recline as it is now?

 

Thinking that it must be a cable that releases the ratchet either side has come off?

Yeah it reclines fine but twisted..

 

I'm currently hunting out options

[320touring]

I have a potential solution to seat issue identified, and a norfern shitah is primed to assist:)

[dome]

You're buying another car aren't you?

[320touring]

You're buying another car aren't you?

Surprisingly, no.

 

I have, however, located an alternative interior and arranged for collection via a well known shiter from the toon of Jute