What Is a 1988 BMW 325i?

The 1988 BMW 325i was part of the three Series E30 cars produced from 1982 to 1994. The 325i made its debut in 1987 for the 1988 model year, which also featured the 3 Series' first convertible. The engine was actually smaller than previous 3 Series BMWs, with the displacement dropping from 2693cc to 2494cc. The "3" in the 325i denotes the 3 Series; the "25" identifies the engine as displacing 2.5 liters. The "i" represents fuel injection.

Under the Hood

The 1988 BMW 325i's standard engine was the 2.5-liter in-line six-cylinder with a 3.3-inch bore and 2.95-inch stroke. Its compression ratio was 8.8-to-1. It generated 168 horsepower and 181 foot-pounds of torque, although some testing put the torque rating at 164 foot-pounds. BMW matched the engine with a Getrag five-speed manual transmission with overdrive or an optional four-speed automatic. The final gear ratio was 3.73-to-1. It achieved zero to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 86 mph. Its top speed was 133 mph. It averaged about 21 mpg.

Dimensions

The 325i's curbside weight rating ranged between 2,850 to 2,895 lbs., depending on the options. It featured a 101.2-inch wheelbase, 175.3-inch body length and 64.8-inch width. It was 54.3 inches tall. The front track width was 55.4 inches; the rear measured 55.7. In the cabin, the front headroom was 37.7 inches; rear headroom measured 36.4. Front legroom was 39.6 inches; rear 33.1 inches. Front shoulder room was 52 inches; rear shoulder room slightly roomier at 52.4 inches. Front hip room measured 52 inches; rear hip room 52.3 inches. The car could seat five adults.

Chassis

The BMW 325i stopped on 10.2-inch vented front disc brakes and 10.15-inch rear discs. It rode on 195/65R14 tires on 14-inch wheels. The front suspension consisted of a double-joint spring McPherson strut system, with the rear equipped with semi-trailing arms and coil springs.

Performance Version

The 1988 BMW 325i also marked the first model year that the E30 M3 performance version became available in North America. The M3 featured a 192-horsepower 2.3-liter in-line four-cylinder engine patterned after the straight-six, but with only four cylinders. While the standard 325i featured a conservative, yet smartly styled body with straight lines, engineers styled the M3 with flared fenders, a high-profile trunk and radically raked rear window. A five-speed manual transmission completed the engine to allow the M3 to hit 60 mph from a dead stop in 6.9 seconds and the quarter mile in 15.2 seconds at 92 mph. Its top speed reached 141 mph.