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BIMMERPOST Universal Forums Classic BMW (Pre-2005 Models) Should I buy a '95 325i 5MT as a project/track toy?

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      05-13-2022, 01:30 PM   #1
whoismorggan
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Should I buy a '95 325i 5MT as a project/track toy?

I recently traded my 6MT F30 335i in for a F15 X5. The X5 is a great daily, but I'm finding myself wishing I had something a little more nimble that I could drive on weekends/to the track. I also am moving into a new rental property that has a giant workshop/garage and it would be the perfect space to work on an older car.

I found a red 1995 325i manual sedan with around 215k miles. Has had recent maintenance such as water pump, radiator, hoses, driveshaft, and alternator. Clear coat is peeling on the hood/bumpers and roof. Seller is asking $3,500.

Anyone have experience with the E36 chassis and/or the M50B25TU motor? Is this a nice price or crack pipe?
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      05-13-2022, 03:43 PM   #2
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pics?
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      05-13-2022, 03:46 PM   #3
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      05-14-2022, 09:11 AM   #4
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Looks decent, I'm not sure if 3500 is the right number though. what are your plans for it? for me that's something I'd gut and turn into a track rat. I'm sure you're already familiar with all of the M5X pitfalls, the big one is cooling system/water pump. other than that it's the usual BMW stuff: valve cover gaskets, oil pan gaskets, etc. Interior build quality on E36s is sub-par, that's why I'd gut it and track it. If you're looking for an M5X powered car to turn into a nice street car, go for an E46.

the other thing to check on any E36 or E46 for that matter is the rear floor where the subframe mounts. The floors have been known to tear from stress (I have seen this firsthand). There are reinforcing kits out there to prevent this from happening, I'd say it's a must on a track car.

good luck with whatever you choose to do.
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      05-14-2022, 01:02 PM   #5
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Originally Posted by Chihuahua View Post
Looks decent, I'm not sure if 3500 is the right number though..
Thanks for the info! What would be the right number to you? I'd probably do exactly what you're saying. Track rat, bucket seat, LSD, m-tech bodykit, etc
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      05-17-2022, 03:51 PM   #6
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2000 to 2500? non-M E36s are throwaway cars.
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      05-18-2022, 06:59 AM   #7
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Yes! Buy it and build towards racing with Spec3. Great group of guys in a race class that has exploded recently.

https://drivenasa.com/road-racing/spec3/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/spec3/
https://www.instagram.com/nasaspec3/
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      05-18-2022, 08:55 AM   #8
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100% yes.

You're in the epicenter of the NASA Spec3 class. Join us and 30+ other people in Virginia and NC that are building/racing the 325i.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/spec3

https://community.drivenasa.com/topi...ructors-guide/

https://www.instagram.com/nasaspec3/

https://www.facebook.com/NASASpec3/

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      05-21-2022, 08:01 PM   #9
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Yes. Yes you should. Come be my '95 Hellrot sedan Spec3 twin!

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      05-21-2022, 09:21 PM   #10
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      06-03-2022, 01:35 PM   #11
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Originally Posted by TaylorGoesFast View Post
100% yes.

You're in the epicenter of the NASA Spec3 class. Join us and 30+ other people in Virginia and NC that are building/racing the 325i.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/spec3

https://community.drivenasa.com/topi...ructors-guide/

https://www.instagram.com/nasaspec3/

https://www.facebook.com/NASASpec3/

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Originally Posted by EdCarGo View Post
Yes. Yes you should. Come be my '95 Hellrot sedan Spec3 twin!


How much (average) do you think it would take to build it out? Is a trailer necessary or could I drive to/from the track?
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      06-06-2022, 07:12 AM   #12
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They make great track cars but have issues so do some reading on them. First thing to be done is cooling system and head studs and new gasket.

OBD1 car you can put a second fuel pump in with ease to prevent fuel starvation in the corners. Building it to what spec? At today's prices your looking at 5K at low end. Nice thing is there are tires for it on stock size. The bad part is find e36 parts these days is getting tougher, they used to prevalent on craigslist all day for 500 bucks now anyone that has one thinks they are worth $$$. Do a good underbody inspection for rust.
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