Author Topic: Thoughts on the 325ix (Read 3106 times)

gravyface · « **on:** October 22, 2008, 05:59:18 PM »

I know, no M42, but would love to hear from anyone who's owned/driven one before.

tony92ic · « **Reply #1 on:** October 22, 2008, 08:40:20 PM »

I haven't owned one but a couple friends have.
Awesome in the snow and on gravel.

Pretty indistructable like most e30's - but - the transfer case holds like 3 drops of fluid and if the owner ignored a leak it can get eaten up fairly quickly. Diffs are not the easiest parts to find. Otherwise normal e30 issues.

1988 is the best year. They had a lot of things that were options or dropped in following years. ie sports seats, ellipsoid lights, power sunroof, trip computer, map light mirror and possibly a few other things. Nothing that couldn't be retrofitted though. All 88s were 2 doors though and had the larger bumpers.

Check out the ix registry at: http://home.earthlink.net/~wardellhix/iX/

318kid · « **Reply #2 on:** October 22, 2008, 09:54:35 PM »

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=106796

I'd rock one! Haha... It seams like a nice car, but with more moving parts there's room for more failure... and you have the timing belt.

gravyface · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2008, 10:30:27 PM »

oh my sweet baby jesus that was epic! I thought for sure it was photoshopped until I saw the hi-rez pics.

Poooobaa · « **Reply #4 on:** October 23, 2008, 02:06:33 PM »

I own two of them. A 1988 5 speed and a 1990 auto. Both are great for our winters here in Denver and the mountains. Drive trains are pretty hearty if you keep them maintained. They get from 20 to 24 mpg and have all of the standard E30 needs. The automatic drives somewhat anemic compared to the 5 speed but with comfort seats, is better on the highway. You tend to put spare parts away that you know might be needed (like a front drive shaft or front axles). They are in great demand in this area. Have been offered $8,000 for my '90 car. The guy doing the buyers guide should add a special section for IX cars. When I drive one and then jump in my M42 I can't believe how light and nimble the 318is is. Hope this helps a little but if you have specific questions then PM me.

christophbmw · « **Reply #5 on:** October 25, 2008, 11:33:39 AM »

the drive train is not nearly as nice and balanced as a subaru, but for some reason they do really good in the snow. i passed two audis going uphill AND i had to go into deep sluff on the side of the road to do it.....no problem.