BMW 323i and 328i e36 - comparison
 

Just wondering is there a lot of difference between the 323i and 328i in terms of mid range poke and all round performance?????

Would not mind a 323i but would it be gutless compared to a 328i

Thanks chaps!

They are the same engine obviously the displacement is different. I was supprised at how well a 323 went, but a 328 is a quicker car. The combo you want is a 328 [M52] engine and a 325 [M50] inlet manifold. This should take you beyond 200hp/lb/ft.

I owned an e36 323i SE Saloon. It went well, though as "Andy M3" said, the 328 is a quicker car. The 323 is a 2.5 and the 328 is a 2.8

Go for a 328i but make sure it is a post 1998 R plate or the engine will have major issues (though most have already been replaced under warranty). The issue was resolved by a somewhat extreme yet cheap fix - use the bottom end off the 4.4 V8 !!! cheap for BMW cos they didn't have to design anything new. So, post 1998 R plate 328i are very strong.

The M styled Sport Coupe are a very nice all round car. Can be had for 8k or so for a nice example.

.. and the Sport Version comes with an LSD for donut fun :D

The 328 is a much better drive. I've owned a 325 and my mate has a 328. Driven both and a 323 and the 328 has much better mid range go, top end the 325 and 328 are similar.

As for the nikasil issue mentioned above which affects the lining of the bores this was a problem with sulphur in unleaded fuel. Most will have had a new engine under warranty, If your buying one that hasn't then get a compression test done. I think it was march 98 that the engine problem was fixed.