Ok - I am looking for some advice. Having lusted after a BMW coupe for the last 10 years I finally have enough free funds to treat myself to an E36 coupe. I am interested in a 323 or 325 in SE spec and have around £8k to donate to the purchase.

What difference would there be between a 95 (M) 325 SEi and a 97 (P) 323 SEi?

What should I look for when viewing/test driving?

What about changes/updates? Are there any preferred modifications to suspension or wheels that make the car better? or am I better in looking for a straight spec?

Any answers to the above or additional pointers for me to consider before I purchase would be appreciated. Many thanks.

I had a 92 325i Coupe and it was brilliant, 192 BHP, the later 328i had 193BHP. The 323i is a detuned 325i, basically the 325i was too good for it's own good.

+ The 325i has a much better exhaust note than a 323i and 325i's are getting really cheap!!

Mandy

Thanks for the response. I am torn between a 95 M 325i and a 95 N 323i both £7k and 57k miles.

Will have to decide soon.

OK thought I'd update you. Found and bought a 95 325i auto coupe with 57k miles up and full history. Great fun. Now spending more on updating it with new lights and later some rims.