1986 Bmw 325e problems
The BMW E30 is the second generation of BMW 3 Series, which was produced from 1982 to 1994 and replaced the E21 3 Series. The model range included 2-door coupe and convertible body styles, as well as being the first 3 Series to be produced in 4-door sedan and wagon/estate body styles. It was powered by four-cylinder petrol, six-cylinder petrol and six-cylinder diesel engines, the latter a first for the 3 Series. The E30 325iX model was the first BMW to have all-wheel drive.
The first BMW M3 model was built on the E30 platform and was powered by the high-revving BMW S14 four-cylinder petrol engine, which produced 175 kW (235 bhp) in its final iteration. The BMW Z1 roadster was also based on the E30 platform. Following the launch of the E36 3 Series in 1990, the E30 began to be phased out.
Development
Development of the E30 3 Series began in July 1976, with styling being developed under chief designer Claus Luthe with exterior styling led by Boyke Boyer. In 1978, the final design was approved, with design freeze (cubing process) being completed in 1979. BMW's launch film for the E30 shows the design process including Computer-aided design (CAD), crash testing and wind-tunnel testing. The car was released at the end of November 1982.
Externally, the E30's appearance is very similar to twin headlight versions of its E21 predecessor, however there are various detail changes in styling to the E30. Major differences to the E21 include the interior and a revised suspension, the latter to reduce the oversteer for which the E21 was criticised.
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Common 1986 Bmw 325e problems
The BMW 325e from 1986 is a popular model among car enthusiasts, but like any vehicle, it has its share of common problems. Here are some of the most frequently reported issues with the BMW 325e 1986, based on complaints from owners:
- Power Steering Leaks: The power steering systems in the BMW 325e 1986 are notorious for leaking. The reservoir is particularly prone to cracking, which can lead to leaks. Replacing the reservoir is a relatively simple and inexpensive fix, but it's still a hassle that owners would rather avoid .
- Broken Window Buttons: The power window buttons in the BMW 325e 1986 are prone to breaking due to their proximity to the transmission, which generates heat and causes the buttons to become brittle. Replacing the buttons can be expensive, so it's important to check their condition before purchasing a 325e .
- Dashboard and Interior Cracks: The dashboard and interior of the BMW 325e 1986 are prone to cracking, which can detract from the car's value and appearance. While some owners consider themselves lucky to have a dashboard that hasn't cracked after 246,000 miles, others may not be so fortunate .
- Rust: The BMW 325e 1986 is prone to rust, particularly in the sill jacking points, A-pillars, and rear shock towers. Rust can also affect the door drains, sunroof drains, and fuel lines. Preventing and treating rust is an ongoing concern for 325e owners.
- Slow Electric Windows: The electric windows in the BMW 325e 1986 can become slow due to lack of use. Silicone spray can help lubricate the runners and restore their functionality, but this is a temporary fix that may need to be repeated regularly.
- Central Locking Faults: Central locking faults can be caused by rust in the connectors between the door and body. In severe cases, this can cause a short circuit that is a fire hazard. Regular maintenance and inspection of the central locking system can help prevent these issues.
- Engine Problems: The BMW 325e 1986 has several engine-related issues, including intermittent stalling caused by dying relays or dirty wiring. Replacing the aging relays and cleaning the wiring connections and body grounds can help prevent these issues. Proper Bosch single electrode spark plugs should be used for optimal performance.
- Body and Fittings: The BMW 325e 1986 has several common rust spots, including the front of the footwells, rear shock towers, and sills. The doors, sunroof drains, and tail lights are also prone to rust and corrosion. Regular inspection and maintenance of these areas can help prevent more serious issues.
In summary, the BMW 325e 1986 is a popular and iconic car, but it has several common problems that owners should be aware of. These include rear main seal leaks, power steering leaks, broken window buttons, dashboard and interior cracks, rust, slow electric windows, central locking faults, engine problems, and body and fittings issues. Regular maintenance and inspection can help prevent many of these issues, but some are more serious and expensive to fix.
What engine is in a 1986 BMW 325e?
2.7 L M20B27 straight-6
Engines
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 325, 325e, 325es | 1985-1987 | 2.7 L M20B27 straight-6 |
| 325i, 325is, 325ix | 1985-1993 | 2.5 L M20 straight-6 |
| M3, M3 Evo 1 | 1986-1987 | 2.3 L S14 straight-4 |
| M3 Evo 2 | 1988 |
What is the difference between a 1986 BMW 325 and 325e?
A 325 is the same as a 325e, BMW just decided to drop the 'e' designation on the trunk lid at that time. BMWCCA1 said: but basically the 325 (eta but non "e" designation) was a lower level of trim. At the same time the 325e was the loaded Eta model in the lineup and came in four-door only.
How many miles per gallon does a 1986 BMW 325e get?
Based on data from 16 vehicles, 238 fuel-ups and 49,335 miles of driving, the 1986 BMW 325e gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.02 with a 0.83 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 2 outliers (0.83%) removed.
What does the E mean in BMW 325e?
e (old) – in the 1980s, BMW brought out the 325e/525e. The e stood for the Greek letter eta and represented a version that was optimized for torque and RPM (➜ Read more: Torque in cars).
What is the difference between a 1986 BMW 325 and 325e?
A 325 is the same as a 325e, BMW just decided to drop the 'e' designation on the trunk lid at that time. BMWCCA1 said: but basically the 325 (eta but non "e" designation) was a lower level of trim. At the same time the 325e was the loaded Eta model in the lineup and came in four-door only.
What engine is in a 1986 BMW 325e?
2.7 L M20B27 straight-6
Engines
| Model | Years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 325, 325e, 325es | 1985-1987 | 2.7 L M20B27 straight-6 |
| 325i, 325is, 325ix | 1985-1993 | 2.5 L M20 straight-6 |
| M3, M3 Evo 1 | 1986-1987 | 2.3 L S14 straight-4 |
| M3 Evo 2 | 1988 |
How many miles per gallon does a 1986 BMW 325e get?
Based on data from 16 vehicles, 238 fuel-ups and 49,335 miles of driving, the 1986 BMW 325e gets a combined Avg MPG of 21.02 with a 0.83 MPG margin of error. Below you can see a distribution of the fuel-ups with 2 outliers (0.83%) removed.
What is the difference between E30 325i and 325e?
The primary differences between the 325e and the 325i are in the engine and drivetrain. Although both models have engines from the same M20 family, the 325e has more displacement than the 325i (2.7 liters vs. 2.5), but drastically less horsepower (121 vs 167).
1986 Bmw 325e car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Bmw 325e problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Exterior lighting problems
- Engine and engine cooling problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1986 Bmw 325e vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1986 Bmw 325e complaints
The NHTSA has received 2 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1986 Bmw 325e.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-01
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: THE LIGHT BULBS FOR BRAKE LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS AND REVERSE LIGHTS SPONTANEOUSLY STOP WORKING FOR UNEXPLAINED REASONS AND THEN START WORKING AGAIN. THE RIGHT TURN SIGNAL WILL FLASH ONLY WHEN HEADLIGHTS ARE OFF, BUT AS SOON AS HEAD LIGHTS ARE ON, IT JUST STAYS LIT WITH NO FLASH. THE BULBS ARE ALL CORRECT AND NOT BURNED AND THIS HAPPENS VERY SPORADICALLY. *NM
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1994-03-06
- Crash: 1
- VIN: WBAAB6402G1
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE. *AK
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1986 Bmw 325e problems:
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