re: '92 E36 325is?

[Jason Leung <jleung20@xxxxxxxxx>]

<John Ward Expounds on his experiences w/ a 92 after Gen asks>

I have a 92.  There are quite a few subtle differences between
the 92 models and 93+ models.  Aside from cosmetic differences
and options availibility differences and stupid differences like
WeatherBand availibility on the radio and dimming interior lights:

1)   92s have HotWire Air Flow meter, 93+ have Hot Film
2)   92s have no knock sensor, 92+ have knock sensor
3)   92s have a huge alternator, I think it was 105 amp.  93+ is
smaller.
4)   92s have no VaNoS (obviously)
4)   92 cams are 240/9.7mm and 240/9.0mm intake & exhaust respectively
     93+ cams are 228/9.2mm and 228/8.9mm in/ex respectively.
4.5) you can swap in/ex cams on a 92.  Not so 93+.
5)   92s have 7mm valve stems.  93+ have 6.0 or 6.5mm valve stems.
6)   92s have BIG STRONG connecting rods.  Much beefier than
     any other e36, including M3s.  But, it means more weight.
7)   Shocks are different from other e36s on 92s prior to 6/92


That's all I can remember for now.  All of this stuff doesn't
really make a difference if you drive the car stock.  But there
really are a lot of subtle subtle differences.  A 92 is really
a unique beast.

Its only when you start changing things that these differences become
known.  My suggestion is to buy the newest car you can possibly afford.

BTW, while the M50 (non vanos) cylinder head is definitely a hot
one, I've heard that the M50 from the 91 525i has slightly hotter
cams than the 92 325i.  Dunno if this is really true.

Jason Leung

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