The BMW 3 series is one of the most popular cars in the world and a mainstay in the BMW lineup. This iconic model has been around for decades, and it’s no surprise that the 325i and 328i are two of its most popular models. But which one is right for you? Let us take a look at the two most popular 3 series during two different time periods and see which one is right for you.
The main difference between the 325i and the 328i is in the name itself, which refers to the engine. The 325i has a 2.5-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine, while the 328i is powered by a 2.8-liter, inline 6-cylinder engine. The power difference is noticeable, and it can be felt on the road: especially on the “newer” models.
The 325i
The BMW 325i was first introduced in 1987 as part of the “E30” series of BMW cars. This series would go on to become one of the most famous lines of cars ever produced by BMW, and it would remain in production until 1995. The 325i was powered by a 2.5L inline six-cylinder engine that produced 168 horsepower and 164 lb.-ft of torque. Depending on the model year, this engine was mated to either a five- or four-speed manual transmission or a three-speed automatic transmission.
The car had disc brakes all around with standard ABS technology, which gave it excellent stopping power even when compared to modern cars today. The car also featured independent suspension on all four wheels; this allowed for greater control and stability while driving, especially at higher speeds. Inside the cabin, you would find comfortable leather seats as well as a host of other luxury features like air conditioning and power windows/locks/mirrors.
Perhaps one of the best features of this car is its design; its sleek lines are timeless and will never go out of style. The exterior design features distinctive kidney grilles up front as well as quad-round headlights that give the car an aggressive yet refined look from any angle. On top of that, it has a low center of gravity which helps keep it planted firmly to the ground during cornering maneuvers or sudden stops—a feat that is difficult for some cars today to match.
The 325 is one of the go-to cars for tuning and restoration enthusiasts, as it is reliable and offers great customization potential. With its timeless design and excellent performance capabilities, the 325i is a great buy for someone looking for an affordable classic.
The Revival of the 325i
The 325i, after ten years of being out of production, was revived for the modern era. The new BMW model was available I’m multiple body styles, including a sedan and touring. It is powered by the same 2.5L inline-six engine as its predecessor but with modern updates that make it much more efficient than before. The suspension has also been updated to provide better handling, while other amenities like air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, and leather seating have become standard.
The 325i stayed in production until 2012 and is still considered to be an excellent car for its class. The modern version has retained all of the classic design elements from the original, making it instantly recognizable as one of BMW’s finest cars.
The 328i
The BMW 328i first debuted in 1996 as a replacement for its predecessor, the 325i. The biggest difference between these two models was that the 328i had an upgraded engine size from 2.5 liters to 2.8 liters and more torque than before. It also had an attractive sticker price of just under $32,900, which made it very appealing to many who wanted a sports sedan with luxurious features.
The 4th generation E46 model year is well regarded by most people, but many tend to go with model years between 2006 and 2011, as well as later model years that come with more technology options such as Bluetooth connectivity and satellite navigation systems. The 328i stayed in production until 2016, with the last model holding the badge being the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo (F34).
Aside from being reliable and stylish cars, they’re also fuel-efficient vehicles due to their 6-cylinder engines, which have excellent fuel economy ratings compared to other cars on the market today. This is especially important if you’re looking for a car that will last you years without having too much of an impact on your wallet when it comes time to fill up your tank each month.
Before we get into the specific differences between these two models, let’s first take a look at the naming scheme of BMW.
BMW Naming Scheme
The Numbers
In most cases, the numbers in the name refer to both the specific model and displacement of the engine. For example, a 325 would indicate that it is part of the 3 Series family with a 2.5-liter engine. That same number could be used for other models, such as an X3 or an X5; however, these models would have different engines based on their classifications (SUV versus sedan).
The Letters
The letters after the numbers generally indicate something special about the vehicle; for example, an “x” indicates AWD (all-wheel drive) capabilities, and a “d” indicates diesel powertrains. There are other letter combinations like “s”, which indicate coupes or cabriolets, and “Ci”, which represents convertible versions of certain models (such as 330Ci). It is important to note that not all combinations make sense – some may only be used for one particular model or individual trim packages.
In our case, the letter “i” is used to denote the fuel-injected engines in the 3 Series. The 325i, for instance, has a 2.5-liter engine with fuel injection and is part of the 3 Series family.
The Differences
It would be pretty hard to take about differences if we were simply going to talk about all the model years the 325i and the 328i were produced. Therefore we will focus on the 1990 BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 325i and the 1995 BMW 3 Series Sedan (E36) 328i, and later on the 2005 BMW 3 Series Sedan (E90) 325i and the 2011 BMW 3 Series Sedan (F30) 328i.
1990 325i vs. 1995 328i
The main difference between the two models is the engine size, as previously mentioned. The 325i has a 2.5-liter engine with fuel injection, while the 328i has a larger 2.8-liter engine with fuel injection. As a result of this, the 328i produces a bit more horsepower and more torque than the 325i.
In addition to that, the 328i also has a few other small changes from the 325i. For instance, it comes with bigger brakes, suspension components, and an upgraded transmission and differential. The interior is also slightly different, with more features and luxury options available on the 328i models than on their predecessors.
The 325i and the 328i both had the same dimension, apart from the weight. The 325i was a bit lighter due to its smaller engine. Both are reliable, affordable, and stylish cars that can provide good performance and are excellent project cars.
| Category | 1990 325i | 1995 328i |
| Horsepower | 192 hp | 193 hp |
| Max Speed | 144 mph | 146 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 8.0 sec | 7.3 sec |
| Weight | 2932.15 lbs | 3075.45 lbs. |
| Fuel Economy | 26.73 US mpg | 27.67 US mpg |
In conclusion, both the BMW 3 Series E36 325i and 328i are great sports sedans with luxurious features. The choice between the two depends on your needs: if you’re looking for a reliable and relatively cheap car, then go with the 325i; if you need a more powerful engine, and wish for a newer production model, then opt for the 328i. Of course, you can also find many aftermarket parts that will make either of these cars even better. Whichever model you choose, it’s sure to be an experience.
The 2005 325i vs. the 2011 328i
The biggest difference between the 2005 325i and the 2011 328i is the age, of course. The 2011 328i is newer, so its design elements and features are more modern than the 2005 325i. As for performance, the 2011 328i has a more powerful engine with more torque than its predecessor. It also has bigger brakes and suspension components, making it handle better on tight corners and while accelerating.
In terms of interior features, both models have similar equipment, but the 2011 328i is equipped with modern amenities like Bluetooth connectivity and HD radio in addition to luxury options such as leather seating surfaces. In terms of fuel economy, the 328i is surprisingly more fuel efficient than the 325i, despite its larger engine.
The 328i also has a faster 0-60 mph coming in at 5.9 seconds, while the older 325i has a 0-60 mph of 7 seconds. This is due to the larger engine and improved transmission in the newer model.
| Category | 2005 325i | 2011 328i |
| Horsepower | 218 hp | 245 hp |
| Max Speed | 152 mph | 155 mph |
| 0-60 mph | 6.7 sec | 5.6 sec |
| Weight | 3284.89 lbs. | 3152.61 lbs. |
| Fuel Economy | 28 US mpg | 36.75 US mpg |
In conclusion, both the 2005 325i and 2011 328i are great cars that offer reliable performance and luxurious features. The choice between them depends on your needs: if you’re looking for a cheaper option with style and affordability, then go with the 2005 325i; if you need a more powerful engine, modern interior amenities, and better fuel economy, then opt for the 2011 328i.
Conclusion
The BMW 3 Series E36 325i and 328i are both reliable, stylish cars with luxurious features. The choice between the two depends on your needs: if you’re looking for a reliable and relatively cheap car, then go with the 325i; if you need a more powerful engine, improved transmission, and modern amenities, then opt for the 328i.
Whichever option you choose, it is important that you research all your options carefully to find the perfect car for your budget and lifestyle. After all, a BMW 3 Series is an excellent car choice regardless of the model you choose.
