QuestionI just recently got a 1992 bmw 325i. The car is running extremly slow, I have to use 5th gear in town...Gave it a tune up, still runs sluggish. It also sputters when I give it gas sometimes,Mainly after I have driven for a while...I replaced the fuel Filter earlier today, hopefully that fixes it...If not, what would? Also I was wondering if you knew where the Window switch fuses went? I cannot seem to locate them...Also, do you know of anywhere that I can get a booklet to help me with wiring? The car has been ran very hard, the Kid I got it from used it as a racecar...it has 108k miles...Runs pretty smooth when its not sputtering...Just has no Umph...its really quite slow...and the car I got rid of it for, was Monte Carlo Z34, which want a super fast car, but it would smoke this car hands down, and all I did with that car was open the exhaust, Can air, and richer fuel...I got this BMW as a project car, and am hoping that I didnt get over my head, as this is my first BMW, and it is quite confusing...Please help me with the Sputtering, lack of power, and Window fuses...thanks.
AnswerTom
I'm kind of confused by the 5th gear thing. I "could" drive at 20mph in 5th gear although it would lug the engine. 5th gear is an overdrive gear and is not meant for acceleration. It's mainly for cruising on the freeway and getting good gas mileage.
Sounds like the car has been beat on, and there are probably a few things that need to be replaced/checked. I would check the 02 sensor(s) to make sure they are functioning correctly. Does the Check Engine light come on? If so, have a mechanic put a scan tool on it and read the fault codes.
First off, you need to asses what kind of car this is. It IS NOT, AND NEVER WILL BE a drag car. They just aren't made for it. On the other hand a Camaro/Firebird is... they have strait axles in the rear, a big torquey V8 and they are meant for straitline speed. Dont get me wrong they can be made to handle well too. BMW's by nature are a handling machine. They are meant to carry high speeds through corners, like on a track (BMW holds MANY records for on-track performance).
Determine what you want out of the car and run with it. If you are into racing people from redlight to redlight, this probably isn't a good choice, but if you are into riding through the mountain roads at a "brisk" pace... you've picked the right car. As compaired to your Z34, this car would eat it alive on a race track, but it may not be as fast in strait-line speed. The 325i was a sporty sedan, but if you want the real racecar.. pick up the M3.
You should probably check all the bushings/ball joints on the car to make sure they are in good working order. Then check the shocks and make sure they are not worn as well. As far as the window fuses... I have no clue.. I've never messed with them. I have little experience with electronics on '92 and newer BMW's. I know more about the older ones.
Good luck with the project, as if you are into a great handling, good looking, sport sedan... you've picked the right one.
Hope this helps,
Josh
