[ed-320d]

The comment about 323i:
"with a mere 130kW/230Nm to shift a kerb weight comparable to the 320d, this six is no quicker as an auto and can't go within a bull's roar of the diesel's distance between refills. "

full article:

http://carsguide.news.com.au/story/0...003140,00.html

Why would any one buy the 323i?

[moO moO nEL]

The 323i six run smoother and quieter

Firstly, for the record, that article reads like it was written by an idiot....

BMW sixes are the best in the business - they sound awesome and rev very well up to redline. Very expensive to get that six in Aus though as the article says.

It depends on what you're after...diesels don't sound the same and you can't really cane them over a nice big rev range.. Can't argue on torque and fuel economy though! Lets face it though, fuel economy isn't REALLY at the forefront of a BMW purchaser's mind!!!

The 323 is a dull drive however, so the diesel is probably more fun if you use the torque. At this point, I have to say the thing that makes the biggest difference to the drive is whether you select the auto or manual...

SO, I'd say the only downside to the diesel is the sound and smaller rev range.

[ed-320d]

Another point is the 323 got the nice dual tail pipes and the diesel got the ugly downward tail pipe.

[BMW //MPOWER]

Also the 323i is simply a de-tuned 325i as both vehicles have EXACTLY the same engine, also it doesnt take much to have the engine tuned to the same settings as the 325i.

[dacata9799]

The down facing tailpipe doesn't concern me, what concerns me is the 323i's lack of mid range pulling power. Give it another 100 Nm's and I might decide to come to the party.

Oh and by the way if you have any bright ideas on how you'd be able to tune a 323i's 2.5 to match the 325i without voiding your new car warranty I'd love to hear them.

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by davecat

The down facing tailpipe doesn't concern me, what concerns me is the 323i's lack of mid range pulling power. Give it another 100 Nm's and I might decide to come to the party.

Oh and by the way if you have any bright ideas on how you'd be able to tune a 323i's 2.5 to match the 325i without voiding your new car warranty I'd love to hear them.

I know a few guys who had it done at the dealership, will find out the finer details and report back.

[danielt]

My E46 323 Coupe felt grossly underpowered (I had the steptronic). I am not sure if the E90 323 has made much of a difference steptronic wise? The manual and autos though do appear to be night and day different.

[scheps]

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

I know a few guys who had it done at the dealership, will find out the finer details and report back.

I would be very interested in it (for my friend)

[astra]

Originally Posted by davecat

Oh and by the way if you have any bright ideas on how you'd be able to tune a 323i's 2.5 to match the 325i without voiding your new car warranty I'd love to hear them.

*cough* warranty *cough*

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

I know a few guys who had it done at the dealership, will find out the finer details and report back.

I always wondered about what they did to publically detune a 325 by 30Kw...tell, tell, tell!

I'll remain open minded about the dealer thing but have to say I'm very sceptical that they'll sell you a car for $10-15K less and tune it up to be the same as a 325..

[BMW //MPOWER]

OK I'm back and with the news everyone has been waiting for!
How to upgrade your 323i to a 325i and not void your warranty for only $1300AUD (of which i think the mechanic makes neaerly 100% of that in profit) All they need to do is reprogram the engine management system with the 325i engine settings.
It makes sense, as why would BMW spend piles of money on changing the engine when they can control it with the computer. It is also evident when you option a 323i up to the equivalent base 325i the prices are nearly identical!

[moO moO nEL]

Originally Posted by BMW //MPOWER

OK I'm back and with the news everyone has been waiting for!
How to upgrade your 323i to a 325i and not void your warranty for only $1300AUD (of which i think the mechanic makes neaerly 100% of that in profit) All they need to do is reprogram the engine management system with the 325i engine settings.
It makes sense, as why would BMW spend piles of money on changing the engine when they can control it with the computer. It is also evident when you option a 323i up to the equivalent base 325i the prices are nearly identical!

Is that the case for the E90?
I thought you need to change the manifold or something...

[BMW //MPOWER]

Originally Posted by moO moO nEL

Is that the case for the E90?
I thought you need to change the manifold or something...

Yeah E90, E60 (in countries with the 523i and 525i) and E92's.