Keep seeing these pop up for sale near me for really cheap, are they any good for drifting without doing too much to them?
sorry, just meant 'these' as in 523I's, something like this 1999 (V) BMW 5 SERIES 523i SE | eBay although not that price! Just for weekend use/track days if they drift.
Not worth the fuel you'll put in it mate! Some use them, personally i'd steer clear. it will drift but so do 1.4 volvo's (just) - If your wanting a bmw aim for a 325/328 and you'll be alright!
Wouldnt bother with anything less than a 528 with an e39, or a 525 with an e34. depends what you want to skid it i suppose.
523 and 528 are almost the same. 523 is M52B25 (2500cc) and 528 is M52B28 (2800cc), 300cc is not such a big difference. It's always funny when people say: "Don't take 323/523, look for a 325/525" and in fact they're both 2500cc (some people think 323 is 2300cc and it's not) and there's not much difference (if any!) in power between 323/523 and 325/525, the main difference is M50B25've got an iron block and M52B25/28've got an aluminium one, and the intake manifold design. 323's M52B25 and 328's M52B28 are almost the same engine. By the way - you're much better with a 6 banger serie 3 than with a serie 5 for drifting IMO.
Thanks dudes, deffinitely going for a 3 series now, even though I like bigger cars if its going to not be as good to drift and my insurance quotes are high on it then it is just a waste, leaning towards an e36 2.5L although there are some cheap e46' around too! I basically just want something cheap and drifty to get seat time in until I can get an 86 over from japan. Advice has been really helpful!
Youve just answered why i told him not to go for anything less than a 528, the e39 is big old barge, its heavy. i drifted a 528 and its good, ive got a 540 aswell. as for the 323/523 i have no problem with a 323 i own one of them aswell for smashy its a lively little thing but a 3 series is more fun
If you are going to get a 325/8 and then get into an 86 you will HATE the 86. Do not believe the hype.
323 is 170bhp whereas 325 is 192 and breathes much better than 323. 328 is 193bhp Hence people saying 325/328
Yeah, but both cars (323 and 325) have equal torque numbers - 245NM, the 325 has a little more HP in the top rpm range due to its less restrictive intake manifold (you can always swap a M50 mani on your M52, I have done it to my 323ti compact), but it's also true that 323/328 have more low/midrange torque than 325 and IMO it's better to go sideways. To drift I prefer a little more midrange torque to some 9-10 HP more at 65000rpm.
Aww dam ive always loved the look of an 86, ive only had an s13 and a 1.9 e36 in terms of rwd cars, whats so bad about the 86s? And as for which engine beemer to go for my mind is now blown lol so im thinking 323 is better than or equal to (for drifting) a 325 but not as good as a 328? Im guessing the insurance costs jump quite a bit from 323 to 328?
There's nothing bad about ae86, I think they are somehow overrated, having in mind that some people talk about these cars as if they are the best thing ever, and they are far from anything near, only look at the prices ae86 have...Have you driven a stock one? 323 and 328 are newer than 325 (infact when BMW stopped making 325, introduced 323 and 328). 328 is a little more powerfull than 323/325 and have some more torque. The bad thing is that 323 and 328 came with a very long diff - 2,93 (323ti compact came with 3,07) and its appropriate to put a shorter one.
86s are fun and at times seriously fun but now due to age you are mostly playing a game of chase your tail in terms of maintenance. I've had two as dailys, I would have a third but only ever as a toy for the summer sun. They are now out dated in all areas, handling, power, braking. Don't waste your money mate. I now have a 328 and I won't be changing for anything other than an M series. The BMW is just better in all areas. The price you will pay for a good 86 will buy you a great M3.
Ive never driven an 86, only seen two in my life but just love the look of them. I might just wait for a good while until ive got the time and money to fund one then. Thanks to your guys advice im thinking a bmw 323 with a 325 intake manifold and change the diff? Although il probably weld up the diff it has to begin with. Just cant wait to finally get my hands on something I can get seat time with!
Even a 2.8 is pretty asthmatic when hauling a 5 series around. As said you can do the M50 inlet on a 523i.... For what it's worth it will drift with space savers and a bloody good handbrake. E36 with a 2.5/2.8 in it with weightloss will be your best bet. 5 series NEEDS a V8 to haul it about
