[beamer]

Hey all. First post to the forum. I hope this hasn’t been discussed to death already with the 325.

I noticed the other day that the Canadian market gets a 323 as well as the 325 and the 330. The model numbers and engine sizes don’t make any sense. As in the US 330 = 3.0L and 325 = 3.0L but there is an additional 323 with a 2.5L engine. In comparison with the European specs it seems that the Canadian 2.5L engine has been detuned (I am assuming this – maybe they just spontaneously lose hp in shipping). The 2.5 in the European market (badged a 325) lists 218hp. The Canadian 2.5L (badged 323) states only 174hp. That’s the same specs as the MY2000 323. Why not just put a 2.5 in the 325 that isn’t detuned if they’re going to bring in a 2.5L for the 323? In general, why do two engine sizes with one body style give 4 different models? It seems like things have become overly complicated. Any thoughts?

[Mr.Abulia]

Originally Posted by beamer

Hey all. First post to the forum. I hope this hasn’t been discussed to death already with the 325.

I noticed the other day that the Canadian market gets a 323 as well as the 325 and the 330. The model numbers and engine sizes don’t make any sense. As in the US 330 = 3.0L and 325 = 3.0L but there is an additional 323 with a 2.5L engine. In comparison with the European specs it seems that the Canadian 2.5L engine has been detuned (I am assuming this – maybe they just spontaneously lose hp in shipping). The 2.5 in the European market (badged a 325) lists 218hp. The Canadian 2.5L (badged 323) states only 174hp. That’s the same specs as the MY2000 323. Why not just put a 2.5 in the 325 that isn’t detuned if they’re going to bring in a 2.5L for the 323? In general, why do two engine sizes with one body style give 4 different models? It seems like things have become overly complicated. Any thoughts?

BMW NA wanted only one engine type for the North American market, apparently, so they took the 3.0l with different twiddly bits for the 325 and 330. Then someone decided that we had to have an entry level car in Canada, so they pulled the 323 power plant from...well, I'm not sure where quite frankly. I'm a little puzzled over it myself. All I know is that for the wheels alone it isn't worth getting the 323. Ugliest BMW wheels known to man!

P.S. Welcome to the forum!

[findtom]

I agree about the wheels.

Plus with the 323 you get no Xenons (these are standard on the 325/330 in Canada), an even worse sound system, the back seats don't fold forward, no automatic climate control, no heated seats, and the strips on the roof are black plastic instead of body color... and a less powerful engine. All to save about $5K CDN.

[icedragon]

Originally Posted by findtom

I agree about the wheels.

Plus with the 323 you get no Xenons (these are standard on the 325/330 in Canada), an even worse sound system, the back seats don't fold forward, no automatic climate control, no heated seats, and the strips on the roof are black plastic instead of body color... and a less powerful engine. All to save about $5K CDN.

And no foglights and no independant rear passenger air conditioning. However, from the outside, it's difficult to tell the 323i apart from the 325i. You have to get up close in order to notice the halogen headlights and 323i wheels.

[Wolf359]

The european 2.5l couldn't pass US emission standards, so that is why they detuned the 3.0l for this market. This might also explain the detuning of the 323i's engine, to meet emissions regulations.

[Socom]

Originally Posted by Wolf359

The european 2.5l couldn't pass US emission standards, so that is why they detuned the 3.0l for this market. This might also explain the detuning of the 323i's engine, to meet emissions regulations.

He's correct. 2.5L wouldn't meet emissions requirements in the U.S.

[E90Fleet]

The 323i engine in Canada is the exact same on in the 323i car in Europe and 523i

Its the detuned version of the European 325i motor

[JamieA]

Originally Posted by Wolf359

The european 2.5l couldn't pass US emission standards, so that is why they detuned the 3.0l for this market. This might also explain the detuning of the 323i's engine, to meet emissions regulations.

Where is this info from? The 2.5L engine for the Euro 325 is just a shrunk 330 engine - 3 stage induction etc, I would expect it to have the same emissions quality as the 330 engine or better.

I thought Europe would have tougher emissions standards than the US, unless it was something specific about California which, to my knowledge, has the toughest standards in the world.