E36 325 Tds.. How Good? - SEAT Cupra.net

SAM R LOVER · 15-03-2005, 17:28

Just been looking on the net about this but there doesn't seem to be too much information out there regarding test drives etc. I know it is a 2.5 6 cylinder with 143bhp. Not sure about torque? I know it's not VAG but there are some very well informed and rounded opinions on here. And what is the difference between TD & TDS? Anyone driven one?
Thanks, Sam.

*edc* · 15-03-2005, 17:31

re you asking about the engine specifically or what E36s are like in other respects?

*prc* · 15-03-2005, 17:36

IIRC the difference between a TD & TDS is different mapping and the intercooler. The earlier models tend to have crank failures under high mileage..

SAM R LOVER · 15-03-2005, 17:37

sorry, in all respects really. Would ask for a comparison to a Leon/Ibiza 130 but I don't think they are similar. Has the b em still got a rwd lay out? I have just discovered it has 192ft pounds of torque, so not too bad there

*edc* · 15-03-2005, 17:45

E36 is a quality car in general. We've had one for a while. If you're looking for the most practical family saloon then this is not it. The boot is smaller than most and the prop shaft needs a hefty tunnel which intrudes in rear cabin space. It isn't actually that roomy inside, maybe only a bit more space than a 1996 Punto but the Punto has exceptional space for a small car. It is well built and next to nothing goes wrong. No rattles after several years, exhaust lasts forever. Good handling and ride balance. Equipment wise they're quite spartan as basic, much like the Leon vs Golf in terms of standard equipment.

*prc* · 15-03-2005, 17:45

Yes it's still RWD? IMO go for the newer 2.0L

*orangesprout* · 15-03-2005, 21:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAM R LOVER

Just been looking on the net about this but there doesn't seem to be too much information out there regarding test drives etc. I know it is a 2.5 6 cylinder with 143bhp. Not sure about torque? I know it's not VAG but there are some very well informed and rounded opinions on here. And what is the difference between TD & TDS? Anyone driven one?
Thanks, Sam.

std torque is 280Nm - old technology.

My dad has same engine in his Omega - Upsoluted too. His is knocking out 175BHp and 340 Nm Torque. Once you get passed turbo lag its quite an animal and sounds amazing due to 6 pots

*micky 32* · 15-03-2005, 23:30

a friend has a 95 TDS standard, i can only compare it to a remapped PD130 and the PD130 is noticably quicker but the TDS is still quick, i drove it 2 weeks ago.

SAM R LOVER · 16-03-2005, 21:54

thanks for the info chaps. I currently have a Corrado VR and a Fiat Uno 1.0 ie. I would have to disagree about the punto, although I like it, I felt the handling and build was quite bad, but the myth about Fiats being unreliable is utter tosh, my Uno has only been to a garage in 4 years for mot's, I've done everything myself and that car has never let me down. I am doing 30k a year now so makes sense to get a derv. I know the newer 2.0 is better but if I was going to spend that kind of money on a car, I would rather just go the whole hog and get a 330d. But for 3k I have seen some nice 325 tds e36's, it does 45+mpg and is a good motorway cruiser, anyone know what it is like top end? will it sit as/more comftably on the motorway than say a 6 speed ibiza tdi? cheers.

*Niall* · 17-03-2005, 07:41

325 TDS are heavy on fuel in comparison to the competition. Ebst bet if you want a big reliable diesel would be a Audi 2.5TDI V6 packing 180 Bhp or more very fast when remapped.. About 40 Mpg after remapping

*edc* · 17-03-2005, 09:20

I never mentioned that the Punto was a bad car. Indeed our 1996 has done over 110k miles and has been as reliable as the BMW. It's no sports car, but as a very roomy small hatch it does the job really well.

*orangesprout* · 17-03-2005, 20:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by SAM R LOVER

thanks for the info chaps. I currently have a Corrado VR and a Fiat Uno 1.0 ie. I would have to disagree about the punto, although I like it, I felt the handling and build was quite bad, but the myth about Fiats being unreliable is utter tosh, my Uno has only been to a garage in 4 years for mot's, I've done everything myself and that car has never let me down. I am doing 30k a year now so makes sense to get a derv. I know the newer 2.0 is better but if I was going to spend that kind of money on a car, I would rather just go the whole hog and get a 330d. But for 3k I have seen some nice 325 tds e36's, it does 45+mpg and is a good motorway cruiser, anyone know what it is like top end? will it sit as/more comftably on the motorway than say a 6 speed ibiza tdi? cheers.

you'll be lucky to get 45 mpg

my dad drives like Miss Daisy most of time and only get 35mpg if lucky !!

SAM R LOVER · 19-03-2005, 07:26

well after reading you'r reports on mpg I am having second thoughts. thanks as I may have gone out and bought one, then I'd be in trouble. Think I might just hold out for an Ibiza 130 since they seem to be quite cheap second hand these days.

MAdMAtt84 · 26-03-2005, 20:04

Mates got a BMW tourer the estate version which is 2.5L TD Sport its packing the 143bhp and straight 6. Its alot of weight very smooth with a nice throb and hell once its on boost it does n half go like stink. Maybe old technology i presume they arnt direct injection but with regard to fuel ecconomy its way down dead bad compared to the Ibiza i was getting 53mpg doing 80 on the way upto scotland last week. Mate gets anything from 35-45mpg but baring in mind i dont know what if anyting he was carrying, i was full of fuel luggage and a mate.

Just my 2p

Matt

SAM R LOVER · 27-03-2005, 12:16

It seems as tho 40mpg is about average but I get 35mpg doing 80+ in my Corrado VR so not worth it

15-03-2005, 17:28	#1
SAM R LOVER Full Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 79	E36 325 Tds.. How Good? Just been looking on the net about this but there doesn't seem to be too much information out there regarding test drives etc. I know it is a 2.5 6 cylinder with 143bhp. Not sure about torque? I know it's not VAG but there are some very well informed and rounded opinions on here. And what is the difference between TD & TDS? Anyone driven one? Thanks, Sam.

15-03-2005, 17:31	#2
edc Blue Leather &amp;amp; Shiny Bits Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Surrey Posts: 8,174	re you asking about the engine specifically or what E36s are like in other respects? __________________ 1997 Ibiza 2L 16V Cupra GTI - long gone in 2008!

15-03-2005, 17:36	#3
prc Sooty Meister Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 6,073	IIRC the difference between a TD & TDS is different mapping and the intercooler. The earlier models tend to have crank failures under high mileage.. __________________ Paulo Black Toledo TDI Confusious says: "You'd be surprise just how "UNCUSTOM" custom code is" REVO (Washbrook Special) \| HID Guide\| TDI Fuel Cooler Guide In the works: IC water spray + bigger FMIC

15-03-2005, 17:45	#5
edc Blue Leather &amp;amp; Shiny Bits Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Surrey Posts: 8,174	E36 is a quality car in general. We've had one for a while. If you're looking for the most practical family saloon then this is not it. The boot is smaller than most and the prop shaft needs a hefty tunnel which intrudes in rear cabin space. It isn't actually that roomy inside, maybe only a bit more space than a 1996 Punto but the Punto has exceptional space for a small car. It is well built and next to nothing goes wrong. No rattles after several years, exhaust lasts forever. Good handling and ride balance. Equipment wise they're quite spartan as basic, much like the Leon vs Golf in terms of standard equipment. __________________ 1997 Ibiza 2L 16V Cupra GTI - long gone in 2008!

15-03-2005, 17:45	#6
prc Sooty Meister Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Here, there, everywhere Posts: 6,073	Yes it's still RWD? IMO go for the newer 2.0L __________________ Paulo Black Toledo TDI Confusious says: "You'd be surprise just how "UNCUSTOM" custom code is" REVO (Washbrook Special) \| HID Guide\| TDI Fuel Cooler Guide In the works: IC water spray + bigger FMIC

15-03-2005, 17:37	#4
SAM R LOVER Full Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 79	sorry, in all respects really. Would ask for a comparison to a Leon/Ibiza 130 but I don't think they are similar. Has the b em still got a rwd lay out? I have just discovered it has 192ft pounds of torque, so not too bad there

15-03-2005, 23:30	#8
micky 32 Full Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Longford, Ireland Posts: 628	a friend has a 95 TDS standard, i can only compare it to a remapped PD130 and the PD130 is noticably quicker but the TDS is still quick, i drove it 2 weeks ago. __________________ 2008 Octavia vRS 2.0 TFSI KO4, xenons, parking sensors. 324bhp, 300lbft( on JKM's RR)

16-03-2005, 21:54	#9
SAM R LOVER Full Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 79	thanks for the info chaps. I currently have a Corrado VR and a Fiat Uno 1.0 ie. I would have to disagree about the punto, although I like it, I felt the handling and build was quite bad, but the myth about Fiats being unreliable is utter tosh, my Uno has only been to a garage in 4 years for mot's, I've done everything myself and that car has never let me down. I am doing 30k a year now so makes sense to get a derv. I know the newer 2.0 is better but if I was going to spend that kind of money on a car, I would rather just go the whole hog and get a 330d. But for 3k I have seen some nice 325 tds e36's, it does 45+mpg and is a good motorway cruiser, anyone know what it is like top end? will it sit as/more comftably on the motorway than say a 6 speed ibiza tdi? cheers.

17-03-2005, 07:41	#10
Niall Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Posts: 928	325 TDS are heavy on fuel in comparison to the competition. Ebst bet if you want a big reliable diesel would be a Audi 2.5TDI V6 packing 180 Bhp or more very fast when remapped.. About 40 Mpg after remapping

17-03-2005, 09:20	#11
edc Blue Leather &amp;amp; Shiny Bits Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Surrey Posts: 8,174	I never mentioned that the Punto was a bad car. Indeed our 1996 has done over 110k miles and has been as reliable as the BMW. It's no sports car, but as a very roomy small hatch it does the job really well. __________________ 1997 Ibiza 2L 16V Cupra GTI - long gone in 2008!

19-03-2005, 07:26	#13
SAM R LOVER Full Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 79	well after reading you'r reports on mpg I am having second thoughts. thanks as I may have gone out and bought one, then I'd be in trouble. Think I might just hold out for an Ibiza 130 since they seem to be quite cheap second hand these days.

26-03-2005, 20:04	#14
MAdMAtt84 Full Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Canterbury, Kent Posts: 189	Mates got a BMW tourer the estate version which is 2.5L TD Sport its packing the 143bhp and straight 6. Its alot of weight very smooth with a nice throb and hell once its on boost it does n half go like stink. Maybe old technology i presume they arnt direct injection but with regard to fuel ecconomy its way down dead bad compared to the Ibiza i was getting 53mpg doing 80 on the way upto scotland last week. Mate gets anything from 35-45mpg but baring in mind i dont know what if anyting he was carrying, i was full of fuel luggage and a mate. Just my 2p Matt

27-03-2005, 12:16	#15
SAM R LOVER Full Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 79	It seems as tho 40mpg is about average but I get 35mpg doing 80+ in my Corrado VR so not worth it

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