Tom's BMW E46 325ti
Discussion
Thought I'd stick up a quick thread as I suspect this one will be staying with me for a while 
I was looking for a 330i originally, but didn't want to spend more than about £2k, and after looking at several tatty and rusty examples, I stumbled across a 325ti at a dealer. I had a quick go and couldn't believe how much fun it was, and not a spot of rust. Seemingly these compacts just don't rust like the rest of the e46 range. We couldn't put a deal together for that particular car, but after a few weeks of looking I purchased this one.
Tree and cow
Its in lovely condition all round, mint MV1s, interior very good indeed etc. Its quite rare with the factory xenons, auto wipers and lights and also electric folding mirrors too, which are nice to have for sure.
Absolutely full history too which is a real Brucey bonus.
It was a p/x to clear at http://www.oxfordgermancars.com and I have to say that Chris was a joy to deal with, was patient with my many questions, and as a result its the first time I've bought a used car from a dealer (I think this is my 37th car!), and it was exactly as described.
The DIY tints will be coming out ASAP, and I'll be looking to put my private plate on it as I HATE the 'legend' plate.
103k miles on the clock, and the only niggle being a faulty oil level light - Chris included a brand new sensor for me to fit at the next oil change, excellent.
I'll try and keep this thread updated, nothing major planned other than keeping on top of maintenance and OEM style improvements.
If you, like me, completely disregarded the compact as an ugly car for girls then give one a proper look, they really are a hoot. They are quite different to drive to other e46s, and I definitely think its more fun than my old fettled e36 328i.
Lots of love in the 325ti appreciation thread HERE.
Any feedback or comments etc welcomed
I was looking for a 330i originally, but didn't want to spend more than about £2k, and after looking at several tatty and rusty examples, I stumbled across a 325ti at a dealer. I had a quick go and couldn't believe how much fun it was, and not a spot of rust. Seemingly these compacts just don't rust like the rest of the e46 range. We couldn't put a deal together for that particular car, but after a few weeks of looking I purchased this one.
Tree and cow
Its in lovely condition all round, mint MV1s, interior very good indeed etc. Its quite rare with the factory xenons, auto wipers and lights and also electric folding mirrors too, which are nice to have for sure.
Absolutely full history too which is a real Brucey bonus.
It was a p/x to clear at http://www.oxfordgermancars.com and I have to say that Chris was a joy to deal with, was patient with my many questions, and as a result its the first time I've bought a used car from a dealer (I think this is my 37th car!), and it was exactly as described.
The DIY tints will be coming out ASAP, and I'll be looking to put my private plate on it as I HATE the 'legend' plate.
103k miles on the clock, and the only niggle being a faulty oil level light - Chris included a brand new sensor for me to fit at the next oil change, excellent.
I'll try and keep this thread updated, nothing major planned other than keeping on top of maintenance and OEM style improvements.
If you, like me, completely disregarded the compact as an ugly car for girls then give one a proper look, they really are a hoot. They are quite different to drive to other e46s, and I definitely think its more fun than my old fettled e36 328i.
Lots of love in the 325ti appreciation thread HERE.
Any feedback or comments etc welcomed
Edited by BigTom85 on Sunday 30th August 22:12
helix402 said:
Looks good. If you want some OE+ changes have a look at my 328 thread.
I'll take a look, thanks Day 3 of ownership I had a wee problem. It would start fine, then the revs would pulse for a minute or so, and then settle at 1300rpm. Touching the accelerator would see it cut out.
Popped it on the diagnostics and:
Throttle body it is then?
Yep. Cock.
I found an old Technical Service Bulletin from 2004 suggesting that throttle bodies built before May 02 were defective, and there can be problems with the throttle body connector requiring replacement of the COMPLETE ENGINE HARNESS
I had a look at my throttle body and it was date stamped 2007, so its clearly been a problem before, but I was reasonably sure that this later throttle body wasn't my problem.
Not wanting to stick £406 into a new engine bay loom and spending 14 hours replacing it, I did some rooting around on RealOEM and found that there is an upgraded connector available and upgraded connector pins too.
£60 ish and 4 hours later I replaced the connector, cleared the fault codes and touch wood its running a treat. Result.
It took a brave pill to chop the connector off!
Throttle body gasket changed whilst I was in there, and it cleaned up like new.
I really rate these heat shrink crimp connectors. Combined with some self-amalgamating tape I think it's a durable repair. I'd prefer a soldered connection but there isn't much room in that part of the engine bay
All taped up and finished.
A repair that could well have cost a 4-figure sum done in an evening for less than the price of a tank of juice
I suspect this may well be the reason the chap p/xed it in the first place.Touch wood nothing else rears its ugly head, it seems to be running great!
Edited to fix picture links.
Edited by BigTom85 on Sunday 30th August 22:42
Edited by BigTom85 on Sunday 30th August 22:45
helix402 said:
Good job. I changed a few M54 engine harnesses under warranty a few years back. I guess you've reset the throttle adaptions with DIS?
I hope this repair does the job for the long term, I don't fancy the harness replacement job, I guess the intake manifold has to come off too?Yep, reset the adaptions on DIS. All tickety boo.
Are you able to help shed any light on the DSC CAN error I'm getting?
The manifold does need to come off for the complete engine wiring loom replacement. Re the DME/DSC fault stored, is this still present with the loom repaired? Is the DSC light on? If there's no light on I wouldn't worry about it, it is quite often stored in E46s with no detriment to the car's operation.
helix402 said:
The manifold does need to come off for the complete engine wiring loom replacement. Re the DME/DSC fault stored, is this still present with the loom repaired? Is the DSC light on? If there's no light on I wouldn't worry about it, it is quite often stored in E46s with no detriment to the car's operation.
Yep the fault is still there. That and the oil sensor are the only 2 though which I'm delighted with. Every time I scan a BMW I get dozens of codes... The light isn't on an the DSC works as expected. I'll have a wiggle of the connectors to clean them a bit but I won't be losing sleep over it. In other news, some genuine BMW brand new facelift rear lights have been purchased, it's the proper retrofit kit and was a bargain on eBay, I'm really looking forward to getting them fitted.
ked too, every specialist I've been to (for other things, waiting for oil change to do sensor) has said use OEM BMW. It'll fail again, but it'll last longer than other brands.I'd love a 130i, but I'm happy with my 325ti for the time being. Prices for the 130i are still pretty strong.
Look what arrived in the post
Hand delivered all the way from Germany. He accepted an offer of £70 so they cost me £95 to my door. I can wholeheartedly recommend the bloke.
LINK
Can't wait to get them fitted!
Look what arrived in the post
Hand delivered all the way from Germany. He accepted an offer of £70 so they cost me £95 to my door. I can wholeheartedly recommend the bloke.
LINK
Can't wait to get them fitted!
BigTom85 said:
I'd love a 130i, but I'm happy with my 325ti for the time being. Prices for the 130i are still pretty strong.
Look what arrived in the post
Hand delivered all the way from Germany. He accepted an offer of £70 so they cost me £95 to my door. I can wholeheartedly recommend the bloke.
LINK
Can't wait to get them fitted!
I just collected a set for mine from a scrapyard, need a good polish but in OK condition. Off to work before I get a chance to fit them unfortunately, keep us updated on how you get on with them.Look what arrived in the post
Hand delivered all the way from Germany. He accepted an offer of £70 so they cost me £95 to my door. I can wholeheartedly recommend the bloke.
LINK
Can't wait to get them fitted!
Emeye said:
Just has a quick scan through this thread as an ex325ti Sport owner about 8 years ago - I was just wondering why you didn't take the car back to the dealer to fix it if you had only had the car 3 days? - apologies if I missed the answer in the thread.
It was strictly a trade sale with spares or repairs only. I know my way around a spanner and hence was happy to agree to the terms, and the subsequent price 
Absolute bargain for 2 grand; looks a nice specification too.
I've only driven a smaller engined version but that felt quite nippy - I imagine it's a right laugh with the 6 cylinder.
What sort of power do those engines produce? Are they much/any lighter than the equivalent 'normal' 3 series?
I've only driven a smaller engined version but that felt quite nippy - I imagine it's a right laugh with the 6 cylinder.
What sort of power do those engines produce? Are they much/any lighter than the equivalent 'normal' 3 series?
BigTom85 said:
Emeye said:
Just has a quick scan through this thread as an ex325ti Sport owner about 8 years ago - I was just wondering why you didn't take the car back to the dealer to fix it if you had only had the car 3 days? - apologies if I missed the answer in the thread.
It was strictly a trade sale with spares or repairs only. I know my way around a spanner and hence was happy to agree to the terms, and the subsequent price Dr G said:
Absolute bargain for 2 grand; looks a nice specification too.
I've only driven a smaller engined version but that felt quite nippy - I imagine it's a right laugh with the 6 cylinder.
What sort of power do those engines produce? Are they much/any lighter than the equivalent 'normal' 3 series?
The 325ti is a hoot for sure. I don't think theres much in it weight wise compared to a coupe, in fact all e46 models have the same wheelbase (much to my surprise), but they really do feel like completely different cars. I think gear ratios and suspension settings play a big part, as well as the lack of a rear overhang.I've only driven a smaller engined version but that felt quite nippy - I imagine it's a right laugh with the 6 cylinder.
What sort of power do those engines produce? Are they much/any lighter than the equivalent 'normal' 3 series?
Comparison of coupe / compact 2001 SE manuals according to Parkers:
325ti (compact)
1480kg, 192bhp, 245Nm, 0-60 6.9s, 146mph
325Ci (coupe)
1485kg, 192bhp, 245Nm, 0-60 7.0s, 149mph
Spent a couple of hours on it this morning. Facelift rear lights fitted and aftermarket tints removed. Much better
Before
After
Before
After
I like the rear 3/4 view, and the electric rear vent windows haven't got boring yet!
New wheel badges have been ordered as the carbon look ones have fallen apart (I prefer the standard OEM badges). I'm also ordering a standard badge for the bootlid. The bonnet one is standard and looks brand new
Before
After
Before
After
I like the rear 3/4 view, and the electric rear vent windows haven't got boring yet!
New wheel badges have been ordered as the carbon look ones have fallen apart (I prefer the standard OEM badges). I'm also ordering a standard badge for the bootlid. The bonnet one is standard and looks brand new
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