Compact - 325ti v 2.0td
Discussion
My BMW specialist had a 160k mile 320td as a courtesy car. I've test driven a couple of 325ti compacts in the past too so can make a reasonable comparison.
The 320td was SE spec with 17" wheels and still handles well, though it's much more floaty than a Sport spec compact. It's very economical, goes well enough to cruise comfortably at 95mph on the motorway and generally would be a fine car for plenty of long distance journeys. Which is presumably why they all seem to have massive mileage on them.
The 325ti is still a car I fancy owning, even considering replacing my MX5 as a second car. They feel sprightly and the engine's smoother than the 330i in other E46s, yet being lighter performance is similar. Sport suspension and 18"s was by no means uncomfortable. For pleasure, definitely hold out for a 325ti.
Ultimately one isn't a substitute for the other; they both do different jobs and just happen to share a bodyshell, really.
The 320td was SE spec with 17" wheels and still handles well, though it's much more floaty than a Sport spec compact. It's very economical, goes well enough to cruise comfortably at 95mph on the motorway and generally would be a fine car for plenty of long distance journeys. Which is presumably why they all seem to have massive mileage on them.
The 325ti is still a car I fancy owning, even considering replacing my MX5 as a second car. They feel sprightly and the engine's smoother than the 330i in other E46s, yet being lighter performance is similar. Sport suspension and 18"s was by no means uncomfortable. For pleasure, definitely hold out for a 325ti.
Ultimately one isn't a substitute for the other; they both do different jobs and just happen to share a bodyshell, really.
I had a nearly-new 320td SE for 3 years (from 2005 t0 2008) as I had a new job that meant highish mileage.
Very economical and pretty quick for a diesel of that era, SE seats in cloth were not very pleasant but overall a good car.
Then last December I bought a 325ti Sport with full leather and the optional staggered 17 inch wheels (tyres are 225/45 front and 245/40 rear) and now I keep wondering why I didn't test a 325ti back then because it is just so much better - and lower fuel prices are a bonus for now! Get that straight 6 singing and it is a great car!
One bonus of the 325 is that SE and Sport both came with sport suspension and sport seats as standard.
Left-field option I know but the 318 petrol is very similar to 320 diesel in performance, and there seem to be more around so if you can live without the 6 cylinder grunt and soundtrack that could be an option?
Anyway good luck and let us know what you get.
Very economical and pretty quick for a diesel of that era, SE seats in cloth were not very pleasant but overall a good car.
Then last December I bought a 325ti Sport with full leather and the optional staggered 17 inch wheels (tyres are 225/45 front and 245/40 rear) and now I keep wondering why I didn't test a 325ti back then because it is just so much better - and lower fuel prices are a bonus for now! Get that straight 6 singing and it is a great car!
One bonus of the 325 is that SE and Sport both came with sport suspension and sport seats as standard.
Left-field option I know but the 318 petrol is very similar to 320 diesel in performance, and there seem to be more around so if you can live without the 6 cylinder grunt and soundtrack that could be an option?
Anyway good luck and let us know what you get.
jools182 said:
There are a few recently advertised, but all are either automatic, messed with too much, massive mileage, service book 'lost'...
I don't get why so many people specced them with auto boxes originally
People missed the point of them as a loose skunkworks special because of the stumpy looksI don't get why so many people specced them with auto boxes originally
The design team had the idea of a modern day 2002tii ......a small BMW that was fun to drive, a way to trial chassis improvements for the E46, an M-lite for youngsters, some of the things they envisaged weren't sanctioned, the front end styling meant well off housewives etc were many of the original owners.......hence the autoboxes like on many Mercs driven by same
s m said:
People missed the point of them as a loose skunkworks special because of the stumpy looks
The design team had the idea of a modern day 2002tii ......a small BMW that was fun to drive, a way to trial chassis improvements for the E46, an M-lite for youngsters, some of the things they envisaged weren't sanctioned, the front end styling meant well off housewives etc were many of the original owners.......hence the autoboxes like on many Mercs driven by same
Exactly. I remember my neighbour coming over to me one day when I was checking the oil and saying "How big is the engine in that?!!". OK, they're not a 5L V8, but even still I think very few people would really get what these are all about just from looks aloneThe design team had the idea of a modern day 2002tii ......a small BMW that was fun to drive, a way to trial chassis improvements for the E46, an M-lite for youngsters, some of the things they envisaged weren't sanctioned, the front end styling meant well off housewives etc were many of the original owners.......hence the autoboxes like on many Mercs driven by same
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