The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread

[mark.c]

Welcome to the fold Mark. I love mine for blatting about in and taking care of daily duties, as you say they represent great value for money. One of the few things I wish it had was a throttle cable, it took me a while to adjust my expectations having been used to 80's BM's!

[Mr Tidy]

Mark, I just looked at that interior photo and it looks like you have 2 electric window switches missing, presumably for the rear pop-outs.

IIRC they all had them apart from the billy basic ES models - maybe someone has changed a panel on the centre console but it might be worth checking out.

[JakeT]

e21Mark said:

It was the leather that swung it for me to be honest. I think it'll be a nice cabin once the satnav display is updated. (not that it's bad now) The MV1's seem in nice condition but they're just not for me. I like Compact when they've got that low, wide and chunky look about them. It's funny how the aesthetics divide opinion with Compacts though. Personally, I have always liked them but I also like 2000 touring from the 70's. It's just a shame the M3's bonnet doesn't fit. I think the 325ti are an absolute steal for the money and I'd certainly prefer the car I've just bought, to the 2014 Audi A3 diesel my mrs uses for work. It's also black and is a hateful thing. I already have visions of her taking the BMW to work when I'm not looking!

I did look for an Imola car but the only one I found was two and a half times the price. Some CSL alloys would be nice, although I did read there might not be room beneath the rear arches?

Mine is due to arrive later today.

I also had my eye on this one. Looking to buy a 325ti just after Christmas. Finding one with the right options (or any for that matter) is tough!

[gregs656]

What options are you looking for Jake? In my search the last thing I was worried about were options as they basically all have: Sports seats, leather or Alcantara, sports suspension, cruise control, electric front and rear windows, tidy enough alloys and probably a few things I have forgotten.

Much better overall standard of trim than the rest of the range.

[gregs656]

I see Toms is on eBay Jake, may be worth a look?

[e21Mark]

Mr Tidy said:

Mark, I just looked at that interior photo and it looks like you have 2 electric window switches missing, presumably for the rear pop-outs.

IIRC they all had them apart from the billy basic ES models - maybe someone has changed a panel on the centre console but it might be worth checking out

Thanks. I'll do a search on the chassis number and check what it was supplied with?

Transport let me down today but should be here bright and early.

[JakeT]

Hi Greg, as for options, I would be after xenon lamps, heated seats and the rain/light sensor. None of these are essential and as you said they're well specced from the factory. If a clean, low mileage model comes along I will have it no matter what. I'll be sure to take a look, but I won't be buying one until after Christmas. If it's still for sale I will be looking at these two and then making a decision

2003 Sport
2001 SE
I think the SE might have the advantage.


Also, to finish, they come standard with rear PDC. The Sport seats and suspension as standard means there is no need for me to go for sport over SE.

Edited by JakeT on Wednesday 18th November 10:28

[gregs656]

Those are both way expensive IMO, the best part of 2k over I'd say.

I had forgotten about PDC.

If you're not fussed about 5 or 6 speed and you're happy with an SE then it's definitely a buyers market.

[BigTom85]

gregs656 said:

I see Toms is on eBay Jake, may be worth a look?

It certainly is, although I have to say I'd really quite like to keep it. A change in circumstances means my mileage has doubled, so I may well be in some nearly-new euro econo-box very soon.

I may find a way to justify keeping it though.

In case anyone is interested, I've found a seller with topaz blue 'sport' spec bumpers, grilles and fog lights etc for £400 all in. I think that's the only thing missing to bring mine to full Sport spec? Maybe interior fascia trims too, but I wouldn't personally swap them as I like them

[e21Mark]

Well I've just spent an hour or so smoking around in mine and I'm pretty happy with it. It certainly goes ok and I'm surprised just how much it feels like an E30! Even the interior is pretty good and the seats are nice and firm, which I prefer myself.

The only negative is that it needs a new lambda sensor but that's easily sorted. Oh and the CD changer seems to be knackered. Apart from that though, it's all good. All I need to do now, is stop my Mrs taking a shine to it and wanting it for herself.

[s m]

e21Mark said:

Well I've just spent an hour or so smoking around in mine and I'm pretty happy with it. It certainly goes ok and I'm surprised just how much it feels like an E30!

Interesting how many of the old-skool BMW/M-car owners like Leins, mark c and yourself have found these quite fun to drive. It reminds me of my old E21 and E30 too

[e21Mark]

s m said:

e21Mark said:

Well I've just spent an hour or so smoking around in mine and I'm pretty happy with it. It certainly goes ok and I'm surprised just how much it feels like an E30!

Interesting how many of the old-skool BMW/M-car owners like Leins, mark c and yourself have found these quite fun to drive. It reminds me of my old E21 and E30 too

I think the size plays a big part. When I had the E92 M3 it felt bloody huge compared to my E30. It was more 5 series than 3. I like all the little touches, that remind me of my old 2000 touring and E21 323i, such as the opening rear quarters, 60/40 folding rear seat and round tail lights. It all still feels pretty basic and simple inside, despite there being a few more creature comforts like heated seats and AC. (which blows like ice in mine) The dogs seem to approve too, although I want to get a guard and a protector for the rear, before I make a habit of letting them in there.

I plan to give it an oil and filter change tomorrow, along with new lambda sensors, then we should be good for the winter. Oh and I may have to see if I can get the CD changer working again? Or maybe hit eBay for a replacement.

Oh and lowered springs...



and some staggered alloys....


then I'll stop.

[Rally Ax]

No you won't Mark!,,, you'll always be tweaking it lol.

[Fishy Dave]

I've just a deposit down on this one and collect it on Sunday, excited, should be a good stablemate to the Z4M.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

[e21Mark]

Fishy Dave said:

I've just a deposit down on this one and collect it on Sunday, excited, should be a good stablemate to the Z4M.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

Nice buy. Good mileage too!

Only problem that has developed with mine is my Mrs wants it! She has a 2014 Audi A3 Sport but said the Compact feels much nicer to drive. The Audi is too wallowy!

[Mr Tidy]

Fishy Dave said:

I've just a deposit down on this one and collect it on Sunday, excited, should be a good stablemate to the Z4M.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

What excellent taste you have - my 325ti is a stablemate to my Z4C!

[gregs656]

They do look good in Silver with the sport package. Nice purchase.

[JakeT]

gregs656 said:

Those are both way expensive IMO, the best part of 2k over I'd say.

I had forgotten about PDC.

If you're not fussed about 5 or 6 speed and you're happy with an SE then it's definitely a buyers market.

I am not really all that fussed. A late sport would be ideal, but they're darn rare. Only one on AT and it's £4,500. No chance! If you don't mind me asking what did you pay for yours and what spec has it got?

The main reason the SE appeals to me is having run the MOT history it's been very well looked after I am happy to pay the premium there if I am honest.

[JakeT]

Fishy Dave said:

I've just a deposit down on this one and collect it on Sunday, excited, should be a good stablemate to the Z4M.

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/2015...

I saw that today, decided it was a steal, then saw you've had it. Well done.

[gregs656]

JakeT said:

I am not really all that fussed. A late sport would be ideal, but they're darn rare. Only one on AT and it's £4,500. No chance! If you don't mind me asking what did you pay for yours and what spec has it got?

The main reason the SE appeals to me is having run the MOT history it's been very well looked after I am happy to pay the premium there if I am honest.

You're right they're not common, not in good condition anyway.

Mine was £2500, it's a 6 speed SE - all the usual stuff with Xenons and lumbar adjustable seats, 44k on the clock.