The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread

[JakeT]

gregs656 said:

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.

Jeepers that's a rare find. How long did it take you to find that!? Was it off of Ebay or a classifieds site?

[gregs656]

JakeT said:

Jeepers that's a rare find. How long did it take you to find that!? Was it off of Ebay or a classifieds site?

Fairy unusual but they are out there. I was looking for around 15 months all told, I missed out on a number of other cars. I nearly got scammed on another. Bought on Autotrader.

My ridiculously long search was mainly because I wanted a facelift car, drop that requirement and the world is your oyster.

[Fishy Dave]

Mr Tidy said:

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

Does anyone know the code for these wheels, or which other BMW they came on, think they look good?

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

[Matt_N]

Fishy Dave said:

Does anyone know the code for these wheels, or which other BMW they came on, think they look good?

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

Style 68:

http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/68

[Fishy Dave]

Excellent, thanks Matt.

[e21Mark]

Well as I was up early anyway, I decided to go for a bit of a hoon down towards Lelant, St Ives & Zennor. The weather wasn't great but it was still fun all the same. Now that I'm a little more used to driving it, I have more confidence pushing on and was surprised at just how well it goes. It's surprisingly firm, for OE suspension and doesn't roll as much as I'd expected. An LSD would definitely be a nice addition though. Could an E36 LSD not be fitted into the stock E46 casing?

I'm surprised that more people haven't picked up on what a good car the 325ti actually is, although quite glad at the same time.

[s m]

SX

e21Mark said:

Well as I was up early anyway, I decided to go for a bit of a hoon down towards Lelant, St Ives & Zennor. The weather wasn't great but it was still fun all the same. Now that I'm a little more used to driving it, I have more confidence pushing on and was surprised at just how well it goes. It's surprisingly firm, for OE suspension and doesn't roll as much as I'd expected. An LSD would definitely be a nice addition though. Could an E36 LSD not be fitted into the stock E46 casing?

I'm surprised that more people haven't picked up on what a good car the 325ti actually is, although quite glad at the same time.

Yes, Mark - see Bimmertune as they do ( or used to do it )

Either that or get a Quaife and sell it on separately when you part the car - cost will be around the same

Suspension, is stiffer than coupe or saloon, plus thicker ARBs .....and less weight to act on it

[gregs656]

I went out this afternoon for a great drive for an hour.

Really recommend changing out the clutch pedal stop for a higher one, simple but makes a real difference.

[Mr Tidy]

I did a 150 mile round trip in mine today, but not too much fun as it was mostly motorway.

Boring trip but hopefully a good idea now it has got so cold as I went to collect a set of wheels fitted with Michelin winter tyres! Never had any before so I'm looking forward to trying them out (and hopefully some white stuff)!

It was dark when I got home so I'll try to get them fitted tomorrow.

As has been said 325tis seem to have been largely unappreciated for some time, but we've all benefited from that! I just wish I had test driven the one I had found in 2005 instead of going and buying a 320td!

[mark.c]

Well I'm glad you chaps have all been out enjoying your Ti's, after feeling smug that my rear wiper has always worked on mine it decided to wrap its hand in today. So having spent the last hour pulling it apart I can confirm it is a cr@p design that has the washer system as its undoing, but it looks like I've caught it in time. The motor, once apart, looked like something I'd dragged out the Channel, but luckily a good clean and regrease it is now back to fighting fit. No pics I'm afraid, it's a straightforward job but happy to help anyone if you're suffering similar.

[BigTom85]

After spending most of the day prepping mine for its new owner, I'm clambering for an excuse to pull out of the deal tbh, what great little cars these are.

[Mr Tidy]

mark.c said:

Well I'm glad you chaps have all been out enjoying your Ti's, after feeling smug that my rear wiper has always worked on mine it decided to wrap its hand in today. So having spent the last hour pulling it apart I can confirm it is a cr@p design that has the washer system as its undoing, but it looks like I've caught it in time. The motor, once apart, looked like something I'd dragged out the Channel, but luckily a good clean and regrease it is now back to fighting fit. No pics I'm afraid, it's a straightforward job but happy to help anyone if you're suffering similar.

You've been spoilt, my rear wiper has never worked, so I just go quicker and look out the front!

The ironic thing is that the previous owner spent quite a bit 3 years ago getting the rear washer sorted - that is what probably killed the wiper!

I must get round to looking at my rear wiper soon - still I got the winter tyres on yesterday despite putting my back out undoing the wheel-nuts (no tyre-fitter seems to know about torque settings on an air gun - Fg morons) and now the temperature is going back up.......typical!

[e21Mark]

Mine works a treat. I'm just not going to use it, for fear of it breaking!

Unsure if anyone here uses Facebook but there's a 325ti enthusiasts page for anyone who's interested?

I took mine and gave it a thorough clean yesterday and am really happy with the way it turned out. I also put it on a diagnostic and punched its lights out. One thing I have noticed though, is a very intermittent yellow oil light that flashes briefly, every day or two. The oil level is good and there don't appear to be any running issues.

[ethomas]

If the yellow oil light comes on when you start the engine for approx 30 seconds then that means your level sensor is duff (very common). If it is less predictable and more intermittent then perhaps it is caused by a loose connection somewhere.

[e21Mark]

Thanks. I was thinking duff sensor.

[Mr Tidy]

e21Mark said:

Thanks. I was thinking duff sensor.

Lucky man - mine seems to mean low oil!

Is a litre every 2,500 miles typical? Maybe my CCV needs a clear-out!

[e21Mark]

Mr Tidy said:

e21Mark said:

Thanks. I was thinking duff sensor.

Lucky man - mine seems to mean low oil!

Is a litre every 2,500 miles typical? Maybe my CCV needs a clear-out!

Either that, or delete it all together?

[ethomas]

Mr Tidy said:

Lucky man - mine seems to mean low oil!

Is a litre every 2,500 miles typical? Maybe my CCV needs a clear-out!

In E46 land, that is nothing. I wouldn't worry about it.

[venskip]

I am unable to get in the boot of my 325ti at the moment - the boot lid handle has stopped working and my keys both have flat batteries... nice...

Anyone know if the rumour of an emergency release inside the boot is true? I have ordered a new battery for the key but just concious if I get a puncture I am really stuffed!

[helix402]

Does anyone know what "ti" stands for? I do, it was a question in my product knowledge test during my BMW apprenticeship. Clue: some says it began it 1953.