The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread
Discussion
stepmeek said:
I am going to view one of these on Friday and was wondering what I should be looking out for? I have heard of rear wiper not working but anything less obvious and expensive items likely to fail on these. Its a 2003 model with low miles so hoping that helps. Any info would be appreciated
Receipts for recent radiator and water pump is a bonus, if none then budget for replacement in the near future.Knocking suspension bushes.
Check the electric windows go up and down.
Check for rattling from the dual mass flywheel - will present itself as a knocking under hard acceleration particularly in the mid range, also check for a rattle at idle with the clutch pedal up, down and at the biting point.
Rear wipers both the wiper and the washer can fail.
Tail gate struts get weak and proper ones aren't cheap.
Check the remote boot release work as the wiring looms can fail.
Buy on condition, good service history is a must.
Think thats about it on top of the usual car buying stuff.
Lazzer325ti said:
Only thing to add would be to check the lower intake boot as they're prone to split. Not an overly difficult job to replace.
Good shout. I've interrogated RealOEM and can't find the bloody thing though. The top boot is on the page with the MAF, but I'm buggered if I can find the bottom one.As it happens I fixed my throttle body issue tonight by replacing the connector. A fiddly job but its back to driving how it was. I bought a top boot as I assumed it would be knackered but they both look very recent, so I'll be taking it back tomorrow.
I also realise the 325ti has a 'sound generator' as part of the air box which pumps a bit of engine noise into the cabin on WOT. Apparently the only other BMW of the era with a similar setup is the 3.0 Z4.
Rally Ax said:
I'm another 325ti convert/fan,, absolutely love it!
Has anyone had success with a remap? I'm not expecting it to be like a 3.0 but something to sharpen her up a bit would be nice.
Pictures are mandatory Has anyone had success with a remap? I'm not expecting it to be like a 3.0 but something to sharpen her up a bit would be nice.
Not tried a remap yet, Superchips reckon on +12bhp and +18nm. http://www.superchips.co.uk/search?make=3&fuel...
Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:
Chaps; what's the appeal of them? Are they quick? Are they a bit like a modern mark 2 escort or e30 or something? I've always felt they were a bit fugly but I'm thinking about a pocket rocket and if they've been overlooked..... Could well be put back on the list....
They're probably the most fun E46 to drive (I'll include the M3 & CSL in that), just something about the combination of that drivetrain, chassis and smaller body makes them a hoot to punt down your favourite road. There is definitely something of the spirit of the E30 in them too, although they're not as lively at the back and obviously a little bit more refinedThere are quicker hot hatches out there, but the howl from that straight-6 above 4k RPM makes up for it IMO. And whilst I'll admit that the front could have been designed in a more appealing way, I love the proportions (of both generations) of the Compact
Not really like a modern MkII Escort - my MkII RS2000 was so small and light by comparison, but most of the time it wouldn't see which way the 325ti went!
I replaced the RS2000 with a Capri 2.8i and I tend to think of the 325ti as a more modern version of that - 6 cylinder RWD hatch! And not only is the 325ti significantly quicker, it is also better built in every way.
Didn't know the 325ti had a sound generator, I thought the only difference from other E46's was it doesn't have the flap in the exhaust (see E46 Golf tee mod).
Will investigate tomorrow - my toy is a Z4C that does have one and I need to check if it still has foam in it, so will look at the 325ti as well! Just love an N/A Straight6.
I replaced the RS2000 with a Capri 2.8i and I tend to think of the 325ti as a more modern version of that - 6 cylinder RWD hatch! And not only is the 325ti significantly quicker, it is also better built in every way.
Didn't know the 325ti had a sound generator, I thought the only difference from other E46's was it doesn't have the flap in the exhaust (see E46 Golf tee mod).
Will investigate tomorrow - my toy is a Z4C that does have one and I need to check if it still has foam in it, so will look at the 325ti as well! Just love an N/A Straight6.
I too had always overlooked the compact, but at my budget every 330i I looked at was rusty.
I stumbled across a 325ti at a dealers and gave it a go, and boy did it just feel alive compared to the 330i. The engine seems to rev out better and has more sparkle than the 3.0. I don't think there is much weight difference, but the compact has less weight over the rear end and less of an overhang, it makes it really quite playful
The noise is fabulous too, no doubt helped by the sportier exhaust note and the induction noise sound generator thingy.
They really are lovely to rev out. The 5 speed box is quite closely spaced too making it a joy to thrash around a b-road.
I'm really loving mine at the moment, it's much more enjoyable to drive than my old e36 328i, although probably no quicker in reality.
If outright pace or numbers are a priority then look elsewhere, but for outright s
ts and giggles, it takes some beating.
I stumbled across a 325ti at a dealers and gave it a go, and boy did it just feel alive compared to the 330i. The engine seems to rev out better and has more sparkle than the 3.0. I don't think there is much weight difference, but the compact has less weight over the rear end and less of an overhang, it makes it really quite playful
The noise is fabulous too, no doubt helped by the sportier exhaust note and the induction noise sound generator thingy.
They really are lovely to rev out. The 5 speed box is quite closely spaced too making it a joy to thrash around a b-road.
I'm really loving mine at the moment, it's much more enjoyable to drive than my old e36 328i, although probably no quicker in reality.
If outright pace or numbers are a priority then look elsewhere, but for outright s
ts and giggles, it takes some beating. BigTom85 said:
I too had always overlooked the compact, but at my budget every 330i I looked at was rusty.
I stumbled across a 325ti at a dealers and gave it a go, and boy did it just feel alive compared to the 330i. The engine seems to rev out better and has more sparkle than the 3.0. I don't think there is much weight difference, but the compact has less weight over the rear end and less of an overhang, it makes it really quite playful
The noise is fabulous too, no doubt helped by the sportier exhaust note and the induction noise sound generator thingy.
They really are lovely to rev out. The 5 speed box is quite closely spaced too making it a joy to thrash around a b-road.
I'm really loving mine at the moment, it's much more enjoyable to drive than my old e36 328i, although probably no quicker in reality.
If outright pace or numbers are a priority then look elsewhere, but for outright sts and giggles, it takes some beating.
As to the weight difference between a 330 and 325ti it is significant if you put them on scales ( or at least the 330 and 325ti I owned were ) I stumbled across a 325ti at a dealers and gave it a go, and boy did it just feel alive compared to the 330i. The engine seems to rev out better and has more sparkle than the 3.0. I don't think there is much weight difference, but the compact has less weight over the rear end and less of an overhang, it makes it really quite playful
The noise is fabulous too, no doubt helped by the sportier exhaust note and the induction noise sound generator thingy.
They really are lovely to rev out. The 5 speed box is quite closely spaced too making it a joy to thrash around a b-road.
I'm really loving mine at the moment, it's much more enjoyable to drive than my old e36 328i, although probably no quicker in reality.
If outright pace or numbers are a priority then look elsewhere, but for outright s
ts and giggles, it takes some beating. As for pace, a 325ti is about 9mph down on a 330i top end if that's important to you, however that shorter rear axle ratio means that although a 325ti needs an extra gear change to hit 60 it's only 2 or 3 10ths of a second behind on pace to the 60 increment( in gear, like for like the Compact is a smidge quicker )
Certainly there is very little difference between my cousin's 330saloon and my 2.5ti ( although mine has the BMW Performance air box on which is supposed to add 2 or 3bhp ( not enough to be noticeable in other words ) and a bit more noise)
Originally the project brief was a sort of M3-lite, a car to put fun into the E46 range, hence the intro on the Compact of faster steering ratio, uprated suspension, sportier exhaust sound etc. Some of these filtered down to the rest of the range ( steering, suspension updates etc ). 330i engine was tried too but was obviously faster than the non- M range topping 330i so got canned ( plus the weight additions for transmission components etc took away some of the ethos )
A fair few of the suspension components are uprated over a 330i ( front anti roll bar, shocks )
I prefer mine to my old E36 328i as well ( and I preferred that to my 330 saloon )
Still, I don't think we should be mentioning all this as otherwise it keeps them cheap in case I need to buy another
I've had a black/alcantara 325ti 6 speed with the facelift and sport pack bumpers for a year or so now and think it great. Was £1800 and seemed a bargain when wanting a small RWD car with a decent amount of power, reliability and everyday usability. It's on a set of Avon tyres which are comically bad in the wet and make for lurid slides at every roundabout. That damn rear wiper doesn't work despite trying a fix on it, and the drivers window one touch wont send the glass to the parked position. It drinks a bit more oil than my old E36 325 despite having half the mileage (115k) of that car and the fact I was driving the e36 in the ground to kill it as it was rusted to buggery. Shame it doesn't have a LSD or it would be pretty perfect.
I bought my compact nearly twelve months ago to use as a track car instead of using my Honda S2000 as I don't feel safe in a convertable when on track really. I really like it, but after one track day in it spent understeering at almost every corner I just use it as my every day car now.
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Mr Tidy said:
BigTom85, you are so right about fun factor!
They just seem such a bargain compared to other E46 models, even though all the other body styles seem to rot!
My nephew drove mine earlier this year and decided he wanted one - I found him an 03 plate facelift SE in black with cream full leather and rare electric sunroof (was tempted to claim it myself and give him mine!) and I think it was running about 2,500 rpm at 70 in 6th when I drove it back.
The only car I can think of as a suitable replacement is a 130i for the blend of performance and practicality, plus of course RWD but they aren't cheap! Probably because they seem to get a lot of love on here, but I suppose that is understandable.
Having just sold my 130i and had a 325ti before that, I'd say the 325ti sounds better and handles better too (partly thanks to proper non runflat tyres - it just would not understeer!). If you could put the 130i engine, brakes and interior in the 325ti, with the 325ti sounds effects it'd be perfect...They just seem such a bargain compared to other E46 models, even though all the other body styles seem to rot!
My nephew drove mine earlier this year and decided he wanted one - I found him an 03 plate facelift SE in black with cream full leather and rare electric sunroof (was tempted to claim it myself and give him mine!) and I think it was running about 2,500 rpm at 70 in 6th when I drove it back.
The only car I can think of as a suitable replacement is a 130i for the blend of performance and practicality, plus of course RWD but they aren't cheap! Probably because they seem to get a lot of love on here, but I suppose that is understandable.
[quote=christoferlloyd]
Having just sold my 130i and had a 325ti before that, I'd say the 325ti sounds better and handles better too (partly thanks to proper non runflat tyres - it just would not understeer!). If you could put the 130i engine, brakes and interior in the 325ti, with the 325ti sounds effects it'd be perfect...
quote]
Ooh that looks like a lovely 325ti - good colour and on a 53 plate it must be a facelift model.
Not sure I would want a 130i interior - all 325tis have the sport seats and mine has the optional full leather, but I would love an N52 3 litre in it! (My other car is a Z4C which has an N52 with a sound generator..........)
Having just sold my 130i and had a 325ti before that, I'd say the 325ti sounds better and handles better too (partly thanks to proper non runflat tyres - it just would not understeer!). If you could put the 130i engine, brakes and interior in the 325ti, with the 325ti sounds effects it'd be perfect...
quote]
Ooh that looks like a lovely 325ti - good colour and on a 53 plate it must be a facelift model.
Not sure I would want a 130i interior - all 325tis have the sport seats and mine has the optional full leather, but I would love an N52 3 litre in it! (My other car is a Z4C which has an N52 with a sound generator..........)
christoferlloyd said:
Having just sold my 130i and had a 325ti before that, I'd say the 325ti sounds better and handles better too (partly thanks to proper non runflat tyres - it just would not understeer!). If you could put the 130i engine, brakes and interior in the 325ti, with the 325ti sounds effects it'd be perfect...
I think when my ti is too worn out I'll probably go for a 130 as well ( only in coupe form where they call it a 125i )Probably get something like a different exhaust to give it a bit of the 325ti snarl and maybe a couple of other bits. Will miss the usefulness of the hatch but the 130 just looks a bit stretched to me compared to the E82 coupe/E46 hatch
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