Tom's BMW E46 325ti

[BigTom85]

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

Edited by BigTom85 on Sunday 30th August 22:12

[BigTom85]

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

[BigTom85]

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?

[BigTom85]

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.

[BigTom85]

It's a pattern part, but I'll give it a go. When it fails I'll go genuine BMW for sure.

I paid £2k exactly. It was up for £2300 I think and tbh id have paid that much. I agree these seem undervalued.

[BigTom85]

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!

[BigTom85]

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

[BigTom85]

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.

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

[BigTom85]

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

[BigTom85]

New wheel badges fitted. I couldn't stand the carbon fibre effect stickers, and I like that the new roundels are the right way up

Before



After



The whole car is desperate for a full detail session, but that's a few weeks away at least

[BigTom85]

wjb said:

Nice compact Tom, my compact is in the same colour and looks similar, apart from mine is a diesel, on 16's and has a less pristine bodywork

Might have to pick up a set of 18's after seeing yours, the old e46 compact is going through a little revival on PH isn't it?

Thanks mate.

A revival? That assumes it was ever popular in the first place. It's a bit of a hidden treasure I reckon.

I'm looking for some nice 17s as I think less tyre would improve the fun factor

[BigTom85]

Mr Tidy said:

Please PM me if you would like to get a few quid back for your old ones. Thanks!

I'll get them out of the shed and inspect them, and will let you know

If not there are hundreds on eBay for not much £££.

[BigTom85]

I've done a few bits and bobs today.

Cold climate CCV kit fitted including all the hoses.

The old one was less than a year old going by the 2014 date stamp, but not all parts were the same age, and at least one of the pipes was the original. Regardless, I'm glad to have the cold climate stuff fitted which should really cut down on condensation and sludge etc.

Old:





New:





Random picture with all the CCV stuff out of the way - quite a daunting job, but I'd be happy to help any fellow PHers do this on their car, or even do it for them for beer tokens



Also did the valve cover gasket and all sealing washers. The engine seems pleasingly clean too.



Not forgetting the bead of RTV silicone for the half moon bits.



White t-shirt, what was I thinking!?



I fitted the new oil level sensor which was supplied with the car and it seems to work fine. Quick oil and filter service done too - I like the warm fuzzy feeling of genuine BMW parts!



Unplugged and replugged in the DSC connector a few times and touch wood my DSC fault code hasn't reappeared. Currently NO fault codes whatsoever

Oh and I did a compression test for the fun of it. All cylinders 225-230PSI which I'm delighted about.



Not sure what next really, probably a good detailing and maybe a new gear knob. I'm also toying with painting the wood piano black...

Edit - fixing links...

Edited by BigTom85 on Monday 7th September 23:53

[BigTom85]

ethomas said:

I may well take you up on this offer if the gasket doesn't stop mine from having a drink

I look forward to it.

The gasket won't be causing significant oil loss, you might loose a teaspoon a day or something, but not in the order of litres!

All the parts came from BMW, £140 ish I believe. The cold climate bits are a bit more expensive than the standard stuff, but worth it I think.

[BigTom85]

Thanks for the kind words guys

Just a little mod for this evening - new clutch stop (standard on the right, upgrade on the left). I had to order this from eBay and it arrived from the states in under a week.



As standard there is quite a dead zone at the bottom of the pedal which makes it feel like there is way too much pedal travel, which I also think accentuates the pedals feeling offset.

It's important not to extend the stop too far out as it would prevent the clutch from fully engaging, but its very easy to adjust. Installation couldn't be simpler.

I plan to delete my clutch delay valve in the not too distant future too which should improve things further.

[BigTom85]

New indicators fitted tonight. Genuine Magneti Marelli ones, and have all the same markings on as the originals. A nice improvement. I did replace the pair for the sake of it

Before



After

[BigTom85]

Another tedious update, sorry everyone

I thought my side repeaters were looking a bit tired, so have replaced them. Whilst I was at it I swapped the orange indicator bulbs for Osram Diadems. They certainly look fresher than the old ones.

Before



During



After



I also did the front indicators with new Osram Diadem bulbs, slightly less 'fried egg'.

Before



After



Annoyingly some fkwit has opened their door into the side of my car, so it's no longer mint. I'm furious, it's broken the paint. Something else to add to the list.

[BigTom85]

Another quick update.

17" style 44s fitted, with 7mm tyres all round. I've been assured that 'Barum' tyres are half decent, but I'll give them a go and report back. I'm hoping they will dial out a bit of understeer, and improve ride quality somewhat. My MV1s are now for sale on eBay should anyone be interested in them, they are near-mint!



I've finally put my private plate on too (no more horrible LEGEND plate). I was a bit gutted to see some tiny rust bubbles in the rear plate area .

I don't like screw fixings, so I popped a bit of underseal over the old holes and cleaned everything up for some adhesive strips



Finally, I fitted some Bosch Aerotwin wiper blades - 50:50 shot (Aerotwin on the left, obvs)



Next update will hopefully be the Vanos seals kit I bought for the sake of it, and I'm hoping to get the silver trims all painted black too.

Thanks for looking.

[BigTom85]

gregs656 said:

Our cars are a very similar spec, though you have different colour leather and auto lights/wipers. The Xenons are good, aren't they?

Let us know how you get on with the reduction in wheel size.

I thought all xenon equipped cars had auto lights? Yep, they are fab! A bit miffed the other day when I thought one had gone, but touch wood it was only a sidelight. PHEW!

So far the wheels feel much better, more neutral handling for certain. The EPIC wobble at 55-65mph is pretty disconcerting though, I'll be getting them balanced as a matter of urgency.

[BigTom85]

helix402 said:

Looking good. Having tried the Bosch flat blades and the BMW flat ones, they both work well at first, but the BMW ones last better.

Nice one. I was swearing at mine in the rain this morning as the drivers side one was missing the bottom 1/3 of the screen. Turned out I hadn't clipped it into the spindle properly. Oops! Do you know how much the BMW ones are out of interest?