E46 325ti compact buying advice / tips / tricks/ general tat
Discussion
Hi BMW chaps,
This is my first step into possible BMW ownership. Quite some time ago I owned a fairly fast Rover 420 GSi turbo - I left the UK in 2008 and since have had boring cars. A good old friend of mine back home has a lovely purple 325ti and I do rather fancy one too.
I live in The Netherlands and road tax here is very expensive compared to the UK and is based on 'empty weight'. The 3er Compact meets quite a few of my picky criteria so I've started researching them. There isn't much choice in NL so it's difficult to get a good hold of what's what.
That's why I'm posting here - if you guys have experience of these cars can you post here important info. Any weak points? Rust points? Leaks/smoke/drips/creaks/squeaks/groans/whines/screams? Should I be put off my high miles? Optional extras which back in the day were tip top but are now more hassle than they're worth? Options back in the day which are worth a lot now?
So far I have figured out:
- M kitted ones look nicer; no black rubbing strips
- Black/silver/blue don't float my boat. Red/purple/yellowey/other are much more interesting
- Not interested in the 4 cylinder 316/318. Gotta be a 325.
As for price, it's kinda difficult to ask as I know most of you are UK based and prices there are so much lower. From what I've seen so far, a good one is going to be around €5000.
Over to you chaps, gimme all you've got
This is my first step into possible BMW ownership. Quite some time ago I owned a fairly fast Rover 420 GSi turbo - I left the UK in 2008 and since have had boring cars. A good old friend of mine back home has a lovely purple 325ti and I do rather fancy one too.
I live in The Netherlands and road tax here is very expensive compared to the UK and is based on 'empty weight'. The 3er Compact meets quite a few of my picky criteria so I've started researching them. There isn't much choice in NL so it's difficult to get a good hold of what's what.
That's why I'm posting here - if you guys have experience of these cars can you post here important info. Any weak points? Rust points? Leaks/smoke/drips/creaks/squeaks/groans/whines/screams? Should I be put off my high miles? Optional extras which back in the day were tip top but are now more hassle than they're worth? Options back in the day which are worth a lot now?
So far I have figured out:
- M kitted ones look nicer; no black rubbing strips
- Black/silver/blue don't float my boat. Red/purple/yellowey/other are much more interesting
- Not interested in the 4 cylinder 316/318. Gotta be a 325.
As for price, it's kinda difficult to ask as I know most of you are UK based and prices there are so much lower. From what I've seen so far, a good one is going to be around €5000.
Over to you chaps, gimme all you've got
Mmm, thanks. How long did you have yours? How many miles? Options you liked or thought were pointless?
FWIW - this one has piqued my interest because of the colour and interior. High KM's though, too much I think.
http://link.marktplaats.nl/m870619042
FWIW - this one has piqued my interest because of the colour and interior. High KM's though, too much I think.
http://link.marktplaats.nl/m870619042
I bought a 53-reg 6-speed Sport in Silver Grey back in 2005, with optional xenons and 18" MV2s, but standard half-alcantara. It was very much the spec I wanted, and absolutely loved the car
Kept it for nearly 4 years and 60k miles, in which time it was pretty reliable, with the main issues being numerous snapped rear springs and it required a new coil-pack, both of which were well-known issues. It was also very tyre-sensitive in that set-up, not liking mixed-brand front/rears, and had a habit of burning out its sidelight holders, which was an issue I never got to the bottom of
Kept it for nearly 4 years and 60k miles, in which time it was pretty reliable, with the main issues being numerous snapped rear springs and it required a new coil-pack, both of which were well-known issues. It was also very tyre-sensitive in that set-up, not liking mixed-brand front/rears, and had a habit of burning out its sidelight holders, which was an issue I never got to the bottom of
Edited by Leins on Saturday 29th November 23:45
LeoZwalf said:
Mmm, thanks. How long did you have yours? How many miles? Options you liked or thought were pointless?
FWIW - this one has piqued my interest because of the colour and interior. High KM's though, too much I think.
http://link.marktplaats.nl/m870619042
It has the nasty unreliable SSG gearbox, cheap after market wheels and exhaust and what seems like a sport rear bumper on a standard car. FWIW - this one has piqued my interest because of the colour and interior. High KM's though, too much I think.
http://link.marktplaats.nl/m870619042
Check the rear wash/wipe is working ok
If it has electric rear quarter vents check they open and close ok
If it has remote boot opening option, check that works
Check there's no damp in the boot under the carpets
Usual E46 stuff applies as well, rear coil springs, rear brake pipes, sunroof blind, check rad replaced ( original likely to be getting towards end of life ), if 5-speed box check gear stick centres in neutral etc etc
Nothing major but it helps if you can do small jobs yourself to save some money - these are 10 year old plus cars by now so likely to have issues that need fixing
If it has electric rear quarter vents check they open and close ok
If it has remote boot opening option, check that works
Check there's no damp in the boot under the carpets
Usual E46 stuff applies as well, rear coil springs, rear brake pipes, sunroof blind, check rad replaced ( original likely to be getting towards end of life ), if 5-speed box check gear stick centres in neutral etc etc
Nothing major but it helps if you can do small jobs yourself to save some money - these are 10 year old plus cars by now so likely to have issues that need fixing
Hi Leo! easier to type on here than whatsapp.
I don't think the 6 speed is worth holding out for. - mines a 5, and it doesn't trouble me particularly. Its a nice to have, rather than a must.
I'd avoid the 17" wheels if you can.
Mines got m-sport 17" wheels from factory - handling is great, and they suit the look of the car.... but the wheels are staggered, so rears are very wide, and very the tyres therefore are quite expensive. Also means you can't swap the backs to the front for even wear. Do you need extra set of winter tyres over there? If so, the expensive tyres might be an issue?
You mentioned on whatsapp, about possibly weak coolant system - funnily enough, the only 2 major problems I've had in 3 years of ownnership, was broken rear springs at mot time, and a leak in the expansion tank. - it had split along the seam in the plastic. Easy fix though - but i used a non bmw part, and the pattern header tank I used, didn't have a built in magnet the tank, which the coolant level sensor uses to gauge the level. Not the end of the world, but annoying none the less. Sensor only is used for a dash light. - So if you go see any, give the engine bay a good old inspection, see what condition the coolant system is in, looking for signs of any leaks.
Its all little things to look out for, like any car. I'm not aware of any massive issues with the e46 compacts.
As for extras - make sure you get the multi function steering wheel, and cruise control. Ive also bought a kit that wires into the cd multi changer loom, so i can plug my iPhone in. iphone charges, car thinks phone is a cd multi changer, and i can control the iPhone form my steering wheel. nice.
I bought a 2004 325ti 6 speed Sport. Waited for the right spec and got a black car with the sport bumpers, half alcantara interior and think it looks and drives great, just a shame it doesn't have a slippy diff.
Was quite cheap when I bought it as it wasn't mint. Problems have been the rear wiper which is a very common. For some reason it pumps the wash wipe through the body of the motor, O-ring leaks and pumps it into the linkage, rusts seizes, strips the wheel inside and can blow the fuse. You can cheap fix these as new motors aren't cheap and secondhand parts are expensive and likely to be problematic.
Also check the electric windows, regulators are a know problem but can be a cheap fix. The tatty black rubbery painted center console and be cleaned up with a can of spray Plastidip.
BMW's are great as everyone mods and fixes them and seems to love writing about doing so. Just about any job has a DIY guide written on owners forums and YouTube videos. Add in loads of specialists, secondhand parts and the ability to easily gets BMW's own software on a laptop with their own technical guides on repairs and you can't go wrong if you can do your own repairs/servicing.
Was quite cheap when I bought it as it wasn't mint. Problems have been the rear wiper which is a very common. For some reason it pumps the wash wipe through the body of the motor, O-ring leaks and pumps it into the linkage, rusts seizes, strips the wheel inside and can blow the fuse. You can cheap fix these as new motors aren't cheap and secondhand parts are expensive and likely to be problematic.
Also check the electric windows, regulators are a know problem but can be a cheap fix. The tatty black rubbery painted center console and be cleaned up with a can of spray Plastidip.
BMW's are great as everyone mods and fixes them and seems to love writing about doing so. Just about any job has a DIY guide written on owners forums and YouTube videos. Add in loads of specialists, secondhand parts and the ability to easily gets BMW's own software on a laptop with their own technical guides on repairs and you can't go wrong if you can do your own repairs/servicing.
Edited by Mr_B on Thursday 4th December 02:19
Mr_B said:
I bought a 2004 325ti 6 speed Sport. Waited for the right spec and got a black car with the sport bumpers, half alcantara interior and think it looks and drives great, just a shame it doesn't have a slippy diff.
Was quite cheap when I bought it as it wasn't mint. Problems have been the rear wiper which is a very common problem. For some reason it pumps the wash wipe through the body of the motor, O-ring leaks and pumps it into the linkage, rusts seizes, strips the wheel inside and can blow the fuse. You can cheap fix these as new motors aren't cheap and secondhand parts are expensive and likely to be problematic.
Also check the electric windows, regulators are a know problem but can be a cheap fix. The tatty black rubbery painted center console and be cleaned up with a can of spray Plastidip.
BMW's are great as everyone mods and fixes them and seems to lot writing about doing so. Just about any job has a DIY guide written on owners forums and YouTube videos. Add in loads of specialists, secondhand parts and the ability to easily gets BMW's own software on a laptop with their own technical guides on repairs and you can't go wrong if you can do your own repairs/servicing.
£40 of second hand trim on eBay made wonders for the looks of the interior of my other half's compact when she had one. I believe they share many parts with the coupe.Was quite cheap when I bought it as it wasn't mint. Problems have been the rear wiper which is a very common problem. For some reason it pumps the wash wipe through the body of the motor, O-ring leaks and pumps it into the linkage, rusts seizes, strips the wheel inside and can blow the fuse. You can cheap fix these as new motors aren't cheap and secondhand parts are expensive and likely to be problematic.
Also check the electric windows, regulators are a know problem but can be a cheap fix. The tatty black rubbery painted center console and be cleaned up with a can of spray Plastidip.
BMW's are great as everyone mods and fixes them and seems to lot writing about doing so. Just about any job has a DIY guide written on owners forums and YouTube videos. Add in loads of specialists, secondhand parts and the ability to easily gets BMW's own software on a laptop with their own technical guides on repairs and you can't go wrong if you can do your own repairs/servicing.
However, the two cars felt like they were made by entirely different firms. I had a 330Ci and she had the compact, build on the compact was flimsy to say the least.
jayemm89 said:
£40 of second hand trim on eBay made wonders for the looks of the interior of my other half's compact when she had one. I believe they share many parts with the coupe.
However, the two cars felt like they were made by entirely different firms. I had a 330Ci and she had the compact, build on the compact was flimsy to say the least.
Just as an aside, how have people found rust issues on the Compact compared to similar aged Coupes/saloons? More resistant to arch frilliness etc?However, the two cars felt like they were made by entirely different firms. I had a 330Ci and she had the compact, build on the compact was flimsy to say the least.
s m said:
jayemm89 said:
£40 of second hand trim on eBay made wonders for the looks of the interior of my other half's compact when she had one. I believe they share many parts with the coupe.
However, the two cars felt like they were made by entirely different firms. I had a 330Ci and she had the compact, build on the compact was flimsy to say the least.
Just as an aside, how have people found rust issues on the Compact compared to similar aged Coupes/saloons? More resistant to arch frilliness etc?However, the two cars felt like they were made by entirely different firms. I had a 330Ci and she had the compact, build on the compact was flimsy to say the least.
Wow they are expensive where the OP is.
I bought a 52 plate 5 speed in red a week ago with less miles for less money.
It has full black leather and a CD changer.
Rear wiper does not work and rear hatch does not spring open by itself.
Still the price was right and it'll give me something(s) to do!
I bought a 52 plate 5 speed in red a week ago with less miles for less money.
It has full black leather and a CD changer.
Rear wiper does not work and rear hatch does not spring open by itself.
Still the price was right and it'll give me something(s) to do!
s m said:
jayemm89 said:
£40 of second hand trim on eBay made wonders for the looks of the interior of my other half's compact when she had one. I believe they share many parts with the coupe.
However, the two cars felt like they were made by entirely different firms. I had a 330Ci and she had the compact, build on the compact was flimsy to say the least.
Just as an aside, how have people found rust issues on the Compact compared to similar aged Coupes/saloons? More resistant to arch frilliness etc?However, the two cars felt like they were made by entirely different firms. I had a 330Ci and she had the compact, build on the compact was flimsy to say the least.
mark.c said:
s m said:
jayemm89 said:
£40 of second hand trim on eBay made wonders for the looks of the interior of my other half's compact when she had one. I believe they share many parts with the coupe.
However, the two cars felt like they were made by entirely different firms. I had a 330Ci and she had the compact, build on the compact was flimsy to say the least.
Just as an aside, how have people found rust issues on the Compact compared to similar aged Coupes/saloons? More resistant to arch frilliness etc?However, the two cars felt like they were made by entirely different firms. I had a 330Ci and she had the compact, build on the compact was flimsy to say the least.
Mr Tidy said:
Wow they are expensive where the OP is.
I bought a 52 plate 5 speed in red a week ago with less miles for less money.
It has full black leather and a CD changer.
Rear wiper does not work and rear hatch does not spring open by itself.
Still the price was right and it'll give me something(s) to do!
Yup, get right on in there and remove that CD changer, give you a little extra storage space.I bought a 52 plate 5 speed in red a week ago with less miles for less money.
It has full black leather and a CD changer.
Rear wiper does not work and rear hatch does not spring open by itself.
Still the price was right and it'll give me something(s) to do!
Rear wiper on mine works fine. Although after filling the rear washer jet bottle, realised that it doesn't actually have a washer jet. Which is quite bizarre ... maybe it helps weight distribution.
One thing on the audio system. Don't ever bother replacing the rear speakers. They're a nightmare to access, awkward to replace, and even though I put in some fairly decent speakers, made no real difference to sound quality. Mentioned it to a colleague (who is an ex BMW mechanic) and he laughed, as he remembered the same problem with the E36 Compact.
Mr Tidy said:
Wow they are expensive where the OP is.
I bought a 52 plate 5 speed in red a week ago with less miles for less money.
It has full black leather and a CD changer.
Rear wiper does not work and rear hatch does not spring open by itself.
Still the price was right and it'll give me something(s) to do!
Yes, mine was pretty cheap too and in much better overall nick than similar age coops and saloons. Everything working as it shouldI bought a 52 plate 5 speed in red a week ago with less miles for less money.
It has full black leather and a CD changer.
Rear wiper does not work and rear hatch does not spring open by itself.
Still the price was right and it'll give me something(s) to do!
I don't mind the ugly looks as the dynamic trade-off is worth it to me - Heinz Krusche really got the Compact set up spot on for me.
Thanks to you all for your suggestions etc., I'm taking it all on board and will keep looking. There isn't a wide range of 325ti's for sale here so it might be a slow hunt. There are loads in Germany but the hassle associated with importing makes it easier to search locally. I'll keep you updated as to what I end up doing, in the mean time please keep posting here if you think of more important tips etc.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Matt_N said:
Mr_B said:
The tatty black rubbery painted center console and be cleaned up with a can of spray Plastidip.
What's the process for this?The one in my 330i is pretty scagged up, do you remove it, scrap the old stuff off then plastidip it?
I've done that to some of the painted trim inserts on my Ti, really need to spend a little time figuring out how to do the section around the window switches - its a sod to remove. I'm sanding, priming, spray painting .... haven't chosen a final colour yet, but even the primer (light grey) is a massive improvement.
The original painted finish on the various inserts does seem to be very low quality.
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