Any advice on a 325ci?

[missmusic]

Hi,
I'm after an E46 325ci (also seen a diesel I like, if the seller would actually respond...). Anything in particular to watch out for/ they're prone for? Around 2005. How many miles are they good for, if well maintained? Are they as expensive to repair (parts-wise) as people are insisting to me?
Many thanks in advance.

[d_a_n1979]

missmusic said:

Hi,
I'm after an E46 325ci (also seen a diesel I like, if the seller would actually respond...). Anything in particular to watch out for/ they're prone for? Around 2005. How many miles are they good for, if well maintained? Are they as expensive to repair (parts-wise) as people are insisting to me?
Many thanks in advance.

The M54 is a fairly bullet proof engine; but the cooling systems are a weak point, so ensure that it has paperwork/history/receipts to show that the stat/water pump/top and bottom hoses have been changed sometime recently, or budget for c£500 inc labour to get these swapped out (unless you're a handy DIY mechanic); may as well do the belts at the same time.

The rocker cover gaskets and oil filter housing gaskets leak through age, so they'll probably need changing too, unless done recently. Another job that if you're doing the cooling system, you may as well do at the same time.

Check the DISA, if it's the original then it probably needs to be refreshed; the X8R kit is ideal for this

FYI the E46s biggest issue is rust; so check front and rear wings, sills and jacking points. They're all prone to rust

To throw a spanner in the works, why not go for a 330i? It's more power than the 325i, but more or less same economy (if you worry about such a thing)?

[naturalaspiration]

At this age it is a car for a DIY enthusiast. As said rust is what kills it if not rigorously kept in check. Mechanics are reliable and parts cheap and abundant. If you can try and stretch to a 3 litre peteol engine, ideally manual fun/consumption/reliability/long term value wise. I would stay clear of (especially old) diesels, sound horrible and should have never found their way into coupe /convertible niche - also long term worthless, and the more we known about their true emissions the more difficult it is to justify driving them.

Edited by naturalaspiration on Thursday 7th November 19:05

[helix402]

Go for a 330 if you want a petrol 6. Same mpg as the 325 but faster. Or get a 330d if you want faster still and less fuel.

[sparks_190e]

I agree there is no reason to be looking for a 325, you're looking for a 330. Virtually identical running costs.

[Mr Tidy]

As everyone has said, just look for a 330i!

I bought an E91 325i because I couldn't find a 330i in budget.

It only lasted a year before I compromised and replaced it with an E90 330i.

[g3org3y]

Rust
Rust
Rust.

Of course the 330 is the pick of the bunch but if the 325Ci in question is a good spec and rust free, it's worth a shot imo.

[Touring442]

10 years ago there was probably a strong 325i/330i argument. Now, 80% of these are rusty old stboxes looking for their last owner/victim. By all means look for a really good 330i, but should a mint 325Ci arrive for a couple of grand then buy it. They're not as fast, but are fast enough.

[4rephill]

Touring442 said:

10 years ago there was probably a strong 325i/330i argument. Now, 80% of these are rusty old stboxes looking for their last owner/victim. By all means look for a really good 330i, but should a mint 325Ci arrive for a couple of grand then buy it. They're not as fast, but are fast enough.

+1

A mint 325ci is going to better than a high mileage, completely shagged out 330ci.

People seem to forget that, not everyone wants a car for outright performance. If the OP simply wants a nice old car to potter about in, then a 325ci will do the job just as well as a 330ci.

[survivalist]

Apologies if you’ve already done this, but I’d take a step back and double check that an E46 is what you actually want.

E90’s are hitting a similar price point now and aside from expensive electric water pumps they seem to be more reliable, more modern and don’t suffer from rust like the E46 does.

That said if you’re good at rust/paint stuff or really like the E46 shape ignore me.

I say this having had a few different E90 and E46 options. For low maintainance and an irreplaceable experience I’d pick a N52 engine 330i (pre-facelift E90). For a faster, easier daily I’d have a N54 335i, but it’s far more hassle/risk in terms of turbos, high pressure fuel pump, injectors etc

[Mr Tidy]

Some good points made there, a 325ci isn't a slow car so if you aren't bothered about outright performance a good clean 325ci is a much better idea than a tired and/or rusty 330ci. Plus it may be nearer to you or have a better spec, which are also factors.

Although if you spend a lot of time on motorways any facelift 330i will have a 6 speed box, which could be handy - the 325is didn't get that.

I've got to say I still think the E46s look better than the E9* models, but most E46s are getting tired and crusty now - which is why I replaced my 325ti Compact with an E91 325i last year. And of course within 3 months it needed a new electric water pump - £500 by the time it was fitted. And it also suffered from the common E9* issue with the fuel tank vent - if you had the tank more than 3/4 full it stank of petrol!

But the E9* ones don't seem to suffer with rust, feel much more refined and better screwed together.

And in either generation 3 Series it seems much easier to find 325is than 330is - plus 330is seem to be priced much higher.

Happy hunting OP.

[Court_S]

As mentioned, the cooling system is a weak point (my 325ti had water pump, thermostat and rad done) but they also have an appetite for suspension components be it bushes or springs (rear springs seems to snap a lot or at least mine did).

I'd also echo the comments re the E9x cars. In my experience, they're better made despite not feeling as solid with a few less issues and they seem to be afflicted by rust like the E46.

[skullandbiscuits]

I've just bought a manual E46 325i Sport Touring, I really wanted to get a 330i but finding a manual was too difficult.

I settled for a 325i local to me, much better spec and condition.

Power & BHP isn't everything....

[bodhi]

I can only echo the suggestions to try looking for an E92 - or even better (imo), see if you can find a 125i Coupé in budget. Much more fun to drive than an E46 and much less niggly to own, with zero real rust issues. Slightly smaller on the road than an E46 Coupé but no less practical (have owned both).

You can also remap it up to around 260 - 280 bhp depending on who does it, makes for a properly entertaining little go kart.