RE: Shed of the Week: BMW 325ti Compact
Discussion
Sure these are not fast by anyone's standards and they are not going to set the world on fire with their ability but they are huge fun for very little money and the best thing is the M3 drive train fits in with no drama, so do most of the important bits, the potential for huge power is immense so what more do you want, rwd 6pot and tuning potential, you can't go wrong
ti325 said:
daveco said:
Here's a nerdy (boring) fact for you.
The style 68 alloy wheels you have fitted are the lightest alloy wheel BMW do outside of the clubsport 18'' alloy. They are lighter than most 16 inch alloy wheels BMW do as well.
Top fact, like it The style 68 alloy wheels you have fitted are the lightest alloy wheel BMW do outside of the clubsport 18'' alloy. They are lighter than most 16 inch alloy wheels BMW do as well.
I believe the 3 litre Z4 had something similar, but later BMWs used electronics instead.
aaron_2000 said:
wst said:
I think if it wasn't a decent inline 6, I'd seriously propose this as a topical shed alternative for anyone living where there is some snow.
£200 gets 4 fitted 165/70 R13 winter tyres on it. AWD with no mass.
I'd rather take the bus than spend £1500 on that. £200 gets 4 fitted 165/70 R13 winter tyres on it. AWD with no mass.
I'll stick with one of the best driving and fun e46 incarnations (second to the M3 there is). Imola red, some decent alloys, Michelin Cup 2's and Bilsteins on mine please!
e46m3Mark said:
aaron_2000 said:
wst said:
I think if it wasn't a decent inline 6, I'd seriously propose this as a topical shed alternative for anyone living where there is some snow.
£200 gets 4 fitted 165/70 R13 winter tyres on it. AWD with no mass.
I'd rather take the bus than spend £1500 on that. £200 gets 4 fitted 165/70 R13 winter tyres on it. AWD with no mass.
I'll stick with one of the best driving and fun e46 incarnations (second to the M3 there is). Imola red, some decent alloys, Michelin Cup 2's and Bilsteins on mine please!
aaron_2000 said:
e46m3Mark said:
aaron_2000 said:
wst said:
I think if it wasn't a decent inline 6, I'd seriously propose this as a topical shed alternative for anyone living where there is some snow.
£200 gets 4 fitted 165/70 R13 winter tyres on it. AWD with no mass.
I'd rather take the bus than spend £1500 on that. £200 gets 4 fitted 165/70 R13 winter tyres on it. AWD with no mass.
I'll stick with one of the best driving and fun e46 incarnations (second to the M3 there is). Imola red, some decent alloys, Michelin Cup 2's and Bilsteins on mine please!
I have to concede that I sigh in disbelief that a website supposedly created to cherish the art of driving enjoyment is so overrun by style-conscious contributions. I worked at the BMW FIZ Engineering centre in Munich during the creation of the E46 compact during a period of recognition that the E46 had lost it's driver focus in the pursuit of production volumes in it's new role as the bread and butter product (the launch 330i was in general opinion especially misplaced into a 'compact 5-series' role with heavily assisted steering robbing it of sporting credentials). The 325ti in particular re-aligned BMW values to it's heritage with a quicker steering rack (later carried across the range), the stiffest suspension setup this side of an M3, unique exhaust glow and piped induction noise (as Z4) to engage the driver. Unlike it's predecessor, it also utilised the rear Z-axle suspension of it's larger sibling. I enjoyed owning one for 3 years and I felt it actually required some re-tuning to make it's successor (E85 3.0i roadster) to drive as sweetly. It's a quality driver's car, sadly let down by questionable styling (although much improved in final 'sport' spec).
PRN2K said:
I have to concede that I sigh in disbelief that a website supposedly created to cherish the art of driving enjoyment is so overrun by style-conscious contributions. I worked at the BMW FIZ Engineering centre in Munich during the creation of the E46 compact during a period of recognition that the E46 had lost it's driver focus in the pursuit of production volumes in it's new role as the bread and butter product (the launch 330i was in general opinion especially misplaced into a 'compact 5-series' role with heavily assisted steering robbing it of sporting credentials). The 325ti in particular re-aligned BMW values to it's heritage with a quicker steering rack (later carried across the range), the stiffest suspension setup this side of an M3, unique exhaust glow and piped induction noise (as Z4) to engage the driver. Unlike it's predecessor, it also utilised the rear Z-axle suspension of it's larger sibling. I enjoyed owning one for 3 years and I felt it actually required some re-tuning to make it's successor (E85 3.0i roadster) to drive as sweetly. It's a quality driver's car, sadly let down by questionable styling (although much improved in final 'sport' spec).
Good to know and great post. So much better than rivals like the dull Focus etc. A great driving bargain IMO. A few mods would make it an absolute cracker.
PRN2K said:
I have to concede that I sigh in disbelief that a website supposedly created to cherish the art of driving enjoyment is so overrun by style-conscious contributions.
Says who?The delight in all aspects of the automobile must include style. Car companies spend millions on design, whether that be a delicate curve that accentuates the form of a car or the feel of a switch as it is operated. Style matters, style sells.
You personally might be willing to drive any old blob as long as the blob is dynamically exciting to drive, others would disagree. Surely this is a broad church (as I perceive it) and that remains an ugly car...
I had one a while ago. I loved it despite it being a bit of a lemon.
The interior was a nice place to be and felt well put together and it was pretty good on fuel and it sounded good but....
In 30k I dad to do the following:
2 sets of front wishbones / bushes
2 sets of rear springs
1 set of rear shocks
Water pump (plastic originals were made of cheese)
Thermostat
Expansion tank
New rad
Rear brake lines which were expensive to be done properly
New fuel pump (in all fairness this dying was the only time it let me down)
Other than that it was routine servicing, tyres and brakes.
Despite how much I liked this and other E46’s the E90 I had later was a much better car. It didn’t feel as solid or look as good but seemed to be much better mechanically.
The interior was a nice place to be and felt well put together and it was pretty good on fuel and it sounded good but....
In 30k I dad to do the following:
2 sets of front wishbones / bushes
2 sets of rear springs
1 set of rear shocks
Water pump (plastic originals were made of cheese)
Thermostat
Expansion tank
New rad
Rear brake lines which were expensive to be done properly
New fuel pump (in all fairness this dying was the only time it let me down)
Other than that it was routine servicing, tyres and brakes.
Despite how much I liked this and other E46’s the E90 I had later was a much better car. It didn’t feel as solid or look as good but seemed to be much better mechanically.
Shedadellic. It’s a sort of under the radar hot-hatch made classier by the six pot motor and rwd. The nose does conjure up images of your fat mate feeding his face at one of those ‘all you can eat for a tenner’ Chinese restaurant buffets on a Sunday afternoon. The chopped tail I’ve always thought ok though.
Nice colour too and although it lacks leather it has a certain upmarket appeal. Must have a good 3-4 years left in it at which time you’ll get 50% of the asking price back.
And tossing things on pub tables means Shed had a more interesting youth than yours truly....
Nice colour too and although it lacks leather it has a certain upmarket appeal. Must have a good 3-4 years left in it at which time you’ll get 50% of the asking price back.
And tossing things on pub tables means Shed had a more interesting youth than yours truly....
Fantastic cars. I had one for three years that I only sold last year because it was supposed to be my practical car and I decided an E91 325i was more practical.
By comparison the E91 is much more refined, in fact too refined for my liking. The Compact just encouraged you to grab it by the scruff of it's neck and really rag it! Every time I see an advert for one I get tempted, as I really miss mine.
If anyone is looking for one don't ignore the SE - it might have smaller wheels than the Sport, but has the same suspension and seats.
By comparison the E91 is much more refined, in fact too refined for my liking. The Compact just encouraged you to grab it by the scruff of it's neck and really rag it! Every time I see an advert for one I get tempted, as I really miss mine.
If anyone is looking for one don't ignore the SE - it might have smaller wheels than the Sport, but has the same suspension and seats.
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