Black Betti: 2002 BMW E46 325ti Sport
Discussion
Hi guys,
Here is my 2002 E46 325ti Sport. I bought her in "mint" condition from the first owner on 55k miles. Original spec was:
2002 325ti Sport
Black Sapphire Metallic
Montana Grey leather interior with Carbon Cube trim
Full M Sport exterior package
Full M Sport interior package
BMW Business cassette head unit with 6-disc rear stacker
18" MV1 staggered alloys
As you can see, I've made a few changes.
I've had a few bits die on me, like the front right caliper, a snapped rear spring, and a collapsed rear shock (explains the harsh ride it used to have) but it's been mostly trouble-free motoring for the past three years.
I'm now up to roughly 84k miles, and love driving this gem of a car. In my opinion - and yes I'm totally biased - a completely underrated car, and one worth more than it's fair share of credit. When set up right they handle like a go kart, and the 192hp is more than enough to give some big smiles through the twisty stuff.
I've got plans to source an inlet manifold, throttle body, and MAF from an M54B30 (already have the injectors), install and remap, which should hopefully see 15-20hp gains. I've also been speaking to a fabrication company about a full custom exhaust, from manifold through to rear muffler, which should again see more improvements. Other plans include a custom-built carbon fibre strut brace I've designed and I'm building myself, a lug nut conversion, and a partial interio strip for track day weight savings.
Here is my 2002 E46 325ti Sport. I bought her in "mint" condition from the first owner on 55k miles. Original spec was:
2002 325ti Sport
Black Sapphire Metallic
Montana Grey leather interior with Carbon Cube trim
Full M Sport exterior package
Full M Sport interior package
BMW Business cassette head unit with 6-disc rear stacker
18" MV1 staggered alloys
As you can see, I've made a few changes.
- Cades Tora 18x8J ET35/18x9J ET40
- Dunlop Sport Maxx RT 225/40/R18 / 255/35/R18
- H&R Sport Cupkit suspension (OEM fitment, but lower and stiffer)
- MTEC grooved/dimpled discs all round, with Textar pads (for now) and painted calipers
- Strongflex Sport poly bushes - rear top mounts, rear trailing arms, rear anti roll bar bushes
- Mishimoto silicone intake boot
- Rear wiper delete
- Alpine CD/MP3/USB/Aux head unit, and rear stacker delete
- E60 545i short shifter, ZHP-style gear knob
- SMD angel eyes
- Facelift tail lights
I've had a few bits die on me, like the front right caliper, a snapped rear spring, and a collapsed rear shock (explains the harsh ride it used to have) but it's been mostly trouble-free motoring for the past three years.
I'm now up to roughly 84k miles, and love driving this gem of a car. In my opinion - and yes I'm totally biased - a completely underrated car, and one worth more than it's fair share of credit. When set up right they handle like a go kart, and the 192hp is more than enough to give some big smiles through the twisty stuff.
I've got plans to source an inlet manifold, throttle body, and MAF from an M54B30 (already have the injectors), install and remap, which should hopefully see 15-20hp gains. I've also been speaking to a fabrication company about a full custom exhaust, from manifold through to rear muffler, which should again see more improvements. Other plans include a custom-built carbon fibre strut brace I've designed and I'm building myself, a lug nut conversion, and a partial interio strip for track day weight savings.
Great example of a fantastic car OP! 
I may be a little biased though as I have had this one 2 and a half years:-
No modifications to mine as it is a daily driver - plus I quite like the pre-facelift rear lights on a red car!
I had the banana radiator scenario soon after I bought it and needed a new PAS pipe last year, but other than that it has been a laugh a minute.
It is now on 97K miles but still drives great - I really don't know what I could buy as a replacement without spending loads more!
I may be a little biased though as I have had this one 2 and a half years:-
No modifications to mine as it is a daily driver - plus I quite like the pre-facelift rear lights on a red car!
I had the banana radiator scenario soon after I bought it and needed a new PAS pipe last year, but other than that it has been a laugh a minute.
It is now on 97K miles but still drives great - I really don't know what I could buy as a replacement without spending loads more!
sixpistons said:
This looks like great. Small car + 6 pot engine is always a winning recipe and the tweaks you've done have done wonders for the slightly awkward looks of the standard compact.
Thanks! I've tried to stay true to the original design but just tidy it up and get rid of some of the less desirable features. I think it's getting there!Mr Tidy said:
Great example of a fantastic car OP!
I may be a little biased though as I have had this one 2 and a half years:-
No modifications to mine as it is a daily driver - plus I quite like the pre-facelift rear lights on a red car!
I had the banana radiator scenario soon after I bought it and needed a new PAS pipe last year, but other than that it has been a laugh a minute.
It is now on 97K miles but still drives great - I really don't know what I could buy as a replacement without spending loads more!
I was looking at getting an Imola Red 325ti Sport when I found this one. I do love the colour, but they tend to fade if you don't have some shelter for them. Looks lovely though!I may be a little biased though as I have had this one 2 and a half years:-
No modifications to mine as it is a daily driver - plus I quite like the pre-facelift rear lights on a red car!
I had the banana radiator scenario soon after I bought it and needed a new PAS pipe last year, but other than that it has been a laugh a minute.
It is now on 97K miles but still drives great - I really don't know what I could buy as a replacement without spending loads more!
I've picked up the aluminium mounts for my custom-build carbon fibre front strut brace. These have been machined from AL7075, silver hard anodized (although it comes out more like titanium) and I'm making some small adjustments to the hole bores. The drawings showed 9mm holes, when they should have actually been 10mm holes, so a little bit of a bore-out and they should fit nicely.
Next step is to finish off the mould for the brace, then lay up the first brace.
Next step is to finish off the mould for the brace, then lay up the first brace.
CaptainMorgan said:
I've always had a itch for one of these, I'm tempted with one as track toy.
They look so much better with the Sport exterior bits and those wheels really suit it! Nice work, I'm a fan of subtle mods, your car ticks all the boxes for me.
Thanks! I'm not one for in-your-face or over-the-top mods. Subtle stuff which improves it is all you need really. They look so much better with the Sport exterior bits and those wheels really suit it! Nice work, I'm a fan of subtle mods, your car ticks all the boxes for me.
I'm planning on doing some track days. I've heard good things.
TimeFlies said:
Lovely, especialy that 3/4 shot of the rear, wide wheels and a short rear over hang just looks soooo right.
Only thing I'd change is debadge it and detail it, black shows of the swirls.
Black shows off pretty much everything! It's a nightmare of a colour to keep clean and tidy. But when you get it right... Only thing I'd change is debadge it and detail it, black shows of the swirls.
DonaldTrump said:
Looks good OP. I just bought myself a 325ci to use as my daily. 5 days into ownership and loving it.
How are you liking it now you're a few weeks in? Still loving it??Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff