Discussion
Court_S said:
josh-cg608 said:
Hi guys. I have pickeed up the 130i tonight. Only a short drive home but already over the moon with it.
The compact will be needing a new home so any serious enquiries dont hesitate to contact me.
We need details on the 130i….The compact will be needing a new home so any serious enquiries dont hesitate to contact me.
Lemans blue
Half leathers
Proffesional stereo
5 door
87k
Full history
Very maticulous previous owner
One before that owned for 8 years
Whiteline rear subframe inserts
Pagid r front pads
Bmw m performance back box
Bmw m performance intake
Has had a lot of maintenance in the last 2 years
Also ice cold air con which is a bonus
Real lovely car. Managed to squeeze a quick deep clean in this morning and its came up excellent. It has been supplied with a private plate youd never guess it's a 55 plate. The interior is also in very good condition.
Ive carried out a oil and filter change
New front wipers
New rear wiper
Both fron side repeaters replaced
X4 centre caps
X4 mich pilot sport 4 to be fitted
Removed rear screen tint
Needs somebody work sorting
New floor mats on order
Always wanted a 130i with the m perf back box and intake so really over the moon.
Im going to wales for a week in august so looking forward to going in the 130i and getting a feel for it. Got a meal booked near burton on trent tomorrow so itll be about 60 mile round trip so looking forward to that also.
Hoping to give it a protection detail and interior valet before i go. Dont think ill have time for macchine polishing so hopefully will do that throughout winter and no doubt keep sytner bmw tamworths parts team busy.
josh-cg608 said:
Hahaha ill start a thread in due course. Havent drove it much but already blow away by it. Really like it.
Lemans blue
Half leathers
Proffesional stereo
5 door
87k
Full history
Very maticulous previous owner
One before that owned for 8 years
Whiteline rear subframe inserts
Pagid r front pads
Bmw m performance back box
Bmw m performance intake
Has had a lot of maintenance in the last 2 years
Also ice cold air con which is a bonus
Real lovely car. Managed to squeeze a quick deep clean in this morning and its came up excellent. It has been supplied with a private plate youd never guess it's a 55 plate. The interior is also in very good condition.
Ive carried out a oil and filter change
New front wipers
New rear wiper
Both fron side repeaters replaced
X4 centre caps
X4 mich pilot sport 4 to be fitted
Removed rear screen tint
Needs somebody work sorting
New floor mats on order
Always wanted a 130i with the m perf back box and intake so really over the moon.
Im going to wales for a week in august so looking forward to going in the 130i and getting a feel for it. Got a meal booked near burton on trent tomorrow so itll be about 60 mile round trip so looking forward to that also.
Hoping to give it a protection detail and interior valet before i go. Dont think ill have time for macchine polishing so hopefully will do that throughout winter and no doubt keep sytner bmw tamworths parts team busy.
I think I know that car…bought from a chap from Walsall? If so, I was trying to get him to sell the exhaust to me! Lemans blue
Half leathers
Proffesional stereo
5 door
87k
Full history
Very maticulous previous owner
One before that owned for 8 years
Whiteline rear subframe inserts
Pagid r front pads
Bmw m performance back box
Bmw m performance intake
Has had a lot of maintenance in the last 2 years
Also ice cold air con which is a bonus
Real lovely car. Managed to squeeze a quick deep clean in this morning and its came up excellent. It has been supplied with a private plate youd never guess it's a 55 plate. The interior is also in very good condition.
Ive carried out a oil and filter change
New front wipers
New rear wiper
Both fron side repeaters replaced
X4 centre caps
X4 mich pilot sport 4 to be fitted
Removed rear screen tint
Needs somebody work sorting
New floor mats on order
Always wanted a 130i with the m perf back box and intake so really over the moon.
Im going to wales for a week in august so looking forward to going in the 130i and getting a feel for it. Got a meal booked near burton on trent tomorrow so itll be about 60 mile round trip so looking forward to that also.
Hoping to give it a protection detail and interior valet before i go. Dont think ill have time for macchine polishing so hopefully will do that throughout winter and no doubt keep sytner bmw tamworths parts team busy.
They’re really good little cars. I’ve been keep Sytner Tamworth busy with parts too!
Court_S said:
josh-cg608 said:
Hahaha ill start a thread in due course. Havent drove it much but already blow away by it. Really like it.
Lemans blue
Half leathers
Proffesional stereo
5 door
87k
Full history
Very maticulous previous owner
One before that owned for 8 years
Whiteline rear subframe inserts
Pagid r front pads
Bmw m performance back box
Bmw m performance intake
Has had a lot of maintenance in the last 2 years
Also ice cold air con which is a bonus
Real lovely car. Managed to squeeze a quick deep clean in this morning and its came up excellent. It has been supplied with a private plate youd never guess it's a 55 plate. The interior is also in very good condition.
Ive carried out a oil and filter change
New front wipers
New rear wiper
Both fron side repeaters replaced
X4 centre caps
X4 mich pilot sport 4 to be fitted
Removed rear screen tint
Needs somebody work sorting
New floor mats on order
Always wanted a 130i with the m perf back box and intake so really over the moon.
Im going to wales for a week in august so looking forward to going in the 130i and getting a feel for it. Got a meal booked near burton on trent tomorrow so itll be about 60 mile round trip so looking forward to that also.
Hoping to give it a protection detail and interior valet before i go. Dont think ill have time for macchine polishing so hopefully will do that throughout winter and no doubt keep sytner bmw tamworths parts team busy.
I think I know that car…bought from a chap from Walsall? If so, I was trying to get him to sell the exhaust to me! Lemans blue
Half leathers
Proffesional stereo
5 door
87k
Full history
Very maticulous previous owner
One before that owned for 8 years
Whiteline rear subframe inserts
Pagid r front pads
Bmw m performance back box
Bmw m performance intake
Has had a lot of maintenance in the last 2 years
Also ice cold air con which is a bonus
Real lovely car. Managed to squeeze a quick deep clean in this morning and its came up excellent. It has been supplied with a private plate youd never guess it's a 55 plate. The interior is also in very good condition.
Ive carried out a oil and filter change
New front wipers
New rear wiper
Both fron side repeaters replaced
X4 centre caps
X4 mich pilot sport 4 to be fitted
Removed rear screen tint
Needs somebody work sorting
New floor mats on order
Always wanted a 130i with the m perf back box and intake so really over the moon.
Im going to wales for a week in august so looking forward to going in the 130i and getting a feel for it. Got a meal booked near burton on trent tomorrow so itll be about 60 mile round trip so looking forward to that also.
Hoping to give it a protection detail and interior valet before i go. Dont think ill have time for macchine polishing so hopefully will do that throughout winter and no doubt keep sytner bmw tamworths parts team busy.
They’re really good little cars. I’ve been keep Sytner Tamworth busy with parts too!
I had a grey one
josh-cg608 said:
Thats the one mate. He was telling me about a guy who went from 140i to 130i and after just seeing your thread on here i put 2 and 2 together. Also seen on his thread you had e90 330i? Lemans with lemon? Amazing car
I had a grey one
Yeah that’s me I had a grey one
Yeah, I had an E90 330 in LMB with lemon leather. Was one of my fabulous cars I’ve owned and one I still miss.
Hello guys, first time posting on Piston Heads but a long time lurker (many years) for various diagnostic and DIY purposes.
Proud to say I am the current owner of this same BMW E46 330ti in SilberGrau -and what a machine she is. First off I'd like to thank the previous owner(s) including the OP for the care and attention given to this car. It still benefits from the suspension refresh and other restoration/maintenance efforts today - attracting regular adoration, compliments and even notes being left on the car a couple of months ago with enquiries for sale.
I came across this vehicle in May/April 2023 having owned a 318ti (Black - sold), 325ti (Black -written off whilst parked), 325ti (Grey - sold for an E83 for family reasons).
When I saw this in my favourite colour for E46's and good spec it stood out immediately.
Not only for the M54B30 swap and it's spec, but this thread's documented ownership and because the then current owner had just engaged in upgrades/restoration at the start of 2023 including:
Professional Full Body Respray (full images to hand)
Custom Straight Through mid-pipe exhaust (images to hand)
The car met the strict spec combination I always look for: LCI with red taillights, 6speed Manual Transmission, SilberGrau/Silver Grey colour, M Sport Bodykit (uncracked front bumper), Xenons, Black leather (I also like Red) - and now the bodywork was flawless.
The car was based in Taunton, but had been owned previously somewhere further North (the buyer from this thread I understand). The current owner (J) had bought it sight unseen and had it transported to him. He had previously owned Cosworths, Mitsubishi Evo's and others but liked the Compact Styling and learned about the professional engine swap and power (including Vanos rebuild). The reason for premature sale after spending £££'s on the 330ti was his friend offered him a deal on a Mitsubishi Evo he couldn't pass up.
J was having the car detailed and was very helpful in conversations to discuss any niggly bits the car wanted for, some minor and some perhaps considered more major. I couldn't resist and worked through the process sight unseen (with plenty of pictures) to decide when I was going to make the trip from London to go view/collect the car. Within a couple of days whilst I was still on the fence, but cognisant this was a very special find, I organised tickets for the train and J explained he had already taken the eBay listing down as he had received a flurry of calls - 3 very keen buyers offering full price, one even trying to offer £500 more to usurp me and secure the car.
Long story short, J held the car for me (without deposit) I went and purchased it and even from being a passenger in the collection journey from the train station, the power and drive was impressive and unmistakable. I was staggered at the smooth delivery of power all through the rev range and the comfortable yet taut handling.
When I got it back to London, I decided to resolve some of the obvious things that needed attention to continue restoring the car back cosmetically to OEM. Special thanks to Nick Jupp at German Car Spares Kent (E46 Specialists). These included:
Rear Seat Isofix Plastic Cover (2nd Hand OEM)
Colour Matched Rear PDC Sensor (2nd-OEM)
Front Passenger Wheel Well Liner (Aftermarket/OE)
External Ambient Temperature Sensor Pigtail (Aftermarket)
Genuine BMW Roundels (BMW) No pics required, old badges corroded. Brand new installed.
Engine Cover Screw Clip Covers (BMW)
Under Bonnet Positive Terminal Cover Clip (BMW)
Interior Rear Driver C Pillar Trim Clips (BMW)
Passenger Door Lock Actuator (2nd-OEM)
Upper Radiator Hose (Aftrmkt/OE)
AC Temperature Sensor [Fan was permanently on from A/C removal until plug installed] (2nd-OEM) (No pics but fan now operates correctly)
Front Headlight Cloudy Lens Restoration (TCut Headlight Lens product)
Coolant Temperature Sender Sensor (OE Meyle)
Drivers Headliner Sun Visor (2nd-OEM)
Front Drivers Jack Pad (2nd-OEM)
Underbonnet Sound Insulation Liner [Unsagging, OEM missing] (2nd-OEM)
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/C5zUWd1o.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/x4gE66Ta" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/x4gE66Ta.jpg)
Front Air Intake Scoop (2nd-OEM)
Rear Manifold Vacuum Blanking Cap (BMW)
Crankshaft Sensor (2nd-OEM)
Genuine Siemens Mass Air-Flow Sensor (2nd-OEM) [My local BMW Indy did a smoke test and the aftermarket MAF was smoking like a chimney - have a video]
Wiring restoration behind the Light Controle Module unit (where somebody had butchered OEM wiring to get retrofitted Xenons to light up but caused permanent headlight bulb error dashlights). Reconnected OEM LCM wiring and removed unnecessary relay that had been added and occasionally clicked repeatedly.
Coded the Light Control Module for Xenon lights which powered them up correctly on the standard wiring repaired, along with removing the bulb error dash lights.
Front Passenger Brake Pad Sensor Plug & Sensor [connector plug had burnt terminal] removing the brake pad wear error dash-light (2nd-OEM pigtail) (aftrmkt/OE sensor)
Correctly DIY-coded body shell mileage from Speedo Cluster to the LCM - which was from a later Touring model but still recorded the Touring's mileage. [The discrepancy between original Cluster mileage and installed Touring LCM mileage had caused Tamper Dot on the Cluster. After coding the correct mileage to replacement LCM it inevitably removed the Tamper dot that had been present on the Speedo. Just to clarify, the vehicle mileage is stored in both the Cluster and the Light Control Module, so if you replace the LCM with a newer one of a different used vehicle, the mileage will not match and hence tamper dot. I recoded the LCM to match Cluster and tamper dot went away - the Cluster/Displayed Shell vehicle mileage is accurate and untampered with]
New Petrol Filler Cap retaining rubber "String" as original had snapped (Aftermarket/eBay)
6x New NGK BKR6EQ Spark Plugs
My intention was to keep this thread alive for this vehicles progress and update as I went. Alas, I simply spent my time working on the car and driving it, never getting around to updating this thread until now!
As a member of an E46 Compact group on facebook, I shared the car in direct message with another member I chat to, who found a previous post of some years from an owner previous to the OP. I contacted that owner and it turns out it had been him who had done the engine swap himself. The guy builds his own drift vehicles and had swapped the engine into the Compact just for a new learning process - but confirmed the Compact had never been drifted, it was just his daily driver road car he had turned into a project. He also confirmed the Vanos had been refurbed which made sense to me why the power was available so freely and linearly (it was a whole new experience feeling the M54B30 full factory power but in a lighter E46 Compact shell). It already has a solid metal steering-column coupler, has clearly had Oil Filter Housing Gasket and Valve Cover Gasket done and doesn't leak any oil (bar the final drive Differential - see below).
The car has Michelin Pilot Sports fitted all round, EBC Yellow stuff brake Pads, I have 330 Brake Calipers I bought as I was going to give it a front brake upgrade but never got around to it. It does have Differential Whine, although when I bought the car J provided a 2nd-hand OEM differential at the correct ratio, as he had been flirting with the idea of installing an LSD. I had the spare diff opened by the local indy's differential specialists who confirmed it is in good shape and although I didn't proceed with an LSD or factory refurb, the spare differential is due to be installed to replace the current one sometime in the coming weeks of January (unless a new owner wishes to install an LSD into the spare diff and then fit).
My intention was to keep this 330ti as a totally visual OEM sleeper, with power as it should have had from BMW, in mint condition, great spec, that could and would have capability to surprise much newer and more powerful vehicles from the lights. It did just this with an F80 M3 6MT who then pulled up at the next lights frantically demanding to know what had been done to the Compact, stating his utter surprise and paying some very positive respect haha it also did extremely well the one time when 2x SilberGrau E46 M3 CSLs came alongside me on the A2. As it went from the 50mph limit to the National Speed Limit, they were visibly shocked when it stayed with them as long as it did and they did not leave the compact standing as they typically expected. I did bump into the same two CSLs at traffic lights the next day as well in the X3 and told them Compact had the M43B30 with Vanos done and apparent remap, as well as Mishimoto open intake. They commended it's power and we laughed when I said it's my baby CSL Compact.
However, I've part exchanged my 2004 E83 X3 and purchased a 2016 F80 M3 Competition which I justified the deposit by borrowing from the future sale of the Compact. It made sense to finally own a true M car which has 4 doors so can do family duties also. This, although I hate to say it, now usurp's the 330ti as my Pride and Joy vehicle. With the F80 S55 preventative maintenance and care I want to give the M3, it precipitates the sale of the Compact.
I plan to list on eBay and potentially AutoTrader in the coming weeks, but wanted to provide this update to the 330ti on this thread whilst the car was still in my ownership, so that there is some continuity for the thread and so that the legend of this very special car may continue for the next owner(s) and curious spectators. This car has evidently had some great owners who have each invested into restoring it and upgrading it in their own ways and I believe it deserves a future owner who can benefit from all previous owners compounded efforts and continue the trend to make it even better piece of history. If anybody would like to know more about the vehicle, previous owners, the work that was done or anything else, please feel free to message me!
Proud to say I am the current owner of this same BMW E46 330ti in SilberGrau -and what a machine she is. First off I'd like to thank the previous owner(s) including the OP for the care and attention given to this car. It still benefits from the suspension refresh and other restoration/maintenance efforts today - attracting regular adoration, compliments and even notes being left on the car a couple of months ago with enquiries for sale.
I came across this vehicle in May/April 2023 having owned a 318ti (Black - sold), 325ti (Black -written off whilst parked), 325ti (Grey - sold for an E83 for family reasons).
When I saw this in my favourite colour for E46's and good spec it stood out immediately.
Not only for the M54B30 swap and it's spec, but this thread's documented ownership and because the then current owner had just engaged in upgrades/restoration at the start of 2023 including:
Professional Full Body Respray (full images to hand)
Custom Straight Through mid-pipe exhaust (images to hand)
The car met the strict spec combination I always look for: LCI with red taillights, 6speed Manual Transmission, SilberGrau/Silver Grey colour, M Sport Bodykit (uncracked front bumper), Xenons, Black leather (I also like Red) - and now the bodywork was flawless.
The car was based in Taunton, but had been owned previously somewhere further North (the buyer from this thread I understand). The current owner (J) had bought it sight unseen and had it transported to him. He had previously owned Cosworths, Mitsubishi Evo's and others but liked the Compact Styling and learned about the professional engine swap and power (including Vanos rebuild). The reason for premature sale after spending £££'s on the 330ti was his friend offered him a deal on a Mitsubishi Evo he couldn't pass up.
J was having the car detailed and was very helpful in conversations to discuss any niggly bits the car wanted for, some minor and some perhaps considered more major. I couldn't resist and worked through the process sight unseen (with plenty of pictures) to decide when I was going to make the trip from London to go view/collect the car. Within a couple of days whilst I was still on the fence, but cognisant this was a very special find, I organised tickets for the train and J explained he had already taken the eBay listing down as he had received a flurry of calls - 3 very keen buyers offering full price, one even trying to offer £500 more to usurp me and secure the car.
Long story short, J held the car for me (without deposit) I went and purchased it and even from being a passenger in the collection journey from the train station, the power and drive was impressive and unmistakable. I was staggered at the smooth delivery of power all through the rev range and the comfortable yet taut handling.
When I got it back to London, I decided to resolve some of the obvious things that needed attention to continue restoring the car back cosmetically to OEM. Special thanks to Nick Jupp at German Car Spares Kent (E46 Specialists). These included:
Rear Seat Isofix Plastic Cover (2nd Hand OEM)
Colour Matched Rear PDC Sensor (2nd-OEM)
Front Passenger Wheel Well Liner (Aftermarket/OE)
External Ambient Temperature Sensor Pigtail (Aftermarket)
Genuine BMW Roundels (BMW) No pics required, old badges corroded. Brand new installed.
Engine Cover Screw Clip Covers (BMW)
Under Bonnet Positive Terminal Cover Clip (BMW)
Interior Rear Driver C Pillar Trim Clips (BMW)
Passenger Door Lock Actuator (2nd-OEM)
Upper Radiator Hose (Aftrmkt/OE)
AC Temperature Sensor [Fan was permanently on from A/C removal until plug installed] (2nd-OEM) (No pics but fan now operates correctly)
Front Headlight Cloudy Lens Restoration (TCut Headlight Lens product)
Coolant Temperature Sender Sensor (OE Meyle)
Drivers Headliner Sun Visor (2nd-OEM)
Front Drivers Jack Pad (2nd-OEM)
Underbonnet Sound Insulation Liner [Unsagging, OEM missing] (2nd-OEM)
Front Air Intake Scoop (2nd-OEM)
Rear Manifold Vacuum Blanking Cap (BMW)
Crankshaft Sensor (2nd-OEM)
Genuine Siemens Mass Air-Flow Sensor (2nd-OEM) [My local BMW Indy did a smoke test and the aftermarket MAF was smoking like a chimney - have a video]
Wiring restoration behind the Light Controle Module unit (where somebody had butchered OEM wiring to get retrofitted Xenons to light up but caused permanent headlight bulb error dashlights). Reconnected OEM LCM wiring and removed unnecessary relay that had been added and occasionally clicked repeatedly.
Coded the Light Control Module for Xenon lights which powered them up correctly on the standard wiring repaired, along with removing the bulb error dash lights.
Front Passenger Brake Pad Sensor Plug & Sensor [connector plug had burnt terminal] removing the brake pad wear error dash-light (2nd-OEM pigtail) (aftrmkt/OE sensor)
Correctly DIY-coded body shell mileage from Speedo Cluster to the LCM - which was from a later Touring model but still recorded the Touring's mileage. [The discrepancy between original Cluster mileage and installed Touring LCM mileage had caused Tamper Dot on the Cluster. After coding the correct mileage to replacement LCM it inevitably removed the Tamper dot that had been present on the Speedo. Just to clarify, the vehicle mileage is stored in both the Cluster and the Light Control Module, so if you replace the LCM with a newer one of a different used vehicle, the mileage will not match and hence tamper dot. I recoded the LCM to match Cluster and tamper dot went away - the Cluster/Displayed Shell vehicle mileage is accurate and untampered with]
New Petrol Filler Cap retaining rubber "String" as original had snapped (Aftermarket/eBay)
6x New NGK BKR6EQ Spark Plugs
My intention was to keep this thread alive for this vehicles progress and update as I went. Alas, I simply spent my time working on the car and driving it, never getting around to updating this thread until now!
As a member of an E46 Compact group on facebook, I shared the car in direct message with another member I chat to, who found a previous post of some years from an owner previous to the OP. I contacted that owner and it turns out it had been him who had done the engine swap himself. The guy builds his own drift vehicles and had swapped the engine into the Compact just for a new learning process - but confirmed the Compact had never been drifted, it was just his daily driver road car he had turned into a project. He also confirmed the Vanos had been refurbed which made sense to me why the power was available so freely and linearly (it was a whole new experience feeling the M54B30 full factory power but in a lighter E46 Compact shell). It already has a solid metal steering-column coupler, has clearly had Oil Filter Housing Gasket and Valve Cover Gasket done and doesn't leak any oil (bar the final drive Differential - see below).
The car has Michelin Pilot Sports fitted all round, EBC Yellow stuff brake Pads, I have 330 Brake Calipers I bought as I was going to give it a front brake upgrade but never got around to it. It does have Differential Whine, although when I bought the car J provided a 2nd-hand OEM differential at the correct ratio, as he had been flirting with the idea of installing an LSD. I had the spare diff opened by the local indy's differential specialists who confirmed it is in good shape and although I didn't proceed with an LSD or factory refurb, the spare differential is due to be installed to replace the current one sometime in the coming weeks of January (unless a new owner wishes to install an LSD into the spare diff and then fit).
My intention was to keep this 330ti as a totally visual OEM sleeper, with power as it should have had from BMW, in mint condition, great spec, that could and would have capability to surprise much newer and more powerful vehicles from the lights. It did just this with an F80 M3 6MT who then pulled up at the next lights frantically demanding to know what had been done to the Compact, stating his utter surprise and paying some very positive respect haha it also did extremely well the one time when 2x SilberGrau E46 M3 CSLs came alongside me on the A2. As it went from the 50mph limit to the National Speed Limit, they were visibly shocked when it stayed with them as long as it did and they did not leave the compact standing as they typically expected. I did bump into the same two CSLs at traffic lights the next day as well in the X3 and told them Compact had the M43B30 with Vanos done and apparent remap, as well as Mishimoto open intake. They commended it's power and we laughed when I said it's my baby CSL Compact.
However, I've part exchanged my 2004 E83 X3 and purchased a 2016 F80 M3 Competition which I justified the deposit by borrowing from the future sale of the Compact. It made sense to finally own a true M car which has 4 doors so can do family duties also. This, although I hate to say it, now usurp's the 330ti as my Pride and Joy vehicle. With the F80 S55 preventative maintenance and care I want to give the M3, it precipitates the sale of the Compact.
I plan to list on eBay and potentially AutoTrader in the coming weeks, but wanted to provide this update to the 330ti on this thread whilst the car was still in my ownership, so that there is some continuity for the thread and so that the legend of this very special car may continue for the next owner(s) and curious spectators. This car has evidently had some great owners who have each invested into restoring it and upgrading it in their own ways and I believe it deserves a future owner who can benefit from all previous owners compounded efforts and continue the trend to make it even better piece of history. If anybody would like to know more about the vehicle, previous owners, the work that was done or anything else, please feel free to message me!
Edited by 330Comp on Monday 1st January 22:37
330Comp said:
Hello guys, first time posting on Piston Heads but a long time lurker (many years) for various diagnostic and DIY purposes.
Proud to say I am the current owner of this same BMW E46 330ti in SilberGrau -and what a machine she is. First off I'd like to thank the previous owner(s) including the OP for the care and attention given to this car. It still benefits from the suspension refresh and other restoration/maintenance efforts today - attracting regular adoration, compliments and even notes being left on the car a couple of months ago with enquiries for sale.
I came across this vehicle in May/April 2023 having owned a 318ti (Black - sold), 325ti (Black -written off whilst parked), 325ti (Grey - sold for an E83 for family reasons).
When I saw this in my favourite colour for E46's and good spec it stood out immediately.
I plan to list on eBay and potentially AutoTrader in the coming weeks, but wanted to provide this update to the 330ti on this thread whilst the car was still in my ownership, so that there is some continuity for the thread and so that the legend of this very special car may continue for the next owner(s) and curious spectators. This car has evidently had some great owners who have each invested into restoring it and upgrading it in their own ways and I believe it deserves a future owner who can benefit from all previous owners compounded efforts and continue the trend to make it even better piece of history. If anybody would like to know more about the vehicle, previous owners, the work that was done or anything else, please feel free to message me!
Wow, that's a mighty impressive first post. Proud to say I am the current owner of this same BMW E46 330ti in SilberGrau -and what a machine she is. First off I'd like to thank the previous owner(s) including the OP for the care and attention given to this car. It still benefits from the suspension refresh and other restoration/maintenance efforts today - attracting regular adoration, compliments and even notes being left on the car a couple of months ago with enquiries for sale.
I came across this vehicle in May/April 2023 having owned a 318ti (Black - sold), 325ti (Black -written off whilst parked), 325ti (Grey - sold for an E83 for family reasons).
When I saw this in my favourite colour for E46's and good spec it stood out immediately.
I plan to list on eBay and potentially AutoTrader in the coming weeks, but wanted to provide this update to the 330ti on this thread whilst the car was still in my ownership, so that there is some continuity for the thread and so that the legend of this very special car may continue for the next owner(s) and curious spectators. This car has evidently had some great owners who have each invested into restoring it and upgrading it in their own ways and I believe it deserves a future owner who can benefit from all previous owners compounded efforts and continue the trend to make it even better piece of history. If anybody would like to know more about the vehicle, previous owners, the work that was done or anything else, please feel free to message me!
Edited by 330Comp on Monday 1st January 22:37
I bought my 325ti Sport Compact in 2014 for elderly parent taxi duties as the Z4 Coupe I bought earlier that year didn't fit the bill!
But when taxi duties involved a wheelchair I replaced it in 2019 with an E91 325i as it just worked better, although it felt pretty gutless so I replaced that in 2019 with an E90 330i. But I still miss my Compact.
This has to be one of the best Compacts around - unless you can find one that got an S54 transplant!
GLWTS.
Great update and a good read for any prospective purchaser going through the thread! An LSD would probably be the only thing i'd add to this as a road car, aside from that sounds brilliant fun - kudos again on the level of work you've carried out on maintaining the car, will make a good buy for someone!
Thanks guys - I wasn't always like this.
I think being the 4th Compact I've owned and biggest engine/spec/condition - [also being aware of this thread] it was already special so felt I ought to focus on maintaining it to where it should be, not getting tempted to mod it whilst leaving issues unresolved etc. Previous owners had already invested decently!
Mr Tidy, they are very capable, nimble and powerful - with a LOT of storage capability/volume with seats down. I come across people who had Compacts, then upgraded and moved on -still saying they never found anything like the Compact and miss it. I feel like one of those people and regret selling already haha I do love the E90 though - I really wanted an E90 M3 but good deals were harder to find than the F80. I bet the 330i does the job nicely for you now.
CKY, yep - the LSD I had justified to myself as a worthy upgrade for a sleeper - but pulling the trigger on the cost was something I kept meaning to do 'next month' with regular unexpected other expenses coming up. Hence it's just getting the open diff thrown on.
I think being the 4th Compact I've owned and biggest engine/spec/condition - [also being aware of this thread] it was already special so felt I ought to focus on maintaining it to where it should be, not getting tempted to mod it whilst leaving issues unresolved etc. Previous owners had already invested decently!
Mr Tidy, they are very capable, nimble and powerful - with a LOT of storage capability/volume with seats down. I come across people who had Compacts, then upgraded and moved on -still saying they never found anything like the Compact and miss it. I feel like one of those people and regret selling already haha I do love the E90 though - I really wanted an E90 M3 but good deals were harder to find than the F80. I bet the 330i does the job nicely for you now.
CKY, yep - the LSD I had justified to myself as a worthy upgrade for a sleeper - but pulling the trigger on the cost was something I kept meaning to do 'next month' with regular unexpected other expenses coming up. Hence it's just getting the open diff thrown on.
Yes, the Compact was much more fun to drive than my E91 or E90. Possibly because they were much more refined and I just preferred the rawness of the Compact!
I had a 2004 320td SE Compact from 2005 to 2008 and really liked that, but it wasn't until I got the 325ti I realised I had bought the wrong car. Probably influenced too much by business use and HMRC mileage rates.
The Compact boot certainly is a good size, but to get a wheelchair in I had to drop the back seats and putting them back up was a bit of a faff with only 2 doors. Whereas the E9* 3 Series boots took it with the seats still up.
I keep wondering if a 130i might have a bit more of the feel of the Compact!
I had a 2004 320td SE Compact from 2005 to 2008 and really liked that, but it wasn't until I got the 325ti I realised I had bought the wrong car. Probably influenced too much by business use and HMRC mileage rates.
The Compact boot certainly is a good size, but to get a wheelchair in I had to drop the back seats and putting them back up was a bit of a faff with only 2 doors. Whereas the E9* 3 Series boots took it with the seats still up.
I keep wondering if a 130i might have a bit more of the feel of the Compact!
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