The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread
Discussion
s m said:
Mine came with the BMW Performance airbox fitted from new. Sounds a bit rortier than the normal airbox imo and is supposed to offer a whopping 2bhp more!
At £700+, that's surprisingly good value. 
Unfortunately BMW did quite a good job on the intake so there's very little to be gained from a filter replacement. I'm in the process of sourcing a 330 inlet manifold, MAF, throttle, etc for mine. Supposedly good for 15-20hp after install and remap.HugoFastmann said:
Max M4X WW said:
Any thoughts on this? After a bit more noise and would rather not have an open filter (not sure if this will make a lot more noise though! (was thinking of hooking it up to an M3 scoop/duct (though I am aware the 325ti and M3 both have dual feeds)
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350630179125?_trksid=p20...
Not worth it. I've heard bad things about those. I'd recommend a BMC CDA if you're after the enclosed type, or a Mishimoto or AFE if you want a cone-style filter. Otherwise, just get a K&N or BMC panel filter replacement. I've got a silicone intake boot and standard panel filter and box and that made a nice noise improvement (by ditching the resonator) and I've been told drilling out the bottom of the air box with a hole saw also increases intake noise. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/350630179125?_trksid=p20...
Edited by HugoFastmann on Tuesday 25th April 10:23
I will look at the above options, there is also this (as used on the 330i Challenge Cars) http://www.ramair-filters.co.uk/shop/automotive/in...
HugoFastmann said:
s m said:
Mine came with the BMW Performance airbox fitted from new. Sounds a bit rortier than the normal airbox imo and is supposed to offer a whopping 2bhp more!
At £700+, that's surprisingly good value. Unfortunately BMW did quite a good job on the intake so there's very little to be gained from a filter replacement. I'm in the process of sourcing a 330 inlet manifold, MAF, throttle, etc for mine. Supposedly good for 15-20hp after install and remap.I paid 2 and a half 4 years back though so it seemed value to me
JakeT said:
Being a dealer launch car did good things to the spec of mine. Don't think I would have bought a compact unless it had lots of toys.
I bought mine for the lack of toys. Reasoning: less toys = less troubles.Mine's got cruise control, DSC, had the business cassette unit and 6-disc stacker, and that's about it. No xenons, no power folding mirrors, no heated leather seats.
HugoFastmann said:
I bought mine for the lack of toys. Reasoning: less toys = less troubles.
Mine's got cruise control, DSC, had the business cassette unit and 6-disc stacker, and that's about it. No xenons, no power folding mirrors, no heated leather seats.
But if worst case, the elec seats or mirrors ever went wrong you'd just be in the same situation as you are now.Mine's got cruise control, DSC, had the business cassette unit and 6-disc stacker, and that's about it. No xenons, no power folding mirrors, no heated leather seats.
Cheapstraitsix said:
But if worst case, the elec seats or mirrors ever went wrong you'd just be in the same situation as you are now.
Unless for whatever reason they caused a fault within the electrics throwing a fault code or causing an electrical fire. It's unlikely, but I'm cynical when it comes to electrics....Mr Tidy said:
Well in a way - if the elec seats went wrong the seats would be stuck in the same place forever, whereas manual ones could still be adjusted!
Or if they were heated seats they might get stuck in the heated mode and you'll forever have a hot bum. Much to be said for simplicity sometimes!
Trust me dont get fooled by the relatively old age of these vehicles there is enough tech inc CANBUS on these cars as it is never mind worrying about leccy seats and mirrors you may as well have the lot for what its worth BMW have been on the complex leccy band wagon for some time now 
never mind worrying about leccy seats and mirrors you may as well have the lot for what its worth BMW have been on the complex leccy band wagon for some time now Luckily, nothing has gone dramatically wrong so far with the "additional luxuries" 
Heated seats still work fine - haven't stuck on, electric mirrors adjust and heating elements still work.
Sunroof blind needed new sliders - a lot of E46 ones suffer this - think it cost me around £15 in bits off Ebay so not a show -stopper for me
Heated seats still work fine - haven't stuck on, electric mirrors adjust and heating elements still work.
Sunroof blind needed new sliders - a lot of E46 ones suffer this - think it cost me around £15 in bits off Ebay so not a show -stopper for me
Sardonicus said:
Trust me dont get fooled by the relatively old age of these vehicles there is enough tech inc CANBUS on these cars as it is never mind worrying about leccy seats and mirrors you may as well have the lot for what its worth BMW have been on the complex leccy band wagon for some time now
To be fair, the electrical stuff in my E46 has been pretty sound. I had a slightly newer Peugeot 407 before this (don't buy, they are the devil) and it put me off electrical gadgetry in a big way. The only electrical problems I've had with my compact are sensors: airbag and ABS. The head unit has been temperamental, but that could be either the head unit itself or the relatively cheap wiring harness I used to fit it. never mind worrying about leccy seats and mirrors you may as well have the lot for what its worth BMW have been on the complex leccy band wagon for some time now 
buyer came drove down from Warwickshire to collect a moment ago. HugoFastmann said:
Or if they were heated seats they might get stuck in the heated mode and you'll forever have a hot bum. Much to be said for simplicity sometimes!
Indeed - thankfully mine aren't heated, so no Betty Swollocks for me. 
But I did use my folding mirrors today!
Still if/when that feature dies I will push them in manually!Cheapstraitsix said:
New leather in.
Aware it won't be to all tastes, but I feel it suits a white car.
If you like it, that's the main thing...Aware it won't be to all tastes, but I feel it suits a white car.
See how faded the handle on the seat is to get into the rear seats? Mine is the same and I find it quite annoying. Does anyone know how to bring the black back to that plastic?
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff