The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread

[JakeT]

Early for sure. There's only a few Y reg ones about! I think that the body kit was a BMW add on at a dealer level. Enjoy, and if you're looking for wheels, style 68 wheels are a good option. Light, and strong.

As much as the MV1s are my favourite wheel, if my car wasn't ordered with them I'd have a set of 68s on it.

[Max M4X WW]

s m said:

JZZ30 said:

Red is nice, they are small enough to carry it off.

Yeah, I didn't really doubt it was an SE. Just the front bumper looked different from others.



A set of staggered alloys would be ideal. I like the wheels, but they are not wide enough for the body.

That's quite an early one

FWIW they do feel nice to drive on the 16s

Have fun

That is the optional (I assume) 'aero' kit. I kind of want the front for my track car. I also like the colour! Looks like someone has fitted an M Sport / M3 Steering wheel for you too!

Listed a few small TI bits on ebay today if anyone needs anything (offers welcome) https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/max-m4x-ww/m.html?_nkw=...

[320touring]

What's the tinking on auto 325ti?

I've only ever driven a manual and enjoyed it, and I currently have an e36 320 auto, which is pleasant to bimble in ,and decent in the twisties. Daily commute is 90miles round trip, with about 35 miles of heavy town traffic and rest on Motorway

Considering a 325ti as a replacement - does the auto spoil the car?

Thanks

[s m]

Max M4X WW said:

s m said:

JZZ30 said:

Red is nice, they are small enough to carry it off.

Yeah, I didn't really doubt it was an SE. Just the front bumper looked different from others.



A set of staggered alloys would be ideal. I like the wheels, but they are not wide enough for the body.

That's quite an early one

FWIW they do feel nice to drive on the 16s

Have fun

That is the optional (I assume) 'aero' kit. I kind of want the front for my track car. I also like the colour! Looks like someone has fitted an M Sport / M3 Steering wheel for you too!

Listed a few small TI bits on ebay today if anyone needs anything (offers welcome) https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/max-m4x-ww/m.html?_nkw=...

A lot of people specced that Pistachio on early ones

[Mr Tidy]

s m said:

A lot of people specced that Pistachio on early ones

I doubt it somehow - they were probably demonstrators/pre-reg cars!

Why would you choose that!

[JakeT]

320touring said:

What's the tinking on auto 325ti?

I've only ever driven a manual and enjoyed it, and I currently have an e36 320 auto, which is pleasant to bimble in ,and decent in the twisties. Daily commute is 90miles round trip, with about 35 miles of heavy town traffic and rest on Motorway

Considering a 325ti as a replacement - does the auto spoil the car?

Thanks

I think the auto would dull it a bit, but for a cruiser I reckon it would be fine. Even more of a bargain too!

[320touring]

JakeT said:

I think the auto would dull it a bit, but for a cruiser I reckon it would be fine. Even more of a bargain too!

Cheers - not set on an auto but it does make town driving less of a chore!

I'll keep an eye out and dee what is on the market

[HugoFastmann]

JakeT said:

I think the auto would dull it a bit, but for a cruiser I reckon it would be fine. Even more of a bargain too!

I've seen an SMG version in the Netherlands. Be sweet if you can find one of them here...

[JakeT]

I also have. Shame the SMG was not the most reliable. I've seen an SMG 325ti here before, and a 330ci, and even an E60 545i! Why you'd want one of those I've no idea...

[JZZ30]

Max M4X WW said:

That is the optional (I assume) 'aero' kit. I kind of want the front for my track car. I also like the colour! Looks like someone has fitted an M Sport / M3 Steering wheel for you too!

Listed a few small TI bits on ebay today if anyone needs anything (offers welcome) https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/max-m4x-ww/m.html?_nkw=...

I hadn't even thought about the M steering wheel. It does have a nice feel to it. (How did you know BTW?)

Absolutely loving this car. Far more fun than a grand should buy you.

My ultimate plan is to take it on track, so I'll probably have lots of questions for you! (do you have a separate build thread?)

[JZZ30]

Mr Tidy said:

s m said:

A lot of people specced that Pistachio on early ones

I doubt it somehow - they were probably demonstrators/pre-reg cars!

Why would you choose that!

Oi!

I was reliably informed that 'German Racing Gold' is worth +10bhp

[petrolinveins]

So I have my heart set on one of these to replace my shed of a puma, it's for daily duties and I need a BMW six pot in my life and this seems the most practicable option for the money (and lack of rust after a puma 😂...)

Only problem seems to be the lack of them avaliable, ideally want a face lift 6 speed sport but will settle for a five speed one if I must, drove an auto as well and it was nice and would suit my commute but I'd miss the manual any other time I'm driving.

Anyone know of any for sale? My cars insurance and tax runs out the end of the month and it won't pass the mot in a few weeks without a significant amount spent on it relative to its value. Ideally Midlands area but prepared to travel. Been all over eBay and Gumtree the last few weeks without much luck, viewed a couple of sheds and one dreamer who wanted 2.2k for a 1.2k car at best. Any help appreciated. Please please please someone part with theirs 😉

[JZZ30]

Value is relative - I just paid 1.2 for a very early one in a colour that's.... lets say.... an acquired taste.

It's not perfect either, but there are just not many for sale.

Having said that, I've no idea what they are worth really

I was shopping for a large estate. Spotted the 325ti and though 'fk yeah' why not

[Max M4X WW]

JZZ30 said:

Max M4X WW said:

That is the optional (I assume) 'aero' kit. I kind of want the front for my track car. I also like the colour! Looks like someone has fitted an M Sport / M3 Steering wheel for you too!

Listed a few small TI bits on ebay today if anyone needs anything (offers welcome) https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/max-m4x-ww/m.html?_nkw=...

I hadn't even thought about the M steering wheel. It does have a nice feel to it. (How did you know BTW?)

Absolutely loving this car. Far more fun than a grand should buy you.

My ultimate plan is to take it on track, so I'll probably have lots of questions for you! (do you have a separate build thread?)

I saw it on AutoTrader!

No built thread yet, may do one. HSD coilovers to go on Saturday.

[s m]

JZZ30 said:

Value is relative - I just paid 1.2 for a very early one in a colour that's.... lets say.... an acquired taste.

It's not perfect either, but there are just not many for sale.

Having said that, I've no idea what they are worth really

I was shopping for a large estate. Spotted the 325ti and though 'fk yeah' why not

I paid 2.5k for mine over 3 years ago - they must have been at the bottom of the depreciation curve back then as I don't think they've dropped much more - everyone wanted 330 coupes or 328 Sports

For me it's been one of the two most fun to drive BMWs I've owned over the last 30 years





I think Marc Gené was right after today's drive

[Mr Tidy]

JZZ30 said:

Oi!

I was reliably informed that 'German Racing Gold' is worth +10bhp

Oh well my "Italian Racing Red" must be worth at least 25bhp more (at least until it breaks)!

Actually the reason I mentioned pre-reg cars is because there were very few 325tis on a "Y" plate, so I'd guess many were press cars (but I could be wrong).

Edited by Mr Tidy on Tuesday 22 August 23:11

[s m]

320touring said:

What's the tinking on auto 325ti?

I've only ever driven a manual and enjoyed it, and I currently have an e36 320 auto, which is pleasant to bimble in ,and decent in the twisties. Daily commute is 90miles round trip, with about 35 miles of heavy town traffic and rest on Motorway

Considering a 325ti as a replacement - does the auto spoil the car?

Thanks

Here's what Mr Harris thought about the 325ti and the auto box in one



May be fine for a traffic laden commute though

I've got the 6-speed manual in mine and it's a great box

[JZZ30]

Mr Tidy said:

Actually the reason I mentioned pre-reg cars is because there were very few 325tis on a "Y" plate, so I'd guess many were press cars (but I could be wrong).

It's probably a fair assumption. BMW press cars seem to be registered in Yorkshire, this one was Preston, but a dealer demonstrator is probably a good shout.

[JakeT]

Up until around 2005 all BMW staff and press cars had Reading registrations. Back when they were still at Ellesmere Avenue in Bracknell. When the more to Farnborough happened they moved the registration to Thorne.

[mwggriffiths]

JakeT said:

Up until around 2005 all BMW staff and press cars had Reading registrations. Back when they were still at Ellesmere Avenue in Bracknell. When the more to Farnborough happened they moved the registration to Thorne.

Useless bit of info for people into early 2000s BMWs: My 2001 740i Sport (First Owner: BMW UK) and the 2001 M3 Top Gear reviewed were both YxxxNBL, which I was told was Yorkshire, but I've not looked into it.