The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread

The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread

Author
Discussion

stepmeek

164 posts

112 months

Friday 22nd June 2018
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FredClogs said:
Hi, I've been thinking about swapping mine, PM me of you want some details, I'm in Lancashire.
PM sent

anonymous-user

53 months

Sunday 24th June 2018
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Thinking about buying a new parcel shelf, although it looks very nice now dyed black the texture has changed. Feels like a hard, rough parcel shelf rather than the softish fabric feel it had before despite being told the dye would not make it go crispy/hard like spray paint rolleyes

Hil_lo

53 posts

95 months

Friday 13th July 2018
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Had to change the expansion tank on mine today after only changing it 2yrs ago. Hole in the side. Fitted new one and now a odd reading on the rad outlet sensor.
Normal op temp is reached, say 80ish and then only 27 on the outlet, car stationary the whole time. Hot near tank, coldish bottom rad hose.
Have pumped hoses by hand and I can feel coolant Travel back at tank...
Starting to think that the water pump is goosed and there is no flow.
Wonder if because I’ve had the air con on past couple months therefor actuating the fan it could have masked any potential over heat problems....

Any help apriciated..

JakeT

5,406 posts

119 months

Friday 13th July 2018
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Usually I find an expansion tank doesn't just explode of its own accord. The expansion tank is like a fusible link in the system, to prevent the head from cracking or anything like that when an overheat occurs. You're probably right. The pump isn't a massive pain to change anyway, and not that expensive. To check you have flow, remove the cap and there should be a little jet of water come out of the neck of the ET too.

Hil_lo

53 posts

95 months

Friday 13th July 2018
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That’s the only thing I havnt done is run with the cap off.. will try at weekend.
I’m gettting heat at the rad return now, so at least thermostat isn’t stuck shut. But engine temps still seem hotter than normal. And getting coolant light on when up to temp.
Pump could be on its way out..

anonymous-user

53 months

Saturday 14th July 2018
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I find myself drawn to these for the first time. Am actively shopping and hope to be able to come here in a while and wax lyrical about how pleasing they are.

Just had an mx5 written off by a van driver (sulk) and thought one of these might be fun.

Only thing stopping me is what other interesting tat exists for the money - ls400 for example...

JakeT

5,406 posts

119 months

Saturday 14th July 2018
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I keep thinking I should sell mine, but then I drive it and realise why I never want to.

They're a fantastic B road car, and are much more liveable than an MX-5.

anonymous-user

53 months

Saturday 14th July 2018
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JakeT said:
I keep thinking I should sell mine, but then I drive it and realise why I never want to.

They're a fantastic B road car, and are much more liveable than an MX-5.
I really look forward to this being the case. Perhaps being hit in the mx-5 is a blessing in disguise...

Mr Tidy

22,065 posts

126 months

Sunday 15th July 2018
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Foeux said:
JakeT said:
I keep thinking I should sell mine, but then I drive it and realise why I never want to.

They're a fantastic B road car, and are much more liveable than an MX-5.
I really look forward to this being the case. Perhaps being hit in the mx-5 is a blessing in disguise...
Just try one - they are great! I still miss mine, but my E91 325i is more practical.

anonymous-user

53 months

Sunday 15th July 2018
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Mr Tidy said:
Foeux said:
JakeT said:
I keep thinking I should sell mine, but then I drive it and realise why I never want to.

They're a fantastic B road car, and are much more liveable than an MX-5.
I really look forward to this being the case. Perhaps being hit in the mx-5 is a blessing in disguise...
Just try one - they are great! I still miss mine, but my E91 325i is more practical.
Taking your advice. Got the deposit down on one this weekend. I am busy, then seller is on holiday but can't wait..

6 speed, manwhale etc.

gro8885

27 posts

136 months

Monday 16th July 2018
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Can anyone confirm if the brake pads on e46 325ti are same as 325i (coupe/sedan)? I.e if I see pads listed online as being suitable for e46 325i, are these also correct size and fitment for 325ti standard callipers?

Also interested in recommendations from others for brake setup for track days on these cars? I'm currently running a stripped out 352ti with standard callipers with some cheaper Brembo discs and pads, braided lines and dot4 fluid, but have been suffering with some heat issues on the front - no fade but lots of smoke and its clear there getting very hot after a few short laps. The pads lasted a couple training/sprint days and half an actual track day from new, and discs are also already needing replacing.

Really appreciate any advice on recommendations of brake setup (discs and pads) for longevity, I really don't want to be replacing discs and pads every couple of track days.

I was looking at the more expensive Pagid RS29, but only seen them available for e46 325i (hence above question)

Thanks!






330ti

124 posts

74 months

Monday 16th July 2018
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Yes they are the same as 325i but worth changing discs / calipers and brackets for 330i items as a little bigger. Along with good pads should work well on track .

330ti

124 posts

74 months

Monday 16th July 2018
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I'm after some coilovers for my track day 325ti . I'm still on standard M sport suspension which works amazingly well but because of cars weight loss it sits high. I'm only looking at spending around £800 and BC racing items seem to fit the bill ? Any feedback on these or other brands appreciated. Cheers

gro8885

27 posts

136 months

Monday 16th July 2018
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Thanks. Can anyone provide any more details on exactly what is required to upgrade the rear brakes to use the brakes from 330i?

gro8885

27 posts

136 months

Monday 16th July 2018
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330ti said:
I'm after some coilovers for my track day 325ti . I'm still on standard M sport suspension which works amazingly well but because of cars weight loss it sits high. I'm only looking at spending around £800 and BC racing items seem to fit the bill ? Any feedback on these or other brands appreciated. Cheers
I'm also still using standard m sport suspension, but I've heard good things about HSD MonoPro

ethomas

315 posts

229 months

Monday 16th July 2018
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gro8885 said:
Thanks. Can anyone provide any more details on exactly what is required to upgrade the rear brakes to use the brakes from 330i?
330 rear brakes are a pain in the ass. You need the 330i trailing arms because the 330i has a different handbrake to the 325i/ti.

Mgd_uk

368 posts

103 months

Monday 16th July 2018
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gro8885 said:
I'm also still using standard m sport suspension, but I've heard good things about HSD MonoPro
Im running the HSD MonoPro with 12KG springs and they work well on track.

Also I would agree with the above, the rear brakes are a pain and you need to change the rear arms to fit the bigger rears.

gro8885

27 posts

136 months

Monday 16th July 2018
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ethomas said:
330 rear brakes are a pain in the ass. You need the 330i trailing arms because the 330i has a different handbrake to the 325i/ti.
Anyone running with just the fronts upgraded, how was the bias afterwards?

Interested to know if anyone here is tracking their compact regularly without brake/heating issues on the standard callipers with just performance pads and discs, and getting decent life out of them? If so what are you using and how long are you finding they're lasting?

Are there any other not too expensive options, including reasonably priced BBK's?

I'm actually happy enough with the current stopping power of the standard brembo discs and pads on original callipers, just not happy with the heat build up on the front and how quickly both those pads and discs wore down on track £££.

Edited by gro8885 on Monday 16th July 17:29

330ti

124 posts

74 months

Monday 16th July 2018
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Yes running 330 discs with M3 calipers out front and standard rear brakes. Rear brakes last forever even on track as that do very little work . No bias problems at all.


330ti

124 posts

74 months

Saturday 21st July 2018
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Does anyone know if 2003 325ti has offset or centered front strut top mounts ? And how do you tell ! Thanks.