The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread

[s m]

jonindorset said:

With all the current discounts at Protyre, they work out at just £63.84 each (Quidco cashback, quidco voucher code and Michelin cashback).

In Dorset?
I positively recommend it!

Good result Jon

Oh, and on the 16s, yes it will feel nice and ‘pointy’ on those

205/50 x17 set up is very nice too ime

[Mr Tidy]

jonindorset said:

On another note, has anyone fitted one of these console roller cover kits? Are they the same for all E46 ?

Both my Compacts came with that, but I don't know if they are the same as other E46 models. Have a look at the Part Numbers somewhere like realoem.

[fuel_intentions]

Time to say hello! Having owned a 325ti about 5 years ago and regretting ever selling it I picked up this (rather tired) example in September 2020. Quite a bit of work has been done so far, including a nut and bolt refresh of the rear end, stripping most of the interior, spare wheel & AC system, and a few exterior touches to brighten it up.

[Zener]

fuel_intentions said:

Time to say hello! Having owned a 325ti about 5 years ago and regretting ever selling it I picked up this (rather tired) example in September 2020. Quite a bit of work has been done so far, including a nut and bolt refresh of the rear end, stripping most of the interior, spare wheel & AC system, and a few exterior touches to brighten it up.

You realise that that cone filter location is probably costing you HP rather than gaining anything over the stock arrangment apart from noise sucking in used hot air from the radiator and alternator and general under bonnet heat

[chillbill]

fuel_intentions said:

Congrats on the car. Know the overall weight of the stuff thrown out?

Some have made a cold air feed from the smaller headlight. E.g.: https://www.instagram.com/p/BpNZxZ_jemL/

[fuel_intentions]

Zener said:

You realise that that cone filter location is probably costing you HP rather than gaining anything over the stock arrangment apart from noise sucking in used hot air from the radiator and alternator and general under bonnet heat

Yes, but am satisfied that the car is powerful enough.

Lightness, simplicity and a pleasurable (if uncomfortable) driving experience is what I'm after. Have kept the original airbox and feed, so can always refit easily enough once all engine work is completed.

[anonymous-user]

fuel_intentions said:

Yes, but am satisfied that the car is powerful enough.

Lightness, simplicity and a pleasurable (if uncomfortable) driving experience is what I'm after. Have kept the original airbox and feed, so can always refit easily enough once all engine work is completed.

One thing to note is oiled air filters have a habit of costing the maf and causing it to do weird things

[jonindorset]

Even standard airbox with a K&N filter element?

[Zener]

jonindorset said:

Even standard airbox with a K&N filter element?

Yes, the oil residue can build up on the airflow sensor causing it to slow down or malfunction, I'm sure you will get owners say they have never had issues even so doing this you will certainly reduce the AM lifespan no question

[s m]

Zener said:

jonindorset said:

Even standard airbox with a K&N filter element?

Yes, the oil residue can build up on the airflow sensor causing it to slow down or malfunction, I'm sure you will get owners say they have never had issues even so doing this you will certainly reduce the AM lifespan no question

The BMW Performance air box for these just uses a standard material filter but in a crescent shape

They’re supposed to give another 2/3bhp according to BMW figures
Mine was over 200bhp anyway on a local dyno - otherwise standard - with the 2.5
For a real uplift, get a 3 litre in

[jonindorset]

Know any part numbers etc for the performance airbox? I didn't install the K&N and its had a recent MAF...I'll just buy a regular filter for the time being.

[s m]

jonindorset said:

Know any part numbers etc for the performance airbox? I didn't install the K&N and its had a recent MAF...I'll just buy a regular filter for the time being.

Looking back at the bumph that came with mine the part num is 13 72 0 432 306

It’s hard to get the genuine filters though

E.T.A. Part No is 13 72 0 431 649

You can get a non genuine filter that is the same CFM for a lot less

Edited by s m on Wednesday 24th March 14:24

[josh-cg608]

Hi guys im thinking of selling my 330ti, any interest let me know. Heres the link to my thread.


https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=18...

[fuel_intentions]

chillbill said:

Congrats on the car. Know the overall weight of the stuff thrown out?

Some have made a cold air feed from the smaller headlight. E.g.: https://www.instagram.com/p/BpNZxZ_jemL/

Was tempted to try to weigh but would have doubled the amount of work, so rather than worry about numbers just getting rid of stuff and might weigh the complete car once "finished" to see how it compares to the factory figures...

Other intake solutions being considered, but priority at the moment is to give the underside and engine a full clean up and refresh. Likely the original air intake will be refitted once engine has had all major maintenance items sorted.

[fuel_intentions]

josh-cg608 said:

Hi guys im thinking of selling my 330ti, any interest let me know. Heres the link to my thread.


https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=18...

How come? Looks like you've got a good example well on the way to being a keeper!

[RSTurboPaul]

josh-cg608 said:

Hi guys im thinking of selling my 330ti, any interest let me know. Heres the link to my thread.


https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=18...

I'm guessing you're not going to be giving it away... lol

[timpo]

Evening all. Relatively new 325ti owner here. During a couple of days of spirited driving in Wales recently, I was able to properly explore the car’s limits for the first time. A couple of conclusions:

1. Brakes are only OK. Has anyone here done the 330 (or M3) upgrade? 330 upgrade is easier and cheaper, so I’m hoping people have had good results with this.

2. Fantastic chassis and good handling overall. It seems to naturally prefer to understeer vs oversteer (incl with TC off). Is this everyone’s experience? I prefer the balance to be in favour of oversteer. Thinking about adding a stiffer rear ARB. Any other suggestions?

Thanks

[330ti]

Yeah got 330 brakes on mine and work well on road and track.
I’ve never had a bmw understeer !? Something very wrong or driving style more likely

[helix402]

330ti said:

Yeah got 330 brakes on mine and work well on road and track.
I’ve never had a bmw understeer !? Something very wrong or driving style more likely

This is my experience too.

[anonymous-user]

timpo said:

Evening all. Relatively new 325ti owner here. During a couple of days of spirited driving in Wales recently, I was able to properly explore the car’s limits for the first time. A couple of conclusions:

1. Brakes are only OK. Has anyone here done the 330 (or M3) upgrade? 330 upgrade is easier and cheaper, so I’m hoping people have had good results with this.

2. Fantastic chassis and good handling overall. It seems to naturally prefer to understeer vs oversteer (incl with TC off). Is this everyone’s experience? I prefer the balance to be in favour of oversteer. Thinking about adding a stiffer rear ARB. Any other suggestions?

Thanks

Front tyres? check the age, make sure they are a decent brand, also what tyre size have you got?
Failing that have the alignment checked.
I've never had any issues with understeer