The E46 325ti Appreciation Thread
Discussion
Mr Tidy said:
stepmeek, that was a steal! as yours is on an 03 plate is it a facelift with the 6-speed box (if so I am even more jealous)!
I thought my 52 plate Imola Red Sport with full leather was a bargain (fiver change from £2K with 80K miles from a dealer).
Rally Ax, the throttle delay may have needed no more than a reset - mine seems to need one every couple of weeks. You know, ignition on for 10+ seconds, off with key in for 10+ seconds, on again for 10+ secs then start it - always drives much better afterwards!
Not surprised they are so highly-regarded, just surprised they were largely ignored for so long! Nearest successor must be the 130i, but they cost 3 or 4 times the money - while they are doubtless quicker I can't believe they are 3 or 4 times as good!
325ti rules!
Bump, back to the top!
I think they must have bottomed out now on price as I only paid a couple of grand a few years back for mine when 330s were double the price for anything similar but with rust option addedI thought my 52 plate Imola Red Sport with full leather was a bargain (fiver change from £2K with 80K miles from a dealer).
Rally Ax, the throttle delay may have needed no more than a reset - mine seems to need one every couple of weeks. You know, ignition on for 10+ seconds, off with key in for 10+ seconds, on again for 10+ secs then start it - always drives much better afterwards!
Not surprised they are so highly-regarded, just surprised they were largely ignored for so long! Nearest successor must be the 130i, but they cost 3 or 4 times the money - while they are doubtless quicker I can't believe they are 3 or 4 times as good!
325ti rules!
Bump, back to the top!
Edited by Mr Tidy on Thursday 3rd September 00:17
They were a bit of an unloved secret but I wanted one when I didn't need 4 doors as I had them as loaners when they were newish and my 330 was in for a service
I remember another guy on a forum who owned a 330 remarking on how good they were to drive even in comparison to the bigger 330 so I knew it wasn't just me thinking it
Seems like people are getting wise to them now
BigTom85 said:
I've found that too. I'm hoping a pads/discs/fluid change will sort it though for spirited road use. 330i brakes are an easy swap but then I wouldn't be able to fit my winter 16" wheels...
I guess it may be cheaper to swap to 330i brakes but it also adds extra unsprung weight..I would try first some good pads. My old civic type R brakes were a lot worse and some DS2500 helped substantially. s m said:
Mr Tidy said:
stepmeek, that was a steal! as yours is on an 03 plate is it a facelift with the 6-speed box (if so I am even more jealous)!
I thought my 52 plate Imola Red Sport with full leather was a bargain (fiver change from £2K with 80K miles from a dealer).
Rally Ax, the throttle delay may have needed no more than a reset - mine seems to need one every couple of weeks. You know, ignition on for 10+ seconds, off with key in for 10+ seconds, on again for 10+ secs then start it - always drives much better afterwards!
Not surprised they are so highly-regarded, just surprised they were largely ignored for so long! Nearest successor must be the 130i, but they cost 3 or 4 times the money - while they are doubtless quicker I can't believe they are 3 or 4 times as good!
325ti rules!
Bump, back to the top!
I think they must have bottomed out now on price as I only paid a couple of grand a few years back for mine when 330s were double the price for anything similar but with rust option addedI thought my 52 plate Imola Red Sport with full leather was a bargain (fiver change from £2K with 80K miles from a dealer).
Rally Ax, the throttle delay may have needed no more than a reset - mine seems to need one every couple of weeks. You know, ignition on for 10+ seconds, off with key in for 10+ seconds, on again for 10+ secs then start it - always drives much better afterwards!
Not surprised they are so highly-regarded, just surprised they were largely ignored for so long! Nearest successor must be the 130i, but they cost 3 or 4 times the money - while they are doubtless quicker I can't believe they are 3 or 4 times as good!
325ti rules!
Bump, back to the top!
Edited by Mr Tidy on Thursday 3rd September 00:17
They were a bit of an unloved secret but I wanted one when I didn't need 4 doors as I had them as loaners when they were newish and my 330 was in for a service
I remember another guy on a forum who owned a 330 remarking on how good they were to drive even in comparison to the bigger 330 so I knew it wasn't just me thinking it
Seems like people are getting wise to them now
I then traded it in January 2009 with 66,666 miles (honestly!) for £5,400. I never thought they would drop below £3k, but as others have stated these really did become a bit of a forgotten gem, and they don't really seem to rot away, just get a bit unloved. It seems the love is back now though, along with the temptation on my part
Edited by Leins on Thursday 3rd September 11:10
BigTom85 said:
Nice looking car
Ah, the parcel shelf! Mine has this too, I was genuinely excited when I started playing with it, great feature. I've even popped an umbrella in the umbrella holder!
Read this yesterday and was enlightened, thanks!Ah, the parcel shelf! Mine has this too, I was genuinely excited when I started playing with it, great feature. I've even popped an umbrella in the umbrella holder!
Went out this morning, picked up the umbrella lying on the boot floor and put it in what I now know is an umbrella holder! Another school day for me!
I also like the way you can unlock the boot without unlocking the car, and if you have the right struts on it the tailgate opens itself - my 2007 1 Series had none of there features and I don't think they were even on the options list. Progress (not)!
BigTom85 said:
So has anyone ever seen a rusty compact? Does anyone know why they don't rust like saloons/tourings/coupes/convertibles?
I looked at loads of cars before I bought mine, lots were rough as old boots but I never saw a rusty one.I can't really explain why since some of them certainly weren't cared for in any way!
It's really good to see more people appreciating these cars now
Mr Tidy said:
Read this yesterday and was enlightened, thanks!
Went out this morning, picked up the umbrella lying on the boot floor and put it in what I now know is an umbrella holder! Another school day for me!
I also like the way you can unlock the boot without unlocking the car, and if you have the right struts on it the tailgate opens itself - my 2007 1 Series had none of there features and I don't think they were even on the options list. Progress (not)!
If your car had option S493A - ABLAGENPAKET - Storage Compartment Option - you should have uprated rear gas struts for the tailgate - 51247061939Went out this morning, picked up the umbrella lying on the boot floor and put it in what I now know is an umbrella holder! Another school day for me!
I also like the way you can unlock the boot without unlocking the car, and if you have the right struts on it the tailgate opens itself - my 2007 1 Series had none of there features and I don't think they were even on the options list. Progress (not)!
These cost about £55 each but open the tailgate automatically - if they are "lazy", weather is very cold or they are the wrong ones, the key fob button only unlocks the boot and doesn't 'spring' the hatch
I'll post pictures when I'm home, but I've got a 54 plate sport in black with mv1's and contrasting beige leather interior. I picked it up in February for a Desmond with 75k on the clock, with a (weirdly relevant) private plate.
I replaced the cooling system with "proper" parts - Nissen radiator, metal impeller water pump, decent brand thermostat, coolant reservoir and new hoses as soon as I bought it, despite it seemingly being fine. Yup, the rad was bowed!
The only fault with it is the rear wiper not working, but I'll get round to sorting it. I've also got the unnecessarily cool parcel shelf! I've put an aux in cable too...
Am thinking of downsizing the wheels to the standard 17's.
I'd quite like a bit more noise - what's the best way to achieve it?
I had a 51 plate pistachio green See a few years back and loved it despite the colour, but started a job with a long commute so it went. That being said my sport has done a best of 37mpg calculated to a tank of normal petrol, although o get less than that normally!
Great cars!
I replaced the cooling system with "proper" parts - Nissen radiator, metal impeller water pump, decent brand thermostat, coolant reservoir and new hoses as soon as I bought it, despite it seemingly being fine. Yup, the rad was bowed!
The only fault with it is the rear wiper not working, but I'll get round to sorting it. I've also got the unnecessarily cool parcel shelf! I've put an aux in cable too...
Am thinking of downsizing the wheels to the standard 17's.
I'd quite like a bit more noise - what's the best way to achieve it?
I had a 51 plate pistachio green See a few years back and loved it despite the colour, but started a job with a long commute so it went. That being said my sport has done a best of 37mpg calculated to a tank of normal petrol, although o get less than that normally!
Great cars!
I think the best I had out of my 325ti economy wise, was cruising 4up, fully laden, windows closed, climate on, cruise control on at 80 down through North/ central France. 6th gear, 98 Super - calculated 38.7 mpg ( computer reckoned almost a couple of mpg more )
A 6-sp 330 turns over at less revs at 80 so probably a little better on fuel in the same situation
A 6-sp 330 turns over at less revs at 80 so probably a little better on fuel in the same situation
Mr Tidy said:
stepmeek, that was a steal! as yours is on an 03 plate is it a facelift with the 6-speed box (if so I am even more jealous)!
I thought my 52 plate Imola Red Sport with full leather was a bargain (fiver change from £2K with 80K miles from a dealer).
Rally Ax, the throttle delay may have needed no more than a reset - mine seems to need one every couple of weeks. You know, ignition on for 10+ seconds, off with key in for 10+ seconds, on again for 10+ secs then start it - always drives much better afterwards!
Not surprised they are so highly-regarded, just surprised they were largely ignored for so long! Nearest successor must be the 130i, but they cost 3 or 4 times the money - while they are doubtless quicker I can't believe they are 3 or 4 times as good!
325ti rules!
Bump, back to the top!
Hi mate, no it is a 5 speed. Don't really find it a problem to be honest, was sitting on the motorway at 70 yesterday quite comfortably at under 3000 revs. I did notice when putting the foot down that 2nd gear is just slightly too short, bounced off the rev limiter when overtaking and sheepishly had to pull back in behind the car in front I thought my 52 plate Imola Red Sport with full leather was a bargain (fiver change from £2K with 80K miles from a dealer).
Rally Ax, the throttle delay may have needed no more than a reset - mine seems to need one every couple of weeks. You know, ignition on for 10+ seconds, off with key in for 10+ seconds, on again for 10+ secs then start it - always drives much better afterwards!
Not surprised they are so highly-regarded, just surprised they were largely ignored for so long! Nearest successor must be the 130i, but they cost 3 or 4 times the money - while they are doubtless quicker I can't believe they are 3 or 4 times as good!
325ti rules!
Bump, back to the top!
Edited by Mr Tidy on Thursday 3rd September 00:17
Im off to work for two weeks now but the car is currently in the bodyshop for the front bumper, also been on e bay buying new wheels, badges, licence plates. I really need to keep this car for a while to justify spending money on it unlike my last three or four!
BigTom85 said:
So has anyone ever seen a rusty compact? Does anyone know why they don't rust like saloons/tourings/coupes/convertibles?
My 2002 Compact is about to tick over to 147,000 miles, lived outdoors most of it's life, not a spot of rust, not even a bubble on the arches, which is something not a lot of e46 owners can say.ADogg said:
I'll post pictures when I'm home, but I've got a 54 plate sport in black with mv1's and contrasting beige leather interior. I picked it up in February for a Desmond with 75k on the clock, with a (weirdly relevant) private plate.
I replaced the cooling system with "proper" parts - Nissen radiator, metal impeller water pump, decent brand thermostat, coolant reservoir and new hoses as soon as I bought it, despite it seemingly being fine. Yup, the rad was bowed!
The only fault with it is the rear wiper not working, but I'll get round to sorting it. I've also got the unnecessarily cool parcel shelf! I've put an aux in cable too...
Am thinking of downsizing the wheels to the standard 17's.
I'd quite like a bit more noise - what's the best way to achieve it?
I had a 51 plate pistachio green See a few years back and loved it despite the colour, but started a job with a long commute so it went. That being said my sport has done a best of 37mpg calculated to a tank of normal petrol, although o get less than that normally!
Great cars!
Wow, black facelift Sport with beige leather and MV1s sounds fantastic!I replaced the cooling system with "proper" parts - Nissen radiator, metal impeller water pump, decent brand thermostat, coolant reservoir and new hoses as soon as I bought it, despite it seemingly being fine. Yup, the rad was bowed!
The only fault with it is the rear wiper not working, but I'll get round to sorting it. I've also got the unnecessarily cool parcel shelf! I've put an aux in cable too...
Am thinking of downsizing the wheels to the standard 17's.
I'd quite like a bit more noise - what's the best way to achieve it?
I had a 51 plate pistachio green See a few years back and loved it despite the colour, but started a job with a long commute so it went. That being said my sport has done a best of 37mpg calculated to a tank of normal petrol, although o get less than that normally!
Great cars!
I bought a pre-facelift Imola Red Sport with black leather last November - let my nephew drive it and then had to find him one!
His is a face-lift SE in metallic black with beige leather and has the fairly rare electric sunroof - he loves it!
He must do - I know he only does short trips in it but his OBC is showing an average of 22 point something, whereas mine is 32.8!
Joined Pistonheads forum just to reply to this thread as its great that there is a whole community of people who respect this great little hatchback
I bought mine in January after looking for something fun and practical and under £2000. I have had numerous BMWs before but never an E46 as they were always too pricey and in recent history just too rusty
As others have mentioned in this thread the Compact just doesn't seem to suffer from this problem - the only rust I have found on mine was behind the rear numberplate and even then it was only slight. I narrowed my search to a Clio 172/182 or a 325ti - looked at a few Clios but for <£2k most were quite "sheddy". It only took one view of a 325ti to realise that its much more car for the money (in my mind anyway!). I picked this one up from Sussex (I live in Norfolk) - its a 3 owner car with 103k on it with loads of history but the service book is missing The car is so clean though that for £1,600 I wasn't going to turn it down. Its proved to be reliable(ish), comfortable, sporty enough (if not that fast) and with plenty of modern car toys to keep me entertained.
It had the usual rear wiper not working, boot release not working and random central locking not working problems - but a scrap 316ti donated the bits to get all that working and the wheels appeared on eBay less than 200 metres from my house! I am not sure what they are from? 8 and 8.5j with 225/40/17 front and 245/45/17 rear. Anyone know?
I honestly believe that these will be future classics and its my intention to hold onto this one as long as I can
I bought mine in January after looking for something fun and practical and under £2000. I have had numerous BMWs before but never an E46 as they were always too pricey and in recent history just too rusty
As others have mentioned in this thread the Compact just doesn't seem to suffer from this problem - the only rust I have found on mine was behind the rear numberplate and even then it was only slight. I narrowed my search to a Clio 172/182 or a 325ti - looked at a few Clios but for <£2k most were quite "sheddy". It only took one view of a 325ti to realise that its much more car for the money (in my mind anyway!). I picked this one up from Sussex (I live in Norfolk) - its a 3 owner car with 103k on it with loads of history but the service book is missing The car is so clean though that for £1,600 I wasn't going to turn it down. Its proved to be reliable(ish), comfortable, sporty enough (if not that fast) and with plenty of modern car toys to keep me entertained.It had the usual rear wiper not working, boot release not working and random central locking not working problems - but a scrap 316ti donated the bits to get all that working and the wheels appeared on eBay less than 200 metres from my house! I am not sure what they are from? 8 and 8.5j with 225/40/17 front and 245/45/17 rear. Anyone know?
I honestly believe that these will be future classics and its my intention to hold onto this one as long as I can
venskip said:
Joined Pistonheads forum just to reply to this thread as its great that there is a whole community of people who respect this great little hatchback
I am not sure what they are from? 8 and 8.5j with 225/40/17 front and 245/45/17 rear. Anyone know?
Nice looking compact! What interior do you have?I am not sure what they are from? 8 and 8.5j with 225/40/17 front and 245/45/17 rear. Anyone know?
BMW have a number you can call and they will tell you of its history over the phone - it is premium rate though unfortunately
If you have a cheeky ask at your local dealer's service desk they may well tell you. https://secure.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/digital/contact-us-...The wheels look like Style 97s to me, which were standard fit on the 'Sport' spec compacts.
http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/97
EDIT - scrap that, I think they are Style 194s after a closer look. Found on e90s.
http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/194
Edited by BigTom85 on Sunday 6th September 21:11
BigTom85 said:
venskip said:
Joined Pistonheads forum just to reply to this thread as its great that there is a whole community of people who respect this great little hatchback
I am not sure what they are from? 8 and 8.5j with 225/40/17 front and 245/45/17 rear. Anyone know?
Nice looking compact! What interior do you have?I am not sure what they are from? 8 and 8.5j with 225/40/17 front and 245/45/17 rear. Anyone know?
BMW have a number you can call and they will tell you of its history over the phone - it is premium rate though unfortunately
If you have a cheeky ask at your local dealer's service desk they may well tell you. https://secure.bmw.co.uk/bmwuk/digital/contact-us-...The wheels look like Style 97s to me, which were standard fit on the 'Sport' spec compacts.
http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/97
EDIT - scrap that, I think they are Style 194s after a closer look. Found on e90s.
http://www.bmwstylewheels.com/bmw/194
Edited by BigTom85 on Sunday 6th September 21:11
They usually have 255/40s on the 8.5 rears
Cheers for the confirmation of the wheels - I did wonder as I have never seen another set on an E46.
The interior is half alcantara which I love:
I have ordered a proper BMW leather gearknob as I am not keen of the feel of the standard one - couldn't bring myself to fit an eBay special so its cost me £40 but at least I am keeping it OEM lol It did have the fancy parcel shelf that was mentioned elsewhere in this thread but someone had obviously overloaded it and damaged it so I am rocking the poverty spec "normal" shelf now from the Compact that donated its GM5 module.
Even though I bought this with MPG way down the list of priorities I still cant believe the MPG this thing can do - sprited local driving sees about 30 and on a run I can easily get 34+. My old Accord Type-R struggled to do more than 28-29 and only once did I ever see over 30 on a long run. A friend has an IS200 about the same age and he just cant match the MPG of the Compact.
The interior is half alcantara which I love:
I have ordered a proper BMW leather gearknob as I am not keen of the feel of the standard one - couldn't bring myself to fit an eBay special so its cost me £40 but at least I am keeping it OEM lol
It did have the fancy parcel shelf that was mentioned elsewhere in this thread but someone had obviously overloaded it and damaged it so I am rocking the poverty spec "normal" shelf now from the Compact that donated its GM5 module.Even though I bought this with MPG way down the list of priorities I still cant believe the MPG this thing can do - sprited local driving sees about 30 and on a run I can easily get 34+. My old Accord Type-R struggled to do more than 28-29 and only once did I ever see over 30 on a long run. A friend has an IS200 about the same age and he just cant match the MPG of the Compact.
s m said:
If your car had option S493A - ABLAGENPAKET - Storage Compartment Option - you should have uprated rear gas struts for the tailgate - 51247061939
These cost about £55 each but open the tailgate automatically - if they are "lazy", weather is very cold or they are the wrong ones, the key fob button only unlocks the boot and doesn't 'spring' the hatch
Yes, my car had that option (I think all UK models did) but the previous owner had a pair of cheapy struts fitted that came from Euro Car Parts who probably don't know the difference!These cost about £55 each but open the tailgate automatically - if they are "lazy", weather is very cold or they are the wrong ones, the key fob button only unlocks the boot and doesn't 'spring' the hatch
Got a quote from BMW earlier this year and even with a mate's discount they were £140ish for a pair so I am still wondering if I need them that much!
Mr Tidy said:
Yes, my car had that option (I think all UK models did) but the previous owner had a pair of cheapy struts fitted that came from Euro Car Parts who probably don't know the difference!
Got a quote from BMW earlier this year and even with a mate's discount they were £140ish for a pair so I am still wondering if I need them that much!
I think they are more like £90 each now, ouch.Got a quote from BMW earlier this year and even with a mate's discount they were £140ish for a pair so I am still wondering if I need them that much!
Mine are lazy, but work fine as a normal tailgate. I'll swap them one day but plenty of things higher on the list.
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