2004 E46 325ci Sport Coupe

[jsg612]

I've been offered a car from a relation as he is getting a new one. The spec (as far as I know is...) 2004 '53 E46 325ci Sport Coupe, 60,000miles, black, 18" original alloy wheels, grey leather, climate, cruise, xenons, BMW business system, FSH.

Setting aside the price, as it's a very good deal, is it any good? Are there any major common faults that may cost me in the long run? It's a very well looked after car and has been maintained by BMW from new. I don't cover many miles, it is purely a weekender as I have a company diesel during the week.

Just looking for a few brief notes from anyone that has owned/experienced/driven one with this engine/spec. It's not a case of "Get a 330ci instead", I'm only considering this particular car because it's been offered to me.

Thanks!

[Matt UK]

If it's a deal take it. These cars make great daily drivers, not sure I would put money into one as a weekender though - I think I'd want something a bit more special / different / less mainstream.

All IMO of course.

[dowahdiddyman]

If oyu like it and the price is right it`s a no-brainer.

[Baz Tench]

They had a facelift in late '03/early '04 I believe. I think they are great lookers. I had both a manual and auto 330ci. The manual I really liked, but I couldn't get on with the auto/tiptronic (maybe that's a personal thing).

Lovely engines and a great chassis. Nicely trimmed aswell, they are a great all-rounder IMO. Servicing is every two years or 15,000 miles (whichever comes first). The inspection 2 (the biggy) cost me £420 at an indy. The inspection 1 is obviosly less so they aren't too heavy on the wallet.

On the road they are very civilised and refined. They don't feel very quick but they are deceptive. I still miss my manual one.

[jsg612]

Forgot to mention, this is the facelifted model with a manual box. Sounds promising from what you guys have said...

[Baz Tench]

Oh and they are surprisingly frugal in manual flavour. I got 27mpg mixed town driving and 36mpg at a steady 80mph out of my 330. I was impressed with that tbh.

[Chainguy]

Fantastic cars, especially in manual flavour. The 2.5 engine is the, IMHO, one to go for as well. It's nowhere near as thirsty as the 3.0, but not much down on the power side at all. They also seem to get better as they get older and get some miles on them as well.

Great around the bends, and get the right colour (silver, black) they still look the money. If it has the optional carbon cube trim as well, double winner.

Go for it, and enjoy it.

[the_kato]

Coupe facelift was March 2003, and you're right they look much better after that. Although i've an annoying duff LED in my rear lights

[jsg612]

Yes it has the carbon cube inserts on the dash and also has the electric full leather seats. Just got an insurance quote and it is very reasonable too. This looks promising!

Servicing wise, from experience would you recommend sticking with BMW main dealers or trusted independent specialist? If I have it, I'd probably have all fluids inc. rear diff changed, filters, new brakes all round, new tyres, new battery - anything else worth doing to keep it fresh?

[T16OLE]

Chainguy said:

Fantastic cars, especially in manual flavour. The 2.5 engine is the, IMHO, one to go for as well. It's nowhere near as thirsty as the 3.0, but not much down on the power side at all.

You have your facts the complete wrong way around there I`m afraid.

The 3.0 is the one to go for, is marginally less economical and I mean marginally and has an extra 40bhp.

I cannot see any benefit of choosing a 325 over a 330, obviously in this scenario its a 325i which has been offered, so not much you can do about that.

Things to watch are suspension bushes and wishbones and items within the cooling system

I have owned both a 325 and have a 330.

[philmots]

Good car. I always had the 330, I wanted an auto and drove a 325 auto which it struggled with. As a manual it would be lots better (my old man had one) The only thing that puts me off the 325 facelift is it's a 5 speed 'box. Should of gone 6 speed like the facelift 330's

[philmots]

Grey leather is not as desireable as black for resale. If you like it and it's cheap then this is no problem.

All Sports came with the black cube trim, unless wood or piano etc was specced as an option.

[andy-xr]

They're very firmly sprung! I had a 325i Coupe, the auto version and it went well enough.

[Chainguy]

T16OLE said:

Chainguy said:

Fantastic cars, especially in manual flavour. The 2.5 engine is the, IMHO, one to go for as well. It's nowhere near as thirsty as the 3.0, but not much down on the power side at all.

You have your facts the complete wrong way around there I`m afraid.

The 3.0 is the one to go for, is marginally less economical and I mean marginally and has an extra 40bhp.

I cannot see any benefit of choosing a 325 over a 330, obviously in this scenario its a 325i which has been offered, so not much you can do about that.

Things to watch are suspension bushes and wishbones and items within the cooling system

I have owned both a 325 and have a 330.

Not going to get into willy waving, you have you're opinion, I have mine. I've had a 320, 325 and briefly, a 330.

What I wrote is based on my personal experience.

Right now I have a friend with a 330ci as well, and his experience backs up mine. 34 extra horses IIRC, but his is 5/7mpg less around town than the 325 was.

But hey, not out to convert anyone to my way of thinking. Just simply fantastic cars for the money, and a brilliant driving experience on a twisty road with that woofy, snarly exhaust note.