Discussion
Hello,
My first post!
I'm pretty close to buying a 325ti Compact (02). I'm hoping to get some advice on one I have found...
It's 3995, done 70,000 miles, 5 speed, a/c, cruise, sport, 1 owner, 7 stamps (?) looks clean inside and out on the ad pictures...
Checked the MOT history and it's mixed. Consistent test intervals, low miles over the last 3 years. BUT the last 3/4 tests have flagged underbody corrosion, various strut, suspension arms and brake pipe signs of corrosion, all minor/advisories. Windscreen cracked. Never failed on any of these but they haven't gone away/been fixed either! Under the bonnet is also quite untidy, the unclean dust/scarms of lack of maintenance/care.
I'm curious as to what some of you 325ti owners/general BMW geeks might advise on this?
At the minute I'm not put off but would only consider buying if a decent lump came off the asking price. I think the 1 owner, spec, lowish miles, etc. are good but only if the car isn't a rot box, which visually/externally it isn't.
Is underbody rust a BIG red flag? Or money off, worth for the soft pedigree of this example?
Anything else I should consider if I go to see it? Aware of the cooling system issues, advice on spotting these welcome.
Any advice/recommendations are welcomed, my first post so let me know if you want more info about it/not sure if I can post the ad so you can get a better look, but it's one of few on autotrader in blue.
My first post!
I'm pretty close to buying a 325ti Compact (02). I'm hoping to get some advice on one I have found...
It's 3995, done 70,000 miles, 5 speed, a/c, cruise, sport, 1 owner, 7 stamps (?) looks clean inside and out on the ad pictures...
Checked the MOT history and it's mixed. Consistent test intervals, low miles over the last 3 years. BUT the last 3/4 tests have flagged underbody corrosion, various strut, suspension arms and brake pipe signs of corrosion, all minor/advisories. Windscreen cracked. Never failed on any of these but they haven't gone away/been fixed either! Under the bonnet is also quite untidy, the unclean dust/scarms of lack of maintenance/care.
I'm curious as to what some of you 325ti owners/general BMW geeks might advise on this?
At the minute I'm not put off but would only consider buying if a decent lump came off the asking price. I think the 1 owner, spec, lowish miles, etc. are good but only if the car isn't a rot box, which visually/externally it isn't.
Is underbody rust a BIG red flag? Or money off, worth for the soft pedigree of this example?
Anything else I should consider if I go to see it? Aware of the cooling system issues, advice on spotting these welcome.
Any advice/recommendations are welcomed, my first post so let me know if you want more info about it/not sure if I can post the ad so you can get a better look, but it's one of few on autotrader in blue.
Welcome!
Post up the MOT history with the registration plate redacted and we can have a look at what it is saying
This thread might also be worth a look!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Post up the MOT history with the registration plate redacted and we can have a look at what it is saying
This thread might also be worth a look!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Thanks for the link, I'll check it out!
Here's the MOT history, most recent at the top:
Date tested
3 July 2025
PASS
Mileage
70,602 miles
Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))
Nearside Front Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Under body corrosion
Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Both rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Date tested
1 August 2024
PASS
Mileage
70,243 miles
Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))
Nearside Front Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened Both sides (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing causing corrosion (5.3.2 (b))
Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule Both sides (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule Both sides (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened Both sides (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Central Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Date tested
24 August 2023
PASS
Mileage
69,523 miles
Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective Smearing (3.4 (b) (i))
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective Smearing (3.4 (b) (i))
Offside Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view Chip in swept area below 40 mm (3.2 (a) (i))
Nearside Front Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))
Offside Front Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))
Nearside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective Can just make out aim (4.1.1 (b) (i))
Offside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective Can just make out aim (4.1.1 (b) (i))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Nearside Rear All direction indicators slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))
Offside Rear All direction indicators slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing Corroding (5.3.2 (b))
Nearside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Offside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
Central Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Central Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Thanks!
Here's the MOT history, most recent at the top:
Date tested
3 July 2025
PASS
Mileage
70,602 miles
Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))
Nearside Front Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Under body corrosion
Front Lower Suspension arm pin or bush worn but not resulting in excessive movement Both rear (5.3.4 (a) (i))
Date tested
1 August 2024
PASS
Mileage
70,243 miles
Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view (3.2 (a) (i))
Nearside Front Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened Both sides (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing causing corrosion (5.3.2 (b))
Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule Both sides (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule Both sides (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened Both sides (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Central Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Date tested
24 August 2023
PASS
Mileage
69,523 miles
Repair as soon as possible (minor defects):
Nearside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective Smearing (3.4 (b) (i))
Offside Front Windscreen wiper blade defective Smearing (3.4 (b) (i))
Offside Front Windscreen damaged but not adversely affecting driver's view Chip in swept area below 40 mm (3.2 (a) (i))
Nearside Front Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))
Offside Front Direction indicator lens defective which has no effect on emitted light (4.4.1 (b) (i))
Nearside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective Can just make out aim (4.1.1 (b) (i))
Offside Front Headlamp lens slightly defective Can just make out aim (4.1.1 (b) (i))
Monitor and repair if necessary (advisories):
Nearside Rear All direction indicators slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))
Offside Rear All direction indicators slightly discoloured (4.4.3 (a))
Nearside Rear Shock absorbers has slight external damage to the casing Corroding (5.3.2 (b))
Nearside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Offside Rear Suspension arm corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Nearside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Offside Front Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Nearside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Offside Rear Brake hose has slight corrosion to ferrule (1.1.12 (f) (i))
Nearside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
Offside Front Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
Nearside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
Offside Rear Brake pipe corroded, covered in grease or other material (1.1.11 (c))
Central Front Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Central Rear Sub-frame corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Nearside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
Offside Rear Brake disc worn, pitted or scored, but not seriously weakened (1.1.14 (a) (ii))
Nearside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Offside Front Macpherson strut corroded but not seriously weakened (5.3.3 (b) (i))
Thanks!
ehaylon99 said:
Hello,
My first post!
I'm pretty close to buying a 325ti Compact (02). I'm hoping to get some advice on one I have found...
It's 3995, done 70,000 miles, 5 speed, a/c, cruise, sport, 1 owner, 7 stamps (?) looks clean inside and out on the ad pictures...
Checked the MOT history and it's mixed. Consistent test intervals, low miles over the last 3 years. BUT the last 3/4 tests have flagged underbody corrosion, various strut, suspension arms and brake pipe signs of corrosion, all minor/advisories. Windscreen cracked. Never failed on any of these but they haven't gone away/been fixed either! Under the bonnet is also quite untidy, the unclean dust/scarms of lack of maintenance/care.
I'm curious as to what some of you 325ti owners/general BMW geeks might advise on this?
At the minute I'm not put off but would only consider buying if a decent lump came off the asking price. I think the 1 owner, spec, lowish miles, etc. are good but only if the car isn't a rot box, which visually/externally it isn't.
Is underbody rust a BIG red flag? Or money off, worth for the soft pedigree of this example?
Anything else I should consider if I go to see it? Aware of the cooling system issues, advice on spotting these welcome.
Any advice/recommendations are welcomed, my first post so let me know if you want more info about it/not sure if I can post the ad so you can get a better look, but it's one of few on autotrader in blue.
Looking at the advert on AutoTrader, it hasn’t seen much in the way of servicing items or mechanical upkeep (state of that engine bay). Find another example at that price. My first post!
I'm pretty close to buying a 325ti Compact (02). I'm hoping to get some advice on one I have found...
It's 3995, done 70,000 miles, 5 speed, a/c, cruise, sport, 1 owner, 7 stamps (?) looks clean inside and out on the ad pictures...
Checked the MOT history and it's mixed. Consistent test intervals, low miles over the last 3 years. BUT the last 3/4 tests have flagged underbody corrosion, various strut, suspension arms and brake pipe signs of corrosion, all minor/advisories. Windscreen cracked. Never failed on any of these but they haven't gone away/been fixed either! Under the bonnet is also quite untidy, the unclean dust/scarms of lack of maintenance/care.
I'm curious as to what some of you 325ti owners/general BMW geeks might advise on this?
At the minute I'm not put off but would only consider buying if a decent lump came off the asking price. I think the 1 owner, spec, lowish miles, etc. are good but only if the car isn't a rot box, which visually/externally it isn't.
Is underbody rust a BIG red flag? Or money off, worth for the soft pedigree of this example?
Anything else I should consider if I go to see it? Aware of the cooling system issues, advice on spotting these welcome.
Any advice/recommendations are welcomed, my first post so let me know if you want more info about it/not sure if I can post the ad so you can get a better look, but it's one of few on autotrader in blue.
Have you tried Facebook? Spotted a couple for sale.
[quote=Bowlers]
Looking at the advert on AutoTrader, it hasn t seen much in the way of servicing items or mechanical upkeep (state of that engine bay). Find another example at that price.
Have you tried Facebook? Spotted a couple for sale.
Yeah, the condition of the engine bay was something I flagged, I wasn't hugely put off by this in terms of not even bothering to view it at all though, plus potential for negotiating price to make room for some TLC post buy. I suppose unclean means there's more chance of spotting any oil leaks that might have otherwise been wiped clear. Would that be enough to put you off entirely?
I've not been able to find many at all, from what I've seen most are either high miles and neglected, auto or not a 325, instead a 316/18. Don't suppose there's any way you could forward some that you've found if you think they're any good?
I should add I'm pretty set on it being the 25ti, manual.
Appreciate your advice!
Looking at the advert on AutoTrader, it hasn t seen much in the way of servicing items or mechanical upkeep (state of that engine bay). Find another example at that price.
Have you tried Facebook? Spotted a couple for sale.
Yeah, the condition of the engine bay was something I flagged, I wasn't hugely put off by this in terms of not even bothering to view it at all though, plus potential for negotiating price to make room for some TLC post buy. I suppose unclean means there's more chance of spotting any oil leaks that might have otherwise been wiped clear. Would that be enough to put you off entirely?
I've not been able to find many at all, from what I've seen most are either high miles and neglected, auto or not a 325, instead a 316/18. Don't suppose there's any way you could forward some that you've found if you think they're any good?
I should add I'm pretty set on it being the 25ti, manual.
Appreciate your advice!
I wouldn’t be put off with a high mileage example, as long as it has been cared for. As they are thin in the ground you may find a 130i in budget?
This 325ti looks an honest example, it will need some jobs doing going by the MOT history, but all (E46) will at this age now.
https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1326068275...
This 325ti looks an honest example, it will need some jobs doing going by the MOT history, but all (E46) will at this age now.
https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1326068275...
Edited by Bowlers on Friday 10th October 17:54
Bowlers said:
I wouldn t be put off with a high mileage example, as long as it has been cared for. As they are thin in the ground you may find a 130i in budget?
This 325ti looks an honest example, it will need some jobs doing going by the MOT history, but all (E46) will at this age now.
https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1326068275...
Now that is a tidy one.This 325ti looks an honest example, it will need some jobs doing going by the MOT history, but all (E46) will at this age now.
https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1326068275...
Edited by Bowlers on Friday 10th October 17:54
Half the price of that other old nail as well.
Mrfrisk said:
Our Imola Red sport may become available imminently. We've just replaced it with a new daily and was deciding what to do with it.
It's on page 144/145 of the 325ti appreciation thread.
Its not on the market so DM me if your interested.
I owned this from 2015-2020, great car and glad to hear its still on the road It's on page 144/145 of the 325ti appreciation thread.
Its not on the market so DM me if your interested.
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