Discussion
Hi there,
I'm seriously considering parting with some of my hard earned on a 325ti. I've done a search on the forum and opinions seem to be that its a great drive (except comments of hard ride with sports suspension / 18's).
What i'm trying to find out is any known problems, general running costs and owners opinions.
Also, would you suggest a dealer or do my homework and save a bit of cash by buying private without warranty etc? I will probably spend up to around £10k.
Cheers for any help
I'm seriously considering parting with some of my hard earned on a 325ti. I've done a search on the forum and opinions seem to be that its a great drive (except comments of hard ride with sports suspension / 18's).
What i'm trying to find out is any known problems, general running costs and owners opinions.
Also, would you suggest a dealer or do my homework and save a bit of cash by buying private without warranty etc? I will probably spend up to around £10k.
Cheers for any help
I'd usually suggest buying privately for the price saving, and paying for a warranty if you really want one. But prices of 325Tis are quite compressed between the top dealer prices and lowest private sales, so worth considering either.
My wife and I drove one earlier this year (a not amazing condition 54k mile 2002 car with 18" wheels and sports pack) - didn't have a problem with the ride and it was far nicer than expected to drive (that's after driving various other non-Compact E46s). She decided to keep her current car so I didn't get the chance to find her a silver grey 325Ti Sport as I intended, but I still keep looking.
Should find a 2003 Sport with less than 40k miles for £10k; they seem not to sell too quickly so haggle hard. I'll be envious.
Bear in mind that the 6-speed gearbox and red rear lights came in mid-2003; I've not tried the 6-sp and I can't believe it needs it, but it's worth being armed with all the info. The proper Sport with the nicer bumpers and sills was introduced in late 2002; the first year's worth of them had the clear rear light clusters.
My wife and I drove one earlier this year (a not amazing condition 54k mile 2002 car with 18" wheels and sports pack) - didn't have a problem with the ride and it was far nicer than expected to drive (that's after driving various other non-Compact E46s). She decided to keep her current car so I didn't get the chance to find her a silver grey 325Ti Sport as I intended, but I still keep looking.
Should find a 2003 Sport with less than 40k miles for £10k; they seem not to sell too quickly so haggle hard. I'll be envious.
Bear in mind that the 6-speed gearbox and red rear lights came in mid-2003; I've not tried the 6-sp and I can't believe it needs it, but it's worth being armed with all the info. The proper Sport with the nicer bumpers and sills was introduced in late 2002; the first year's worth of them had the clear rear light clusters.
I had a 325 ti for two years and never had any major problems. I bought it with 1100 miles on the clock and did nearly 20k miles over the time I had it. It had the 18 inch MV alloys on it (which looked great although a bugger to clean!) and must say the ride was not an issue. It certainly was better than my current 130i.
The only thing I had a persistent problem with was the boot not opening properly, but this was always fixed under warranty.
I had the auto box (five gears) which was silky smooth, urban mpg was circa 25.
Good luck in your search.
The only thing I had a persistent problem with was the boot not opening properly, but this was always fixed under warranty.
I had the auto box (five gears) which was silky smooth, urban mpg was circa 25.
Good luck in your search.
Funny you should mention that Lordsmut. Must admit, i much prefer the looks of the coupe but wasn't really looking for anything bigget than a mid size hatchback. It has also occured to me that with the Compact being replaced by the 1 series rather than a sort of chopped 3, it may look quite old and dated in a few years whereas a clean E46 coupe in a good colour looks fresh as a daisy even though oldest cars are nearly 10 years old.
I'll keep an open mind I thinks
Anyone else got an opinion?
I'll keep an open mind I thinks
Anyone else got an opinion?
We've got a 320d ES Compact which has the sports suspension but with 16" wheels. Ride not a problem. I'd agree the coupé is the better looking car, but like for like the Compact will be cheaper.
Ours has been brilliant. 3.5 years old, nearly 80K miles and the only thing we've spent money on is a set of front discs and pads and tyres, as it came with 3 years/60K free servicing. All in all, they are very capable RWD hatches.
Ours has been brilliant. 3.5 years old, nearly 80K miles and the only thing we've spent money on is a set of front discs and pads and tyres, as it came with 3 years/60K free servicing. All in all, they are very capable RWD hatches.
speedy_noo said:
Funny you should mention that Lordsmut. Must admit, i much prefer the looks of the coupe but wasn't really looking for anything bigget than a mid size hatchback. It has also occured to me that with the Compact being replaced by the 1 series rather than a sort of chopped 3, it may look quite old and dated in a few years whereas a clean E46 coupe in a good colour looks fresh as a daisy even though oldest cars are nearly 10 years old.
The look of the Compact is a matter of personal taste, but as for size compared to the proper one, there is hardly that much in it. Plus you get a really good size boot too and with parking sensors its a doddle to manoeuvre. I can easily fit two golf bags in plus room for other stuff too. This one loks nice: http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/199477.htm. Sorry to bang on about them, but they are great IMO!
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