Compact 325Ti - anyone owned one?

[Six Fiend]

I feel the urge to have a smaller and newer BMW (I like RWD) than my battle tank E34 540.

I'm not a massive fan of E46 coupes (although not discounted entirely) but do rather like the compact for being quite subtle (it's also higher for the elderly less mobile mother to get in and out of without the need for a winch!).

For reasons of aural quality I want (need) 6 cylinders. Lots of toys are also good.

I've found one which fits the bill and with an update of the rear lights (I hate the Lexus-a-like ones on the models up to 2004) feel it would look just fine and dandy whilst being fun enough and doing what I want.

So, does anyone have anything they can tell me about these? Issues, comfort, road noise, mile munching?

Any information much appreciated

SF

Edited by Six Fiend on Sunday 25th July 18:54

[Pierscoe1]

also interested in this... as I'm considering them too.

One key point I'd like to know - with the rear seats folded down, how big is the load area? more specifically, is it big enough to get a mountain bike in (with the wheels off)?

[Six Fiend]

Pierscoe1 said:

also interested in this... as I'm considering them too.

One key point I'd like to know - with the rear seats folded down, how big is the load area? more specifically, is it big enough to get a mountain bike in (with the wheels off)?

310 litres normal space
1100 litres with seats folded

Not sure of dimensions though.

[neil-c]

I had a 54 plate compact and regularly had my mountain bike in the back with the front wheel off.

As far as overall impressions it was very comfortable, reasonable kit in sport spec, totally reliable and well screwed together. I only had a 4 pot 318 but had a 2.5 Z4 which was a peach of an engine.

Edited by neil-c on Sunday 25th July 21:36

[Heathwood]

I've got quite a sweet spot for these.

I looked at picking one up a couple of years ago so did a little research. I gather the Ti Sport was considered the best sorted and fun variation of the E46 platform models. A post facelift 325Ti Sport would be a nice little thing to own I reckon. I even quite like the looks (post facelift), although I do own a 1 series so what do I know?!

[Pierscoe1]

neil-c said:

I had a 54 plate compact and regularly had my mountain bike in the back with the front wheel off.

As far as overall impressions it was very comfortable, reasonable kit in sport spec, totally reliable and well screwed together. I only had a 4 pot 318 but had a 2.5 Z4 which was a peach of an engine.

Edited by neil-c on Sunday 25th July 21:36

Good to know.. thanks

also... what year was the facelift?

[SJobson]

Pierscoe1 said:

also... what year was the facelift?

2003, but it seems there must have been plenty of stock unsold because I've seen quite late registered pre-facelift cars.

Not a lot changed - just the rear lights and the 6-sp gearbox on manual cars, as far as I'm aware (on the Sport variants at least; the non-Sport got different bumpers and sills too).

Edited by SJobson on Monday 26th July 13:12

[Six Fiend]

Thanks for the responses. Calling dealer tomorrow and hope to view the car at the weekend

[amirzed]

Had one as a loan car once, loved it...

was a bit thirsty though...

[bullencraig]

not sure about the 325ti but i own a 320td version and regards the boot space it was big enough to take 3 people, tent, lugguage, food and beer to the download festival for 5 days this year. I also regurlary fold half the rear seat down and get my full length rifle cases in when going shooting. Should swallow a mtb minus wheels easily.

craig

[Six Fiend]

amirzed said:

Had one as a loan car once, loved it...

was a bit thirsty though...

Coming from a 540i it won't be an issue

[Pugmitch]

I have owned a 2003 320 Diesel Compact since new as a daily driver and it now has some 126K under it's belt. No issues whatsoever except once the local indy 'forgot' to replace engine breather filter......produced blue smoke on startup.....resolved after I gave him a rollocking and he fished the filter out of his 'stock' and replaced it. Don't know about the 325 but have seen plenty that go like stink and sound just the business.

Loads of room for a mtb, but you'll need to fold the back seats down. Boot is rather on the small side compared to the likes of a Golf but so long as you're not trying to take luggage for a family etc you'll be OK.

I'm planning to keep mine until it drops - yes I've replaced the inlet manifold to avoid the 'swirl flaps' problem on the diesels of this vintage. Also change the oil regularly and the turbo won't disappear in a cloud of smoke! They are reputed to 'eat' bushes - front and rear - but mine's just sailed through the MOT with no advisories.....perhaps I don't hammer mine.....and I get 50mpg to boot!

Ignore Clarkson and his 'Compacts are only half a real BMW' jibe - I think they're underated.....the 325 will give you plenty of fun and eat miles with ease. I'm looking to get 250K before the mechanicals get tired and that straight six petrol 325 should do the same with TLC.

Go for it you won't regret it!

[Chicken Pox]

Pugmitch said:

I have owned a 2003 320 Diesel Compact since new as a daily driver and it now has some 126K under it's belt. Boot is rather on the small side compared to the likes of a Golf but so long as you're not trying to take luggage for a family etc you'll be OK.

Just used ours (04) 320td to take mrs and 2 nippers and associated crap, one suitcase, plenty of soft luggage; years of watching krypton factor helps though 2 rear springs in 62k from new, 325TI should be fun.