Discussion
Over the years I've been lucky enough to own some nice BMW's and enjoyed taking them on track, as well as on the shopping run. The past few years though, have been blighted by poor health and the M3 had to be sold. I realised a 911 shaped dream for a short while and recently I almost managed to get back into an E30. Unfortunately bereavement had other plans and the E30 fund went on funeral costs instead. Fortunately though, the desire to have something fun and RWD remained and last weekend saw me get the train up country to buy this...
I've owned a couple of Compact in the past but the 325ti version is far more fun than you might imagine. I think the clumsy looking shape has aged well and they actually look pretty good. Especially lowered slightly and on some better wheels. They feel pretty M3 like on the road, albeit with a third less power. They're still plenty quick enough to be fun though and they sound great.
Anyway, a week in and I've sorted the wheel / tyre combination and swapped the ditchseekers for Michelin. I still want to fit some spacers before I sort the geo but it drives way better than it did. I'm looking at alternatives for the driver seat at the moment, as I'm 6' 2'' and hate that I'm sat on rather than in, if that makes sense? Thankfully no sunroof and a black headlining, along with full black leather, mean it's quite a nice place to be sat.
Given how little this owes me, at well under £2K so far, I'm pretty happy. I have a few dash lights to sort next, one of which is the traction control light. Any ideas? Next job is to replace the back brake pads and discs. They came in the boot though, so a nice cheap fix.
Anyway, this is how it sits today...
I've owned a couple of Compact in the past but the 325ti version is far more fun than you might imagine. I think the clumsy looking shape has aged well and they actually look pretty good. Especially lowered slightly and on some better wheels. They feel pretty M3 like on the road, albeit with a third less power. They're still plenty quick enough to be fun though and they sound great.
Anyway, a week in and I've sorted the wheel / tyre combination and swapped the ditchseekers for Michelin. I still want to fit some spacers before I sort the geo but it drives way better than it did. I'm looking at alternatives for the driver seat at the moment, as I'm 6' 2'' and hate that I'm sat on rather than in, if that makes sense? Thankfully no sunroof and a black headlining, along with full black leather, mean it's quite a nice place to be sat.
Given how little this owes me, at well under £2K so far, I'm pretty happy. I have a few dash lights to sort next, one of which is the traction control light. Any ideas? Next job is to replace the back brake pads and discs. They came in the boot though, so a nice cheap fix.
Anyway, this is how it sits today...
A great choice. 
I bought a 2004 320td SE Compact in 2005 as I was doing business miles at the time, but in 2014 I got a 2002 325ti Sport and realised that is what I should have bought the first time!
It was a great car and I still miss it.
Hopefully your T/C problem will be something simple like a dodgy wheel speed sensor.
I bought a 2004 320td SE Compact in 2005 as I was doing business miles at the time, but in 2014 I got a 2002 325ti Sport and realised that is what I should have bought the first time!
It was a great car and I still miss it.
Hopefully your T/C problem will be something simple like a dodgy wheel speed sensor.
Mr Tidy said:
A great choice.
Hopefully your T/C problem will be something simple like a dodgy wheel speed sensor.
Well that was my first thought but I'm now thinking it might be down to the steering wheel not being straight? Previous owner said he never noticed! Hopefully your T/C problem will be something simple like a dodgy wheel speed sensor.
Am I right in thinking that the steering angle sensor will need calibrating? I don't have the BMW scanning tool but I'm sure that I read that going from lock to lock twice will reset the sensor. Has to be worth a go right?Mark-insert old BMW said:
Well that was my first thought but I'm now thinking it might be down to the steering wheel not being straight? Previous owner said he never noticed! Am I right in thinking that the steering angle sensor will need calibrating? I don't have the BMW scanning tool but I'm sure that I read that going from lock to lock twice will reset the sensor. Has to be worth a go right?
I don't know, but it has to be worth a try! Am I right in thinking that the steering angle sensor will need calibrating? I don't have the BMW scanning tool but I'm sure that I read that going from lock to lock twice will reset the sensor. Has to be worth a go right?The battery on my Z4 died a few years ago and I got the dreaded "trifecta" of T/C, ABS and handbrake warning lights illuminated. My Indy reset the steering angle sensor and they all went out.
But if you plan to keep it buying a scanner may prove worthwhile - Creator C310s are only about £50 on Ebay.
Definitely get a scanning tool. If you're handy with computers then I'd recommend installing the BMW Standard Tools (INPA, NCS Expert, etc) on your laptop and buy a compatible cable for £20 or so. They are the best tools available, not as user friendly as the other stuff, but once you know your way around you can do absolutely everything with every control unit in the car.
I'd say most likely is one of the wheel sensors has gone. Steering angle sensor is possible but much less common. If your calibration method doesn't fix it then the next step is to get a code reader onto it, otherwise you're just guessing.
I'd say most likely is one of the wheel sensors has gone. Steering angle sensor is possible but much less common. If your calibration method doesn't fix it then the next step is to get a code reader onto it, otherwise you're just guessing.
Highly recommend doing this little mod too, the coolant gauge reads at the 12 o'clock position up to 115ºC which gives you very little notice in the event you do overheat (which isn't all that unlikely given the naff cooling system, I know this all too well from my own 325ti)
Its a super simple modification and makes your coolant temp gauge actually read what is going on
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/diy-changing-t...
Its a super simple modification and makes your coolant temp gauge actually read what is going on
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/diy-changing-t...
Mark-insert old BMW said:
Over the years I've been lucky enough to own some nice BMW's and enjoyed taking them on track, as well as on the shopping run. The past few years though, have been blighted by poor health and the M3 had to be sold. I realised a 911 shaped dream for a short while and recently I almost managed to get back into an E30. Unfortunately bereavement had other plans and the E30 fund went on funeral costs instead. Fortunately though, the desire to have something fun and RWD remained and last weekend saw me get the train up country to buy this...
I've owned a couple of Compact in the past but the 325ti version is far more fun than you might imagine. I think the clumsy looking shape has aged well and they actually look pretty good. Especially lowered slightly and on some better wheels. They feel pretty M3 like on the road, albeit with a third less power. They're still plenty quick enough to be fun though and they sound great.
Anyway, a week in and I've sorted the wheel / tyre combination and swapped the ditchseekers for Michelin. I still want to fit some spacers before I sort the geo but it drives way better than it did. I'm looking at alternatives for the driver seat at the moment, as I'm 6' 2'' and hate that I'm sat on rather than in, if that makes sense? Thankfully no sunroof and a black headlining, along with full black leather, mean it's quite a nice place to be sat.
Given how little this owes me, at well under £2K so far, I'm pretty happy. I have a few dash lights to sort next, one of which is the traction control light. Any ideas? Next job is to replace the back brake pads and discs. They came in the boot though, so a nice cheap fix.
Anyway, this is how it sits today...
Nice to see you back in a 325ti again Mark. Haven’t seen you out in it yet this week although I’ve seen the Mk2 MR2 a few times and parked by the old Meadery. Always come down in mine most years I've owned a couple of Compact in the past but the 325ti version is far more fun than you might imagine. I think the clumsy looking shape has aged well and they actually look pretty good. Especially lowered slightly and on some better wheels. They feel pretty M3 like on the road, albeit with a third less power. They're still plenty quick enough to be fun though and they sound great.
Anyway, a week in and I've sorted the wheel / tyre combination and swapped the ditchseekers for Michelin. I still want to fit some spacers before I sort the geo but it drives way better than it did. I'm looking at alternatives for the driver seat at the moment, as I'm 6' 2'' and hate that I'm sat on rather than in, if that makes sense? Thankfully no sunroof and a black headlining, along with full black leather, mean it's quite a nice place to be sat.
Given how little this owes me, at well under £2K so far, I'm pretty happy. I have a few dash lights to sort next, one of which is the traction control light. Any ideas? Next job is to replace the back brake pads and discs. They came in the boot though, so a nice cheap fix.
Anyway, this is how it sits today...
Thanks for the positive comments guys. 
I have a cheap scanner but the only codes coming up relate to lean running caused by the small split I found in the MAF boot I imagine?
Despite the trifecta of dash lights there are no sensor codes flagging.
Weird?
I was thinking about buying a cheap laptop purely for running diagnostic software. Any suggestions?
Stud kit and spacers arrived today so hopefully I'll find some time to fit over the weekend. Anyone know if it's possible to lower the stock sport seats? If not, I think I'm going to have to go aftermarket.
I have a cheap scanner but the only codes coming up relate to lean running caused by the small split I found in the MAF boot I imagine?
Despite the trifecta of dash lights there are no sensor codes flagging.
Weird?
Didge3 said:
Highly recommend doing this little mod too, the coolant gauge reads at the 12 o'clock position up to 115ºC which gives you very little notice in the event you do overheat (which isn't all that unlikely given the naff cooling system, I know this all too well from my own 325ti)
Its a super simple modification and makes your coolant temp gauge actually read what is going on
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/diy-changing-t...
Thanks for this.Its a super simple modification and makes your coolant temp gauge actually read what is going on
https://www.e46fanatics.com/threads/diy-changing-t...
I was thinking about buying a cheap laptop purely for running diagnostic software. Any suggestions?
s m said:
Nice to see you back in a 325ti again Mark. Haven’t seen you out in it yet this week although I’ve seen the Mk2 MR2 a few times and parked by the old Meadery. Always come down in mine most years
I'm no longer in Aggie. Moved out into the sticks near Playing Place. Stud kit and spacers arrived today so hopefully I'll find some time to fit over the weekend. Anyone know if it's possible to lower the stock sport seats? If not, I think I'm going to have to go aftermarket.
Cheap scanner probably only reads the DME (engine ECU) so you're not getting the error codes stored in the DSC module. There will definitely be one or more codes store in the DSC if the lights are on.
Even an older car like the E46 will have about 15 modules that a good scan tool can talk to and read error codes, change configuration settings, activate components for test purposes etc. BMW standard tools is the most powerful yet very cheap but the learning curve is quite steep.
Even an older car like the E46 will have about 15 modules that a good scan tool can talk to and read error codes, change configuration settings, activate components for test purposes etc. BMW standard tools is the most powerful yet very cheap but the learning curve is quite steep.
pmorg4 said:
BMW standard tools is the most powerful yet very cheap but the learning curve is quite steep.
Probably a bit beyond my computer skill set then to be honest. I need an idiot guide type scanner. ETA - After a bit of research I took a punt on an OBD Bluetooth adaptor and downloaded the Car Scanner App. It appears to allow access to all sensors and codes and at just a fiver I figured it was worth a punt. A few people over on Cutters use it with good reports.
I've also been looking at these...
https://racingdiffs.com/collections/lsd-conversion...
They're on offer at 231 Euros which is way cheaper than fitting an M3 rear axle and LSD. A couple pf people I know are running them and are very happy with the results.
Edited by Mark-insert old BMW on Saturday 30th September 16:37
Mark-insert old BMW said:
Over the years I've been lucky enough to own some nice BMW's and enjoyed taking them on track, as well as on the shopping run. The past few years though, have been blighted by poor health and the M3 had to be sold. I realised a 911 shaped dream for a short while and recently I almost managed to get back into an E30. Unfortunately bereavement had other plans and the E30 fund went on funeral costs instead. Fortunately though, the desire to have something fun and RWD remained and last weekend saw me get the train up country to buy this...
I've owned a couple of Compact in the past but the 325ti version is far more fun than you might imagine. I think the clumsy looking shape has aged well and they actually look pretty good. Especially lowered slightly and on some better wheels. They feel pretty M3 like on the road, albeit with a third less power. They're still plenty quick enough to be fun though and they sound great.
Anyway, a week in and I've sorted the wheel / tyre combination and swapped the ditchseekers for Michelin. I still want to fit some spacers before I sort the geo but it drives way better than it did. I'm looking at alternatives for the driver seat at the moment, as I'm 6' 2'' and hate that I'm sat on rather than in, if that makes sense? Thankfully no sunroof and a black headlining, along with full black leather, mean it's quite a nice place to be sat.
Given how little this owes me, at well under £2K so far, I'm pretty happy. I have a few dash lights to sort next, one of which is the traction control light. Any ideas? Next job is to replace the back brake pads and discs. They came in the boot though, so a nice cheap fix.
Anyway, this is how it sits today...
Lovely car, I have been looking for a decent one of these to come up locally (also in Cornwall) but they seem few and far between. Ended up getting a 2000 reg 530i manual, would still love a 325ti though. I've owned a couple of Compact in the past but the 325ti version is far more fun than you might imagine. I think the clumsy looking shape has aged well and they actually look pretty good. Especially lowered slightly and on some better wheels. They feel pretty M3 like on the road, albeit with a third less power. They're still plenty quick enough to be fun though and they sound great.
Anyway, a week in and I've sorted the wheel / tyre combination and swapped the ditchseekers for Michelin. I still want to fit some spacers before I sort the geo but it drives way better than it did. I'm looking at alternatives for the driver seat at the moment, as I'm 6' 2'' and hate that I'm sat on rather than in, if that makes sense? Thankfully no sunroof and a black headlining, along with full black leather, mean it's quite a nice place to be sat.
Given how little this owes me, at well under £2K so far, I'm pretty happy. I have a few dash lights to sort next, one of which is the traction control light. Any ideas? Next job is to replace the back brake pads and discs. They came in the boot though, so a nice cheap fix.
Anyway, this is how it sits today...
Cambs_Stuart said:
I really like these small BMWs. They look like good value fun! What are they like for rust?
Rear arches, front wings & jacking points seem to be the weak points but there are rust free examples out there. Mine was probably one of the cheapest 325ti but it's got very little in the way of corrosion. I've just bought a kit from Lanoguard and it looks way easier to apply that the likes of Waxoil which was bloody awful. Personally I think Compact are great fun and a few well chosen mods make them a hoot on the back lanes.
MightyBadger said:
Lovely car, I have been looking for a decent one of these to come up locally (also in Cornwall) but they seem few and far between. Ended up getting a 2000 reg 530i manual, would still love a 325ti though.
I wish this had been available when I got mine. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386151315946?hash=item5...
Bit of a hike but well worth it.
Mark-insert old BMW said:
I wish this had been available when I got mine.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386151315946?hash=item5...
Bit of a hike but well worth it.
Needs a tiny bit of tlc by the look of it but very nice, the short mot scares me a bit but the seller seems pretty honest.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386151315946?hash=item5...
Bit of a hike but well worth it.
MightyBadger said:
Mark-insert old BMW said:
I wish this had been available when I got mine.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386151315946?hash=item5...
Bit of a hike but well worth it.
Needs a tiny bit of tlc by the look of it but very nice, the short mot scares me a bit but the seller seems pretty honest.https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/386151315946?hash=item5...
Bit of a hike but well worth it.
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