325 Compact... Gotta be a Winner. Right?

[gangstatom]

Greetings fellow petrol heads,
Just a quickie, Am working myself up to buying myself a 325 Ti Compact. I've never driven one but I have driven a 325ci and , briefly, a 330ci (never actually owned one). I've heard nothing but good reports about them and looking at the set up and knowing BMWs straight 6 lump, I cant see how It wouldn't be a great car. But... as usual I wouldn't do anything without consulting my favourite group of 'specialists' - the PHer's.
Please advise of anything I should be aware of!

[Dino D]

Hi Mate,

I have never driven the 325ti but was seriously looking at one until I realised they weren't much cheaper than a 330i. Hence I'm picking my 02 330i sport saloon tomorrow!

I must point out though that the ti's I was looking at were the latest facelift models with the optional sport pack (much better bodykit, wheels etc). They were fully loaded with xenons and heated seats etc so a much better spec than the 330i I am getting for the same price.

The one is Pistachio Green go for a lot les money too!!

ps from my research on this and other forums there mostly glowing reports about the ti. Some complained the ride was too stiff on the sport but otherwise everyone seemed happy. Some even said the handling reminded them of the e36 m3!



>> Edited by Dino D on Friday 19th May 12:52

[gangstatom]

Dino D said:

Hi Mate, I have never driven the 325ti but was seriously looking at one until I realised they weren't much cheaper than a 330i. Hence I'm picking my 02 330i sport saloon tomorrow! I must point out though that the ti's I was looking at were the latest facelift models with the optional sport pack (much better bodykit, wheels etc). They were fully loaded with xenons and heated seats etc so a much better spec than the 330i I am getting for the same price. The one is Pistachio Green go for a lot les money too!! ps from my research on this and other forums there mostly glowing reports about the ti. Some complained the ride was too stiff on the sport but otherwise everyone seemed happy. Some even said the handling reminded them of the e36 m3! >> Edited by Dino D on Friday 19th May 12:52

Really appreciate the 'heads up' Dino. I have to say that the 330ci would be a dream (My dad has one and it is in a different world to most other cars). But I was only looking at spending £11-12K and for that money the only 330ci's are high ish milers. I have seen 325 compacts with 25,000 for under £12k.
I'm totally Jealous of the new purchace.... you WONT regret it. The straight 6 noise is so distinctive, people will hear you coming a mile off. Take the traction control off.... wait till no one is around and then plant your right foot.... it really is an absolute hoot in the corners.
Enjoy.

[dick dastardly]

gangstatom said:

But I was only looking at spending £11-12K and for that money the only 330ci's are high ish milers.

I'd personally prefer to get one of the high mileage cars for less money. I've had two BMW's with more than 100,000 on them and the mileage hasn't been much of an issue. A 3 litre BMW engine can take an many miles as you care to use it for.

[Andrew D]

I presume you're looking at the E46, rather than the E36.

I have heard that the rear suspension on the E36 was a bit ropey, apparently it was taken from the E30. I think it was remedied on the E46, in which case it will be a bit of an animal with 192bhp!

[vee]

The youth across the road to me has a Velvet Blue individual one which has really been looked after - I saw it in classifieds earlier.

I've used one a company one for a day in the past. Chassis seems pretty well sorted and 192bhp in a car that light is lots of fun.

That said, I agree with the comment around 330s being relatively cheap though.

[bd02]

I can confirm everything good that's been written and said about the 325ti sport compact... I've had 2 on the bounce and covered 90,000 miles. They are cracking cars and many people consider them more dynamically satisfying than the mainstream 3 versions. Top Gear mag ran one as a fleet vehicle some years ago and lent it to a F1 driver (can't remember which one) - he was in raptures about the little gem - search the TG website.

HOWEVER.... and this is a BIG HOWEVER.... do not go for the 18" wheels - yes I know they look better but trust me they absolutely ruin the handling....stick with the 17 inchers and you will have to go a long way to find a better 'hot hatch'.

Found the article www.topgear.com/drives/A4/E2/roadtests/40/01.html. Driver was Marc Gene.

>> Edited by bd02 on Friday 19th May 16:31

[baz1985]

I will always maintain that an E46 325ti Sport is second only to the E46 M3. Have a E46 330ci Sport myself, but the E46 325ti Sport is far superior in terms of driving on the limit!

[steve1968]

Had mine since Febuary
Met black with black sports leather.
Went to Chipped UK in april for remap (thanks jay ) now producing 212 hp (DIN)and 185 lbs/ft

Get one , you won't regret it

steve

[gangstatom]

baz1985 said:

I will always maintain that an E46 325ti Sport is second only to the E46 M3. Have a E46 330ci Sport myself, but the E46 325ti Sport is far superior in terms of driving on the limit!

Really....... That clinches it then!
What the fuel consumption like? Is she thirsty?

[gangstatom]

vee said:

The youth across the road to me has a Velvet Blue individual one which has really been looked after - I saw it in classifieds earlier. I've used one a company one for a day in the past. Chassis seems pretty well sorted and 192bhp in a car that light is lots of fun. That said, I agree with the comment around 330s being relatively cheap though.

I've seen that... Might give him a call!
Thanks for that.
Tom