It’s been a fair while since a progress update on the old BMW; partly that’s because we have to leave Ben Lowden lots of free PH Fleet slots because he changes cars like he changes pants, but also as life has been very easygoing with the Compact. In all sorts of weather, at all sorts of times and for all sorts of journeys, it’s been absolutely wonderful company. It has needed some coolant, some oil (it’s an old BMW; of course there’s a leak) and a new screenwash pump. Long may trouble-free ownership continue.
The biggest modification since last year has been the fitment of four new Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres. I knew the fronts were on their way, but it was a conversation with the good folk of TyreSafe that really bucked my ideas up. As diligent PHers, you’ll no doubt be checking your rubber on a regular basis - and spending plenty on good quality tyres - but plenty of drivers don’t. It’s TyreSafe’s aim to reduce the amount of incidents relating to illegal and poorly maintained tyres. It estimates that there are around 6,000,000 illegal tyres currently in use in the UK, and there are more than 150 people killed or seriously injured in incidents every year where defective tyres are to blame. And we spend enough time on PH talking about Cup 2s, P Zero Corsas, Eagle Supersport F1s and the like - tyres are important. So we’ve partnered up with TyreSafe to get the message out there and implore everyone to speak to friends and family, and make sure their tyres have good tread and pressure.
With four new Michelins on (two via BlackCircles at £115 each - long live small wheels!) plus the fitment of some new Powerflex wishbone bushes up front, the Compact feels fantastic: keener, comfier and quieter. It never fails to amaze what a difference fresh rubber can make, especially this time around as reduced tyre roar seems to mean more straight six coming in - win-win. Replacing the PS4s like-for-like means it’s not a total transformation, though a useful improvement nonetheless. And don’t forget there’s money off Michelins to be claimed through PH right now…
For a car I never really intended to buy and was only ever moderately curious about, the 325ti has totally won me over. Like so much of this era, it’s the simplicity that’s so appealing, with pretty much everything that you need - a heated front screen would be nice in winter - and none of the irritating distractions that have become all too commonplace. Nothing must be configured, set or disabled; while lots of new cars are very good indeed, the old BMW is a lovely palette cleanser when required. I love that the steering requires some effort, that the engine wants some revs, and that the HVAC make obvious sense.
There will be some rear bushes going on soon to match the front and deal with an MOT advisory item. I bought a 325ti badge from BMW’s eBay store because a few people had asked what engine was in it - as if the twin pipes didn’t give it away! And it means there’s something else to look at on that funny rear end. I saw a facelifted car the other day - we even exchanged waves as members of the weird E46 club - and must confess to some jealousy at its slightly smarter look courtesy of the curvier bumpers. It seems like everyone got over all of the 1 Series looking weird, so perhaps its time will come. Damn those BMW designers who made all but one of the E46s look so good.
Nevertheless, I remain hugely enamoured with the ti as 155,000 miles looms. It sounds great, it drives great, it looks… unique. Getting my son in the back is no drama thanks to big doors and seats with a generous range of movement, and there’s something very pleasing about doing the nursery run among the cookie-cutter SUVs with a silly old BMW. And I have a rust-free, Japan Red, six-cylinder, manual E46 for not much money at all. Which feels very good. Even if it doesn’t necessarily look it…
Car: 2003 BMW 325ti Compact
Run by: Matt Bird
On fleet since: July 2024
Bought for: £2,999
Mileage: 154,397
Last month at a glance: Classic Compact charmer
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