E46 325TI Compact

I thought I would post some 325TI VS 330i Pictures.

My friends 330i is such a mint example and the Estoril blue combined with the black interior is simply marvelous! Also, he has the thick steering from the M3 which is one of my planned future mods :blowheart:

Some pics for clicks!

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Hope you guys like the pictures. I have advised my friend to create a thread about his 330i as well. He has transformed his 330i into quite the stunner. :blowheart:

Soon I will be doing some mods and some more maintenance. Updates and more pictures coming soon!! :hammerhead:
 

KPM3_30

Moderator
Staff member
gumpertapolloss said:
KPM_330 said:
Great work bud - Glad to see the car being cared for, clearly it needed some attention.

Keep it up and looking forward to more updates :bravo:


Thank you very much for the kind words bud.

She needs some attention yes and she might be old, but never will she be cold!!

PS: Your 330i is simply :blowheart::blowheart:

When I first got the car, I didn't like the Style 44's at all. One of my main priorities was changing the rims. After I saw your thread and how the style 44's looked on your car, I have simply fallen in love with them. :ty:

Thanks bud, much appreciated.. E46's are timeless and after a while, they really do grow on you, to the point that you don't wish to sell.. :fencelook:

I had 19" wheels on the 330i at one point but it killed my driving enjoyment (car felt much slower and heavier) and at that point, I decided I would rather go back to my stock wheels.. Added a coat of paint to make them stand-out and couldn't be happier.. Plus tyres are much cheaper :roflol:

I would recommend you change tyres in pairs, either fronts or backs. Have had bad experiences from way back when, with changing tyres in isolation.. Vibes and sketchy handling in some instances, especially when tread pattern is very different on the same axle. Also at least they will wear the same.. More of a mental thing for me I guess.
 

Tinuva

Staff & Webmaster
Staff member
Welcome to the forums @gumpertapolloss

I must admit, I am not a fan of the Ti cars, even though I absolutely love the E46 series. But this car looks stunning in alpine white and the style 44 rims. :praise:

Love the progress and updates, keep it up! :blowheart:

I will definitely be following this thread. :smilebounce:
 

AdiS

Well-known member
Wow, what a great thread. Love the effort with all the documenting and pics :)

Great car, too.
 

Lloyd09

Member
Congrats, car looks good.... I also own a Ti however yours has 2 more cylinders than mine:dunnoanymore:

These cars are pretty solid, mine still drives like new even though its roughly 14 years old.

I can't bring myself to sell it so I've parked it off and drive it sometimes on the weekend.
 

Beemerbro

Member
wow that's amazing your leather's still that good for a 2003 model. We have a 325ci thats a 2003 model too with cream(yellow) leather that's all gone shabby and scrappy like it was scratched by cats. We're taking it for new leather upholstery next week. I suspect its the pietermaritzburg sun that's tortured it like that. Yours must have spent its life in cooler parts of the country and not been exposed to harsh UV radiation i guess. It looks so good for that age.
 
Firstly thanks to all for the friendly and lovely comments!! :praise::ty:

Captain_Stealth said:
Nice buddy,

Whats the plans for performance mods

Well I don't have much plans for performance mods...

If funds allow, I would like to do vanos and E36 328 headers with some exhaust work. I have had a look at intake designs and think I should just make a plan with a ram tube to the stock airbox coupled with a BMC flat-panel. I don't like cone filters at all.

Lastly I would like to either get a Unichip installed or an aftermarket flash. I've had a look at flashing myself as I'm actually a diesel tuner, but the only way of accessing the full 512kb file is to bench flash and this is quite the PITA. I messaged SRSpeedworx the other day to get a quote, but depending on their quote I will decided on my plans forward.

This is only performance motor wise. Suspension, bushings and wheels are a big part of performance and all these things will be attended to.

KPM_330 said:
gumpertapolloss said:
KPM_330 said:
Great work bud - Glad to see the car being cared for, clearly it needed some attention.

Keep it up and looking forward to more updates :bravo:


Thank you very much for the kind words bud.

She needs some attention yes and she might be old, but never will she be cold!!

PS: Your 330i is simply :blowheart::blowheart:

When I first got the car, I didn't like the Style 44's at all. One of my main priorities was changing the rims. After I saw your thread and how the style 44's looked on your car, I have simply fallen in love with them. :ty:

Thanks bud, much appreciated.. E46's are timeless and after a while, they really do grow on you, to the point that you don't wish to sell.. :fencelook:

I had 19" wheels on the 330i at one point but it killed my driving enjoyment (car felt much slower and heavier) and at that point, I decided I would rather go back to my stock wheels.. Added a coat of paint to make them stand-out and couldn't be happier.. Plus tyres are much cheaper :roflol:

I would recommend you change tyres in pairs, either fronts or backs. Have had bad experiences from way back when, with changing tyres in isolation.. Vibes and sketchy handling in some instances, especially when tread pattern is very different on the same axle. Also at least they will wear the same.. More of a mental thing for me I guess.

I agree bud. I'm planning on doing another rear tire tomorrow. I was just a bit low on funds and the 1 tyre was shot.

IRT the rims, I would not consider any size bigger. 17" is the perfect size for acceleration and comfort. Only rims I would ever consider is a set op Apex ARC-08's which is likely to happen, but you never know....:blowheart:

Tinuva said:
Welcome to the forums @gumpertapolloss

I must admit, I am not a fan of the Ti cars, even though I absolutely love the E46 series. But this car looks stunning in alpine white and the style 44 rims. :praise:

Love the progress and updates, keep it up! :blowheart:

I will definitely be following this thread. :smilebounce:

Thanks for the friendly comment bud.

I must admit, I didn't like the idea of buying a TI either but the car has grown on me quite a bit. The round lights coupled with the wannbe coupe styling and the style 44's rims has won my heart over! :tiptoe:

AdiS said:
Wow, what a great thread. Love the effort with all the documenting and pics :)

Great car, too.

Thanks bud. Appreciate the comment!

If I can get my E46 to look like any of the E46's you have owned, I will park this TI off and keep it in my garage for a few years and hopefully it will appreciate as a classic. :biglol::cartel:


Lloyd09 said:
Congrats, car looks good.... I also own a Ti however yours has 2 more cylinders than mine:dunnoanymore:

These cars are pretty solid, mine still drives like new even though its roughly 14 years old.

I can't bring myself to sell it so I've parked it off and drive it sometimes on the weekend.

Ay a fellow TI owner!! Does yours have the same bumpers as mine?

I've been thinking of maybe buying another cheap daily and parking off the TI. It actually still has low mileage and the spec on it is amazing. I think over time they might appreciate in value as a classic....

See thread below:
https://www.carthrottle.com/post/why-you-need-to-buy-a-bmw-325ti-compact-right-now/


Beemerbro said:
wow that's amazing your leather's still that good for a 2003 model. We have a 325ci thats a 2003 model too with cream(yellow) leather that's all gone shabby and scrappy like it was scratched by cats. We're taking it for new leather upholstery next week. I suspect its the pietermaritzburg sun that's tortured it like that. Yours must have spent its life in cooler parts of the country and not been exposed to harsh UV radiation i guess. It looks so good for that age.

Hey bud.

Last night I had a look at my leather and I'm amazed at the difference between now and when I got the car at first. :chef:

I would recommend sending your car to a professional detailer first before considering re-trim. Most places will never get close to the OEM leather quality and you will most probably never be 100% happy. Detailers can work wonders with leather.

I personally have only used Etienne from CCD. You can check his insta page, will post link below. He will probably charge you in the region of R1500 and your car will look as new inside.

Link: https://www.instagram.com/creative_car_detailing/


A bit of an update.

I have been using a frequency to Bluetooth unit thus far to listen to any kind of music on my phone. The CD player sounds amazing on the sound, but I don't want to keep on writing CD's.

I read up online that I can install an AUX cable onto the stock factory unit and then I will be able to use AUX. I investigated the matter further and found a local company selling the cable I need. I already removed my head unit and it has the plug for the aux. :tiptoe:

I have placed an order for one of these:
https://reliablestore.co.za/product...3&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign

I will do a full installation guide on this and give feedback on the sound quality etc. Cable should be arriving tomorrow or on Friday. :cartel:
 

golfer23

Active member
lovely car bud, and well done on the diy work done.
i just wanna know how you got down to 6.1/6.2 for the fuel consumption.
The best i got was 9L. i need a service etc, that might help but no way 6. that just does not seem right.
 

evnmopwr

Well-known member
gumpertapolloss said:
Hi Guys....

I introduce you to my first ever Bmw!!:cartel:

The day I went to go and inspect the car:
img-20190224-wa0041 - copy_1837798175.jpg

img-20190224-wa0042 - copy_8518855194.jpg


I managed to get the car for a steal and the spec on it was very nice.

Day of collection:
img_20190123_120359_3967345627.jpg


Information:

She's a 2003 Model 325TI in Alpine White 3.
165700k KM on the ODO
FSH Until 138K km

Factory fitted extras/Options:
S403A- Glass Roof Electrical
S441A- Smokers Package
S522A- Xenon Light
S609A- Navigation System Professional
S226A- Sport Suspension setting
S290A- Bmw Style 44 Sport wheels
S481A- Sport Seats
S521A- Rain Sensor
S601A- TV Function (LOL!)
S255A- Sport Leather Steering Wheel
S347A- Titanium line exterior


Overall I was really happy with the purchase. More to come!!!:ty::thumbs:

MINTER!!!
My cousin has the same car. Color and all

Look after her nicely but most of all, ENJOY IT!!


AshvRod said:
always wondered what a E46 M3 Front would look like on a compact haha

Keep it up man looking forward to more updates

Wonder no more ... lol

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golfer23 said:
lovely car bud, and well done on the diy work done.
i just wanna know how you got down to 6.1/6.2 for the fuel consumption.
The best i got was 9L. i need a service etc, that might help but no way 6. that just does not seem right.

Thanks man!

Well the foot determines everything. If the foot is heavy, the consumption is going to suffer....

I have managed to get the consumption to as low as 5.7l/h over a distance of 50km's on the highway driving alone. That's with the cruise control pinned at 125km/h and not canceling the cruise control once.... I actually have a video of this....

When on the highway and I have to give it a bit to overtake, I usually get in the 6's or 7's..... Will maybe spike to 8.


evnmopwr said:
gumpertapolloss said:
Hi Guys....

I introduce you to my first ever Bmw!!:cartel:

The day I went to go and inspect the car:

I managed to get the car for a steal and the spec on it was very nice.

Day of collection:

Information:

She's a 2003 Model 325TI in Alpine White 3.
165700k KM on the ODO
FSH Until 138K km

Factory fitted extras/Options:
S403A- Glass Roof Electrical
S441A- Smokers Package
S522A- Xenon Light
S609A- Navigation System Professional
S226A- Sport Suspension setting
S290A- Bmw Style 44 Sport wheels
S481A- Sport Seats
S521A- Rain Sensor
S601A- TV Function (LOL!)
S255A- Sport Leather Steering Wheel
S347A- Titanium line exterior


Overall I was really happy with the purchase. More to come!!!:ty::thumbs:

MINTER!!!
My cousin has the same car. Color and all

Look after her nicely but most of all, ENJOY IT!!


AshvRod said:
always wondered what a E46 M3 Front would look like on a compact haha

Keep it up man looking forward to more updates

Wonder no more ... lol





Nice dude! Mind sharing some pics?

I'll definitely take care of her! :cartel::blowheart:
 

evnmopwr

Well-known member
gumpertapolloss said:
golfer23 said:
lovely car bud, and well done on the diy work done.
i just wanna know how you got down to 6.1/6.2 for the fuel consumption.
The best i got was 9L. i need a service etc, that might help but no way 6. that just does not seem right.

Thanks man!

Well the foot determines everything. If the foot is heavy, the consumption is going to suffer....

I have managed to get the consumption to as low as 5.7l/h over a distance of 50km's on the highway driving alone. That's with the cruise control pinned at 125km/h and not canceling the cruise control once.... I actually have a video of this....

When on the highway and I have to give it a bit to overtake, I usually get in the 6's or 7's..... Will maybe spike to 8.


evnmopwr said:
gumpertapolloss said:
Hi Guys....

I introduce you to my first ever Bmw!!:cartel:

The day I went to go and inspect the car:

I managed to get the car for a steal and the spec on it was very nice.

Day of collection:

Information:

She's a 2003 Model 325TI in Alpine White 3.
165700k KM on the ODO
FSH Until 138K km

Factory fitted extras/Options:
S403A- Glass Roof Electrical
S441A- Smokers Package
S522A- Xenon Light
S609A- Navigation System Professional
S226A- Sport Suspension setting
S290A- Bmw Style 44 Sport wheels
S481A- Sport Seats
S521A- Rain Sensor
S601A- TV Function (LOL!)
S255A- Sport Leather Steering Wheel
S347A- Titanium line exterior


Overall I was really happy with the purchase. More to come!!!:ty::thumbs:

MINTER!!!
My cousin has the same car. Color and all

Look after her nicely but most of all, ENJOY IT!!


AshvRod said:
always wondered what a E46 M3 Front would look like on a compact haha

Keep it up man looking forward to more updates

Wonder no more ... lol





Nice dude! Mind sharing some pics?

I'll definitely take care of her! :cartel::blowheart:




Will post up some pics of his car :thumbs:


evnmopwr said:
gumpertapolloss said:
golfer23 said:
lovely car bud, and well done on the diy work done.
i just wanna know how you got down to 6.1/6.2 for the fuel consumption.
The best i got was 9L. i need a service etc, that might help but no way 6. that just does not seem right.

Thanks man!

Well the foot determines everything. If the foot is heavy, the consumption is going to suffer....

I have managed to get the consumption to as low as 5.7l/h over a distance of 50km's on the highway driving alone. That's with the cruise control pinned at 125km/h and not canceling the cruise control once.... I actually have a video of this....

When on the highway and I have to give it a bit to overtake, I usually get in the 6's or 7's..... Will maybe spike to 8.


evnmopwr said:
gumpertapolloss said:
Hi Guys....

I introduce you to my first ever Bmw!!:cartel:

The day I went to go and inspect the car:

I managed to get the car for a steal and the spec on it was very nice.

Day of collection:

Information:

She's a 2003 Model 325TI in Alpine White 3.
165700k KM on the ODO
FSH Until 138K km

Factory fitted extras/Options:
S403A- Glass Roof Electrical
S441A- Smokers Package
S522A- Xenon Light
S609A- Navigation System Professional
S226A- Sport Suspension setting
S290A- Bmw Style 44 Sport wheels
S481A- Sport Seats
S521A- Rain Sensor
S601A- TV Function (LOL!)
S255A- Sport Leather Steering Wheel
S347A- Titanium line exterior


Overall I was really happy with the purchase. More to come!!!:ty::thumbs:

MINTER!!!
My cousin has the same car. Color and all

Look after her nicely but most of all, ENJOY IT!!


AshvRod said:
always wondered what a E46 M3 Front would look like on a compact haha

Keep it up man looking forward to more updates

Wonder no more ... lol





Nice dude! Mind sharing some pics?

I'll definitely take care of her! :cartel::blowheart:




Will post up some pics of his car :thumbs:




This is my cousins... (It can be forsale if the offer is right. :) )
Just realized now, He dont have sunroof and the Screen

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Riaad

Events Organiser
Welcome bud:thumbs:

Great Thread...Can never go wrong with an alpine white Bmw:blowheart:

I see she is keeping you rather busy...keep up the great work.

Im also searching for an mtech 2/m3 steering wheel...not the easiest item to find it turns out:dunnoanymore:

Side note...I have the oem aux cable in my car...sound quality is excellent (well CD like quality, I use a samsung aux to bluetooth device...so no complaints here) ...let us know how the aftermarket cable does...will be interesting, cause the oem cable is roughly 5x the price:hammerhead:

I must also add...the style 44s really suit the car well:thumbs:

Will be following this one:thumbs:
 
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