Why You Need To Buy A BMW 325ti Compact Right Now
I don’t think I’ve ever found the 3-series Compacts - particularly the E46 versions - all that appealing.
It’s all down to the looks. As if that sheered off, awkward looking rear wasn’t bad enough, the E46 Compact gained a weird set of googly-eye headlamps. What would make someone buy one over a regular E46?
Now though, I get it. In 325ti form this little hatchback paved the way for the likes of the M135i and M240i. It’s lighter than the equivalent E46 3-series coupe/saloon, has a quicker steering rack, and - crucially - can now be picked up rather cheaply.
Around £1500 will get you a tidy example. A 2.5-litre, naturally-aspirated straight-six up front gives 192bhp, fed to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox, or a five-speed automatic.
Unlike the old E36 Compact which used an E30-derived torsion beam rear suspension setup (which is either a good or a bad thing, depending on who you speak to), the E46 Compact gets an independent multilink setup lifted straight from the regular 3er.
If you’re anything like us that should sound appealing, but if you need an extra nudge, know this: the 325ti - particularly in manual form - has proper future classic potential. The 325ti population is dwindling, and values of the remaining examples look to have bottomed out.
The example you see here perhaps doesn’t have the best wheel/colour combination, but it looks to be good value at £1495 with a reasonable 104,000 miles on the clock.
If you see one of these for a decent price, snap it up: we’ve a feeling they’ll be getting pretty expensive before long.
Growing up on a diet of World Rally Championship highlights and lengthy Gran Turismo 2 sessions, a life in cars was as good as inevitable for Matt.
Comments
And people say the Multipla is ugly…
it is uglier than the e36 compact which is the ugliest bmw ever.
You forgot something! (2 series active tourer and the i3)
Ah dont say that, they do look cool when taken car of :)
This is the ass of my 318ti Compact. I do have to say this is probably the best angle for this car.
reminded me of this
Looks much better with the tinted rearlights, well done
Well, it’s the best looking one I ever saw, but still… You tried dude, you tried…
Who crashed into the back of this mans e46
The BMW compact is the worst thing that was created ( in my opinion ).
Soooo hideous, back is somehow even worse than the front
GOD DAMMIT, right now i have been arguing with my dad about my new car, we are looking for a compact bmw but the 318 TI (143 ps), travel 300 km to see two of them and each one was a shame .. ( No history, not maintain properly, etc.. and they were telling the opposite on the phone …) But the two of them are under 5k, then I saw a 325Ti, full history, clean exterior&interior with the pack M and the price is in my range (5K) But how you could convince your dad that your first rear wheel drive will be a 6 Cylinder 192 HP and that’s not dangerous at all? I can’t even convince myself, that’s a responsible thing to do even if it’s my money and that’s the best bang for my buck …
There’s nothing responsible about buying a rear wheel drive coupe
Go big or go home
Agreed nothing responsible, however I financed a FRS for my first car in Canada. I even daily it in the snow; being my first car. You just need to convince your dad you’re responsible and cautious.
I mean honestly there’s nothing really dangerous about 192 HP. That’s pretty low.. Not saying it wouldn’t be good fun because I do believe it would but you are making it sound like you’re trying to buy a Dodge Viper or something. You will be fine with that car, no doubt in my mind. You can crash just as easily in any other car once you get used to the RWD real quick.
It’s about looks and performance, this Cars missing one
Well i like Mine :)
Well as a guy with an 323ti (e36) I think you are right. The sports Compact as 323ti or 325ti will grow in value. But i think the e36 will be considerd more as an classic because of its looks. As a new owner i must say the rear suspension is suprisingly good and much more stable than i was told. So thumbs up to the e36 compact.
Last point without an m// pack, bigger wheels and lowered they look really bad
check my garage if you don’t believe me :)
God the E46 Compact looks unbareable. The E36 compact looks pretty nice for it’s time tho’.