Description
BMW E46 325ti Compact SE 2002 Automatic.
*** Open to sensible offers ***
Originally BMW demonstrator vehicle at Cooper BMW London. In 2002 the 325ti SE was the top spec until the M-Sport facelift was released in 2003. Sold to its first retail owner in 2003, living in London. A few years later purchased by a Gent from Buckinghamshire who kept it winter garaged until purchased by it's current owner, an E46 enthusiast in 2021 who has also kept it winter-stored in a heated garage. A very reluctant sale this is.
Sourced and purchased due to its zero rust. Compacts were factory dipped in Mexico, they had a significantly improved manufacturing plant over the coupé, saloon & tourer.
In 2021/ 2 extensive mechanical & cosmetic restoration works took place.
All front & partial rear suspension components replaced with OEM+ parts, Bilstein, Meyle & Lemforder. OEM rubber bushes replaced like-for-like.
Note that the 325ti SE uses the same M-Sport suspension components as the M-Sport E46 Coupé. The upgrade Bilstein B4 struts all-round are rated as 115% stiffness as compared to factory. These are regarded as optimum for this application of daily-driver or fast road. Also to note, the front anti-roll bar is shared with the E46 M3, as is the purple-tag quick ratio steering rack, hence known as the baby M3 in some quarters. This M54B25 engine is in superb condition. It pulls and sounds fantastically.
Wheels are BMW Style 135 18" MV2, staggered. Sitting on Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 5 (3, 000 miles driven).
Front & rear brake discs, pads, hoses & brake calliper refresh, Delphi and Bosch, LST and Febi Bilstein. OEM+ ATE brake fluid.
Valve rocker cover & oil filter housing gasket replacement. Double engine oil flush & filters with Shell Helix 5W30. Does not consume oil at a noticeable rate 5, 000 miles driven, no top-up required.
Gearbox oil & filter. OEM gasket & transmission selector switch. Gear Shifts sublime, perfectly & pleasurably smooth like factory-fresh.
Power steering fluid replaced. Rear differential fluid replaced.
Cooling system partially refreshed with upper & lower hose & thermostat. Water pump also replaced as precaution. The expansion tank is original - as were all hoses prior to 2022. I'm satisfied that no overheating has occurred. A replacement expansion tank will be provided with sale for when it does need replacing - they all fail eventually.
Serpentine belts replaced & all spark plugs removed, inspected, solvent soaked and refitted. There was zero oil or blackening soot.
DISA valve o-ring replaced & idler control valve removed, soaked & reinstalled. This procedure should be considered preventative maintenance as best practice. E46 forums, we suggest every 36-months with average mileage.
Rear wiper motor replaced, washer seals confirmed. However, not advised to re-establish rear wash facility due to over engineered BMW design. But the facility works perfectly if desired. Rear wash tank & pump are separate from the front wash.
Air intake hoses replaced. All jubilee clips re-oriented for ease of future replacement.
Interior driver seat bolster refreshed. Interior BMW plastics refreshed. OEM+ cup holder installed. Original ash-tray cover sourced and fitted - possibly the best looking in the UK.
Original BMW business tape player replaced with BMW business CD player with AUX Bluetooth installed. The OEM look has been perfectly maintained whilst allowing smartphone music to be played and calls to be taken.
E46 facelift instrument cluster installed with slightly grey background and chrome surround. The black cluster with no chrome will be included for the collector.
Aircon is lovely and cold. The heater has had it's hedgehog thermostat replaced & works perfectly at every setting.
Cabin pollen filter, engine air filter replaced.
BMW glove box torch with a dim light. Book pack & original 2002 sales brochure & Compact SE price list included in the sale.
Personalisation: Daytime running lights BMW coded, just place sidelights on and with ignition off they also turn off - totally driver controllable. 10mph auto door lock enabled. All window closure with long-press key fob lock. Double tap lock & set alarm, single tap just lock the car.
OEM Spare space saver wheel matched with 18" MV2 wheels. OEM 16" spare also included for the E46 collector. Spare tyre via screw down in boot area. Battery trickle charged in good health. 12v no ignition, 14v with alternator.
Fuel: only used Shell V-Power.
Blemishes: Wear to steering wheel at 4 o'clock position. All four wheels, would look amazing with a professional refurb. I could arrange for around £500, or off the asking price. Lower speaker cover at drivers door has a tare. Rear bumper trim slightly loose in one section. This being picky but you need honesty.
Overall grading: Good
12 months MOT. FSH. Open to sensible offers. Test drive available with proof of funds and insurance. Thank you.
