The Last bargain E46 - 325ti Compact

The first generation 1 series with the six cylinder engines in coupe and convertible form is a genuine E30 successor.

stop it, I want to get one soon, dont want the prices to go up, do we?

Glad you enjoyed the Compact I'm still loving it but I went for BC's in the end Ohlins just worked out too dear all being fitted next week so the chassis will defo be tighter thanks Jack a pleasure to bring it down for you to try out.

Great video, thanx a lot! We have the 316ti in the garage, and though a bit light-footed in the rear in wintertime, it really is a blast to drive. And that is with just 116 hp 😁

The engine derivative is M54B25, a fabulous engine that goes on forever. My E39 has 220,000 miles on it and still pulls really well.

The advantage of the pig ugly BMWs of today, makes these guys look like minters.

Nice - I like these a lot - that cabin is fantastic - an object lesson in quality, and playing down the gizmos - modern BMWs take note - you used to be one of the best in this field!

I think the Compact next to the quicker steering had a slightly wider front track / axle for agility. They wanted to create a premium great handling hot hatch priced below the normal similarly powered E46. Therefore the Compact didn't get the 3 litre nor the M3 engine. So they needed to create an appeal for potential Golf VR6 customers to choose this BMW instead. Hence sporty, slightly different looks, slightly ligher, yet not too powerful to irritate the 330 and M3 customers. I actually like the looks, slightly JDM-like . I think they have aged better than the normal E46s. As soon as the first 1series was introduced the E46 Compact had become redundant. The 3 and 5 door 130i then turned the 325 Compact obsolete. Some remained unsold at dealers for quite a long time.

Yes finally someone appreciates these cars! Best e46 (not m3) I've ever owned.

One of those cars with a turbo or a tuned 3.0 M57 engine, E46 saloon front lights and bumper, and LSD would be a riot.

This looks exactly the same as my 325ti. I’ve had mine for 16 years and still love it, best car I’ve owned, she’s never let my down.

Sometimes i understand im so f...king lucky i have an e30 325i convertible that my father bought brand new. Its my fondest belongings

The suspension of E36 was for cost reasons - they wanted to offer the Compact nearer Golf prices and so the scalpel was applied.

I bought a 320td from a main dealer in 2012, it was 8 years old at the time, but had only done 26k miles. It was lovely, the engine was great in a completely different way obviously to the 325ti, but really torquey and didn't even sound too bad for a diesel. Was also a later car so had the 6 speed box and avoided the pre-facelift 'Lexus style' clear rear lights which looked just a little bit naff. I loved the unusualness of a reasonably modern, discrete 3 door hatch with loads of torque, rear wheel drive and slightly off-beat looks. I'd just had the swirl flap removal done, was all set for chipping it for a bit more poke when someone stoved into the back of it at a queue for a roundabout after 18 months of ownership, writing it off (lady of about 80, coincidentally writing off her own E46 coupe in the process!). Gutted, was a great car and still got a hankering for one now. Have now got a 17 year old mk5 GTI, bought 8 years ok with just 22k miles on the clock, drives so nicely and still low mileage, if a nice Compact came my way now...I'd be very torn!

I've got on with 80k on the clock been hidden for 7 years now love my 325ti best car I've ever had

I had an E46 325i saloon for 5 years and it was absolutely sublime; smooth engine, good handling, comfortable, looked great.. and the only car I've actually made a profit on lol

TY J! 🙏🙏

I own a 1998MY BMW 328i (e46 sedan) and I love it.

Thanks, Jack - another cracking review. The variety on your channel is amazing.

Glad to see you again Jack, I learn something every episode, about the cars and their dynamics. You also place a perspective on the vehicles, not comparing apples with oranges. Nice.