BMW E46 3 Series Compact Drive & Review

I got the 325ti! Yeah, that's a pure joy to drive. The engine, the weight distribution / center of gravity, the multi-link rear suspension, the hydro-electric power-steering, the seating position, the practical side (small, lot of space inside, reversing radar), ... All I miss is a limited slip diff, and maybe 100hp (ahah), better silentblocs (maybe?), and a better sound system.

Just got one of these, the 318Ti. It is a rust free e46 _in Finland_, which is almost like a unicorn already. Our 20 year old cars are usually about 50% rust because of the road salt. The interior is an Individual package with leather cup seats, also in peak condition. It cost 1500e. Just boggles my mind how a gem like this can even exist. Come summer, I'll be looking at some suspension and wheels for faster cornering. Perhaps one day a 3 liter engine will fall into the bay.

I had the 320TD, it was excellent fantastic handling and good amount of power in a light car. probably the best engine after the 325TI

I just bought a original february 2006 316ti. It was a showroom model. They were build till 2005.

Nice vid. I'm in the UK too (South East) and I've found one of these for sale but it's a 2002 325ti compact one. Manual Cloth seats , drivers seat has some small cloth freying on upper back support but nothing that's worth bothering with. 76,500 miles genuine, 2 owners (he's the second owner then) Full Service history. Looks absolutely spotless and like new almost. I'm tempted to have a look at it and have a drive of it. I need a solid enough reliable car with bit of power if want it, and for every day to and from work and general run around with the odd 1 hour drive to and from places etc. I must be mental because he's asking £2500 for it..For £2500 I can get a 1 series 2008/09 but yes with 100,000 miles minimum if I'm lucky. With more newer plate reliable cars now days, seems for the money buying something older I immediately think it's going to be a money pit and never ending issues.🤔 I'm very tempted though. As I say it looks seriously tidy/clean for its age. I want reliability though and not to have to keep getting where I work to look at it on the ramp 😅

Very interesting and informative review. Strange that these never seemed to be anywhere near as popular as the 1 series. To think that smaller premium cars like the 1 series and A Class are big sellers these days. These dint look to have much space but for two people (and a washing machine apparently) it's probably a pretty safe bet and a bit different to many other smaller cars. Perhaps a future collectable classic.

Also the e46 Compact dont have the subframe cracking problem About the rust youre correct thats what i research too.

Just got me one! It wasn't easy to find a good review on this model and this even showcases a n46 engine which mine has. I just hope it won't get me many troubles and will serve me good as a 1st car :) Gotta be careful with the body, body parts are the hardest to find.

I love these cars! Shame that I will be camping when it premier's. If this video is like the rest of yours it will be well worth watching :)

Good clear review

Damnit, you made me crave another car!

I have the 318 ti and love it will all my heart, maybe one day I will do a engine swap for the 330

Good review nice car my favourite colour.

just bought a 316ti with 53k and fsh for £1995.. its an auto box with sunroof and cruise.... thanks for your extremely competent and comprehensive report on the range.

I am thinking about buying one 320d Compact, you can still find them at a very afordable price. Thank you for your Review!

Of course the 325ti is awesome but the 320td is an absolute peach also. I've been running a 320td as a second car for six years now. It's the ES version with the six speed manual. Totally standard other than an ECU remap. Got me a solid 63mpg on a 600 mile round trip last weekend, never see less than 43mpg round town. It's got similar bhp and way more torque than an M52B28. Of course it sounds awful by comparison, but for daily use it's fantastic.

Bmw e46 compact 😈❤🥵🥵🥵

Love this

This car introduces the fast steering rack and sport steering on the e46 saloon.

I got a e46 compact 318TD😎