Type: Long term review
Specs:
Engine: 6cyl/2494
Fuel type: Petrol
Power: 141kw/245Nm
Doors: 4
Consumption: 11km/litre
0-100 km/h: 7.2s
Mileage: 195000km
Distance travelled: 20000km
Test Driver: Miss “M”
The Details - Vehicle Lowdown
The BMW e46 is the successor to the famous BMW e36 3 series. Launched in South Africa in 1999, the e46 quickly grew to become a favourite among BMW enthusiasts.
The e46 has affectionately been nicknamed the ‘G-String model’ by some due to its V-shaped bonnet lines. The extensive e46 range included many variants, most notably the beloved M3, also fondly known as the ‘4-pipe’.
The e46 325i was initially offered in Standard, Exclusive, Sportpack and Individual trim, with a Touring and Ti version joining the set later on.
The e46 was treated to a facelift in 2002, which featured a revision of the front and side indicators as well as the rear light cluster. The updated look also included modified bumpers and skirts which resulted in a cleaner and more modern façade.
The Test
The crew at MyCars decided to test the 325i as a used example which was purchased in March of 2012. The vehicle was bought directly from its first owner, and has earned a permanent place in the MyCar Garage since then. When our test 325i arrived at our offices, we were immediately surprised by the superb condition of the vehicle despite being over a decade old. Our car was fitted with the optional Sportpack Kit, sunroof and rear electric blind.
The Sportpack option added an adapted, sportier front bumper, side skirts, rear bumper with black diffuser, as well as 17-inch alloy rims and tyres. The interior also benefited from Sport Seats with adjustable thigh support. The bumpers - which are bulkier than the standard items - give the vehicle a more aggressive presence, especially when coupled with a set of aftermarket wheels like our test e46. The Sportpack also included Sport suspension, which came equipped with a lower suspension to improve handling.
The car is fitted with BMWs famous straight six, 2494 CC motor, codenamed the ‘M54B25’, which is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. The 325i remains a superbly balanced vehicle with great performance – BMW claim 0-100km/h in 7.2s - whilst still offering good fuel consumption figures when driven reasonably. The available torque proves the 325i to be an efficient highway cruiser with plenty of grunt for spirited driving, even with its current mileage in excess of 190 000km. The gear lever does feel a bit loose when compared to newer gearboxes, but this could be easily rectified, and does not pose any driving hindrance. The clutch is firm, yet light enough to not become an exercise routine during daily stop-start traffic. The e46 provides great cabin space with more than adequate rear legroom. The boot space marks a significant improvement over the previous generation e36, and will prove sufficient for most motorists.
ASC (Anti-skid Control) can be deactivated by pressing the ”ASC” button just below the climate control unit, which then allows the vehicle to wheelspin. This can be done when a more seasoned driver like our Miss M wants a more thrilling driving experience. Having rear-wheel drive, the available power does allow one to induce small tail slides – this however, is not recommended. The 325i may not be a high performance saloon and may not provide the level of excitement that the M3 does, but it is no slouch either. The quick gearbox allows you to get to 100km/h rather swiftly, and will continue smoothly well over 200km/h. The engine note is evident of that of a mighty straight-6 powerplant, and yet not so obtrusive to be heard from afar. The low end note is crisp yet raunchy - not enough to give goosebumps, but just enough to provide aural satisfaction.
Glitches?
Some common problems that have been experienced with the car include weak kidney grilles and coolant bottles - which we believe to be a general weakness across the e46 range. Our sunroof visor is now loose, but the sunroof still operates perfectly. The climate control system works really well in both hot and cold situations.
Due to a decline in part prices due to the vehicle’s age, the BMW e46 provides an affordable opportunity for one to own a German luxury vehicle. Expect to pay between R70 000 and R100 000 for a 325i and between R85 000 and R120 000 for the more powerful 330i.
Stay tuned for some video footage of the 325i being put through its paces!
Make sure to check out the BMW 3-series for sale and repossessed BMW's for sale at www.MyCars.co.za.