E46 325i yr 2001 VerSus 325i yr 2003? Opinions?

[Torneo]

Hey folks,Of course, like almost every other thread, i'm new here and i don't own one yet! However i'm looking to buy one!:top:Opinions and analysis for the 325i year 2001 old facelift as compared to the 325i yr 2003 new facelift...What are the differences between the two production? Hope to get some valuable feedback from all you BMW appreciator..:rock:Cheers

 

[Mouse]

if i am not mistaken, engine is the same and so thus most of the interior parts, difference is only the exterior facelift (eg. fender, headlamp, side marker, kidney grill, bonnet, etc). anyone?

 

[maze]

Yea, engine is the same.

2003 facelift

1) DSC (can fully turn off as well)
2) Steptronic +/- in the opposite direction
3) Passenger wing mirror dips when engage in reverse gear
4) Electric seats
5) New design steering wheel
6) Steering feel is tighter
7) Drive-by-wire (not sure pre-facelift has this)

I read somewhere that there are 14-16 improvements over the pre-facelift. Some are mechanical improvements that cannot be seen. Cheers.

 

[Torneo]

Quick responses! :top:

14-16 improvement is quite alot..these improvement are pretty cool too..

3) Passenger wing mirror dips when engage in reverse gear

 

[alxy]

Pre-facelift actually has drive-by-wire. First 3 series model to have it.

To add to maze: Height has been lowered by 15mm, so handling should be better too.

 

[BMW9700]

Pre-facelift actually has drive-by-wire. First 3 series model to have it.

To add to maze: Height has been lowered by 15mm, so handling should be better too.

and the door handles open upward (need to pull upwards to open)

 

[Torneo]

To correct things, if i'm buying a year 2001 325i, it comes with drive-by-wire technology already? Please someone answer me i've been getting mixed answers...confusing :S

Okay I've just seen a pretty nice one considering to buy now.

Model: 325i
Year: mid 2001
Mileage: 88k
Notes: AB production. Checked mileage to be genuine. Engine quiet as dungeon. Interior not much scratches but the leather seats feel soft and old. Converted to facelifted headlamps set, bonnet, bumper front and rear. Standard BMW rims. Interior trims(dash,gearbox,door lines) carbon kit. Normal multifunction steering. No HID
Price: 100k

What do u guys think? I'm undecided..cant make up my mind. Wanted to bring it to AB to do 10 point check but not sure if im allowed to take the car out.

Will really appreciate any opinions....anything at all!

 

[stan001]

Yea, engine is the same.

2003 facelift

3) Passenger wing mirror dips when engage in reverse gear
4) Electric seats

My 2001 Japan spec 325 have the above two... but I am not used to the passenger wing mirror dips so I turn it off..

Mine the door handle also pull upwards..

 

[tkw]

To correct things, if i'm buying a year 2001 325i, it comes with drive-by-wire technology already? Please someone answer me i've been getting mixed answers...confusing :S

Yes it's drive-by-wire for year 2001 325i with M54 double vanos engine. Drive-by-wire simply means the throttle is not connected to the gas pedal by a cable. Instead, it is electro-mechanically controlled (no throttle cable) and it is linked to the auto transmission computer. By flicking the steptronic gearshift to sports mode, you sharpen the response of both the engine speed and transmission downshift for a more aggresive drive.

The facelifted model has a revised suspension settings in response to some negative remarks about the prefacelift version being on the soft side. For that price with all the cosmetic goodies thrown in, I think it is a reasonably good buy.

 

[Bearz Msport]

I own 325i Msport 2003. Cool look compared 2001 hehehe

My beast can open the window & sunroof automatically when i hold the unlock key longer heheh dunno if all bmw models have it

2001 to 2003, 2 years gap sure lots of thing change hehehe