[Gooey33]

Hi,

I'm a new member to the site and recently purchased a 325i M sport saloon in TiAg to replace our old E46 M sport touring.

Bought through a mate in the motor trade so got it for a really good price - too good to miss at trad price - wasn't particularly looking for one (was after a 330i) but this had a lot of options on it (inc a sunroof!) so parted with some pennies and now its mine.

Not done a huge amount to it so far, "CSL" style corner splitters which I've re-painted to match my grille (were in the boot and wrapped in carbon fibre - badly), removed the front number plate holder which makes the front look much more smooth IMO.

Also installed a new Alcantara trimmed steering wheel from Jack @ Royal steering wheels (highly recommended!) and currently refurb'ing the steering wheel trim piece. The new wheel looks great inside!

No performance mods as yet, going to run it for a few months before I mess about with it, not much to do with a N/A engine without spending huge chunks of cash! still it goes well and makes a lovely noise Any suggestions? Remap?

Anyway, this is it:



Next up, some wheel spacers for the rear, new exhaust trims (due next week) and some new rear lights (darkline or LCI style??) and a wash probably! Will decide on new wheels and some Eibach's when the tyres are due for replacement - fancy lowering it with some BBS wheels.... Its got to get me through France in August with the wife and kids so don't want to make it too harsh...

Any comments welcome!

Gooey

[xPETEZx]

Nice car!
You get the N52 or N53 engine? Manual/Auto?

I too wanted a 330i, but settled for a 325i. I never drove a 330i, so luckly don't know what I am missing.
Loved every minute of driving my 325i. Only sometimes do I long for more power.

Any interior shots of the Alcantra wheel?
Was tempted by one from Jack, but when I went he had a Mint almost brand new M3 wheel, so took that off his hands instead.

Cheers

[E90325iM-SPORT]

Very nice 325i and sunroof wow!

[andysat]

Very nice!-how's the front end holding out for chips?

[Gooey33]

It's the 2.5 engine, not the detuned 3.0 unit. Luckily it was a manual (which I wanted!)

I drove a 330i and you can feel the power drop but more noticeably the low end torque. Think a remap to smooth out the power curve and generate some lower down torque would help....if you get it in the power band in the right gear it pulls fine, you just have to learn to wring it's neck a bit more!

Will take some pics of the interior in daylight, real quality job he's done. Currently refurbishing the steering wheel trim myself so only got the wheel and airbag on currently!

Front end holding up well actually, put plenty of coats of satin lacquer on the splitters so will see how it hold up in a few thousand miles! The rest of it is remarkably chip free!

Will also add some pics when I have s few more cosmetic things done (35% rear tints, red rear lens mod etc)

[Gooey33]

Originally Posted by xPETEZx

Nice car!
You get the N52 or N53 engine? Manual/Auto?

I too wanted a 330i, but settled for a 325i. I never drove a 330i, so luckly don't know what I am missing.
Loved every minute of driving my 325i. Only sometimes do I long for more power.

Any interior shots of the Alcantra wheel?
Was tempted by one from Jack, but when I went he had a Mint almost brand new M3 wheel, so took that off his hands instead.

Cheers

Here's a shot of the completed wheel back in the car;



And some of my DIY handy work refurbing the steering wheel trim panel;





Whole thing looks miles better than the original worn leather and peeling trim!

[dy63]

love the steering wheel. on my to do list.

[safe d]

Nice alcantara wheel. Do you use gloves to prevent wear?

[andysat]

Nice!

[Gooey33]

Originally Posted by safe d

Nice alcantara wheel. Do you use gloves to prevent wear?

No, not sure my wife would get in the car if I wore driving gloves!!

Just a regular brushing with a horse hair brush and spray on some protector, seems to work well!