Used BMW 325

What to know before buying: BMW 325

From 3 video reviews · updated 23/09/2026

What the reviews say

• The E46 325Ci has predictable steering and responsive, analogue-feeling handling, with plentiful feedback on winding roads.[1]one source
• The E46 325Ci cabin has aged well: its seats are comfortable and supportive, while the five-speed manual shifts precisely.[1]one source
• The E90 325 rides firmly and has heavy steering, but the reviewer considers its suspension generally dependable and its character sporting.[2]one source

Typical faults

• Rust commonly appears on E46 front wheel arches; a clean arch may reflect good care, a replaced wing, or a filler repair.[1]one source
• The E46 cooling-system expansion tank can crack, causing coolant loss and engine overheating.[1]one source

  M54

• On the N52, the crankcase ventilation inside the valve cover can clog, and the valve-cover gasket commonly develops an oil leak.[3]one source

  N52

• A common N52 fault is oil leakage from the oil-filter housing gasket and the attached heat-exchanger gasket.[3]one source

  N52

• E90 rear springs can crack over time, while the rear dampers can begin to leak.[2]one source
• E90 xenon headlamp reflectors can burn out over time, and the rear light's LED strips can fail.[2]one source

Which engine and version to take

• The E46's M54 straight-six is described as solid and very reliable; favour a car with a checked cooling system and intact intake boot.[1]one source

What to check at the inspection

• Inspect the E46 front wing arches carefully for rust, filler, or evidence that a wing has previously been replaced.[1]one source
• For an E46, establish whether the expansion tank was replaced and inspect it, the coolant level, and signs of overheating.[1]one source
• Check the E46 air-intake boot, because cracks can cause unstable throttle operation.[1]one source
• On an N52, look for oil around the filter housing, heat exchanger, and valve cover; inspect the sump gasket from below as well.[3]one source
• Inspect the E90 suspension on a lift for damaged control arms, seized alignment bolts, and play in the ball joints.[3]one source
• On an E90, test xenon headlamp output, every rear-light LED strip, and the power-folding mirrors.[2]one source

Verdict

Sources

1. [1]The Back Roads — The BMW E46 Is Still Good Two Decades Later - BMW E46 325Ci Msport Review · ▶ video
2. [2]VR motors — Затраты на ремонт BMW 325 e90. Ломающийся хлам или комфорт?! (затраты за 2 года) 2018 · ▶ video
3. [3]Екатерина Янгаева — BMW E92 325i COMMON PROBLEMS · ▶ video

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