BMW E46 Compact 316ti

[Brad Smith]

So I've had this for just short of a year now, I really love it. I know not that many people are that keen on compacts, but I'm enjoying this car a lot.

Done a few things, which people may not be all that keen on but:

Plastidipped the front grills, front lower bumper, and the rear bumper, fitted angel eyes.

image by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

image by Brad-Smith, on Flickr


image by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

image by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

image by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

image by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0245 by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0242 by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0228 by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0215 by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0212 by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

DSC_1003 by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0042 by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

DSC_0016 by Brad-Smith, on Flickr

Thanks

Comments/ Criticism

 

[imprezaworks]

Looks nice, not my bag atall though,

 

[Matt Cup]

The plastidipping makes the car look a lot better than when you first got it. Any other plans for it?

 

[Brad Smith]

Looks nice, not my bag atall though,

Thanks, and thats fine. Dont expect it to be to everyones taste

The plastidipping makes the car look a lot better than when you first got it. Any other plans for it?

Thanks. Ermm, not to sure atm, pretty happy with it atm. Needs new tyres and a service soon. So going to get them done before winter.

 

[Brad Smith]

Thoughts ?? I quite like it

 

[Wick]

I really like these. Very close to buying a 325ti a while back. Just wished they'd made a 330 compact.

 

[Brad Smith]

Yeah wouldn't mind a bit more power in this tbh. But I'm happy ATM

 

[ben_p]

I've had several e46s and an M3, I never tire of that m-sport interior, specially in the suede guise! Such a great place to be, even 10 years on!

 

[Jason_E]

Black wheels are chav tastic! Keep 'em how it is. I've always kind of liked this compact shape, just because its a bit ugly haha. Guy up the road has a baby diarrhea yellow one. Anyway, you've made some nice touches. If you enjoy it, thats the main thing! Interior looks lovely.

 

[Wick]

Stay silver.

 

[Rob]

Agreed.

These are seriously unpopular cars but TBH I quite like them. I 100% couldn't stomach a 316 though.

 

[Ol’ Tarby]

I really like these, would happily have a 325ti. Hired a compact at the ring this year and was a lot of fun round the track

 

[welshname]

I kind of like these. The rear end very much so. Would it be difficult to swap to a standard E46 set of lights, I know you'd probably need front wings, bumper, bonnet etc. But I can't imagine the actual structure behind it is too different.

 

[Brad Smith]

I've had several e46s and an M3, I never tire of that m-sport interior, specially in the suede guise! Such a great place to be, even 10 years on!

Yeah I must say I really do love the inside of this, especially with the Sat Nav. Like you say, its a great place to be.

Black wheels are chav tastic! Keep 'em how it is. I've always kind of liked this compact shape, just because its a bit ugly haha. Guy up the road has a baby diarrhea yellow one. Anyway, you've made some nice touches. If you enjoy it, thats the main thing! Interior looks lovely.

Yeah after giving it a clean today, I think I'm going to stick with silver. Was just curious as to what it would look like. The yellow sounds nice.....Thanks yeah I am really enjoying it ATM.

Stay silver.

Yeah I think I'm going to after cleaning it today.

Agreed.

These are seriously unpopular cars but TBH I quite like them. I 100% couldn't stomach a 316 though.

The shape has grew on me TBH. I really like it. Its not the fastest car, but I've only ever had a 1.2, and a 1.6 diesel, so for me it seems pretty nippy. But its obviously not. Would like to upgrade to a 3 series coupe at some point in the near future.

I really like these, would happily have a 325ti. Hired a compact at the ring this year and was a lot of fun round the track

Yeah a 325 would be nice in this TBH.

I kind of like these. The rear end very much so. Would it be difficult to swap to a standard E46 set of lights, I know you'd probably need front wings, bumper, bonnet etc. But I can't imagine the actual structure behind it is too different.

I think by adding the bits of black, its really improved the rear end, and I should imagine its possible if you really wanted to. Would imagine its a lot of effort. The front end has grew on me, after adding the black bit at the bottom, I think its tidied it up.

 

[DrR]

Not a fan of the front bumper, looks like a rover, otherwise looks good.

 

[Brad Smith]

Not a fan of the front bumper, looks like a rover, otherwise looks good.

Wow like a rover lol never heard that one. Can't see it myself. But thanks

 

[Brad Smith]

Came up quite nice after a clean. Looks like the wax is holding up well

 

[Herr Flick]

Is it just me that thinks the car car looks like it has downs with those lights??
interior is nice tho.

Why did did you get this over a coupe?

 

[Ben]

Not a fan of the front bumper, looks like a rover, otherwise looks good.

I see what you're saying with that one.

 

[Brad Smith]

So over the last two weeks had the following to do:
Tax
MOT
Full service
2 New rear tyres

What a terrible week lol. But it's all set for the winter now and is running great.

Thinking of new wheels maybe for next year, thoughts maybe get 18".

 

[_Tom]

First planned mod should be a 3.0 conversion..

 

[Brad Smith]

If only I knew how to I think I actually would lol.

Would love to do something like that.

 

[Brad Smith]

Got my steering wheel re trimmed for Xmas. Looks amazing. So pleased with it. The work is great. Had it thickened with perforated sides, top in new leather and m sport stitching.

Thinking of maybe getting alcantara gear gaitor and handbrake cover with m sport stitching to match??

Also want to get the wheels refurbed will get that done spring/ summer.

Anyway pics.

 

[ben_p]

Stop f**king with the wheels. Leave them alone!!

Like the wheel retrim

 

[Brad Smith]

They need refurbing silver. As they have corroded a lot and are curbed. Only going silver

 

[Herr Flick]

You never did answer my question.
Why did you buy this over a coupe?

 

[Brad Smith]

Was down to insurance. And I like the compacts.

 

[montana]

Really nice compact , they often get overlooked in favour of the bigger engined e46s but yours looks very clean

 

[Brad Smith]

Thank you. I do sometimes wish it had a bigger engine.

 

[Paul.M]

That steering wheel looks brilliant, its a nice tidy looking car this

 

[Rob]

Who did the wheel? Nice work TBF.

 

[Brad Smith]

That steering wheel looks brilliant, its a nice tidy looking car this

Thanks

 

[Brad Smith]

Who did the wheel? Nice work TBF.

Jack at royal steering wheels. Great work and service tbh. High recommend.

 

[Alastair.]

Does look quite nice for a compact.

 

[Brad Smith]

Does look quite nice for a compact.

Thank you

 

[jayxx83]

Looks like a Bentley gt a touch from the front with those lights.

 

[Brad Smith]

Looks like a Bentley gt a touch from the front with those lights.

I'll take that lmao. Can't see it myself.

 

[Brad Smith]

Few pics while out today ! Sorry for the amount.

Also thinking of getting these wheels for the summer. Opinions.....

 

[Jon.G]

Nice and tidy! I think it looked better with the plastidip stuff though. Wheels would be a good addition, but then again so would an M54.

 

[Brad Smith]

Nice and tidy! I think it looked better with the plastidip stuff though. Wheels would be a good addition, but then again so would an M54.

Thanks. and better with/ without ??

Yeah it sure would be. Maybe in a couple of years.