Originally Posted by
XRT_si
I bought a 2004 Compact diesel, with the later, better 150bhp engine that does'nt go wrong. Had it remapped and it's awesome as a daily driver. Pulls well, comfortable and does 59mpg.
Plus, just for the record, , as well as the diesel and 4-pot engines you can get a 2.5 litre 6-cylinder in them - 325ti
Faster than an E46 330i if both in top gear over most in-gear increments - down to the 325ti being 10% lighter and shorter-geared. Hatchback can be useful for sticking bikes etc in the back as well