Winning bid
£5,300

2002 BMW 318Ci (E46) Convertible

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Lovely 318Ci cabrio with M-Sport adornments
  • Genuine low mileage
  • Comprehensive service history
  • Very smart condition throughout

THE APPEAL

Timelessly styled, it’s hard to believe that a quarter of a century has passed since BMW’s ‘E46’ generation of 3-Series first appeared. 
But as the good examples become fewer and further between, the collector market for nice E46s is picking up. Great to look at, terrific to drive and impressively built, they’re one of the last truly wonderful compact BMWs and are actively sought after in good condition. 
This one is a really lovely example – a 318Ci Cabriolet, offering a fine combination of gorgeous styling, decent performance and respectable economy. 

With just two previous keepers and a shade over 51,000 miles on the clock, it has bags of appeal. 

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

  • Two previous keepers
  • Original handbook and papers
  • BMW owners’ wallet
  • Current UK V5C
  • MOT until May 2023 with two advisories 
  • Lightly used for past four years
  • Service book stamped to 50,894 miles
  • Main dealer and specialist service history

THE INTERIOR

  • Pale beige leather
  • Carbon fibre inserts 
  • Electric folding roof
  • Original toolkit
  • M-sport steering wheel

Although it’s the entry-level specification Coupé, the original owner of the 318Ci didn’t baulk at the options list so it comes with full leather trim, cruise control, carbon fibre door inserts, and an M-Sport steering wheel. 
Almost everything works as it should with the exception of the parking sensors which the vendor has noted are currently not functioning. 

Overall the interior is very well-presented, with only a tiny amount of wear to the driver’s seat side bolster detracting from its otherwise immaculate condition. 

It still features its original BMW Business CD Radio, which is in fully working order.
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THE EXTERIOR 

  • Excellent condition
  • Desirable colour
  • Optional M-Sport alloys and bodykit
  • No visible corrosion
Equipped with an M-Sport bodykit and optional 18-inch M-Sport alloy wheels, the 318Ci really looks the part, especially in its rare and desirable Mystic Blue colour scheme. 
The bodywork is in fine order with no visible corrosion in any of the common E46 weak spots, while the vendor says the underside is also solid, as backed up by the car’s decent MOT history that shows no corrosion advisories. 
It’s a terrific car to look at the electric roof still works as it should, the only minor cosmetic issues being some small marks to 3 of the alloy wheels, as can be seen in the photos.
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THE MECHANICS 

  • BMW 2.0-litre ‘N42’ engine
  • Five-speed automatic transmission
  • Comprehensively serviced
  • Starts and drives well

Reported by the vendor as being great to drive, the 318Ci runs well and holds good oil pressure, with no excessive smoke or untoward noises. 
The 147 bhp 2.0-litre engine is a lively unit for its relatively modest power output and will sprint from 0- 60 in about 8 seconds, with a cruising speed comfortably beyond the legal limit, so it’s by no means slow.

A really enjoyable car to drive, matched with a smooth-shifting five-speed ZF automatic transmission that suits its grand tourer character.
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SUMMARY

This is a fabulous example of the E46 cabriolet and one that’s well worth putting away or adding to a collection, given how values of previous generation 3-Series soft-tops have gone in recent times. 

It’s a superb example in a wonderful colour, and with a generous specification.  
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only.  Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
Please take care when making a bid as once your bid is placed, it cannot be withdrawn and will not be cancelled. If you are unsure do not bid as no refunds will be given.
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Auction Details

  • Year2004
  • MakeBMW
  • Model318Ci (E46) Convertible
  • ColourBlue
  • Odometer51,037 Miles
  • Engine size1995cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownAvon
  • CountyCity of Bristol
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

19 Bids

steve-g••••
Bid
£5,300
14/09/22
unique.••••
Bid
£5,200
14/09/22
steve-g••••
Bid
£5,100
14/09/22
unique.••••
Bid
£4,800
14/09/22
steve-g••••
Bid
£4,700
14/09/22
steve-g••••
Bid
£4,600
14/09/22
unique.••••
Bid
£4,500
14/09/22
steve-g••••
Bid
£4,100
14/09/22
unique.••••
Bid
£3,900
14/09/22
schutzh••••
Bid
£3,600
14/09/22

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