Winning bid
£3,850

2006 BMW 325Ci M Sport Auto (E46)

Highlights

  • A good-looking example of the six-cylinder E46 coupe in a popular black on black livery
  • A low owner, sensible mileage example in a highly original condition
  • Complete with service history and ready to use and enjoy immediately

The Appeal

The E46 BMW 3 Series debuted in 1997 to become the successor to the E36 and become the latest iteration of the hugely popular compact executive BMW. The E46 was reported to be 70% more rigid than its predecessor and utilised aluminium suspension components to minimise unsprung weight. With these developments it was obvious that BMW continued to prize the 3 Series driving dynamics above all else. The Coupe version arrived in 1998 and continued to be produced until 2006, two years after the other models were discontinued.
This example is a very late model of E46 Coupe hailing from March 2006, a couple of months before production ended. It is a low owner example featuring the popular and useable 2.5L six-cylinder engine and five speed automatic transmission. In this guise these coupes provide fast and stylish companions for a surprisingly attainable price point.
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The History and Paperwork

  • This 325Ci was first registered in March 2006
  • It is a UK supplied and specified model from the end of E46 production
  • The car was supplied by main dealers Williams Rochdale
  • The first owner is recorded as having kept the car for 4 months
  • This suggests the E46 may have been used as a dealership demonstrator
  • The second owner kept the car between 2006 and 2009
  • The current owner acquired the car in December 2010 to become the car’s fourth keeper
  • At this point the car had covered around 28,000 miles
  • Since then, the current owner has added around 53,000 miles
  • The paperwork includes the V5 registration document in the name of the owner
  • The current MOT shows validity until December 2023
  • The original BMW book pack is present
  • This includes the original service booklet
  • Services are documented up to 65,529 miles in 2018
  • Brake fluid services are documented up to 81,285 miles in May 2023

The Interior

  • The 325Ci features a luxuriously appointed leather interior
  • The leather presents in black and is accented with carbon fibre trim
  • The deeply bolstered front seats feature extending under thigh support
  • Bothe front seats are electrically adjusted with a memory function to the driver’s side
  • The rear cabin is identically trimmed with a folding central arm rest
  • The condition of all seats appears to be very good indeed
  • The black carpets appear to be well preserved and are protected with mats 
  • The door cards are finished in black with carbon fibre effect accents
  • Premium Harmon Kardon tweeters are fitted here
  • The dashboard is finished with black top and bottom rolls
  • The centre panel is finished with the carbon fibre effect finish
  • The familiar white on black BMW gauges sit in a hooded binnacle
  • In front of these is fitted the original three spoke, M-Sport, multifunction steering wheel
  • The centre console is home to the climate control system and Pioneer head unit
  • The deep boot is fitted with hard wearing grey carpet
  • This is a little stained but is otherwise in good condition
  • This is also home to warning triangle and complete, drop-down tool kit
  • The jack and wheel brace is also present under the floor
  • The spare wheel appears to be missing currently, however

The Exterior

  • The 325Ci presents in a good-looking Black Saphire Metallic paintwork
  • The paintwork appears in a generally good condition and exudes a lovely shine
  • Plenty of metallic flake content is noted in the paintwork
  • A small dent is noted in the bonnet which should be a straightforward repair
  • Being an M Sport model, this example has the requisite body kit fitted
  • This consists of a deeper front spoiler, rear valance and side skirts
  • This helps emphasis the coupe’s sporting credentials
  • The car rolls on a set of 18-inch MV2 135M M Sport alloy wheels
  • These are ten spoke items with M Sport badging
  • Some kerb rash and light marks are noted
  • These could be improved with a refurbishment and new centre caps if required
  • These are fitted with a mixed set of staggered tyres
  • These are 225/40 at the front and 255/35 at the rear
  • Cabin glass and light lenses all appear undamaged and original

The Mechanics

  • The 325Ci is fitted with the respected M54B25 inline six-cylinder petrol engine
  • Renowned for its smooth power delivery this was originally rated at 189bhp
  • This, together with 181Ib-ft of torque, is delivered to the rear wheels
  • This is via a five-speed automatic transmission
  • The under-bonnet presentation looks highly original
  • The expected data plates are noted
  • The underside of the car looks to be in good shape overall
  • Plenty of protective, factory applied underseal is still in evidence 
  • The current owner reports that the car runs very well
  • He comments that the air conditioning may benefit from a re-gas
  • Otherwise, no known mechanical issues were reported

Summary

Modern classic BMW 3 Series models are generally well thought of and becoming increasingly sought after. Their eminent practicality, driving dynamics and peerless engineering values have endeared them to a generation of enthusiasts. The six-cylinder models are particularly prized for their smooth but powerful engines. The 2.5L particularly provides a great balance between running costs and performance.
This low owner example has been under the same stewardship for over 10 years which is always a good sign. The car stands out for its highly original condition which is far from a given with E46s of this vintage. The condition is very good for the car’s age whilst there still being a couple of areas in which the new owner can stamp their mark. Offering a compelling and dynamic package at sensible price point, this 3 Series Coupe deserves your attention.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*

UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
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Auction Details

  • Year2006
  • MakeBMW
  • Model3 Series
  • ColourBlack Saphire
  • Odometer81,681 Miles
  • Engine size2494cc
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • CountyLondon
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

Bidding history

8 Bids from 6 bidders

CP2000••••
Bid
£3,850
17/08/23
grandma••••
Bid
£3,650
17/08/23
brian-r••••
Bid
£3,450
17/08/23
grandma••••
Bid
£3,200
17/08/23
neil.ro••••
Bid
£3,000
17/08/23
grandma••••
Bid
£2,450
16/08/23
roadste••••
Bid
£2,250
14/08/23
RSTurbo••••
Bid
£2,000
12/08/23

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