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.
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
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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.
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