Highlights
- Low mileage
- Performs brilliantly
- Great condition inside and out
- Lots of BMW Dealer Stamps
- Fantastic MOT History
The Background
The E46 marks the fourth generation of BMW’s iconic 3-series line and is the successor to the E36.
Available in a range of body styles including the saloon, coupe, convertible, estate, and compact variants, the E46 promised to be a valiant improvement over the E36, continuing BMW’s preferred front-engined rear-wheel-drive configuration and supposedly adding up to 70% more structural rigidity.
Available in a range of body styles including the saloon, coupe, convertible, estate, and compact variants, the E46 promised to be a valiant improvement over the E36, continuing BMW’s preferred front-engined rear-wheel-drive configuration and supposedly adding up to 70% more structural rigidity.
The 330CI is easily one of the most desirable E46 body styles and is often snapped up as a reasonably priced E46 M3 alternative. The sporty body lines expand on the E36’s style, with a much more muscular stance, and sweeping arches.
Paired with a peppy straight-six engine, the 330Ci gives you a fantastic bang for your buck, with a balance of great performance, interior comfort, classy aesthetics, and an epic soundtrack.
Paired with a peppy straight-six engine, the 330Ci gives you a fantastic bang for your buck, with a balance of great performance, interior comfort, classy aesthetics, and an epic soundtrack.
The History
Being an avid car enthusiast and having owned a great number of exciting cars in the past, it came as no surprise that the current owner would find themselves in this fantastic E46 coupe. Commonly chosen for its brilliant performance and sporty styling, the BMW 330CI ticked all of the boxes for a reliable sports car to enjoy and treasure.
With just 3 previous owners, great MOT history and low mileage, this particular car captured the current keeper’s heart right away. Since being purchased, the vehicle has continued to be very well cared for, taken for drives on dry days and garaged when not driven.
Due to unforeseen medical circumstances, however, the current keeper has decided that this mighty coupe deserves to be passed on to its next home and treasured for many more years to come.
This is a car that needs nothing to be enjoyed, appreciates well and does truly deserve to go to a loving home.
This is a car that needs nothing to be enjoyed, appreciates well and does truly deserve to go to a loving home.
The Paperwork
This gorgeous BMW 330Ci comes with an array of paperwork and documents, including the original BMW handbooks, service booklet, and the V5 document.
The paperwork also includes the current MOT certificate, which continues the car’s flawless MOT history. With such low mileage and exceptional history, this 330Ci will no doubt fly through its next test in May.
The paperwork also includes the current MOT certificate, which continues the car’s flawless MOT history. With such low mileage and exceptional history, this 330Ci will no doubt fly through its next test in May.
The original BMW service booklet contains a great number of service stamps at regular intervals, and the car certainly hasn’t needed anything major over the years.
The Interior
Much like the exterior of the car, this 330CI’s interior is in excellent condition, with very few signs of wear or age. Despite having one temporary repair to the side bolster, the driver’s seat still looks great, and the rich black leather is as comfortable as ever.
All seat controls are in great condition and are working exactly as intended without issue. The passenger seats appear to have barely been used, the rears in particular.
All seat controls are in great condition and are working exactly as intended without issue. The passenger seats appear to have barely been used, the rears in particular.
Door cards and all associated controls are in great condition and are clean and tidy, as are the carpets and mats throughout the car. The BMW Sport steering wheel adds yet another classy touch to the cabin, with the M sport badge giving you yet another reminder of what you’ve got to look forward to.
The controls on said leather wheel follow suit with the rest of the interior, and are clean and tidy.
The controls on said leather wheel follow suit with the rest of the interior, and are clean and tidy.
All dials, gauges, driver controls and accessories in the centre console area have been very well preserved and present the driver with everything they need in a tidy and functional manner. A glance in the boot will reveal clean carpet and trim pieces, the original BMW toolkit and a healthy battery.
For nearly a car that is nearly 20 years old, this interior has been rather well cared for and still provides passengers with a comfortable and classy interior to this day.
The Exterior
The exterior of this 330CI is in excellent condition and certainly does the E46 body lines a great deal of justice. The gorgeous silver paintwork catches the sunlight beautifully and helps accentuate each curve and detail on the car.
Typical this is a colour that fails to catch the eye on ordinary cars, but on this 330CI, it simply exudes class.
All exterior trim pieces and details down to the body-coloured door handles and front grille are in great condition. This vehicle also appears to have not suffered from the typical arch issues that can trouble E46s and older BMWs.
Typical this is a colour that fails to catch the eye on ordinary cars, but on this 330CI, it simply exudes class.
All exterior trim pieces and details down to the body-coloured door handles and front grille are in great condition. This vehicle also appears to have not suffered from the typical arch issues that can trouble E46s and older BMWs.
The classy 5 spoke M Sport wheels are also in great condition for the age of the vehicle, and come with enough tyre for the new owner to enjoy.
Popular for being a great alternative to the E46 M3 aesthetics, this 330CI holds a strong road presence and looks fantastic from any angle.
Popular for being a great alternative to the E46 M3 aesthetics, this 330CI holds a strong road presence and looks fantastic from any angle.
The Mechanics
Buyers will be pleased to know that this mighty E46 works exactly as intended, with the straight-six engine pulling as strong as ever, gracing your ears with its signature note as you go through the gears. The car starts right up with the turn of the key and gently purrs, awaiting your command.
The suspension handles bumps and curves in the roads without fault, and the brakes are also in full working order. In addition to being mechanically sound, this vehicle’s electrical system is in perfect order and has no faults with sensors or controls alike.
With just a few miles on the clock and with frequent servicing, this BMW 330CI has needed nothing major in the past, has a great MOT history and needs nothing in order to be enjoyed by its new owner.
The Appeal
The BMW 330CI is often regarded as a great value E46 M3 alternative, and it’s not difficult to see why. You’re getting gorgeous styling, BMW comfort, wicked performance, a great soundtrack and great build quality all in one sweet, fast appreciating package.
This particular car is in excellent condition both aesthetically and mechanically, and will no doubt continue to put a smile on the driver’s face for many years to come.
If you’re looking for a taste of BMW’s best work, this is it.
Notice to bidders
This particular car is in excellent condition both aesthetically and mechanically, and will no doubt continue to put a smile on the driver’s face for many years to come.
If you’re looking for a taste of BMW’s best work, this is it.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.