2003 BMW 3 Series E46 330Ci in Orient Blue with hard top

The E46 330Ci is often viewed as peak BMW, blending the best of performance and comfort, getting the balance between digital and analogue just right, and, importantly in my view, being visually assertive yet still understated. We have always liked Orient Blue as it changes subtly depending on the light and, with the hardtop, it is a car that can be used in all seasons. At the risk of alienating some, I disagree when people say it is a “poor man’s M3”: it isn’t and should be judged on its own merits.

This car is our second 330Ci and reflects what we learned from our experience with the first. We still wanted Orient Blue with Montana interior and, for us at least, a hard top was a must. But we went from manual to automatic and have not regretted that decision. We also moved away from the M Sport trim as we found the larger MV wheels too fragile for the country rounds around our way. Also, and this was my wife, the extra chrome detailing is not just coming “on trend” but really makes it clear this is not a “M3 wannabe”. The car was found by our trusted mechanic, and he was spot on.

This car has one previous owner (it was bought for his wife). It was always garaged and when we saw the difficulty in parking in that bay we understood immediately why she usually used other cars. The car is totally original, and the comprehensive history shows regular and consistent use. We bought it in August 2023 and undertook a thorough recommissioning, but in honesty it required little fettling. The bodywork could be improved easily (my wife like “patina” and “originality”) so the small marks from the previous difficult garage parking were retained. I personally disagree but it is her car (happy wife, happy life and all that).

The interior is very good with the only wear being on the driver’s seat bolster piping. The fabric roof is excellent and has been treated with the correct proofing agents (the hardtop also helps preserve what can become a problem area). All the bits and pieces I find mark out a quality car are there, so we have the untouched first aid pack, the complete tool kit, and all the manuals. In the first year in our ownership we used it for all our long trips and it was faultless.

So why is it up for sale? Well, our circumstances at home have changed and we have lost all of our garaging as an extensive rebuild is under way, hence we are thinning the number of cars we have. We have advertised three cars for sale: a Toyota 10th Anniversary MR2 MkII with a story book history, a very visual but totally original MR2 Mk II Sonic Shadow, and this car that our grandchildren love to ride around in with the top down.

All share the common themes of no more than two previous owners, low mileages, and interesting back stories. We will be looking to sell two of the three and keep the third. All of these cars really do need to go to a knowledgeable enthusiast, someone who will appreciate what they represent and aim to treat them well.

Thank you for your attention and feel free to contact me for any further information.

Incidentally, the car will be sold with a year’s MOT.