Highlights
- Just 38,700 miles from new
- Three keepers with second one for 27 years
- Very high specification dealer demonstrator model
- Well maintained by main dealers and specialist
- Serviced by the seller for previous keeper for 16 years
- Always garaged and rarely driven in rain
- Underside fully sealed at 28,693 miles
- Car will be sold with a fresh 12 months MOT
The Appeal
The E46 is a near-perfect blend of reliable technology and driver engagement. Of the many variations, the M57 2.8L 190bhp straight six is the peach of the range. And few come to market quite as good as this one.
It is the sort of car you want to find. For 27 years, until 2025, it was owned by a single lady keeper, who acquired it with 347 miles on the clock from the supplying BMW dealer. It had been factory-specified with many options, including SE pack, full leather and glass sunroof.
In the intervening years, it has amassed mess than 39,000 miles from new. In its early life, it was maintained by BMW dealers and specialists. For the last 16 years, it has been looked after by the seller, who was given first option on buying it and jumped at the chance. He is only selling very reluctantly due to the loss of storage.
Over the last 12 months, the previous keeper invested £4,000 in the car’s mechanics. The work includes service plus new brake discs, rocker cover gasket, road springs and water pump. The current MOT runs to October, but the car will be sold with a fresh 12-month MOT.
The vendor says:
“Car drives like it's just left the factory know knocking or rattles. The 6 cylinder engine iust makes driving her an absolute pleasure on A ,B roads or the motorway its just pure fun.
“Mechanically sound car that needs nothing.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 24th September 1998
- Three registered keepers from new
- First registered in 1998 by John Clark BMW in Dundee
- Second keeper purchased the car from John Clark BMW with only 347 miles
- Retained by second keeper for 27 years
- Current keeper bought the car from second keeper earlier this year
- Current keeper has maintained the car for nearly 16 years
- Always garaged and rarely driven in rain we are told
- Service documents and service book available
- 2 keys
- Current MOT runs to 15th October 2025 with one advisory
- Car will be sold with fresh 12-month MOT
- Large quantity of invoices as shown
- V5C in current keeper’s name
- Vendor reports full service history
- Eight main dealer and specialist services then by seller as above
- Recent work summarised below:
The Condition
- Titan silver paintwork with full grey leather interior
- Paintwork presents ell with some light marks to note in photos
- Bodywork in good order with points to note in photos and highlighted below
- Bubbling to offside rear wheel arch and both front wings over the last year
- Underside fully sealed at 28,693 miles
- No structural advisories on current MOT for underside
- Factory alloy wheels in good general condition
- Fitted with quality Pirelli tyres showing decent remaining tread
- SE specification car with many factory options as shown
- Factory grey leather heated seats in very well preserved condition
- Grey carpets appear clean through cabin and boot areas as shown
- Silver trim around dash and doors
- All switches and instruments work properly we are told
- Everything is original with no modern modifications says the seller
- A/C fully recharged, blowing cold air
- Features include electric glass sunroof and electric windows
The Mechanics
- 2,793cc M57 straight six 190bhp engine
- 5-speed automatic transmission
- Car drives very well with no knocking or rattles we are told
- Vendor is mechanic and reports that the engine runs smoothly
- No modifications carried out on the engine and no faults or warning lights
- Well-maintained throughout the car’s life despite limited mileage
- Vendor is a mechanic who has maintained the car for last 16 years
- Recent work summarused below
- Over £4,000 spent on car since 2024
Summary of recent work:
- New brake discs and pads
- Rocker cover gasket
- Four road springs
- New radiator
- Replacement water pump
- Thermostat A/ F
- Gearbox oil and filter
- New gearbox sump
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
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