Timelessly styled, it’s hard to believe that a quarter of a century has passed since BMW’s ‘E46’ generation of 3-Series first appeared.
But as the good examples become fewer and further between, the collector market for nice E46s is picking up. Great to look at, terrific to drive and impressively built, they’re one of the last truly wonderful compact BMWs and are actively sought after in good condition.
This one is a really lovely example – a 318Ci Cabriolet, offering a fine combination of gorgeous styling, decent performance and respectable economy.
With just two previous keepers and a shade over 51,000 miles on the clock, it has bags of appeal.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Two previous keepers
Original handbook and papers
BMW owners’ wallet
Current UK V5C
MOT until May 2023 with two advisories
Lightly used for past four years
Service book stamped to 50,894 miles
Main dealer and specialist service history
THE INTERIOR
Pale beige leather
Carbon fibre inserts
Electric folding roof
Original toolkit
M-sport steering wheel
Although it’s the entry-level specification Coupé, the original owner of the 318Ci didn’t baulk at the options list so it comes with full leather trim, cruise control, carbon fibre door inserts, and an M-Sport steering wheel.
Almost everything works as it should with the exception of the parking sensors which the vendor has noted are currently not functioning.
Overall the interior is very well-presented, with only a tiny amount of wear to the driver’s seat side bolster detracting from its otherwise immaculate condition.
It still features its original BMW Business CD Radio, which is in fully working order.
THE EXTERIOR
Excellent condition
Desirable colour
Optional M-Sport alloys and bodykit
No visible corrosion
Equipped with an M-Sport bodykit and optional 18-inch M-Sport alloy wheels, the 318Ci really looks the part, especially in its rare and desirable Mystic Blue colour scheme.
The bodywork is in fine order with no visible corrosion in any of the common E46 weak spots, while the vendor says the underside is also solid, as backed up by the car’s decent MOT history that shows no corrosion advisories.
It’s a terrific car to look at the electric roof still works as it should, the only minor cosmetic issues being some small marks to 3 of the alloy wheels, as can be seen in the photos.
THE MECHANICS
BMW 2.0-litre ‘N42’ engine
Five-speed automatic transmission
Comprehensively serviced
Starts and drives well
Reported by the vendor as being great to drive, the 318Ci runs well and holds good oil pressure, with no excessive smoke or untoward noises.
The 147 bhp 2.0-litre engine is a lively unit for its relatively modest power output and will sprint from 0- 60 in about 8 seconds, with a cruising speed comfortably beyond the legal limit, so it’s by no means slow.
A really enjoyable car to drive, matched with a smooth-shifting five-speed ZF automatic transmission that suits its grand tourer character.
SUMMARY
This is a fabulous example of the E46 cabriolet and one that’s well worth putting away or adding to a collection, given how values of previous generation 3-Series soft-tops have gone in recent times.
It’s a superb example in a wonderful colour, and with a generous specification.
Notice to bidders
All items in this listing are sold on an “As Is - Where Is” basis. Photos and listing descriptions should be used as a guide only. Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information in this listing and Car & Classic performs a level of due diligence prior to the auction, we do not warrant the accuracy of the listings. The seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. Inspection is highly recommended prior to bidding. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion.
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2002 BMW 318Ci (E46) Convertible
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