The BMW E46 Series became the fourth iteration of this iconic, performance orientated compact executive car with its introduction in 1997. A car designed under well-known design chief Chris Bangle and was focussed on improved aerodynamic performance whilst retaining the design language of earlier 3 Series cars.

As usual the E46 was released with a large choice of engine and drive train combinations available. The 2.5L M54B25 engine as featured in this car has become increasingly popular in the intervening years. The engine was originally rated at a healthy 190 bhp and 181 lb-ft of torque. These cars were significantly lighter and more agile than the bigger engined alternatives and provide a winning combination of power and economy.

This appears to be a well-cared for car and has covered a mere 4K miles or so per year on average. The current owner has a log of the BMW main dealer visits, six in total, and verifies the mileage together with the MOT history.

The owner reports that the car has had previous slight damage to the right-hand corner of the front bumper. As is often the case with older cars, the insurance company has attached an “N” category to this car. “N” specifies a non-structural incident, and the owner has a photograph of the original area of damage available if required.

As detailed above the owner has a log of the online service history of the car. This is understood to extend to six BMW main dealer visits and include works carried out during these visits. There is also a current V5 available. The car has just passed a new MOT and has enjoyed an oil service within the last 100 miles.

The interior of this E46 is in excellent, original condition throughout and is trimmed in the excellent Dakota full sports leather. No significant areas of imperfection were noted or reported. Door cards, carpets and dash top and facings are all in excellent original condition.

The hood headlining is reported to be in an undamaged condition and the hood electrics work effectively and without issue. The car has been fitted with a more recent entertainment system with satellite navigation and Bluetooth connectivity. It fits well and enhances the practicality of this car for the new owner.

The car is well appointed too with several key options such as the electric, memory front seats, Carbon Cube dash and door accents, climate comfort front screen and multi-function steering wheel.

The Titanium Silver paintwork is in very good original condition. There is the odd area of treated stone chips reported, but the car remains in a great overall condition for its age. 

The paintwork is deep and lustrous, and all panel gaps are straight and true with doors, boot lid and bonnet all closing positively. There are one or two spots on the boot lid that appear to be rubbed through but are the result of overpolishing.

The hood appears to be an equally good condition and the rear screen is clear and free from fogging. No untoward dents or dings were noted or reported.

The car benefits from upgraded, deeper-dished, 18-inch, split-rim alloy wheels. They are in great condition as you can see from our photographic package. The tyres are in the correct 225/40 R18 configuration and are reported to exhibit a good level of tread depth all round.

All light lenses are clear and undamaged, and the headlights are the upgraded, gas-filled, Halo type too.

The 2.5L six-cylinder M54B25 engine has gone on to become a well-respected and reliable unit. It is both light and powerful, providing an excellent power to economy ratio. As detailed above this car appears to have been well maintained at BMW main dealers. Combine with that the low, original milage and it is no surprise that the mechanical systems of this car are reported to be in excellent working condition.

The current owner reports that the car has plenty of power and the combination of the straight six engine and five speed automatic gearbox make for a very engaging driving experience.

New front brake hoses and brake pads have also been fitted within the last 40 miles and work was carried out during the latest mot.

The BMW 3 Series has always enjoyed a strong and loyal following. The cars successfully combine the attributes of a compact executive car with the dynamics of a sports car, and this has ensured the long-term appeal of these cars.

With the E46 M-Sport cars becoming increasingly sought-after and valuable, the other cars in the range are enjoying a “halo-effect” and are becoming increasingly rare. This prime example is a well-maintained, low mileage example that is bound to enjoy a rapid increase in value.

Add to that the additional fun-factor of the convertible configuration and the unusually original and well presented interior and you have a very appealing E46 that is now available to a new, enthusiastic owner.