BMW launched the E46 to great success in the late 1990s, a development of the previous generation E36 chassis. This new 3 Series would further serve to cement BMW’s position as a class leader in this segment. Refined, well-built and good-looking thanks to the great automotive designer Erik Goplen. For many this is the ultimate 3 Series.

Available with a wide range of engines in both petrol, and diesel in various body styles from compact all the way to touring, the E46 could be all things to all drivers. This saloon, with the biggest engine choice, the bulletproof and powerful M54 straight six mated to a rare and driver focused 6 speed manual gearbox is certainly one of the more drivers focussed models before stepping into M3 territory.

This car was first delivered to Preston Hall, Stockton on Tees and road registered on the 7th October 2004. The first owner had the vehicle up until late 2006 where the car was sold back to the same Preston Hall dealer. The car was then sold to its latest owner who part exchanged his E39 5 series for this E46. Obviously, a BMW man at heart.  

This gentleman then owned the car for the next 16 years where the car was only used minimally. Often only covering 600 miles a year between MOT tests, usually to ferry himself and his wife to the local airport for holidays during his retirement.

Unfortunately, the owner to this car passed away earlier this year meaning the family now have to part with the vehicle.

Quite remarkably, the car still retains its original bill of sale from its Stockton on tees dealer which is often rare to see these days. 

The car retains all its original book packs in like new condition along with some BMW invoicing relating to servicing, and health checks. 

The car also retains all its MOT certificates and quite unbelievably even all its old tax discs which is lovely to see meaning this car sure has collector quality provenance. The car of course also comes with its full toolkit, BMW torch and all the usual extras.

The interior really is in lovely condition thanks to being such a low mileage example and even smells like new. The specification is lovely too and fitting with its M sport exterior and chassis credentials. The leather upholstery is in the classic BMW shade of Hell Beige 2 which is offset by some M sport black trims and Anthracite headlining which is all in good condition. 

The car also features the highly sought after Harmon Kardon premium Hi-Fi sound system which is a nice touch and is hardly ever seen on the saloons. 

Being an M-sport model, the car comes with the larger and very comfortable M sport seats, M sport leather steering wheel, M sport gear knob and all the other usual high spec refinements such as 6 cd changer, automatic wipers and lights and BMW business radio.

The exterior is presented in one of BMWs best colours – Mystic blue which is complimented by the BMW MV2 M sport light alloy twin spoke wheels that benefit from recent refurbishment. The exterior was also optioned with the BMW shadow line package meaning all the usual chrome parts round the windows are painted in a gloss black to enhance the sporty look. 

The car presents in a great overall condition and benefits from a recent professional paint correction so looks stunning but of course does have the odd tiny small hairline scratch here and there as to be expected on a near 20-year-old car. 

No modifications here, just a completely standard un-molested modern classic. This being a 3.0L 6-Cylinder car the rear is complimented by BMWs iconic twin pipe exhaust with chrome surrounds.

The M54B30 fitted in this car, and the M54 engine series in general is well known for being incredibly reliable, as is the 6 Speed gearbox. 

This 330i benefits from thousands spent in recommissioning work. This work was required due to the car travelling such little mileage in recent years, many components were due a refresh as a precautionary measure rather than a necessity. The car therefore benefits from the following works carried out this year

• Full paint correction

• Refurbished wheels

• Fresh MOT with no advisories

• 4x new Michelin Pilot Sport Tyres

• New brake callipers all round due to the old ones slightly sticking

• New pads and discs all round

• New front brake flexi hoses 

• New brake pipes

• Brake fluid flush

And a fresh service all of which have been carried out at a reputable BMW specialist. Despite being a 20-year-old car, when you open the bonnet your presented with a clean and tidy engine bay.
 
The M54 engine suffers with oil leaks, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. The cam cover gasket is free from leaks, and none of the aluminium components of the engine are covered in the grease and detritus that would indicate a long-standing oil leak.
   
There are no knocks or bangs coming from the suspension and quite frankly, the car still drives like new thanks to careful ownership, recent recommissioning and low mileage. The car will also return a good average MPG of 30. Impressive for a naturally aspirated 3.0 performance saloon.

E46 values are going up, that’s clear to see, so putting your money in a low mileage, 6-cylinder car with a manual gearbox is no bad thing. With only 1 long term owner, incredibly low miles and a well specified options list could be the perfect modern classic. 

The M54B30 engine in this car is also ULEZ compliant, meaning that this car can be used in and around London without stress of paying any additional daily charges.

You can enjoy this car’s driving prowess, modern classic status, and silky-smooth drive, whilst also not being in fear of breaking down, or losing too much money on maintenance! It is, make no mistake, one of the finest modern classics you can buy that are a joy to hustle down the country’s B roads or cruise down the motorways in comfort.

Notice to bidders