Highlights
- An entirely original and beautifully presented example
- Just two owners and 91,463 miles from new
- Rare and desirable manual gearbox
- Post 2003 facelift M Sport specification
- Serviced by a BMW trained independent technician in current ownership
The Appeal
Hailing from the Chris Bangle era, the E46 3 Series remains a firm favourite amongst many BMW enthusiasts and is now considered a modern classic. This generation of 3 Series is favoured by tuners and customisers, so finding an authentic original example is becoming quite challenging - let alone one that features the rare and desirable manual gearbox.
Powered by the inimitable 2.5-litre M54B25 straight-six engine, this manual, post-facelift, M Sport 325i ticks all the right boxes. With just 91,463 miles on the odometer, great service history and two owners from new this BMW is a very special machine and moreover, it’s presented in lovely condition for its age. Complete with its original book pack, three keys and a detailed record of its specialist service history, this is an unrepeatable opportunity to acquire one of the finest original E46 325is around.
The History and Paperwork
- MOT valid until january 2024 with no advisories
- V5C present
- Just two keepers
- In present ownership since 2016
- 91,463 miles from new
- Original book pack present and in good condition
- Collection of old MOT certificates
- Substantial history file containing invoices for parts and servicing
- Maintained by a BMW trained independent technician during the vendor’s ownership
- The vendor notifies us that the last service was completed very recently
- Garage stored when not in use during present ownership, and reportedly for much of its life previously as well
- Supplied with three keys including the original blade
The Interior
- Very little in the way of wear to the black leather upholstery
- Original and unmodified
- Retains its six CD autochanger with magazine loader
- Electrically adjustable front seats with driver’s side memory function
- Original stereo system with coded Bluetooth system - all in good working order
- No excessive wear to the seat bolsters, or indeed any heavy cracking, sagging or fading
- The rear seats look to have hardly been used
- Smart and practical black carpeting, with no evidence of heavy foot traffic
- All the controls present well with just light wear
- No signs of UV damage to the plastics
- The headlining looks to be in really good order
- Complete tool kit to be found in the boot lid
- Spacesaver spare wheel with a Continental tyre
- Well presented boot area
The Exterior
- Post 2003 facelift with updated lights, front wings and wheels
- Original specifications
- Smart paintwork with remarkably few imperfections
- Really straight bodywork
- No evidence of corrosion in any of the usual areas
- The vendor points out a small scratch on the rear bumpers as well as a mark on the nearside front alloy wheel
- The wheels present very well overall and are shod with Nexen tyres
- We noticed a small scuf to the edge of the nearside mirror and a chip in the windscreen
- Overall, a handsome and well presented example in great condition
The Mechanics
- 2.5-litre M54B25 straight-six engine
- Five-speed manual gearbox
- Recently received a new rocker cover gasket and full service
- The vendor reports that it runs impeccably, sounds great and drives well
- We’re not informed of any mechanical issues
- Presents really nicely under the bonnet
Summary
It isn’t often that we encounter such a fine original example of the coveted E46 325i with a manual gearbox.
Presented in great condition, with few miles on the odometer and just two owners, this BMW is a really tempting proposition and we think it would be a great addition to any driveway.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
