A lightly used example in a pristine condition featuring many refinements and improvements
A low, original mileage of a shade over 47,000 miles – less than 2,200 a year on average
A great factory specification plus some well-chosen enhancements
The Appeal
The E46 iteration of the popular three series represents a high watermark in the car’s evolution for many BMW connoisseurs and purists.
A 70% stiffer body shell than its predecessor and the use of aluminium suspension parts to reduce unsprung weight made for a deft handling compact executive car.
Throw in the 50:50 weight distribution and a range of powerful engines and this fourth iteration of the Three Series was one that helped seal the car’s formidable reputation.
This example doubles-down on that reputation by offering a well specified leather interior, a smooth changing automatic gearbox and a potent 6-cylinder petrol engine that makes this a surprisingly dynamic experience even some 22 years after its manufacture.
The Montana Grey leather upholstery is in excellent condition
The sports front seats are electrically adjustable with a memory feature
The heavy bolsters and adjustable squabs make for a comfortable and supportive experience
The individual rear seats present in an “as-new” condition
Door cards and rear side panels are in an equally good condition
The front door cards feature dark wood veneer accents as does the dash and centre console
They grey carpets and original headlining are in an equally fine condition
The car features a multifunction leather steering wheel in black
This is a well specified interior too
An electric glass sunroof, air conditioning and BMW Business sound system all present
For those unfamiliar with the E46 Three Series cars, it is obvious on acquaintance that BMW were at the peak of their powers at this time in terms of build quality.
This interior is a case in point. It is beautifully appointed, and everything works with a reassuringly solid action.
It is in a fine condition in here too. No areas of deterioration were reported or noted, and the current owner has clearly been very diligent in his care and stewardship of this BMW Coupe.P1066979.jpg11.22 MB
The Exterior
This car is finished in Titan Silver (354) and exudes a deep and lustrous shine throughout
All light lenses appear original and in excellent condition
The cabin glass is clear and devoid of any noticeable damage or deterioration
The car sits on coilovers and, as such, sits lower than standard
This combined with quality 18-inch Borbet alloy wheels gives the car added presence
It is a subtle combination which suits the car well but is easily reversible if required
The wheels are clad in quality Nankang tyres in a 35-ratio profile
The distinctive kidney-shaped grills in the nose have been finished in black
All these facets combine to make this a really head turning example of the E46 Coupe
This pre-facelift example of the E46 Coupe is a great looking car without doubt. The subtle upgrades to this example have been very successful and seem to add an extra helping of sporting ambiance to an already purposeful design.
It is all in fine fettle too. There is nothing here that requires immediate attention, and the car is a credit to its fastidious current owner.P1067079.jpg19.22 MB
The Mechanics
The 328Ci was produced for just two model years and is fitted with the M52TU engine
This well-respected unit is a 2.8L inline six-cylinder engine
A powerful unit originally rated at 190bhp and 207Ib-ft of torque
Power is fed to the rear wheels via a smooth shifting five-speed automatic gearbox
A combination of the low, original mileage and the recent diligent maintenance makes for a mechanically well sorted example
The current owner attests to all mechanical systems being in great working condition
The 2.8L straight-six engine in this car is a well-respected unit in BMW circles. It strikes an effective balance between performance and economy, sounds great and pulls hard.
During our visit we were able to ride in this example and it rides firmly but comfortably without knocks and bangs. Its performance was surprisingly strong given this is a 22-year-old design.
A great testament to the engineering integrity and sporting prowess of BMW during this era.P1067002.jpg11.25 MB
Summary
This is a very nicely presented example of the E46 Coupe.
The 328Ci was available for just two model years before the 330 appeared. This makes it one of the rarer examples of the breed. These cars are so well put together too.
The doors, boot and bonnet all open and close with a vault-like precision and the finish of the interior is an object lesson in quality manufacture.
This car features some subtle enhancements that are actually well chosen. It rides lower than standard, thanks to the coilovers, but not dramatically so and the ride quality remains impressive.
The Borbet alloys suit the car well and work in combination with the coilovers to provide an element of enhanced handling.
This, then, is a great opportunity to secure a low mileage example of one of the best respected Three Series Coupe models with a low original mileage.
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