This is a BMW 330i Sport which comes with the more subtle and understated M aero kit that is rarely seen on E46s and was only offered on the early sport models when they first introduced the M54 3.0 engine into the line-up. This is a handsome car presented in fabulous condition. The E46 330i Sport combines superior build quality with practicality, comfort and sporting intent - making for an enjoyable car to pilot down a motorway or Britain’s B-roads.
Having only covered 55,700 miles, this car presents itself in impeccable condition thanks to careful single-family ownership, having been passed down a few generations. Given the excellent condition of the car, limited owners from new and rare body trim this 330i presents a rare opportunity to acquire one of these fantastic sports saloons in prime condition.
The interior of the E46 looks fantastic with only minimal marks throughout. Even the seat bolsters are generally in good condition, which is rare to see on the M sport seats of this vintage. Having said this, some threads of stitching are starting to become exposed towards the top of the bolster, but even this is only minimal.
For anyone that hasn’t been in an E46, when you slide into the cosseting interior, it’s like putting on an old glove, it just feels right. This E46 BMW is in a lovely and classy spec on the inside. It provides subtle nods to the power that lies under the bonnet in the form of sportier finishing trims, sports steering wheel (this one is thinner in the hand than the later M sport models) and M sport seats. The black Anthracite headlining is also presented in good condition with no evidence of sagging.
This 330i is unarguably a good-looking car, especially in BMW Topaz Blue, which nicely accentuates its lightly flared arches and horizontal lines. Unlike nearly all BMW e46s, the arches on this example look to be in good condition with no rust or paint bubbling and, down the side of the car, there are minimal to no car park dings, scuffs or dents. The front valance and bonnet are also largely free of stone chips and blemishes, making this a very tidy example. The paint is in great, bright condition all over.
The 18” MV1 alloys are in very good condition, with no signs of kerbing or lacquer peel. They’re shod in matching Bridgestone tyres that look to be in excellent condition with good tread levels, being recently fitted.
All of the badges, light lenses, windows and trim are in excellent condition and present very well. The car’s overall presence is fantastic, thanks to careful ownership and minimal use. g5HCB565TPXeEElGsVjj6oz0nGnbPXVtaRZBjsmY.jpeg572.05 KB
The Mechanics
BMW’s M54B30 2,979cc inline-six engine
Vendor tells us the underside is in good condition
Engine bay is clean and tidy, with no obvious leaks
MOT valid until August 2023
Excellent service history, low mileage
As with the rest of this car, the mechanical aspects present excellently. Given the low mileage and the quality BMW is known for, we’d expect it to be in very good mechanical order. Under the bonnet the engine looks more or less as it did when it rolled out of the factory.
We’re assured by the vendor that the engine starts easily on a turn of the key, idles smoothly and sounds lovely with no unwanted noises. We’re also told that the car drives superbly, with the gearbox operating smoothly and seeming to be in good working order. The steering is precise, with no unwanted noises from the suspension, and the car stops keenly.
Thanks to careful ownership and a strong maintenance record, the owner tells us that the car really does drive as well as it looks.
E46 values are going up, so putting your money in a low mileage, 6-cylinder car is no bad thing. With careful ownership, low miles and a good specification, this 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 the 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. We think that the E46 is one of the finest modern classics you can buy, they are a joy to to drive and offer a compelling combination of comfort and sporting ability.
