The E46 marks the fourth generation of BMW’s iconic 3-series line, and is the successor to the E36. Available in a range of body styles including the saloon, coupe, convertible, estate, and compact variants, the E46 promised to be a valiant improvement over the E36, continuing BMW’s preferred front-engined rear-wheel-drive configuration and supposedly adding up to 70% more structural rigidity.

The 318i Touring is arguably one of the most desired E46 body styles and offers drivers an unrivaled amount of style, practicality, and performance when compared to competitors of the time. Despite not perhaps being as spacious as the 5 series alternatives, the 318i will happily haul a full family and as much cargo as your heart desires.

It’s also reasonably performance orientated, with a respectable 0-60 time of under 10 seconds, and more than enough power to rival even modern estates. Finding the perfect balance between performance, practicality and style, it’s also an exceptionally good-looking car that has aged like fine wine. The iconic estate body lines and design have helped the 318i Touring become quite a desirable car, with enthusiasts and family folk searching nationwide for good examples.

This BMW E46 touring, in SE trim has just one lady owner, which is mightily impressive given the car’s age. Purchased in October 2002 from Benham BMW, the 318i covered remarkably few miles, tootling to and from the shops and treated to the occasional drive out. 

Seldom used, the car was picked up by the current keeper, was treated to spots of TLC and a service, and is now ready to be enjoyed by its next owner. The car will no doubt carry on being a reliable and enjoyable vehicle for many years to come. 

Buyers will be glad to know that this car comes with the V5C, all original handbooks, the service booklet, spec sheet, and the original order form. The form details further specifications, and relevant purchase details from October 2002. 

As the owner had connections with the local BMW garage, the car was treated to regular servicing courtesy of a trained BMW technician. This in combination with the low mileage of the vehicle yields for great reliability, ensuring the car will continue to take to the roads without fault. 

Similar to the exterior of this car, the interior is in great condition for the vehicle’s age. The seats reflect the vehicle’s low mileage, with minimal wear to both the driver’s and front passenger’s seats. The rear seats are also exceptionally clean, and appear to have hardly been sat in. 

The classy leather sport steering wheel has clearly been well preserved over the years and is in excellent condition, as are the steering wheel controls. Dials and gauges are clear, and offer the driver an unrestricted view of all necessary information. All four door cards and associated controls are also clean, with no obvious signs of wear or damage.

The centre console is also in fair condition, with the only major signs of wear being on the gear gaiter surround, which will be replaced by the current keeper when the official BMW part is available. Radio controls, vents and window switches are clean, work as intended and are in great condition. 

The tailgate of course splits into two, with the rear window opening up separately, and then as one whole boot door unit. The latches are in excellent condition, and in full working order. The boot itself is in excellent condition and is exceptionally clean. Underneath you will find the OEM jack, a set of tools, and a spare wheel.

The exterior of this BMW is in great condition, with only minor signs of age. The stunning Steel Blue paintwork has tones of both blue and grey, and offers a great alternative to the typical boring colours estates are often seen in. It’s a colour that pops in the sun, accentuates the E46 styling, and yet remains sensible enough for everyday use.

Exterior trim pieces, grilles, and roof rails are also in great condition, as are details such as the colour-coded door handles, side repeaters, and the vehicle’s windows. With only minor marks of wear on tear on items such as the front badge, this car can soon be returned to its full glory in no time at all.

All four wheels are in great condition for their age, with only minor rectifiable signs of the usual wear and tear, with plenty of tyre for the new owner to enjoy. For a 20-year-old car, this E46 touring is in brilliant condition and doesn’t appear to suffer from the arch issues that typically plague this generation of BMW. The car will without a doubt look excellent on your driveway, or as part of your collection.

Prospective buyers will be pleased to know that this BMW 318i SE Touring performs exactly as intended, with no known mechanical or electrical faults. The car starts right up with no smoke or issues, pulls well through all gears, handles the bumps of the road perfectly and stops on command.

In typical BMW fashion, the car is loaded with interior comforts and electrical gizmos such as cruise control, all of which work as intended and offer passengers just that extra level of comfort and class. 

Being such low mileage and with only one owner from new, it should really come as no surprise that this car hasn’t needed anything particularly major in the past and needs nothing to be enjoyed by its new owner.

Quickly becoming a truly desirable car, this BMW 318i SE Touring offers the perfect balance of practicality, style and performance, at a bargain of a price. With just one owner, and with so few miles on the clock, this is an enthusiast's dream. The car is in great condition, performs perfectly, and is ready for its next adventure on the roads.