Highlights
- Top of the range 2.5 litre 24 valve M54 six cylinder engine
- Five speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic
- Attractive Topaz Blue metallic paint
- Light grey leather interior
The Appeal
There were only two generations of 3 Series Compact and neither of them were big sellers which makes them thin on the ground and thus an interesting, unusual and cost effective proposition today. The second edition E46 model is the newer of the two and the better looking. They have started to gain a bit more popularity among enthusiasts recently, due to their short wheelbase and entertaining rear-wheel drive character. An interesting alternative to a Golf or Audi A3 they offer far better value, and this one is a range topping six cylinder example with only a single owner from new!
History and Paperwork
- First registered in November 2002
- One owner from new
- Service history, all from Cooper BMW Banstead
- Service book with 7 stamps to 2017 @82,979 miles
- Five stamps for brake service to 2019
- Original supplying Dealer’s plates
- V5c in Owners name
- Last MoT expired November 2022
- Just 119 miles covered since MoT in November 2021
- MoT history with DVLA back to 2005 verifies mileage
- Full set of Owner’s books in BMW leather wallet
- Sony Audio guidebook
- 2 keys
The Interior
- Light grey leather interior
- Driver’s seat with some wear and damage to bolster and seat, would benefit from good clean
- Rear seats in good condition
- Light grey carpet with some wear
- Clean roof lining with sunroof
- Electric windows front and rear
- Air conditioning
- All gauges appear to function correctly
- Sony audio system with Bluetooth and USB
- Black leather steering wheel with some wear
- Rear parking sensors
- Clean boot with under floor battery and tools
- Spare wheel correctly stored beneath floor
The Exterior
- Attractive Topaz Blue metallic paint in presentable condition with a good shine
- All glass and lenses in good condition
- 18 inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, all show some curb damage
- Minor stone chips to front
- One small dent to driver’s side rear quarter
- Twin exhaust with chrome tips
- Correct badging and all trim in good condition
The Mechanics
- M54 2.5 litre 24 valve six cylinder engine
- Five speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic
- Clean and presentable engine bay
- Corrosion free underside
- Good Main Dealer Service history to 83,000 miles
Summary
Nice examples of the E46 Compact such as this are always popular as those “in the know” will tell you they far from an inferior BMW 3 series model. It has enough of the BMW DNA to make it an exciting car to drive, whilst still being practical and cost effective to own. With only one owner, and a good history this example has BMW’s silky smooth and powerful six cylinder that puts 190hp through the rear wheels ensuring plenty of excitement for the winning bidder!
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.
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.
