BMW’s E46 model line-up was unveiled in 1997 as the next incarnation of its evergreen Three Series. As usual, engines ranged from the pedestrian 1.6-2.0-litre inline-fours to the high-performance ‘S54’ inline-six of the M3. BMW asserted that the new car was some 70 percent more rigid than the outgoing E36, while aluminium components helped to make it lighter too. 

The more sports-oriented 330Ci was powered by the 228bhp 3.0 litre straight-six and was offered in both coupe and convertible forms.

Though not an especially low-ownership car, this 330Ci Cabriolet has enjoyed a good level of care from all its keepers. It has been garaged all its life and has seen only limited use – covering only a little more than 52,000 miles in its 18 years on the road.

The BMW comes with a very comprehensive and reassuring maintenance record, largely from BMW main agent service centres. The service book is well stamped (the car retains all its manuals) and there is a substantial sheaf of invoices detailing checks and services throughout the years. The BMW’s previous MOT certificates are also in the file.

With either roof in place (the car comes with a factory hard top) or with the top down, this BMW’s lines remain taut and smooth. What’s more, the combination of the blue soft top (over black leather) probably gives one of the subtlest and most understated colour combinations on offer in the convertible. 

The metallic paint remains consistent across all materials and surfaces – and the hard top too – with a good gloss in evidence across the whole car. There are a few tiny surface scratches/polishing marks here and there, but nothing remotely serious to spoil the excellent overall impression the car makes. There is no brightwork to speak of and the few badges are in good condition. 

The edges of the door mirrors have escaped any grazes and the deep front spoiler shows only minimal scuffs on its lowest edge. The ten-spoke alloys are very presentable – each discreetly wearing its M-Sport badge. Looking over the panels, fit and shape are excellent, with no evidence of corrosion (looking especially at the front wings, boot lid and rear arches on an E46). Doors, bonnet and boot all line up perfectly and the hard top fits snugly into place. It also detaches and reattaches smoothly on its lugs. Overall, a very classy touring car.

BMW’s interiors have always been made of durable quality materials and this 330’s well-appointed cabin remains a smart and enjoyable space in which to go touring. The black leather remains supple and shows no signs of fading. The hides have a deep lustre. The seats retain all of their stance and shape with only light creasing. 

With the relatively low mileage, it’s nice to see that there is no excess wear on the outer bolsters of the front seats. The rear seats appear little used, showing only a few light marks. The tough ‘rhino hide’ plastics are in very good shape – including around the potentially exposed door tops. There are no signs of panels warping or loosening around the cabin – nor on the stout-looking door panels, and the subtle carbon fibre trim makes a nice point of interest.

 There are some minor abrasions and nail scratches here and thereon the centre dash, such as on the plastic cover in front of the gear selector, though the leather and stitching on both this and the steering wheel remain in very good order. Carpets and mats are stain-free and show a good pile/colour – all very neat There are no marks from water ingress or heel wear, and door/roof seals are likewise clean, supple and free of cracks or signs of perishing.

Looking into the very tidy engine bay, you will see that the motor and its ancillaries appear to be in excellent shape. Under-bonnet plastics appear strong and clean with no signs of bleaching, cracks or warping. There are no signs of any leaks and a closer look down around the inner wings and bulkhead reveals no accumulated grime or signs of rust. Hoses, leads and ducting appear very healthy, as does the wiring.  

The underside of the BMW likewise inspires a lot of confidence. There is a degree of understandable weathering with some very light surface corrosion on a few leading edges. However, the undertrays, exhaust and suspension components appear to be very solid. Again, there are no signs of leaks coming from the engine above. Sills and inner wheel arches look very sound and the bottom of that deep front spoiler, while showing a couple of light scuffs, is straight and solid.

With its rather more brash M3 sisters hogging the limelight, people can sometimes forget what a sophisticated sportster the 330CI is. In some ways it is a more complete and involving car. And, with its multiple roof options, it can be everything from pillarless couple to full open roadster, with seating for four in comfort when needed. Whatever mood you’re in on any given day, it’s probably going to be the right car for the journey. 

Coupled to that, this unmolested and very straight example has the documentation – and the mileage – to say it’s been thoughtfully looked after; it’s ready to drive into next Summer without lengthy preparation and expense.

Alongside all of these great benefits, the vehicle will now be sold with a brand new MOT on it.

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