Description
BWW 328 ci SE two door Coupe registration number W399 JAW was first registered in March 2000. It has a 5 speed manual gearbox, an M52 straight 6 petrol engine and Titan Silver coachwork. I am the third owner and it has been in my continuous ownership since 30/ 6/ 02. The car is a fourth generation 3 Series, designated as an E46, which replaced the earlier E36. The E46 has improved aerodynamics and the bodyshell is claimed to be 70% stiffer than it’s predecessor.
The E46 328 Coupe is something of a rarity as only half a million were produced, compared with two million four door saloons. It was also available only in 1999 and 2000, before being replaced by the larger engined E46 330 in the latter year. W399 JAW belongs to an even smaller sub-set being both to SE specification and RHD.
The SE specification in includes black full leather sports seats, very distinctive front and rear lower panels, a spoiler and 18 inch alloy wheels . The wheels are correctly fitted with 225/ 40ZR18 front tyres and 255/ 35ZR at the rear.
I have no information concerning the car`s first owner, but the name and address of the lady second owner is recorded. The V5 is in my name, and I have kept a file of servicing, repairs and MOT testing. I bought W399 JAW from Brittle, a local performance car specialist. My purchase invoice is preserved in the history file and their sticker is still on the rear window. At the time of my purchase the car was just 2 years old and had covered 17, 895 miles. I was delighted with the performance, handling and reliability and I used it as my principal car until 2015 when it was taken off the road and garaged until January 2024. The car has never required welding to the underbody, but upon recommissioning a new n/ s/ f wing was fitted and both rear wheel arches were replaced, with very high quality paintwork as required. Throughout my ownership the car has been maintained and serviced. Only the first 3 services were by BMW agents, however, in July 2024 the local main agent replaced airbags and checked the car over under the terms of a general recall. Intending to keep the car, a new dual mass flywheel and full 3 part clutch assembly were fitted earlier this year. I have used this car on many long journeys and to be clear, the total mileage covered is c. 150, 000. That the odometer records a lower mileage of 105, 00 is due to a speedo change in 2011.
The car starts easily and performs and handles well. There is no smoke and no leaks of oil or water. The gearbox is quiet, positive and very easy to use. Unsurprisingly, the clutch action is excellent. The exhaust system is good, the battery new last year and the tyres all have good tread. The wheels are very presentable. The paintwork and overall appearance is generally excellent. No obvious paintwork rectification is required.
The interior is excellent, all entirely original and unmodified. There is little wear to the front seats and virtually none at all to the rear, or to the carpets. The boot interior carpeting is unspoiled, the bootlid box contains all the original tools and a standard steel space saver spare wheel is stowed away.
There are 2 sets of keys. The car is currently taxed and on the road, and is MOT tested until 23/ 1/ 26. The car will be re-tested upon sale.
This is a private sale. I am selling the car reluctantly simply because I have acquired too many others and wish peace to reign in my home. I still enjoy driving it.
Without doubt it Is a future classic. Its high specification, rarity, overall condition, low ownership and history mark it out. Taking everything into consideration I believe it is good value for long term ownership and enjoyment.
