Description
BMW E46 330Ci M Sport Coupe (Pre-Facelift) – One Owner From New – 71, 856 Miles – Full History
Registration: RL51 ZHC
Location: Buckinghamshire
Offered for sale is my BMW E46 330Ci pre-facelift M Sport Coupe, finished in the stunning and highly desirable Topaz Blue Metallic with black M Sport leather interior, including heated front seats.
This is a genuine one-owner-from-new car, originally factory-ordered from Germany and delivered directly to the UK for its first owner, who has taken exceptional care of it throughout its life. I acquired the car directly from that owner, and it’s been an absolute joy to drive and own.
Many enthusiasts actively seek out the pre-facelift E46 models for their cleaner styling and more analogue feel, making this an increasingly desirable example.
Key details
• 2002 BMW E46 330Ci M Sport Coupe (pre-facelift)
• Automatic transmission
• 3. 0 litre straight-six petrol
• 71, 856 miles
• One owner from new
• Full service history
• Factory widescreen satellite navigation
• Xenon headlights
• Heated black M Sport leather seats
• Original M Sport alloy wheels (fully refurbished)
History & maintenance
The car comes with a comprehensive history file including:
• Original stamped service book
• Original BMW book pack
• Original purchase invoice from new
• Previous service invoices and MOT certificates
It comes with an outstanding level of provenance and documentation.
Recent and notable maintenance includes:
• New battery recently fitted
• Last service carried out at 71, 702 miles (March 2022)
• DISA valve upgraded to aluminium to prevent a known M54 failure point
• Rocker cover gasket replaced at the same time
• Full underbody underseal treatment in 2020 at 64, 400 miles
• Brake discs and pads all round replaced within the last ~10, 000 miles
• Four new tyres fitted and all alloy wheels refurbished
The car drives exactly as a 3. 0-litre BMW straight six should — smooth, strong, and an absolute pleasure to drive.
MOT
The car has a brand-new MOT with no advisories, valid until 04/ 01/ 2027.
Condition
For a 2002 car, the condition is very good and honest. As expected with age, there are a few minor cosmetic points:
• Light age-related paintwork wear
• Very slight lacquer peel in a couple of small areas
• Windscreen rubber trim beginning to deteriorate
None of these detract from the overall presentation and are entirely consistent with a well-kept, original car of this age.
Known points to note
• The factory satellite navigation screen itself works correctly; however, the BM54 radio control unit in the boot has a known fault, which can cause the system to wake intermittently. This is a very common E46 issue and would require repair or replacement in future.
• A small dent on the quarter panel behind the driver’s door.
• The electronic remote key battery is currently flat and will require replacement. - Supplied with one remote key and two BMW safety/ valet keys.
Sale details
• The car is currently SORN
• Inspections are very welcome
• Test drives available for serious buyers (by arrangement)
Reason for sale
This car was a long-term personal want of mine, purchased from a former customer when I worked in a garage. I had admired it for years and finally had the chance to buy it. Sadly, due to plans to return to long-term travel abroad, I won’t be staying in the UK and feel this car deserves to go to someone who will genuinely appreciate, enjoy, and use it.
This is a rare opportunity to buy a low-mileage, one-owner, pre-facelift E46 330Ci M Sport with exceptional provenance. Cars like this are becoming increasingly hard to find and are now widely regarded as future classics.
Serious enquiries only please.
Happy to answer any questions. I’ve always loved the BMW E46 M3, and when I couldn’t secure one years ago, the 330Ci felt like the next best thing — and honestly, it hasn’t disappointed for a second. Every time I drive this car, it puts a genuine smile on my face. It’s smooth, sounds lovely, and drives exactly how a proper car should.
What really makes this one special is how original and unmodified it is. Finding a one-owner, low-mileage E46 in this condition is becoming increasingly difficult, especially in Topaz Blue, which I believe is the best colour they came in. Despite being a 2002 car, it still turns heads and, in my opinion, looks as good as — if not better than — most modern cars.
I hope it goes to an enthusiast who truly appreciates what it is, understands its growing value, and feels the same pride and enjoyment every time they get behind the wheel as I have.
