Description
2000 BMW 323Ci SE Manual | Titan SilverReluctantly selling my E46 323Ci after nearly four years of ownership. This car has genuinely been my pride and joy and has been maintained regardless of cost throughout my ownership. I purchased the car on just 42, 198 miles, and it has now covered approximately 86, 000 miles. Originally a company car, it spent the first three years of its life within BMW ownership before being purchased by one elderly gentleman, he had the car for the following 19 years. I became the third private owner. The car is HPI clear, the V5 is in my name, and it comes with an extensive service history along with a huge folder of invoices and receipts documenting the work carried out throughout its life. During my ownership, I have serviced the car every 6, 000–10, 000 miles using quality parts and fluids. Prior to my ownership, the history shows the car was also serviced approximately every 10, 000 miles, with receipts to support the work. It has never missed a service and has always been well maintained. Finished in Titan Silver with the fantastic 2. 5-litre M52 straight-six engine paired to the sought-after 5-speed manual gearbox, this is a fantastic example of a classic BMW driver’s car. Factory specification includes:* Full black leather interior* Electric front seats* Electric folding mirrors* Electric sunroof* Cruise control* Automatic climate control* Rear parking sensors* Piano black interior trim* 18” MV1 alloy wheels* M Aerodynamic body kitDuring my ownership, I have invested ridiculous amounts into servicing, maintenance, repairs and upgrades, with a huge folder of invoices and receipts to support everything. I have never been afraid to spend money on the car and have always fixed things properly. Some of the major work carried out includes:* Bilstein B14 coilover suspension with new top mounts, spring pads and dust covers* 330Ci full brake upgrade* New clutch at 54, 000 miles* Complete cooling system overhaul carried out recently including radiator, expansion tank, thermostat and hose replacements.* Oil filter housing gasket* Head cover gasket* Oil level sensor* Suspension arms and bushes* Rear trailing arm bushes* Rear braided brake linesWhere possible, genuine BMW replacement parts have always been used. During my ownership, the car has covered mostly motorway miles. It is an incredibly comfortable and refined car for longer journeys, with a smooth straight-six engine, quiet cabin and excellent driving position making it a pleasure to spend hours behind the wheel. The beauty of the E46 is that it completely changes character when you find the right road. Point it down a twisty back road and the straight-six really comes alive. The smooth power delivery, rear-wheel drive chassis, manual gearbox and fantastic engine note combine to create the engaging driving experience that BMW is famous for. It genuinely feels like two cars in one: a refined, comfortable cruiser for long-distance journeys, but a fun and rewarding driver’s car when the road starts to wind. Mechanically, I genuinely cannot fault the car. It starts first time, pulls strongly through every gear and drives exactly as an E46 should. The honest bits…Let’s be realistic — it is a 26-year-old BMW, so it is not cosmetically perfect.* The rear bumper could do with a respray after someone caught it whilst parking (photos available).* The driver’s front wing has previously been replaced with an aftermarket panel. The fitment is not quite factory perfect and can be seen in the photos.* Beneath that wing is a small surface rust spot (approximately 1. 5cm). I have inspected it (with the wing and skirt off) and it is purely surface corrosion with no rot underneath.* The rear arches are solid; however, when new tyres were fitted in December, they have scrubbed on the inner arch. This is not visible from the outside and can only be felt if you run your hand along the inner edge.* The door handles are showing their age and would benefit from a repaint.* At some point before my ownership, the driver’s door appears to have suffered what I think is a small dent which has since been repaired. In certain lighting and from particular angles, you can just make out where the repair has been carried out, but it is subtle and not something that immediately stands out.* The alloys could also benefit with a refurb. I have always preferred to be completely honest, and none of the above affects how it drives, and I have always prioritised keeping the car mechanically right rather than chasing every minor cosmetic imperfection. Overall this is an incredibly honest, enthusiast-owned E46 that has wanted for nothing during my ownership. I have invested tens of thousands of pounds into keeping it mechanically right because I genuinely intended to keep the car long term. I should add I always receive compliments from passers by for how clean it is!Finding a manual, six-cylinder E46 that has not been neglected is becoming increasingly difficult. If you are looking for a properly maintained example with a fantastic ownership history, comprehensive service records and a caring owner behind it, I think you will struggle to find many better. I am looking for anywhere between 4. 8-5. 4k for this car. I strongly believe this is a very fair price, especially when considering the maintenance carried out, the amount spent and the future this car holds for the next owner. Any questions or if you would like any additional photos, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
