Timelessly styled, it’s hard to believe that a quarter of a century has passed since BMW’s ‘E46’ generation of 3-Series first appeared.
But as the good examples become fewer and further between, the collector market for nice E46s is picking up. Great to look at, terrific to drive and impressively built, they’re one of the last truly wonderful compact BMWs and are actively sought after in good condition.
This one is a really lovely example – a 318Ci Cabriolet, offering a fine combination of gorgeous styling, decent performance and respectable economy.
With just two previous keepers and a shade over 51,000 miles on the clock, it has bags of appeal.
Although it’s the entry-level specification Coupé, the original owner of the 318Ci didn’t baulk at the options list so it comes with full leather trim, cruise control, carbon fibre door inserts, and an M-Sport steering wheel.
Almost everything works as it should with the exception of the parking sensors which the vendor has noted are currently not functioning.
Overall the interior is very well-presented, with only a tiny amount of wear to the driver’s seat side bolster detracting from its otherwise immaculate condition.
Equipped with an M-Sport bodykit and optional 18-inch M-Sport alloy wheels, the 318Ci really looks the part, especially in its rare and desirable Mystic Blue colour scheme.
The bodywork is in fine order with no visible corrosion in any of the common E46 weak spots, while the vendor says the underside is also solid, as backed up by the car’s decent MOT history that shows no corrosion advisories.
It’s a terrific car to look at the electric roof still works as it should, the only minor cosmetic issues being some small marks to 3 of the alloy wheels, as can be seen in the photos. YtLF65hVBPSzrTn6IoAgLfKn8LcsBO8cmU5uhWnY.jpeg454.79 KB
THE MECHANICS
BMW 2.0-litre ‘N42’ engine
Five-speed automatic transmission
Comprehensively serviced
Starts and drives well
Reported by the vendor as being great to drive, the 318Ci runs well and holds good oil pressure, with no excessive smoke or untoward noises.
The 147 bhp 2.0-litre engine is a lively unit for its relatively modest power output and will sprint from 0- 60 in about 8 seconds, with a cruising speed comfortably beyond the legal limit, so it’s by no means slow.
This is a fabulous example of the E46 cabriolet and one that’s well worth putting away or adding to a collection, given how values of previous generation 3-Series soft-tops have gone in recent times.
It’s a superb example in a wonderful colour, and with a generous specification.
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