• Clean and smart 325Ci in stunning Silver Grey 

• Facelift model with huge spec

• Electric roof works perfectly

• Sold with full 12-month MOT
• New clutch 

Introduced at the end of 1998 for the 1999 model year, the BMW E46 was one of the best-received of the company’s models of all-time. 

Over-engineered and beautifully made, the E46 was  not only a fine addling car, but a great looking one, too. It was, of course, BMW’s most important model so no expense was spared in its development, and it showed. A lovely car, from the basic 316 up to the flagship 330Ci, which was the designation for both coupe and cabriolet models. 

The E46 sold brilliantly well throughout its seven-year life, such was its overall brilliance. Indeed, when its replacement, the E90, was announced BMW saw a rush on the last E46 Coupes and Cabriolets, as there was no indication as to when a next generation of either would appear. 

This example is a 2004 E46 with a very sensible 115k on the clock, from quite late in the model’s life. That means it gets a more efficient and more powerful version of the 2.5-litre engine, as well as the facelifted front end and improved cabin that were seen on later variants. It’s also fitted with the desirable M-Sport accessory kit.

RJ54 HDD was first registered in September 2004, to an owner who kept it for three years. It then appears to have changed hands in 2007 through a BMW Approved Used Car scheme,  and remained with its next owner until 2014. It has had two further keepers since. It was off the road for 18 months until the current owner acquired it and recommissioned it, getting it through a new MOT test and giving it a general service. 

He bought the car as one of three BMWs, as there was one he wanted from a job lot. This one is surplus to requirements, though the owner has said he’s like to see it sold quickly so he doesn’t get too attached to it.

The E46 has just passed an MOT test with one minor advisory (wear to the inner edge of one tyre) and is ready for the next owner to use and enjoy. 

As well as the legally required papers, it also has the original dealer-supplied wallet featuring a few receipts and papers, including one for when the car was sold used in 2007 for £26,000.

There are a few other receipts for parts and service items also included.

Overall, this is a great looking car and BMW Silver Grey Metallic is by far one of the best E46 colours ever offered. It looks great on a E46 saloon or Touring, and absolutely sensational on the Cabriolet and Coupé, especially with the M-Sport kit fitted and the drop-dead gorgeous 18-inch M-Sport alloys seen here. 

Overall, this is a great looking car and it has no visible corrosion, nor was there any picked up on the recent MOT test, which should provide reassurance to the next owner. 

However, it is entirely and 100% original, so you have to make some allowances for it being 17 years old. In this case, a small dent on the nearside rear wheel arch (no bigger than a penny) and some kerb marks to the alloy wheels, plus some scuffs to one door mirror. 

None of these are major detractions, though, and could very easily be put right via a smart repair specialist if they bother you. They don’t stand out at all. It’s a terrific looking car, and the fabric roof is in excellent condition, too, operating as it should via the interior switches.

The E46 is a cosy place to be and has a simple, uncluttered dash with a central stack containing the radio and climate controls, and the dials in a typically concise and fuss-free BMW instrument binnacle. 

It’s a no-nonsense, clinically presented interior but it’s all very intuitive and focused on the driver. Thanks to the M-Sport pack, this one also gets a leather-trimmed M-Sport steering wheel and matching gear knob.

It’s all in generally good condition and everything appears to work, although there is some seatbelt wear to the driver’s seat side bolster. 

It also has brand new M-Sport style mats, which give the cabin a fresh appearance, along with upgraded 6 x 9 speakers in the rear deck panel.

Under the bonnet, the 325Ci features a 2,494cc straight six developing 190bhp – enough to give pretty lively performance, not least thanks to its torquey mid-range power delivery and inherent smoothness. 

It’s a decent unit, and it appears to be in good health with no leaks or rattles or untoward smoke. It holds a steady temperature and good oil pressure. 

Transmitting the power is the 5 speed manual gearbox, which benefits from a new clutch.

The vendor reports that it drives really well, with the E46’s trademark incredible steering feel (if you’ve never driven one, you need to…) and no issues with the suspension, steering or brakes.

Modern classic BMWs are very much on the up at the moment – you only have to look at values of the E46’s predecessors to see that E30s and E36s are both worth decent dollar today in the right spec and condition, and the E46 is now headed the same way.

In terms of specification and condition, this one ticks both boxes. It’s a great spec and colour, and while the condition is very good rather than perfect, it has unmodified originality in its favour and is in pretty fine order overall. It’s a great, unmolested example of a type that’s become increasingly rare.