Highlights

Rare survivor of these nimble, agile hatchbacks
Highly original and unmodified car
Well presented and very usable modern classic
MOT to April 2026
UPDATED MILEAGE: Only 70,000 from new.

The Appeal

The 3-Series Compact was BMW’s bid for the ‘hot hatchback’ market. It was a late arrival, but in typical style, a great one. Taking the E36 and then E46 as its basis delivered a car that was arguably more nimble and agile than its highly rated saloon and coupe siblings.

This second-generation E46-based Compact is a 316Ti but has the later 1.8l N42 116 bhp engine fitted to these cars. The vendor tells us it had one elderly gentleman keeper from new who gave it to the previous seller as he could no longer drive.

Smartly finished in light green, it will please purists because it is entirely factory standard. The originality extends to the original Williams BMW dealer plates and stickers. With only 69,000 miles from new, it is in very good condition for its year and likely one of the best of the handful of UK survivors.

With MOT to April 2026, this is a practical, engaging and very usable way to get your classic fix.

The vendor says:

“This BMW 316ti E46 Se Compact is a fantastic drive, completely unmodified, totally pure and original. 1 of only 13 2002 BMW 316ti E46 Compacts still registered on the UK roads as of Q4 2024, total number of BMW 316ti Compacts only total 29 as of Q4 2024. It's in a rare colour that is not commonly found anymore - there are probably only a handful of these green 316ti still on the roads, including this one.

“It's honestly amazing to drive, the gear shifts are better than most modern cars, it's a car you could endlessly cruise in or just enjoy spending the day cleaning - it's truly original in every way, a purest's dream!”

History and Paperwork

First registered on January 31, 2002 at Williams BMW in Liverpool
3 former registered keepers according to DVLA
Vendor states car was bought new by the previous keeper, an elderly gentleman
Discrepancy may be due to DVLA record keeping and V5C changes
Service history available up to 2013 from Williams BMW dealer
All original documents included
Comes with 2 original keys with original key identifier sticker
Second key needs battery replacing
MOT to 16th April 2026 with minor advisories

Original features advised by seller as detailed below:

Factory manuals
Williams BMW stamp
Original breakdown warning triangle in boot
Various tool kits
Electric wheel inflator machine
Original key identifier stickers in the 'Service Kontakt' booklet
Original registration certificate
Cash Sale Invoice for original purchase
Handover checklist
Two keys
New keeper's slip

Factory SE specification:

Park Distance Control (parking sensors working)
Automatic air conditioning
Multifunction steering wheel
Sports leather steering wheel
Alloy wheels
Sports suspension settings
Rare electric rear vent windows

BMW Datacard:

Prod. Date 2002-01-07
Type 316TI
Series E46 (3 Series)
Body Type Compact
Engine N42
Drive rwd
Colour türkis-grau metallic
Upholstery Cloth "International"/anthracite
S785 White direction indicator lights
S428 Warning triangle and first aid kit
S431 Interior mirror with automatic-dip
S441 Smoker package
S473 Armrest front
S493 Storage compartment package
S495 3-point belt & head restr'nt,rear middle
S661 Radio BMW Business (C43)
S692 Preparation, BMW 6-CD changer I-bus
S508 Park Distance Control (PDC)
S520 Fog lights
S534 Automatic air conditioning
S550 On-board computer
S226 Sports suspension settings
S249 Multifunction f steering wheel
S255 Sports leather steering wheel
S262 ITS - Head airbag
S279 BMW light-alloy wheel star spokes 45
S302 Alarm system
S315 Rear window wiper
S362 Vent window, electric, rear
S812 Great Britain/Ireland version
S832 Battery in luggage compartment
S850 Dummy-SALAPA
S853 Language version, English
S863 Dealer List Europe
S877 Omission of non-combined operation
S880 On-board literature, English

The Condition

Very original car that presents in very good condition considering age
Light green metallic paintwork in good order with light marks to note in photos
Scuffs to paint including rear nearside sill as shown
Light marks to wing mirror trims and some stone chips to front of car
Bodywork presents well with arches, sills and underside in good order
No structural advisories on current MOT
Lights present well with front offside indicator showing misting in photos
Factory 16in seven-spoke alloy wheels have some scuffs and marks as shown
Tyres have advisories to note on current MOT
Original and generally well-kept interior with SE specification as detailed above
Black fabric ‘anthracite’ coloured seats in good condition with light wear to driver’s bolster
Cabin trim including console fittings show some wear in photos
There is also wear to both door card grab handles
All electrics working according to seller including rare rear electric windows
Features parking sensors, automatic air conditioning, multifunction steering wheel

The Mechanics

1,796cc N42 4cyl 116bhp engine
5-speed manual transmission
Mechanically sound and starts reliably according to the seller
We are told the brakes are in good working order
Vendor reports that gears shifts smoothly and precisely
Maintained by supplying dealer Williams BMW to 2013
We understand that the car was last serviced by main dealer in 2013 but serviced this year independently
Photographs indicate that the airbag warning light is illuminated
Described by seller as running and driving with no issues
Advisories to note on current MOT
Drivers door only unlocks with key manually

BEFORE YOU BUY

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