Highlights

Smart Steel Blue with Beige Mosaico high spec interior
£6,000 of factory fitted options when new
One family ownership from new
Recently serviced in April 2025
Brake discs, pads and fluid changed at the same time
MOT to April 2026
230bhp straight six 3L engine with manual gearbox
Factory hard top with stand included

The Appeal

The E46 was the last of a particular sort of BMW 3-Series, one where driver engagement trumped technology. These are entertaining cars. No wonder that enthusiasts absolutely adore them.

There are plenty about but few with the provenance and condition of this one. It has been in the same family from new, amassing just 85,500 miles in its 25 years. Finished in smart Steel Blue metallic with Beige Mosaico interior and fitted with £6,000 of options when new, it is a very smart car. The icing on the cake, of course, is that sweet-reving M54 230bhp powerplant allied to a manual box.

The car comes to market with matching hard top and stand and complete with full service history. It was last serviced and MOT’d in April of this year. The brake discs, pads and fluid was changed at the same time as the service. It has been fully valeted inside and out prior to sale.

The vendor says:

Fabulous to drive, a beautiful example with an excellent specification and in a superb colour combination

History and Paperwork

First registered 9th September 2000
Two registered keepers from new
Same family ownership since new
Originally purchased by the seller's father-in-law
Transferred to his daughter a year ago
Only covered 2,000 miles since end of 2020
Stored in garage since current ownership
Recently serviced in April 2025
New MOT until April 21, 2026 with advisories to note
Brake disc advisories appear to have been rectified during service
Current mileage: 85,503 miles
Factory handbooks
Hard top and stand
2 keys
V5C in current keeper’s name
Original bill of sale showing £6,000 of factory options
These include Xenon headlights, hard top, 18in alloys and wind deflector
Service, brake discs, pads and fluid in April 2025

The Condition

Steel Blue paintwork presents very well with few indications of age
Due to age and originality buyers should expect some light patination
The vendor reports that the paintwork has minor blemishes but not unsightly
Bodywork presents well with straight panels and no accident damage reported
Matching hard top in good condition as shown in photos
Recent professional interior and exterior valet prior to sale
Optional 18in alloy wheels in good general condition with some kerbing to note
Current MOT contains an advisory for a tyre
Underside presents well with no structural advisories on current MOT
Blue fabric roof in very good condition and working correctly
Contrasting light leather interior in "Beige Mosaico" with extensive factory options
Features Maple wood trim to console, dashboard and wheel as shown
Still has original first aid kit and rechargeable torch
Factory wind deflector included
Retains factory radio and other original interior fittings without modification
Advisories for side indicators on MOT

The Mechanics

2,979cc M54 straight-six 230bhp engine
5spd manual transmission
Factory tools and spare wheel
Well maintained with recent service and brake work as above
Starts first time, runs smoothly and drives very well we are told
The vendor informs us that it is fabulous to drive
No reported running or driving issues
Advisories to note on the current MOT
Brake disc advisories appear to have been rectified during service work

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand..