Highlights
- Meticulously maintained by the current owner
- Highly original and unmodified
- Large mechanical maintenance carried out in 2021
- New MOT
The Appeal
The E46 is considered by many to be the best generation of the 3 series there is, and we’d have to agree. The naturally aspirated straight six is beautifully smooth and free revving and the steering is simply sublime. Easy to drive, but with confidence inspiring levels of feedback that make you feel like Colin McRae it’s easy to see why the E46 is still so well loved today.
This particular 325ci was intended to be kept long term by the owner, but other projects have forced its sale, however this means that it has been exceptionally well cared for during the current ownership and combined with the low mileage makes this one of the best E46’s we have seen.
The History and Paperwork
- V5 present
- New MOT valid until August 2023
- An invoice from May for an oil and filter change along with aircon re-gas
- An invoice from 2021 for repair and respray of the following areas: boot lid, inside of bonnet, roof trims, front bumper, windscreen pillars, front door shuts and a full underseal
- An invoice dated 2021 that includes the following: new thermostat and housing, intake gasket and oil filter housing gasket
- An invoice dated 2021 for new rear brake pads
- An invoice dated 2021 for gearbox and differential oil/fluid change
- An invoice dated 2021 including oil and filter change, new spark plugs, o/s/f roll bar link, o/s/f wishbone and new drive belt
- A selection of previous MOTs documenting mileage
- Stamps in the original booklet combined with the current owners invoices create a full service history
This particular example was originally owned for 17 years from new by the first owner. It actually has the same first two owners, as the original owner registered it new in NI then had it registered to the UK.
The current vendor since getting the car in 2021 has made significant expenditure, and it can be seen in the paperwork that between May 2021 to May 2022, most of it being preventative and all is spot on. Since purchase he has covered to date less than 700 miles with it.
It was also taken to Germany for a short period (we were told that the owner was in the armed forces) backed up by a service stamp at BMW Frankfurt. The original toolkit is complete. The car has just got a brand new MOT as well valid for the next 12 months.
The vendor will also include with the sale a quality outdoor car cover.
The current vendor since getting the car in 2021 has made significant expenditure, and it can be seen in the paperwork that between May 2021 to May 2022, most of it being preventative and all is spot on. Since purchase he has covered to date less than 700 miles with it.
It was also taken to Germany for a short period (we were told that the owner was in the armed forces) backed up by a service stamp at BMW Frankfurt. The original toolkit is complete. The car has just got a brand new MOT as well valid for the next 12 months.
The vendor will also include with the sale a quality outdoor car cover.
The Interior
- Excellent condition throughout
- Only the slightest signs of wear
- Entirely original and un-modified including the torch in the glovebox
The black leather interior of this 325 presents exceptionally well, showing only minor wear to the drivers bolster, it feels closer to new than a twenty year old car. BMW got the design of the interior perfect with the E46, whilst the car is significantly smaller than the modern 3 series the interior still feels spacious, but the driving position feels close to the road and makes for a fantastic driving experience.
Everything works exactly as it should and the dashboard, door cards, carpets and headlining are all excellent. The A and C pillar trims are starting to separate slightly due to the original adhesive losing some of its tack, but this really doesn’t detract from the overall fantastic impression the interior of this car makes.
Everything works exactly as it should and the dashboard, door cards, carpets and headlining are all excellent. The A and C pillar trims are starting to separate slightly due to the original adhesive losing some of its tack, but this really doesn’t detract from the overall fantastic impression the interior of this car makes.
The Exterior
- Excellent overall condition
- A large amount of work carried out by the current owner in 2021 to bring it up to its current condition
- All four wheels present well although there is scope for improvement to bring them up to the standard of the rest of the car
As with the interior of this car the exterior presents excellently overall. The paintwork is very good with only a few tiny stone chips to the leading edge of the bonnet and a scratch to the near side quarter panel that’s well within range of polishing out, however these are almost unnoticeable given how well this car presents. The light lenses, trim and windows are all fantastic and combined with the excellent paintwork this car looks fantastic.
The Mechanics
- Low mileage
- MOT until August
- Tyres are legal and useable but show perishing
- Starts easily and idles smoothly
- No unwanted sounds
- The owner reports that it drives perfectly
- Recent service
This car doesn’t just present well aesthetically; with full service history, low mileage and running perfectly it’s mechanically as good as it looks.
The undersides and engine bay present excellently and the owner reports that it drives perfectly, which with the straight six up front is smooth with excellent throttle response at any RPM. Benefitting from a very recent service, it’s ready to get on the road and enjoy.
The undersides and engine bay present excellently and the owner reports that it drives perfectly, which with the straight six up front is smooth with excellent throttle response at any RPM. Benefitting from a very recent service, it’s ready to get on the road and enjoy.
Summary
The E46 generation is much loved, not by just BMW enthusiasts but by all petrolheads, from the beautiful styling to the excellent engine and responsive steering they are a pleasure to drive and they don’t come better than this.
With only 2 owners, full service history and in excellent condition this is the one to have.
With only 2 owners, full service history and in excellent condition this is the one to have.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
