BMW launched the E46 to great success in the late 1990s, a development of the previous generation E36 chassis. This new 3 Series would further serve to cement BMW’s position as a class leader in this segment. Refined, well-built and good-looking, for many this is the ultimate 3 Series.
 
Available with a wide range of engines in both petrol, and diesel in various body styles from compact all the way to touring, the E46 could be all things to all drivers. This saloon, with its individual specification and smooth yet powerful straight-six engine is perhaps the perfect mix of all this model had to offer.

 

This E46 has lived a pampered life, having only covered around 77k miles in its 20-year life, and it shows. Only 4 previous owners with a whole host of service receipts and stamps from BMW dealers and specialists alike. 
 
The current owner is choosing to move this Orient Blue example on in the hopes of moving to an M3 in the future.  

 

Though the car has covered comparatively low miles for its age, this E46 hasn’t missed out on any major servicing. The paperwork present includes multiple oil changes, front brakes, and wheel bearings at BMW, recently the car was treated to a fresh set of OE Bosch ignition coils as the original items had begun to deteriorate, as well as paperwork for the Airbag recall.
 
In fact, looking back through this cars MOT history compounds the history and condition with only a handful of advisories being listed over its lifetime.

 
This is where this example stands out from the rest – optioned from new with ‘V5LT – Light Yellow Exclusive Nappa Leather Sports Seats’ and contrasting ‘0438 – Myrtle Dark Wood Trim’
 
BMW’s standard issue leather isn’t renowned for being the best – it’s quite coarse, but the Nappa option fitted to this car isn’t It’s soft and supple, and the seat is broken up by a waffle stamped leather and a stripe down the centre.
 

It was in period most certainly an extremely expensive option. But that’s not all, this example was ordered equipped with multi-function steering wheel, rear electric windows, professional satellite navigation which the owner assures us does still work although due to there no longer being analogue TV channels, watching Cash in the Attic in your BMW isn’t an option unless you source a Freeview aerial adaptor.
 
You’ll also find automatic rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlamps, automatic climate control, auto-dimming interior mirror, and rear parking sensors. The optional extras list for this car is quite extensive, the owner reached out to BMW UK directly who shared the full option list, which can be seen in the images.

 

Finished in 317M – Orient Blue Metallic – this E46 Sport Saloon remains a timeless design – the M-Sports II package equips it with sport bumpers and side-skirts, 18” MV1 alloy wheels, and a boot spoiler. 
 
The car presents in a great overall condition – with age related marks dotted around the car, which are to be expected after 20 years of use. The only areas of note are some paint damages in the passenger door frame where the window surround trim had broken, which has now been refitted with new clips from BMW. With so few advisories on the MOT backing up the overall underside condition too. 
 
No modifications here, just a completely standard un-molested modern classic. This being a 2.5L 6-Cylinder car the rear is complimented by BMWs iconic twin pipe exhaust. 

 

The M54B25 fitted in this car, and the M54 engine series in general is well known for being incredibly reliable, as is the 5 Speed gearbox. Despite being a 20-year-old car, when you open the bonnet your presented with a clean and tidy engine bay.
 
The M54 engine suffers with oil leaks, but that doesn’t seem to be the case here. The cam cover gasket is free from leaks, and none of the aluminium components of the engine are covered in the grease and detritus that would indicate a long-standing oil leak.
 
As mentioned earlier in the paperwork, all 6 ignition coils have recently been replaced with OE Bosch units. The owner tells us that this was prompted by a small cold start misfire that was diagnosed as the ignition coil on number 5, but rather than scrimp and fit a single coil, all 6 were replaced to ensure the long-standing reliability of the car remains. The owner tells us that during the coil replacement a new cabin air filter was fitted too.
 
The owner tells us there are no nasty clunks, knocks or bangs and the car drives smoothly, pulls well in all the gears, and returns around 30mpg in his mix of motorway and around town driving.
 

 

 
E46 values are going up, that’s clear to see, so putting your money in a reasonable mileage, 6-cylinder car with a manual gearbox is no bad thing. With a low owner history, low miles and an incredibly rare and desirable set of options, this could be the perfect modern classic. 
 
The M54B25 engine in this car is also ULEZ compliant, meaning that this car can be used in and around London without stress of paying any additional daily charges. 
 
You can enjoy this car’s driving prowess, modern classic status, and silky smooth drive, whilst also not being in fear of breaking down, or losing too much money on maintenance! It is, make no mistake, one of the finest modern classics you can buy.