Highlights
- Rare ‘Farn Green’ paintwork with beige leather and walnut interior
- Low mileage of under 64,000 miles
- Current keeper since 2018
- Recent service, suspension work, alternator, brakes, and AC condenser
- Stored in a dry and secure lock-up for the past two years
- Four new tyres and new battery fitted
- Car will be sold with a new MOT
The Appeal
There’s an argument, and we’re not the only ones making it, that the E46 is ‘peak BMW.’ It may also be ‘peak car’ because its blend of Millennium-straddling technology and analogue engagement is near perfect.
Of the many engine options, it’s the 24V M54 3L straight six that enthusiasts gravitate to. It’s the real world 230bhp alternative to the M cars. This example leans into the grand touring luxury theme with its well-appointed walnut and beige leather cabin and 5spd ‘Tiptronic’ automatic gearbox. The mileage is surprisingly low, at sub-64,000 miles. That ensures the interior is well kept, as is the rare Farn Green metallic paintwork. There are a few cosmetic points to note in the photos - they could be lived with or remedied as you wish.
The vendor acquired the car in 2018 and tells us it was serviced annually until two years ago, when the car was placed into storage. Recent work includes attention to the suspension, new alternator, brake work, and new AC condenser. The tyres are new as is the battery. We’re told that the car will be sold with a fresh MOT.
The vendor says:
“The vehicle is absolutely fantastic to drive best vehicle I’ve ever had very reluctant to get rid of it and I think what I loved the most is the handling the nice smooth ride. All around a very lovely example of. this year, and one last thing, I love the colour or should I say it’s called Oxford Green, they only did this colour for two years.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 24th March 2001 in the United Kingdom
- Five registered keepers from new
- Purchased by the current keeper in March 2018
- Used as a secondary vehicle for short weekend trips only
- Serviced annually from purchase until approximately 2024
- Oil change carried out recently, we are told
- Stored in a dry and secure lock-up for the past two years
- Last MOT ran to February 2024 with no advisories on test
- 63,043 miles on last MOT and 63,680 miles in photos
- Car will be sold with a fresh 12-month MOT
- V5C
The Condition
- BMW VIN states the car is finished in rare Farn Green metallic
- Paintwork shows some scratches to the side panels, bonnet and roof
- Some scuffs to a wheel arch and stone chips to note
- Body described by the vendor as very clean
- Some marks and shallow dents to note to panels
- Underside described by the vendor as very clean
- Seven spoke factory alloys in fair condition with some scuffs and kerbing
- Recently fitted with four new tyres
- Vendor describes interior as very clean and rear seats have hardly been used
- Factory fitted steel sliding sunroof and electric driver’s seat with memory function
- Beige leather interior with walnut veneer trim to doors, dashboard and wheel
- Leather seats show some bolster wear to driver’s side
- Black footwell mats fitted
- Grey carpet in boot area generally clean with light marks
- Tool kit and what appears to be a space wheel (unverified)
- Parrot hands-free system connecting a phone to the vehicle speakers
- Brake light warning showing on the instrument cluster
- Reversing sensors are inoperable; replacement parts are included with the sale
The Mechanics
- M54 230bhp 2,979cc 24V inline-six engine
- Five-speed automatic transmission
- Described as serviced annually by the seller to 2024 when put in storage
- New alternator fitted
- New AC condenser fitted
- New brake pads and discs fitted
- New suspension fitted, mostly around the front end
- The vendor reports that the car starts well and runs smoothly
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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.
