Model History

The BMW E46 was the fourth generation of the BMW 3-Series and was produced from 1998 to 2006. In May 1995, the general exterior design of the E46 by Erik Goplen was approved and as a result DesignworksUSA was contracted by BMW to work alongside BMW Group's in-house design team to create the exterior bodywork for the 3-Series range in February 1996. Based on the E36 body shell, the design team put an emphasis on improving aerodynamics and increasing the car's aggressive stance.

The body shell of the E46 was subsequently claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than its E36 predecessor, and aluminium was used for an increased quantity of suspension components, in order to decrease unsprung mass. In tune with BMW's core values regarding handling dynamics, the E46 was released with a front engine rear-wheel drive layout and a 50/50 weight distribution. The car was considered by many as setting the benchmark in its class when it came to performance and handling, that was thanks to the E46’s near-perfect weight distribution and sophisticated rear suspension set up; neither the Audi A4, Mercedes C-class, or Alfa 156 could touch it. It was available with a range of four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as a powerful diesel option.

In March 2003, facelift versions of the coupé and convertible models were released for the 2004 model year. The updates included revised headlights, a revised grille, bonnet and front bumper, new LED rear lights, and an upgraded DVD-based navigation system.

Equipment

Mystic Blue Metallic paintwork, Light Beige Montana leather upholstery, Electric folding soft-top in dark blue, M Sports Package II, Sports suspension, Aerodynamics Package, Multifunction M leather steering wheel, Heated and electrically adjustable front Sports seats with memory, Harman/Kardon HiFi sound system, Cruise control, Front central armrest, Automatic air conditioning, Rain sensitive wipers, Self-dimming rear view mirror, Automatic Xenon lights, On-board computer, Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Front fog lights, Clear indicators, High gloss Shadowline exterior trim, Myrtle wood interior trim, Alpine satellite navigation, Rear parking camera, Velour BMW carpet mats, Removable wind deflector and storage case, Complete BMW toolkit, Spare wheel, Spare key.

Exterior

This beautiful facelift E46 cabriolet is finished in Mystic Blue Metallic, which makes for a lovely combination with the cream leather upholstery. The paintwork is absolutely first-rate throughout and, after careful inspection, appears entirely original all round with only few light frontal stone chips to report. The body is pin-sharp along both sides with a deep glossy shine across every panel – our studio photos really don't do it justice. All of the plastic trims retain their matte black appearance, the glass and lights are free from any cracks or discolouration, and the immaculate dark blue soft-top works perfectly. Additionally boasting a removable hardtop and looking every bit the low mileage of 28k, it’s the finest we've seen.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

In keeping with the exterior the cabin also presents in immaculate condition. The welcoming leather upholstery retains a soft textured finish and is free from any marking or signs of heavy use. The car has always been garaged and so the leather has never been allowed to dry out or crack in the sun. All the dash and driver controls are immaculate, and everything works just as it should including the air conditioning. In the footwells the original beige overmats are retained and, like the rest of the carpets, remain in perfect condition. The boot area is also immaculate and every tool is present in the BMW kit; the wind deflector can also be found here, neatly stowed in its original case.

The car is fully equipped with a number of desirable factory options including heated electric front seats, the Harman/Kardon HiFi sound system, auto lights/wipers, and glossy Myrtle wood trim. An upgraded Alpine sat nav unit and rear parking camera (not pictured) have also been fitted for modern convenience.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

Barely run-in with a mere 28k miles on the clock the 3-litre straight six offers effortless silky-smooth driving while still packing a punch when you need to get a shift on. The auto 'box is the perfect match for the 330 with almost undetectable gear changes. All in all, a real driving treat - especially with the top town.

Reading through the history file its clear this E46 has always been well maintained; it's had 9 services to date and the most recent one was carried out at 24,120 miles. Despite its low mileage the car has always been in general service having never been taken off the road for any long period of time. It has been MOT'd annually and has never failed a test; all the MOT certificates are still present within the paperwork further verifying the mileage.

WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES

This facelift 330Ci Sport sits on the original 18-inch MV2 alloy wheels, all in excellent condition. The BMW centre emblems and M badges are also in perfect order all round. The wheels are shod in a matching set of Dunlop Sport Maxx tyres with plenty of tread left. The brakes have also been checked and remain in fine operational condition.

History File

This surely unrepeated 330Ci was first registered in December 2003. It was originally supplied by Lind BMW Colchester and has now driven just 28k miles in the hands of only 3 careful owners. Within the history file the lucky new owner will be presented with the original BMW leather docuent wallet, all owner's manuals, an original E46 sales brochure, every MOT certificate since 2006, a thick raft of invoices, numerous tax discs, and the spare key with the supplying dealer key fob still attached.

The car was sold by us to the current fastidious owner who has used and enjoyed it in and around the south of France, covering only about 3k miles during his custodianship. Since its purchase from 4 Star the BMW has been fitted with a discreet rear parking camera that integrates seamlessly with the previously installed touchscreen Alpine head unit.

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