2003 BMW 330Ci Clubsport Auto

Highlights 

• Rare Clubsport model

• Sportier, lighter and more driver-focused E46

• Excellent, cheaper alternative to an M3

• MOT to April 2026

• Mechanically sound

Overview

What do you buy if you want a good value, driver-focused, sportier version of the legendary BMW E46 3 series? If your answer to that question is an M3 then you're wrong. Yes, the M3 is the ultimate incarnation of BMWs compact executive but you're forgetting one huge drawback: the M tax. 

Not only is a good E46 M3 rather expensive for most, it also costs a pretty penny to run. An arguably better, and certainly cheaper option would be to go for a 330Ci Clubsport instead. Still an excellent car the 330Ci Clubsport is rare, looks the part and drives fantastically thanks to its 231bhp six-cylinder engine, uprated suspension and a crash diet of around 20kg over the standard 330.

Offered as a bridge between the 330Ci Sport model and the legendary M3 Coupe, the Clubsport is an interesting proposition for those looking for a little extra from their E46. Good examples of BMW's fourth gen 3 Series are becoming harder to find but the Clubsport models, like this one, are an interesting way into old(ish)-school BMW ownership without that aforementioned M premium. 

Only available in a handful of colours and featuring unique wheels and a fancy rear spoiler (among other tweaks) it remains a handsome beast with plenty of power from the straight-six. This particular Estoril Blue example presents well overall and is in great shape mechanically with a valid MOT until April 2026.

History and documentation

• 2003 model year

• Two keys

• History file including a BMW used car purchase invoice, historical MOT certificates, and various invoices for parts and servicing 

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 29 Mar 2003

• MOT until 15 Apr 2026

• HPI clear

• 127,591 miles 

Interior

• Full black leather interior appears to be wearing well

• Carpets and door cards look good

• Dash is undamaged

• Steering wheel in good condition

• Gear knob showing signs of wear

• Some minor patina to the drivers side but the seats look to be in good condition with fully functioning front electric adjustment

• The car has an after market CarPlay unit fitted providing Bluetooth connectivity for a phone connection

• Stereo amplifier fitted behind the driver's seat

• The vendor informs us that the material on the inside pillars needs attention and re-sticking but that the interior and roof lining is generally in good condition

• The central locking doesn't work on the key remote but does work with the key in the lock and on the button in the car

• Boot space is clean and tidy

• Comes with tool kit (incomplete), jack and space saver spare wheel with tyre

Exterior

• In decent, presentable condition overall

• Shut lines appear straight

• The body work looks to be rust free

• There is a small dent by the drivers door

• Some paint cracks on the bonnet

• The 18” alloy wheels are in good condition but there is some curb rash to the nearside rear

• The tyres appear to be wearing well with decent tread depth but the offside front is a new Landsail LS388 as opposed to the Pirelli P Zero Nero GT items to be found on the other three wheels

• Looks to be very solid underneath with no visible issues

• The engine bay appears to be clean and in good order

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre straight-six engine

• 231bhp

• Automatic gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Scorpion exhaust

• Recent brake overhaul with new sports discs and pads as well as braided brake lines

• The vendor informs us that the car starts on the first turn of the key with no untoward noises, runs extremely well, pulls as you would expect and sounds awesome

Summary

The BMW E46 330Ci Clubsport is a handsome coupe with plenty of usable power that sits above the standard 330 in terms of looks and presence. Way cheaper than an M3 and arguably more exclusive, it's a tempting proposition for those looking to get into modern classic BMW motoring.

There are a few small niggles to tidy here and there with this example but the bones appear to be good and it scrubs up well so take the money you would have spent on an M3 and treat yourself to a few road trips abroad in your new 330Ci Clubsport instead.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.