2004 BMW 3 SERIES

I am selling a very good ULEZ compliant E46 Convertible that qualifies for classic car insurance. It is the 6 cylinder 2.2 petrol M Sport model with 5 speed ZF automatic gearbox. It has been very well maintained from new and kept garaged. The paintwork is original Black Sapphire Metallic 475/9 ceramic coated with heated natural leather seats and door cards. Harmon Kardon business CD stereo and a BMW windbreak. Front and rear shock absorbers and springs replaced within last 1k miles along with rear callipers, discs and pads all round. Auto gearbox was stripped and rebuilt at 98k miles by Ken at Transmission Technology in Knowle who looks after my cars, it was a little sluggish in changing and needed a new pump which was supplied by ZF. Correct new high power battery installed and starts immediately. Original MV2 Alloys were refurbished at 99k and there are very good Continentals on the front with recent Khumos on the rear. Drives as it should and just about everything works correctly including the hood, heated seats and central locking. The only fault that I am aware of, that I have not repaired, is that the door mirrors do not adjust electronically. This has not concerned me as I am the only driver and they are simple to adjust manually if required.

I have a collection of E46 cars, all high spec and rust free with similar mileages, including 330i Tourings and CI convertibles. My first E46 was a new Oxford Green 330Ci Convertible in 2002 and I have spent the last 24 years driving little else. I am approaching retirement and doing far fewer miles so reducing my collection. This one has done 10 miles since the last MOT and will be a very low cost car for the new owner to maintain. The best advice that I can give anyone who is thinking of buying an E46 is to buy the very best that you can afford with decent spec and M Sport as a minimum. The SE cars are not the same, no matter what the person selling it tells you. Heated seats will let you have the hood down on the coldest bright day and this car has rarely been used with the hood up. Entry level M3 are now very expensive cars to own and most have been caned. Good 330's are now appreciating quickly and the 320 and 325 models represent great value if you can find a rust free car that has been well maintained. If you need to hit 60mph faster than 9.5 seconds, or exceed 135mph, then you might need the bigger engine, but any 6 cylinder engine in an E46 is very comfortable. A car with rust and issues will never return the money that it will cost to repair these cars properly and will be off the road more than on it.

If you have something that is sensibly priced to exchange, I will consider, if it helps the deal to happen. Delivery is possible at cost, as with any older car purchase, I strongly advise personal inspection before purchase. I make good coffee and have all the time in the world for genuine enthusiasts. The car is located in Solihull, comes with a book pack, V5 in my name and no surprises.