BMW E46 330 Msport Convertible

[Cliff J]

So, after owning a MK1 Audi TT 225 for a short while, I started to miss the feel of a straight 6 engine, and went back to a BMW E46 330, but this time a facelifted version.

For the amount of car you get, I feel it's a real bargain at £2700, but it took a while to find the right one amongst the so-called "mint" examples I had to eliminate.

This car is a silver grey (Silbergrau) 2004 E46 model, a 3 litre straight 6 auto, an Msport version, which was totally standard but came complete with black heated and electric memory leather seats, Harmon Kardon sound system, including the ski hatch sub, and Xenon lights.
In standard trim the car gets 18" MV2 wheels, LED rear lights, plus the Msport front and rear bumpers, plus side skirts.
The roof is fully electric, as are the mirrors, but mine are not the folding type.

I previously owned the same model, but in blue, and pre-facelift, I always regretted selling it!!

Here are the "as bought" photos...








I've done a few little bits to the car, ie; rear brake pads changed, LED number plate bulbs, number plate surrounds, but I've also added some bigger and maybe more Marmimte additions, like 19" CSL rep wheels (19x8.5 fronts, 19x9.5 rears), plus CCFL Angel eyes as I just love them, and FK street coilovers.

I bought the wheels in poor state, but thanks to my buddy Richard at Ruislip tyres they were refurbed in sparkle silver, I also added new wheel bolts and centre caps, plus I added a little colour to the calipers..





Suddenly it all came together...














I know this isn't for everyone, but I'm so happy to be back in a 330 E46 again and I'm only just beginning on this journey.
Personally, I feel the 3L straight 6 and the auto box are a perfect match, this isn't a flat out, arse out, drive it like you stole it car, it's a cruiser, top down and relax, but plenty of power if you need it.
Once again, the auto box will not be for everyone.

I have genuine M3 mirrors bought, they're currently on the yellow M3 above, just waiting to do the swap over and get them sprayed up.

I hope you like it so far..

Edited by Cliff J on Monday 27th February 00:59

[Cliff J]

AdamIndy said:

That is lovely! A serious amount of car for the money too!

Thank you. It's one of those rare occasions you feel like you're ripping off the seller by giving over such a small amount, especially as this car is in such fantastic condition too!

[Cliff J]

NiallSlimDrew said:

Lovely car mate!

Thank you buddy

Edited by Cliff J on Monday 27th February 21:11

[Cliff J]

Rich_AR said:

Looks great!

You could have at least cleaned/polished that exhaust tip!

I kept meaning to, kept forgetting to lol

[Cliff J]

Mr Roper said:

Good choice.

I can only echo what you have said.

I've had a fair few capable PH type cars but this definitely has a place amongst them and deservedly so. Roof down, sit back and enjoy.

Here's mine...

100% standard, 60k miles, '04 and in damn near mint condition bar a couple of recent minor electrical gremlins.

A joy to drive.





ETA

I also bought the matching fitted luggage...Saddo.

I didn't even know there was matching fitted luggage!! lol
Mine is on 120k, so a fair bit more used than yours, but aside from rattling wishbone bushes, which I'll take care of soon, it feels tight and fresh. It doesn't smell fresh either!! it smells a little oily inside as I also need to do the rocker cover gasket, as expected, but these are all normal and easy enough.

As you said, this car holds its own, I also previously owned some proper cars, including an Evo 6, R33 GTR, 6 x Imprezas.

One thing I adore about silbergrau is the way the car changes from very light to quite dark in different light.

Edited by Cliff J on Monday 27th February 21:21

[Cliff J]

Andy OH said:

Lovely car OP and an absolute steal. Also lovely and subtle mods make it look even better. My wife had one of these in the same colour brand new in 2003 and I'll always remember the cost of it £33,333.00 with the extra's she had on it.

Thank you Andy. That's a good point of conversation, I didn't actually know the new price. I'm going to roll the rear arches and give the car a wider stance, I think it'll beef it up a bit, it looks so weak compared to the E46 M3!!

[Cliff J]

BlueHave said:

Great car, the 330.

Those M badges get on my tits though, BMW put them on everything

Yeah, the 330 is big and lazy, but in sport mode it has a nice howl and lovey linear pull.

When I bought this car it had an M badge on the front grill, I took it off before I left the sellers house to bring it home lol
I do agree that the M badging should really be left for the proper motorsport cars, M3 etc.

[Cliff J]

Gunk said:

Lovely car OP, I had a 330i convertible new back in 2002 an SE but with sports seats, sports suspension and style 68M alloys, like you say not a rocket but a nice laid back driving experience.

Not great with a young baby though, so sadly mine had to go and was replaced with the silver 330i touring which I kept for about 8 years.

Good to see some love for these 330s Because of my Skoda Octavia Estate company car, it means I can afford the luxury of such a car, and live in both worlds of practical economy and then this soft top 3 litre cruiser, which does not have the best MPG, but definitely more smiles per miles.

[Cliff J]

8003px said:

looks an absolute beauty, 10/10

Cheers.

[Cliff J]

JamesRF said:

Always liked these with the CSL's, what's the ride quality like with them and the coilovers fitted?

I owned mine for 3 years, bought on 88k and sold on 118k. Was slightly sceptical of the higher mileage at the time but it served me well. Heavy on the front brakes and needed various bushes replacing etc but nothing that surprising for its age. Loved the engine so much I replaced it for a 1 series with the straight 6 as well, never get tired of the smoothness and subtle roar.

Quick pic of the old girl....

I had a blue one previously with CSLs, such a classic wheel. I notice you had a stubby aerial, it's on my list of things to replace very soon.
The ride with 19s and coilovers is slightly harder than the standard set-up, but nothing major at all, you lose some ride quality, but I'm more than happy to sacrifice for the way it looks, I just cannot walk away from it without turning back to have another look lol

EDITED: To say, I also love that little boot lip spoiler too.... hmmmm

[Cliff J]

As I said before, I did used to own a pre-facelifted blue 330 E46, but regretted selling it. This time I wanted a facelift version so that it felt like I wasn't completely going backwards.. but I actually think they look more aggressive.


BMW E46 330ci convertible by Cliff Judson, on Flickr

Edited by Cliff J on Tuesday 28th February 23:22

[Cliff J]

ruprechtmonkeyboy said:

I didn't think that CSL reps would work on an E46 other than the M3. However, I was wrong as that looks great

Thank you. They're one of my favourite wheels, they had to work lol

[Cliff J]

Due to Photobuckets new crappy 3rd party hosting policies, most of my thread is rubbish now, but to update, the car started like this....

IMG_7722 by Cliff Judson, on Flickr

Complete with paedophile number plate!!

IMG_7727 by Cliff Judson, on Flickr



and now to date, looks like this>>>

BMW E46 330 CONVERTIBLE by Cliff Judson, on Flickr


BMW E46 330 CONVERTIBLE by Cliff Judson, on Flickr


BMW E46 330 CONVERTIBLE by Cliff Judson, on Flickr


C12FFJ E46 BMW CONVERTIBLE 330 by Cliff Judson, on Flickr

Admittedly some of the mods are not for everyone, but it's definitely very much how I style my cars.

In addition to the exterior mods, I have added a Sony bluetooth hands free stereo, new control arm bushes (lollipop bushes), sorted 2 nasty oil leaks and 2 broken breather pipes have been replaced, plus a new alternator belt, new expansion tank and top hose, plus auto gearbox thermostat, and of course the all important MOT was passed.

Overall, I'm loving this car, it's worth spending money on and maintaining. I really want an E46 M3 next, so will keep this until that day comes.

Edited by Cliff J on Friday 21st July 00:04

[Cliff J]

G111MDS said:

Car looks great! E46 definitely my favourite shape of 3 series

Yeah, me too. I'd have a newer 3 series to be fair though in M3 guise if I could afford to.

DanielSan said:

It's hard to beat an E46 lowered on some nice wheels, heres my pre-facelift 330 coupe. Not bad for 164k miles.

That looks great on those wheels and the colour of the car is very nice too, that's a really great looking E46

Funk said:

That does look lovely on those wheels. I'm still not sure I'm going to keep mine past the end of the year - I have a hankering for a V8 and more power...

Don't we all? The wife wants us to buy a Mustang one day, I'm not arguing