The E46 is the fourth-generation of BMW’s ever-popular 3 Series range, produced from 1997 to 2006. First introduced in November 1997, the E46 was available in sedan, coupé, estate and hatchback body styles, with the convertible as offered here following in April, 2001.
UK models were powered by BMW’s strong in-line six paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 5-speed ZF-sourced automatic transmission.
Production run-out of the E46 line-up began from late 2004, following the introduction of the E90 3 Series sedans. However, the E46 coupé and convertible body styles remained in production until August 2006.
The History
YS52 XKJ has been enjoyed by just two former keepers since its first UK registration in December, 2002.
The current keeper – an Isle of Wight resident – acquired the car this year, but has reluctantly decided to re-home it due to the impracticality of the coupe’s lengthy doors vs narrow parking spaces.
The Paperwork
Along with the V5C and a valid MoT to December 2021, the car comes with an extensive range of original BMW handbooks, including the Owner’s Manual and the all-important Service Record, which contains a full history of BMW main-dealer service stamps, the last of which was recorded in November, 2018 at 83,269 miles.
Since then, the car has been driven just 3,303 miles.
The Interior
The interior presents in good condition throughout, with an expected degree of use commensurate with its mid-range mileage and almost twenty years of age. However, a degree of detailing will bring the interior up to a higher standard. All interior and exterior lights and instruments are said to be in good working order.
The car will come with a removable hardtop which is said to be in pristine condition and rarely fitted to the car or subject to sunlight. The patent leather-clad seats, wood trim, carpets and door cards are in good order as is the folding roof and the tidy boot houses a 6 x CD-multichanger and the satnav CD-ROM.
The Exterior
The exterior paintwork is in good condition and again, is commensurate with its mileage and age and the soft-top hood is in very good condition.
The original set of fitted alloy wheels are in good order with the odd small scuff visible. A cursory glance alongside both flanks reveals no blemishes or evidence of damage and all body panels present in good order.
The Mechanics
The car starts first time and holds a good idle. On the way to the photo location, the car drove exceptionally well and sounded as a GT cruiser should – lovely!
The underside of the car and side sills are in a condition again commensurate with its mileage and age, with no evidence of knocks or damage that may be caused by abusive or careless driving.
As mentioned above there is a Service Record booklet which contains the full history of BMW main-dealer service stamps, the last of which was recorded in November, 2018 at 83,269 miles.
The Appeal
Who doesn’t love a convertible? True roofless aficionados know there are many reasons for having one on your driveway but, bragging rights aside, most are sensory…exposed as you are to nature’s elements. There is the heightened sense of motion as scenery rushes by and the fragrance of fresh open air as dappled shade flickers across your Ray-Bans. Bliss!
The many remaining E46 3 Series Convertible examples appear to be almost exclusively lovingly cared-for and there is a wealth of information and technical support available at the UK BMW Owners Club website, the members of which are as knowledgeable and enthusiastic as they come.
There is little doubt that YS52 XKJ will be a worthy addition to any new home willing to keep it in the manner to which it has evidently become accustomed over the past two decades.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Please see our FAQ's here and our Terms & Conditions here
Please see our FAQs
here
and our Terms & Conditions
here
Car & Classic's secure payment system protects buyers and sellers. At the end of the auction, the winning bidder transfers payment into a third-party escrow account. Once the transfer of the vehicle is complete, both parties confirm they are happy with the sale and the money is released to the seller.
More about buying with us
2002 BMW (E46) 320Ci Convertible
About Max Bids
The max bid process allows you to bid without any hassle.
Enter your maximum bid and we will then bid on your behalf to ensure you're the highest bidder - just enough to keep you in the lead and only up until your maximum.
Anti-sniping
Car & Classic prevent auction snipers from bidding in the last seconds to win an auction.
Auctions are extended by 3 minutes if anyone bids within the last 2 minutes to allow other bidders to react and counter-bid.
Auto-bidding increments
If your maximum bid is equal to or below the reserve price, your maximum bid will be applied in full if you are the highest bidder.
If you are the highest bidder and place a maximum bid above the reserve, we will automatically put in the reserve as your first bid.
Once the reserve has been met, Car & Classic will make sure you are the highest bidder using only the bidding increments stated below.
We will keep you in the lead up until your maximum bid OR the increment closest to your maximum bid, providing your maximum bid is enough to cover the increment value.
Bid Amount
Increment
£0 to £9,999
£100.00
£10,000 to £49,999
£250.00
£50,000 to £99,999
£500.00
£100,000 +
£1,000.00
Automatically outbid immediately
When you place a max bid and are outbid immediately that means that another bidder has placed a max bid limit which is higher than yours.
You can bid again and we will use our automatic bid system to try and get you as the highest bidder.
Matching max bids
When there are two max bids of the same value, the one placed first remains the lead bidder.
Pre-authorisation
We may hold a pre-authorisation charge on your card until the end of the auction when the hold will be cancelled. If you win, we'll take a security deposit which counts towards the payment for the vehicle and isn't any extra cost to you.
What are pre-bids?
A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction.
You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.
Problem with your bid
Bids are contractually binding. To help protect you, we have some rules in place if we think it's been mistyped. Please check and amend what you have entered.