2002 BMW (E46) 320Ci Convertible

Highlights

• Good condition throughout.
• Removable hardtop included in sale
• Just three owners since new

Background

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.

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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.

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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

Vehicle specification
  • Year 2002
  • Make BMW
  • Model E46 320Ci
  • Colour Black
  • Odometer 86,572 Miles
  • Engine size 2171
Auction Details
  • Seller Type Private
  • Location Isle of Wight
  • Country United Kingdom
Bidding history
13 bids from 3 bidders
  • kw•••• £4,600 29/10/21
  • co•••• £4,600 01/11/21
  • co•••• £4,500 29/10/21
  • kw•••• £4,300 29/10/21
  • co•••• £4,200 27/10/21
  • Br•••• £4,100 27/10/21
  • co•••• £4,000 27/10/21
  • Br•••• £3,700 27/10/21
  • co•••• £3,600 27/10/21
  • Br•••• £3,400 26/10/21
Message C&C Auction Team

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