Description
For sale is my 2001 BMW E46 325ci SE coupe with the manual gearbox. The car has 187,000 miles, of which I've put on 19,000. It's been completely reliable in that time and has never left me stranded.
Summary:
- Two previous owners: I'm told they were brothers
- Full service history
- Advisory-free MOT until November 2025.
- M3 fully electric seats, all working including memory and adjustable side bolsters.
- ULEZ and clean air zone compliant
Exterior:
The paint is in good condition considering its age. There are a few stone chips and scratches mainly on the front end and the bonnet. The car is mostly rust-free, the only patch is on the rear driver's side wheel arch, although it hasn't broken through the paint yet. The car has 'Style 72' 18" wheels, which are in good condition. The tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport 5, with good tread.
Engine and gearbox:
2.5 'M54' straight six and five speed manual gearbox. Runs very well, pulls strong and has been reliable. Oil level sensor doesn't work, but these cars still have a dipstick so this has never bothered me. Doesn't leak any oil or coolant. Gearbox changes as it should and clutch doesn't slip. The alternator, water pump, radiator, thermostat, camshaft position sensors and power steering pump have all been replaced during my ownership.
Suspension and brakes:
No knocks or bangs, rides and stops well. Front pads changed 2000 miles ago, all disks have life left in them. Handbrake is fully functional.
Interior:
Black leather with M3 electric seats. Very good condition considering the mileage, and everything works, although some of the soft touch trim has seen better days. Original radio is present, with a hidden bluetooth module. Headliner is in good condition and isn't sagging. Glovebox torch is fully functional. Air conditioning works, although it has a slow leak and needs to be recharged every year or so. M3 seats are missing their back panels (see photos), but I'll try to source a set before sale.
The car also has the following, all of which works:
- Rear parking sensors
- Heated, electric door mirrors
- Cruise control
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Onboard computer
- Original space saver spare wheel, never driven on. Will also include a 16" BMW wheel with a fairly recent tyre, which fits under the boot floor.
- Complete toolkit and factory jack
Overall the car is in good condition and is very original. Certainly not the best example on the market, but it's a tidy and reliable car.