Exceptional 2001 BMW 320Ci SE manual with FSH and only 63K miles

For sale: 2001 BMW E46 320Ci SE manual coupe with full service history and only 63K miles. Orient Blue metallic with grey cloth interior. Supplied and serviced by marque-specialist Walkers Autotech, this 320Ci is in exceptional condition throughout – mechanically and cosmetically. It's understated and unmolested, drives superbly and boasts solid provenance. Over £4,000 spent on maintenance since January 2019. All books, two sets of keys. Freshly-serviced with one year's MOT. Original and sorted – just jump in and drive. A modern classic. £5,250.Launched in 1998, the BMW E46 was the fourth generation of 3-Series and instantly became the clear leader in its class – a trick the manufacturer has always managed in this sector. The coupes packed all the practicality of the saloon – large boot, comfortable seating for four – into a two-door body that still exudes class.A good E46 coupe is perhaps all the car you need. Timeless design, quality build, everyday dependability and a complete absence of electronic frippery or fluff. With a free-revving straight six, slick manual gear change and the hallmark rear-drive balance, they're fantastic driver's machines too. This particular car is a prime example.I bought it in January 2019 from marque-specialist, Walkers Autotech. If you know BMW, you'll know the name. The owner, Andy, suffers from the same condition as me: perfectionism. He and I spent over £3,600 bringing the car up to scratch. The odometer showed just 59,000 miles at purchase, and the following work was carried out:Inspection II service with new spark plugs, fluids, filters and beltsFour new Goodyear EfficientGrip tyresRefurbishment of all four wheels at LepsonsTwo rear springsNew scuttle trimOEM mass flow air and cam sensorsHeater fan resistorClutch delay valve (CDV) removalA/C regas

The car has driven approximately 3,000 miles since, and comes with a new oil service, MOT, rear brake discs, pads, sensors and handbrake shoes. It drives without fault. ENGINE AND TRANSMISSIONFirst, there's that lovely 2.2-Litre straight six – a masterpiece of engineering with excellent throttle response; good low-down torque, and turbine-smooth pull at the top-end. They don't make ‘em like this any more; and indeed, BMW doesn't. I've owned both the M3 and Alpina B3S variants of the E46, and don't feel short-changed by this motor. At launch, CAR magazine proclaimed it the pick of the bunch. I can see why: it's an absolute gem. Power is conservatively rated at 170 bhp, but it's got plenty of performance and is  sweeter than the 2.5- and 3.0-Litre versions of the robust and reliable M54 unit. Drive any back-to-back, and you'll notice little difference in the way they perform. Of greater influence than capacity is condition.The mileage of 63K is genuine – and the engine doesn't smoke, hunt, miss or consume oil and water. Air leaks and rough running can blight these cars, by everything important has been replaced on this one – including hoses, mass air flow and cam sensors, and the fly-by-wire throttle pedal. As a result, it feels incredibly fit and strong. It's frugal too: the 320Ci easily averages over 30MPG and is fine to use the new E10 fuel. The water temperature remains rock-steady, and the soundtrack is glorious: rich, sonorous, cultured.Second, the five-speed ‘box is a joy. It's slick, tight and beautifully-measured. A rarity these days. You can snick through the gears swiftly; removing the CDV helped give a much more natural change.SUSPENSION AND BRAKESThen there's the way it gets down the road – a revelation in comparison with over-tyred, stiffly-sprung moderns. No run-flat tyres, no electric steering, no adjustable dampers, no nannying gizmos. Just a fun, engaging, analogue drive. Being an SE, this 320Ci's ride is comfortable and composed – far better than the Sport models my experience. They can be crashingly firm. Polyurethane bushings add to the feedback and feel. It's taut, fluid and alive – with no nasty noises, harshness or vibrations.You can waft along in near silence, if you choose; the set-up is very refined. Up the ante, and you'll cover ground with effortless speed. The brakes are all in good order, stopping the car straight with no issues or squeal.WHEELS AND TYRESThe seven-spoke 16'' alloys really work with this car's aesthetic, picking up the chrome C-pillar surrounds nicely. They were professionally refurbished by Lepsons, and remain unmarked with painted wheels nuts and new centre caps. Tyres are as-new, Goodyear EfficientGrip 205/55/16 all-round. Very quiet with impressive grip – wet or dry.BODYWORK Mechanically, this car is on the button with a fully-stamped service history and folder full of receipts. Cosmetically, it's just as good. I'd never describe any car as immaculate, much less one that's 20 years old; but the bodywork and overall condition are remarkable. A true survivor.All panels align perfectly with tight gaps, and no dents, scratches or scrapes. And as far as I can see, the paintwork is all original. The car retains a deep sheen, suggesting it's been garaged for most of its life. Orient Blue metallic is a gorgeous colour that changes with the light. It contrasts wonderfully with the light grey interior. Crucially, there's no sign of rust. The wings, windscreen surrounds, bulkheads and undercarriage are entirely free from corrosion. Compared to the current generation of bloated 3-Series, the E46 is subtle and compact. The car has a lovely, sophisticated mien – and there's delicacy in its slim pillars, large glasshouse and overall dimensions.INTERIORInside, the seats, carpets, rooflining and leather trim are all unmarked and unworn. It's virtually as new. That's testament to fine build quality; but also to the care of the car's previous owners. At this age, cloth is a much better option than leather, which invariably fades, cracks, creases or tears. The dark grey accent trim is all perfect, and gives the car a cool, contemporary look.The materials and ambiance are markedly superior to any 3-Series before or since, and everything functions as it should – including the A/C, which is ice-cold.SUMMARYThe BMW E46 is perhaps the greatest expression of the 3-Series' evolution. A model in which the line's size, looks, quality, feel and performance all came together to best effect. Its a supremely usable, likeable machine in today's age of homogenised, hybrid, bland-mobiles. Prices are on the rise already. This example has been lovingly-looked after, and will only appreciate in value. Its colour and specfication, combined with its condition and history add to that fact. Comprehensively-prepared for sale by marque-specialist, Walkers Autotech around 3,000 miles ago, sparingly used and well-maintained since, this 320Ci wants for nothing and is ready to be enjoyed by its next custodian. MOT to November 2022. £5,250.For more information, call Richard. Photos and a walk-round video available on request. No timewasters, please.  

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