2005 BMW 325Ci Auto Sport Cabriolet (E46)

Highlights

• Smart six-pot E46 soft-top
• Great colour scheme – sought after Mystic Blue
• Grey leather upholstery
• Low ownership and good history
• Well-maintained and great-looking example

Overview

Like fine wines, some cars just get better and better with age. And if we were to choose a particular vintage and flavour, then BMWs of the late 1990s and early 2000s are right up there – elegantly detailed, handsome and wonderful to drive, they represent a genuine high watermark for the German brand.

It’s no surprise, then, that Bavarian beauties from this era are tipped by many to become the next big thing in the classic car market; you only have to look at how values of 1980s BMWs have shot up over the past decade to deduce that a nice E38, 39 or 46 bought now is a wise investment for the future.

If owning an appreciating asset isn’t enough to get your bid over the line with domestic management, though, then fear not, because what we have here is a modern classic 3er that not even the most hardened gatekeeper will be able to resist. Family friendly, a fantastic colour scheme, huge specification, easy-to-drive and perfectly suited to day-to-day use if required, there’s no reason why anyone wouldn’t want it – is there?

It’s an E46 325Ci convertible – one of the most sought-after E46s this side of an M3, with satisfyingly rapid performance allied to much greater refinement, comfort and affordability than the hallowed M models. For many, the fact it isn’t as hardcore as the M3 will count in its favour, and for several more the fact it won’t be as expensive to buy, as pricey to run or as complex to maintain will be even more important.

Yet it’s still a wonderful machine – a fine example of one BMW’s finest cars of the 1990s and 2000s.

As the good examples become fewer and further between, the collector market for nice E46s is picking up. Great to look at, engaging to drive and exquisitely built, the E46 is one of the last truly wonderful compact BMWs and is increasingly sought after in good condition, especially when equipped with the brand’s fabulous M54-Series straight-six engines.

This one is a terrific spec – a 325Ci Convertible with desirable M-Sport accessories, it’s finished in Mystic Blue metallic, which is one of the most cherished colours on late E46s. It’s a well-cared-for, low ownership car that’s a fantastic future classic, as well as a usable year-round daily driver should you wish. Now is the time to buy it, because cars as fine as this one won’t be as affordable as this forever – that’s pretty much an outright guarantee.

History and documentation

• UK V5C in the name of the vendor

• MOT May 2025

• Two sets of keys

• Purchased February 2023, vendor is third owner; the vendor understands that the first was 2005-2007 and second 2007-2023

• Original booklets, handbook, service book and leather wallet

• Service book stamped as follows: Mar 2005 @ 0 miles (main dealer - pre delivery check), Jul 2007 @ 12,586 miles (main dealer), Nov 2009 @ 27,887 miles (main dealer), Oct 2012 @ 44,802 miles (main dealer), Jan 2016 @ 58,730 miles (main dealer)

• Subsequent printout showing works carried out: Sep 2019 @ 69,029 miles (independent), Oct 2019 @ 69,047 miles (independent), May 2021 @ 69,236 miles (independent), Apr 2022 @ 69,474 miles (independent), May 2023 @ 70,151 miles (independent - major including belts)

• Wheels refurbished in September 2024

• Original first aid kit and toolkit

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Lovely grey leather upholstery
• Heated and electrically adjustable seats
• All dials and controls operate as intended
• Digital climate control
• Cruise control
• Electric windows and power roof
• Wood trim kit
• BMW M Sport kick plates
• Some cracks to gear selector veneer
• Slight mark on the driver’s seat /snagged slightly
• Wind deflector
• Original BMW factory overmats

Exterior

• Gorgeous Mystic Blue metallic
• 18-inch factory alloys in great order, refurbished in September 2024
• Minor chips on leading edge of bonnet and front bumper
• No visual corrosion nor signs of past accident damage
• Appears sound underneath and has never had an MOT corrosion advisory
• Slight discolouration on rear quarter plastic trim on one side
• Vendor has stripped, prepped and painted one inner arch and the bonnet edge to remove surface corrosion and prevent future deterioration
• Electric fabric hood in great working order with heated glass rear screen

Mechanical

• 2,494cc M54 straight six
• 189bhp
• 0-60mph in 7.9 secs
• Five-speed auto
• Fantastically smooth refined and responsive
• Recent major service

Summary

If you’re sitting on the fence over a modern classic BMW then it’s time to bite the bullet because, put simply, the chances to buy a good one are getting narrower and narrower. The early 2000s represents the end of a purple patch for BMW – an era where its cars were unbeatably stylish, desirable, reliable and beautiful. We think it’s fair to say that those days have yet to return, and with the added complexity of newer models, this is one of the last of the true greats – a BMW that’s built to last and is agelessly attractive.

Any E46 is a classy piece of kit – even a 316i saloon has some merit thanks to its handsome looks, great chassis and wonderful steering. But this is no 316i. It’s a 325Ci with a folding roof, an M54 straight-six, beautiful wheels and a fabulous interior. It’s a great car that’s made even better by its fantastic specification.

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