2000 BMW (E46) 323i SE - 51,720 MILES

This 2000 BMW (E46) 323i SE is a very smart example of a stylish modern classic saloon, which is presented with an alluring Orient Blue finish and with low mileage. Under the bonnet sits the 2.5-litre ‘M52’ straight-six, coupled with a five-speed manual transmission. The odometer currently indicates 51,720 miles from new.

First registered in September 2000, and understood to have had just two private keepers from new, this 323i is now offered for sale by the trade.

The bodywork of this 3-Series is all in good shape, with flush shut lines, and no evidence of any accident damage. The Orient Blue paintwork is in generally excellent condition, though the vendor has reported a few minor blemishes, such as a scratch to one of the lower door sills, a small dent on the offside rear wing and some etching on the bonnet, while one small scratch can be seen on the nearside rear corner. The vehicle rides on a set of 16-inch seven-spoke wheels, which are in great shape.

Inside, the seats are trimmed with blue fabric upholstery, which features some very slight discolouration to the base panels. The grey and blue fabric door card inserts are in good order, while no major scratches can be seen on the dashboard or its surrounding silver trim, which also adorns the bottom half of the three-spoke steering wheel. The original Dolby stereo and cassette player are present and correct, while all of the electrics are believed to work as they should.

The last routine maintenance was undertaken in March 2021 at 51,707 miles, where technicians at Harpers Garage in Hungerford carried out an oil service, before fitting new windscreen wipers and rear tyres. Other paperwork for general maintenance and MOTs is on file for previous years, though in the stamped book the prior services were at Prestige Performance in St Albans in October 2013 at 37,781 miles, and in June 2007 at 31,538 miles.

The most recent MOT test was on 30 March 2021 at 51,707 miles, which resulted in a pass with three advisories to monitor slight play in the offside front suspension arm ball joint, corrosion on a rear brake pipe, and damaged rear tyres. The rear tyres have since been replaced, while the front wheels are wrapped with Continental tyres that have around 7mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the vehicle are the original handbooks, along with numerous maintenance invoices and MOT certificates.

This BMW 323i SE is a very smart millennium-era saloon, with low mileage and an attractive two-tone interior. While the 323i could never be called a performance car; blending a smooth straight-six with the manual transmission makes this an engaging drive. A well-maintained example, this E46 3-Series would make a stylish and practical commuter car or occasional modern classic for weekend outings.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.