2005 BMW (E46) 325i SPORT TOURING

This BMW 325i Sport Touring is a well-maintained example of the E46 generation estate, benefiting from a desirable specification and a smart colour scheme. Under the bonnet is a 2.5-litre straight-six developing around 189bhp and 181lb-ft of torque, driving the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. The odometer reads 95,485 miles, though this will rise slightly during the auction as the car is still in use.

Initially registered on 8 January 2005 and with only four owners in total, this example has the rarer M Sport package – featuring firmer suspension, xenon headlights and part-Alcantara upholstery among other things. The vendor, a BMW enthusiast, has owned the car for nearly 18 months. He has spent over £2,000 in maintenance during his ownership to sort out some of the common issues that affect E46-generation cars.

The BMW’s Orient Blue paintwork is believed to be largely original, with the vendor noting that the driver’s side rear wheel arch was repaired during his ownership to cut out rust, repair with new metal, and respray to match the rest of the rear quarter. There are also stone chips around the front end, plus some signs of touch-up paintwork around the front wings and bumper, and a small dent on the tailgate. Its wing mirror glass would benefit from replacement in due course, as there is delamination on both sides. Overall, the bodywork still has an impressive shine, thanks to a recent machine polishing session. The car rides on a set of ‘MV2’ BMW alloy wheels, which have only minor imperfections and no kerbing damage.

Inside, the BMW’s demure interior has worn well, with only light wear seen on the driver’s seat bolsters. There are no rips or tears in the fabric, and the rear seats are in superb condition. The cabin retains all of its original switchgear, with some minor scratches and marring visible on lower trim elements. The vendor notes that the roll top lid from the centre console is missing. In general, the interior presents very well indeed.

An unobtrusive Bluetooth music streaming receiver has been fitted to the OEM BMW Business sound system, which means that the CD changer is currently not connected. An E46 Clubsport gear knob has also been fitted to improve the shift quality, with the clutch delay valve also removed for this purpose. Continuing the subtle OEM upgrades are the addition of silver instrument dial surrounds as found on the 330i of the era. Everything is in working order, though there is an occasional screenwash level warning, which the seller believes may be down to a slow leak on the washer jets.

The latest service was carried out by the owner at 91,676 miles in August 2019, which comprised replacement of the engine oil, oil filter and air filter. Prior to this, the BMW underwent Inspection I services by Vines BMW of Gatwick in December 2016 and January 2015. A raft of preventative maintenance items have been carried out by the vendor during his near-18 month ownership. A detailed list follows at the end of this advert.

The most recent MOT test was on 7 December 2020 at 95,482 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories or defects whatsoever. The wheels are shod in matching Bridgestone Potenza tyres, which are in good order with approximately 5-6mm of tread remaining.

Offering practicality and an engaging driving experience, this BMW 325i Sport is a useable modern classic that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Its strong service and maintenance history provides additional peace of mind for its next owner, and it stands ready to be pressed into immediate service, whether as a daily driver or for more occasional use.

Summary of main service history:

• 05/01/2005 – Pre-delivery
• 16/01/2007 – 10,487 miles
• 04/12/2008 – 22,367 miles
• 29/12/2010 – 35,285 miles
• 30/11/2012 – 49,619 miles
• 13/12/2013 – 56,688 miles
• 21/12/2015 – 72,240 miles
• 08/12/2017 – Mileage not recorded
• 05/08/2019 – 91,676 miles

Additional maintenance carried out during current ownership:

• 91,274 - full replacement of the cooling system, including expansion tank, radiator hoses, water pump, radiator and thermostat
• 92,250 - both Xenon bulbs replaced
• 92,844 - valve cover gasket replaced, and VANOS system rebuilt with new seals, spark plugs replaced
• 92,844 - differential oil replaced
• 92,882 - oil filter housing gasket replaced
• 93,000 - tail light seals replaced
• 93,242 - crank case ventilation system (CCV) fully replaced
• 93,234 - gearshift linkage bushings renewed
• 93,234 - tensioner pulleys and drive belts replaced
• 93,808 - front lower control arm bushings replaced
• 94,676 - exhaust camshaft position sensor replaced
• 94,870 - rear arch rust repair
• 95,031 - rear discs and pads replaced
• 95,031- N/S and O/S rear upper ball joints replaced
• 95,200 - windscreen chip repaired
• 95,230 - fuel filter replaced
• 95,340 - four wheel alignment
• 95,408 - upper and lower intake boots replaced

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 through HPI checks and MOT history where available. 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. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.