Our coverage of Hexagon Classics includes a Porsche 911 Carrera 3.2 with less than 5,000 miles on the clock, plus an odd-looking Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Shooting Brake. Now, though, the UK-based specialist returns to our attention with a BMW E46 3 Series trio in tip-top condition.
But first, a short history lesson. The E46 is the fourth generation of the 3 Series and, for all intents and purposes, it’s a car that upped the ante in the somewhat boring compact executive segment of the 1990s. Richard Hammond, as you can see in the following video, tested one before he landed a gig at Top Gear, and according to him, only one thing is wrong with it. Indeed, Hammond complained about the E36-sourced sump plug.
On that note, the first car of this trio is a 2005-registered 330Ci M Sport with 1,300 miles on the clock. According to the dealer, this qualifies it as “possibly the lowest mileage E46 Coupe in existence.” What’s more, the sticker only reads £20,995, which is not bad for an almost-as-new coupe with a 3.0-liter straight six-cylinder engine and 231 PS (228 bhp) on tap.
The second car is an Alpine White-painted E46 M3, complete with black Nappa leather and the SMG paddle shift transmission. The odometer is showing 2,300 miles as is, which is truly remarkable for such a go-faster machine. Other than the mighty S54 engine, this bad boy from not that far back is kitted with a Harman Kardon audio system and voice control.
Last, but certainly not least, the trio is completed by a 2002 BMW E46 330Ci Clubsport with 3,200 miles on the clock. That’s 230 miles a year over its 14-year life. What’s more, the 18-inch Clubsport wheels and the Clubsport rear spoiler complement the Estoril Blue paintwork like a hand in glove.
“The E46 Coupe is one of the best BMWs ever,” said Paul Michaels, chairman of Hexagon Classics. "From the grand tourer appeal of the 330Ci to the razor sharp M3, which offers almost Porsche 911 levels of performance, there’s something for everyone and values of these modern classics are only going up for the best examples," he concluded about this awe-inspiring trio.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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