Price: SOLD
Mileage: 106,000 Miles
Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
Owner: 1-Owner Colorado Car
Exterior color: Jet Black Exterior (Schwartz II 668)
Interior: Beige Leatherette (ARBE)
VIN: WBAAM5334XFR03493
Additional features:
Premium Package
Harmon Kardon Premium Sound
16” Style 42 Wheels
Complete Maintenance History
Clean CarFax
This 328i in fantastic condition; it presents like a car with half the age and mileage. It’s a 1-owner car that has benefitted from impeccable stewardship. It has always been garage kept and serviced at the correct intervals. 1999 was the first year of the E46 (the 3rd generation 3 Series) and one of only two model years that came with the M52 engine, one of BMW’s most reliable. The M52TUB28 variant found in the 328i is the larger 2.8-liter version producing 190 horsepower. TU stands for technical update, which added dual VANOS variable timing to both the intake and exhaust cams improving low-end torque. The result is smooth linear torque delivery, a defining trait of BMW with inline 6 cylinder motors.
Early rear wheel drive E46’s are often overlooked for all-wheel drive variants or later models, but there is something very satisfying about a lightly optioned early model. The driving experience isn’t diluted by the extra weight and mechanical drag of AWD or the added complexity of dubious options. The chassis is wonderfully balanced and communicative, allowing fantastic control in all traction conditions. The standard E46 options offer plenty of luxuries and amenities that took other marques years to offer. My favorite is the subtle red lighting illuminating the center console. The pre-face lift design cues are defining characteristics that make early E46’s both modern yet reminiscent of the classic BMW era.
This 328i was purchased at Gebhart BMW in Boulder in November of 1998. It has always lived in Colorado, sparing it the rust and corrosion that kills these cars in other locales. It was serviced at Gebhart BMW for the first six years of its life, all documented on the CarFax. From 2004 to present it was serviced at independent BMW specialist Autosport Werks, and complete records of that service are included with the car. The owner spared no expense. She even brought it in regularly for new wiper inserts. The result is a properly sorted 328i that has none of the common E46 issues. It presents and drives like very much like the day it was delivered and has many more miles of service at the driver’s disposal. Clean E46’s like this one are getting rare. The most important thing in buying any used BMW is the previous owner’s care and this one shows it.
Below is a list of optional and standard options based on the VIN and their BMW codes:
Mechanically this 328i is sorted. There are no glaring mechanical issues, and all of the common E46 issues are either not present or have been addressed. Oil changes have always been done more frequently than BMW’s recommended interval (another killer of these cars). The engine idles smooth and pulls strong. There are no fault codes. The cooling system has been preventatively replaced, including the water pump, thermostat, thermostat housing, expansion tank, and radiator. Drive belts and noisy idler pulleys have been done recently. The intake DISA valve has been replaced, along with a bad ignition coil and a cam position sensor. The power steering hoses and oil filter housing gaskets have been replaced. The transmission output shaft seal has been replaced. It doesn’t leak any fluids. All door lock and window regulators work. The passenger seat occupancy sensor has been replaced. There are no check engine (“Service Engine Soon” in BMW speak) or airbag SRS lights.
The Jet Black (Schwartz II) paint is in excellent condition. There are no faded areas or areas of clear coat failure. There are some minor dings and chips on the leading edges; the worst areas are on the lower front bumper cover and wheel arches. The black-work and trim are present and not overly faded. The windshield has no cracks or excessive pitting. The headlights are not faded and all indicator and marker lights work. The style 42 wheels are one of BMW’s best designs. They have no curb rash, chips, dents, or bents. The center caps are not peeling. The Michelin Harmony tires are excellent tires and have over 50% percent tread remaining.
The beige leatherette interior condition is consistent with the ownership pedigree and exterior. The carpet has no stains or tears. The factory floor mats are in great shape. The leatherette seat stitching is intact and there are no tears or excessive wear. The headliner does not sag. All switches and functions work correctly. There are no blown out pixels in the instrument cluster, radio screen, or HVAC. The heat blows hot and the air condition blows cold. The Harmon Kardon premium sound is fantastic. All window regulators and door lock actuators work. The only glaring imperfections I could find are a small crack in the wood of the shift knob, some peeling in the finish of the cup holder, broken door speaker trim rings, and unraveled stitching on the inside of the top of the steering wheels. Overall it’s in great shape!
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