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Exterior photo of 2004 BMW (E46) 330Ci Convertible

2004 BMW (E46) 330Ci Convertible

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Details

Price: SOLD

Mileage: 72,200 Miles

Engine: M54B30 2.5-Liter Inline 6-Cylinder Engine

Transmission: 5-Speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Exterior color: Silver Gray Metallic

Interior: Standard Gray Leather Interior

Additional features:

Black Convertible Soft Top

Myrtle Wood Interior Trim

Sport Package:

3-Spoke Leather Sport Steering Wheel

Sport Seats

Sports Suspension

Premium Package:

Power/Memory Seats

Power Lumbar Support

Rain-Sensing Windshield Wipers

Automatic Climate Control

Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror

Cold Weather Package:

Heated Seats

Ski Pass-Through

Headlight Cleaning System

BMW Business (CD43) Stereo

BMW HiFi Sound System

Adaptive Xenon Headlights

Power Convertible top with Glass Rear Window

Convertible Rear Windscreen

Style 68 17” Sport Wheels

BMW Carpet Floor Mats

BMW Mud Flaps

100% Stock and Unmolested

Clean Carfax

Extensive Recent Maintenance

Background

2004 BMW (E46) 330Ci Convertible exterior photo

The BMW E46 generation 3 Series is what many BMW-philes consider to be the last of the true driver’s 3 Series. The E46 occurred near the end of the sweet spot of BMW’s technological evolution, where power, weight, size, and simplicity all wonderfully intersected. It was the last 3 Series before BMW shifted from a driver-focused brand to a technology-focused brand. It came from an era where a base-model 3 Series could satisfy the discerning tastes of the driving enthusiast and was the first 3 Series since the E30 offered with all-wheel drive. Yet, the E46 offers plenty of amenities (subtle lighting illuminating the center console from above is my favorite). Many examples have depreciated into the price point of entry-level buyers and neglect, while clean, low-mileage, well-cared-for examples have become rare—very rare.

Summary

 exterior photo

This 2004 BMW 330Ci Convertible is finished in one of the best late-model E46 colors: Silver Gray Metallic. A color more commonly found on the M3, and this 330Ci vert wears it well. Add to that a host of options, including the Sport Package, Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, Harmon Kardon sound system, Adaptive xenon headlights, and Style 68 Sport wheels, making it an exceptional example. It was originally delivered in August of 2004 in Massachusetts, splitting its time between there and Florida until moving permanently in 2006. It remained there under two subsequent owners before coming to Colorado via a Bring a Trailer auction through a good friend. When it came here, we did a thorough round of maintenance, including inspecting the cooling system for age and health, air filters, rear shock, power steering fluid, and the VANOS control line. In preparation for sale, we gave it another round, including replacing the power steering lines and reservoir, oil stand gasket, rear brake pads, and front fender liners and brake ducts. The Carfax is clean, and it has never been in an accident. As it sits, it is an outstanding example of one of the best BMWs made, an E46 330Ci convertible. We’d like to find a new owner who will appreciate it and enjoy it for the next chapter of its story.

Exterior

2004 BMW (E46) 330Ci Convertible exterior photo

The Silver Gray paint is in excellent condition. It presents very well, but close scrutiny does reveal typical age-related flaws. There are several shallow dents on the trunk, as well as another small shallow dent on the passenger door. There are two small scratches to the clear coat, both on each quarter panel, that are about an inch long. There are two small chips, one in each fender. The paint is original, gauging around 5 mils on average. The front bumper has light pitting, as well as scuffing on the very bottom. The car is rust-free, sans a small spot of light rust on the front driver-side jack point. Underneath, there is an area where the undercarriage made contact with the truck ramp during shipping, loading or unloading, but it is purely cosmetic and can only be seen on the lift. All VIN and factory stickers are present and legible. There are no panel gap inconsistencies. All glass is clean and clear, with only a single, very small pit on the windshield. The trim is undamaged and in great condition. The convertible top is in excellent condition. The headlights are fully functional and with no lens yellowing. The taillights and indicators are fully functional and in great condition. The 17-inch wheels are free of any glaring curb rash and are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 tires with 9/32” tread depth all around, measure 225/45 with 2016 DOT dates in the front, and 245/40 with 2017 DOT dates in the rear. There is plenty of tread left, but they should be replaced in the not-so-distant future due to age.

Interior

 interior photo

The interior is consistent with the exterior. There are no stains or foul odors, and it has never been smoked in. The convertible top headliner is in good condition, with a small rip at the driver-side C-pillar being the only notable flaw. The door cards are in decent shape but have several small imperfections. The steering wheel has several small chips in the plastic on the bottom spoke, and slight leather wear on the top of the wheel. The rest of the steering column is also fully functional and in fantastic condition. The dashboard is crack-free, and the instrument cluster is fully functional. The wood trim has several typical hair-line cracks in the clear coat, but none are glaring. They are located in the door trim and shifter. All interior lights and switches are functional and undamaged. All power windows/locks function normally, and all switches are unfaded. Climate control blows hot or cold when required. The stereo system sounds great, though the display has a few dead pixels. The center console does have some typical E46 wear, with the cup holders being the worst. The emergency light switch also has a broken bracket, but this does not affect its function. The seats are in great shape, with typical creasing on the outer seat bolsters. The driver’s seat is the worst. All seat functions, including the seat heaters, work. The trunk is unstained, has no odors, and the toolkit is mostly complete. The factory wind deflector is present, which makes things much more liveable with the top down.

Mechanical

 engine photo

As it sits, this is a turn-key 330Ci convertible. It drives and feels very much like the day it came off the showroom floor, an increasing rarity as the E46 generation has aged into the two-decade realm. No common E46 issues are present; the subframe is intact and shows no signs of failure. The M54 engine fires on command, idles smoothly, and pulls strongly to redline. It doesn’t spot or leak. The cooling system isn’t weeping, and neither are the power steering lines thanks to their recent replacement. The transmission shifts smoothly and does not slip. There are no service engine soon, ABS or DSC lights. The suspension is compliant and there are no clunks, rattles, or other abnormal drive-train noises. The brakes are firm with plenty of life left. It passes Colorado emissions with no problems, which we pay for if it remains in the State of Colorado. It will certainly need continued care and maintenance, and it deserves it, but as it sits it is an excellent example of a late-model, low-mileage, E46.

VIN Decode

 exterior photo

Vin Decode

  • VIN: WBABW53494PL45573
  • Type: BW53
  • Model: 330 Ci – USA
  • Development Code: E46 (CFL)
  • Chassis: CABRIO
  • Steering: LL
  • Doors: 2
  • Engine: M54
  • Displacement: 3.0
  • Power: 228 HP
  • Drivetrain: RWD
  • Transmission: AUTO
  • Color: Silver Gray Metallic (Silber-grau – A08)
  • Upholstery: Gray Montana Leather (N6TT)
  • Production Date: 1-26-2004

Equipment

  • 1CA Selection of COP Relevant Vehicles
  • 205 Automatic Transmission
  • 210 Dynamic Stability Control
  • 226 Sport Suspension Settings
  • 249 Multi-Function Steering Wheel
  • 255 Sport Leather Steering Wheel
  • 354 Green Stripe Windscreen
  • 388 Softtop Black
  • 399 Power Softop
  • 431 Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror
  • 438 Wood Trim
  • 441 Smokers Package
  • 459 Power Seats with Memory
  • 464 Ski Bag
  • 473 Front Armrest
  • 481 Sport Seats
  • 488 Lumbar Support for Driver and Passenger
  • 494 Seat Heating
  • 502 Headlight Cleaning System
  • 520 Foglights
  • 521 Rain Sensor
  • 522 Xenon Headlights
  • 524 Adaptive Headlights
  • 534 Automatic Air Conditioning
  • 550 On-Board Computer
  • 639 Car Telephone Preparation
  • 645 BMW US Radio
  • 650 CD Drive
  • 661 Radio BMW Business (CD43)
  • 674 HiFi Speaker System
  • 692 CD Changer I-bus Preparation
  • 785 White Direction Indicator Lights
  • 788 Light Alloy Wheels, Style 68
  • 823 Hot Climate Version
  • 832 Battery in Luggage Compartment
  • 845 Acoustic Belt Warning
  • 853 Language Version English
  • 876 Radio Frequency 315 MHz
  • 8SP Control Unit CO2
  • 925 Shipping Protection Package
  • 992 Number Plate Attachment