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2002 BMW E46 325Ci Cabriolet 5-speed manual with newer M54B30 3.0L engine - Collector Car Canada
2002 BMW E46 325Ci Cabriolet 5-speed manual with newer M54B30 3.0L engine

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2002 BMW E46 325Ci Cabriolet 5-speed manual with newer M54B30 3.0L engine

This BMW E46 Cabriolet has had many upgrades and modifications from stock, yet it preserves its BMW lineage.  The highlight is an upgrade from the 186HP 2.5L stock engine to a 3.0L 225 horsepower when new M54B30 engine which was the stock offering in its big brother, the period 330i.  The seller advises that the engine has approximately 110,000 km on the clock, notable since it is considerably lower than the rest of the car.

 

CCC Vital Info

Lot – 007
Seller – SBirring1
Seller location – Sunderland, On L0C
VIN – WBABS33412JY43458
Odometer – 203,000 km on car; 110,000 km on engine
Engine Info – upgraded to 3.0L inline-six cylinder M54B30
Transmission Info – 5-speed manual
Exterior Colour –  Orient Blue metallic
Interior Colour – Tan leather
Other features – Power convertible top, Extensive upgrades, extensive maintenance, A/C
Category – European
Model page
Carfax Carfax report included in the gallery, starts at image 96

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The Orient blue (Orientblau) metallic paint retains a bright shine.  There is a lot more to see on the exterior.  The OEM M3 19-inch wheels are prime feature, bringing pop to the look of the car while the blue roof over the blue paint brings a look of understated sophistication.  The polished exhaust tips further complement the Orient blue metallic.  One of the wheels exhibits minor curb rash, as seen in the gallery.  There are videos preceding the gallery to demonstrate the power top in operation.  Driving videos are also included.
The tan interior has been well kept, free of tears or any significant shortcoming.  The tan leather has been re-dyed and it shows as there is no discolouration.  Power seats include memory function and adjustable thigh support.  The leather-wrapped M3 steering wheel is a nice treat, these wheels feel like they are made for the discriminating driver.  The shift knob is an upgraded stainless steel number, pedals – even the dead pedal – are metallic, each sporting an M3 label.  The trunk is tidy and features a factory tool kit in a drop-down tray from the lid as well as a spare under the trunk floor.  The spare packaged cabin air filter within pictured is included.
 

The engine change is at once an upgrade in power and a freshening in the sense that the 3.0L now found in the car is lower mileage than the car.  In the gallery, there are photos setting out engine work before the smooth-running 3.0 was installed.  The horsepower rating cited above is accomplished at 5,900 RPM while torque is 221 lb.-ft. at 3,500 RPM.  The engine bay is tidy and free of corrosion.

The list of upgrades is long.  In addition to the 3.0L engine and M3 wheels, the car boasts M3 door sills, M3 pedals and an M3 three-spoke steering wheel.  Underneath, the car runs a full Titanium exhaust, Bilstein PSS adjustable suspension and H&R lowering springs.  Despite the suspension tuning ride remains comfortable, not rough.  The staggered M3 wheels are skinned on a pair of 215/35 Falken Azenis tires up front and a pair of A-Plus 235/35 tires in the rear, all W-rated.
 

Glass is good all around, including the glass rear window within the power soft top, which features defrost function.  All is BMW-branded, including the wind screen, as shown in the gallery.

 

As well as the upgrades, recent maintenance and service are extensive.  This engine rewards the owner who maintains it.  Already done recently:  new chain guides, Loctite oil pump nut, new valve cover gasket, new oil pan gasket, new intake manifold gasket, new exhaust manifold gaskets, new (not rebuilt) fuel injectors, new spark plugs and most sensors were replaced at the same time.

 

 

Upon installation of the engine, it was broken in on Mobil 1 (synthetic oil) and changed twice in short order in an effort to flush out any impurity.  Keen followers will notice the “Check Engine” light.  The seller is quite forthright about this and advises that the car does not have a secondary air pump installed.  His plan was to have it coded out of the car’s ECU during a tuning; however, this project has not been completed.  Other areas needing attention are replacement of a sensor for the passenger air bag, rear driver’s side wheel bearing (part is included with the sale) and driver’s seat adjustment is temperamental.  There is an accident-free Carfax on the gallery showing 16 service records over the years (not to be considered a complete record of servicing.)  Seller believes the mileage question raised on the Carfax to be administrative error.

 

2002 BMW E46 325Ci Cabriolet 5-speed manual with newer M54B30 3.0L engine

Reserve price Not met!

Item condition: Used

Auction expired without reaching reserve price

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Total Bids Placed:

Auction has expired

Highest bidder was: david3

Bidder Name Bidding Time Bid Auto
david3 June 29, 2021 11:46 pm $7,000
bayern June 24, 2021 10:36 am $3,054
Auction started June 23, 2021 10:42 pm

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