The E46 330Ci (Coupé Injection

from Straight Six April 2022

Why my M5 drinks a lot

Words – Richard Stern Photos – Richard Stern & BMW Press

Irecall being invited to the launch of the E46 Coupé back in 1998. The saloon version had been launched a year before and this new 3 Series Coupé was the next best 3 Series to buy. There’s just something so right with the styling of the E46 Coupé; curvaceous arches, proportions just right, and build quality better than the previous generations. Of course BMW saved the best to last with the silky smooth straight-six threelitre engine, the first versions were the 316Ci, 318Ci, 320Ci, 323Ci, 325Ci and 328Ci. Plus the diesel versions, of course. Typically, the Sports styling looked better than the Special Edition version (SE) thanks to its larger front lower air intake and rear black lower valance. The body shell of the E46 was claimed by BMW to be 70% more rigid than its E36 predecessor. Aluminium was used for an increased quantity of suspension components to reduce the unsprung mass and give the car a 50:50 weight distribution. The E46 was the first 3 Series to be available with an engine using Valvetronic (variable valve timing). Various electronic features were also introduced to the 3 Series in the E46 generation, including satellite navigation, electronic brake-force distribution, rain-sensing wipers and LED tail-lights for the facelift models.

The 3.0 Litre petrol engine is silky smooth, with an instantly recognisable engine note and effortless power. 0-60 mph was 6.5 seconds and on a gentle run you should easily achieve mid-thirty mpg. That 3.0 Litre 228Bhp petrol engine is one of BMW’s finest engines still today, it was used across the range and in other partnerships BMW had at the time.

Fast forward twenty odd years and now these 330Ci Coupés are getting hard to find, of course the dreaded rust has now surfaced on many, especially the front wings, boot lids and rear arches. Many have gone to BMW Heaven and others converted into track day racers or just modified. Some tastefully, some not. I am now seeing dealers demand nearly £10,000 for a good sub-100k mileage 330Cis, and this price is only going to continue upwards.

It’s getting difficult to find good straight original E46 M3s now too, and with the prices of the M car increasing, the next best thing is the 330Ci. The non-M coupé actually makes a good daily driver with the slightly softer suspension than the M3 and it’s certainly more economical. Most seem to be automatic rather than manual cars, of course there is the slightly small 325Ci and these can be found in similar conditions to the 330Ci, but priced lower accordingly. Maybe an Individual 325Ci would be the better investment?

The Clubsport

600 330Ci Clubsport models were manufactured, with only a handful left now. You’ll struggle to find a good one now as it’s near impossible. I have seen a mint dealer low mileage example for £1 under £20K. The Clubsport model sits neatly between the 330Ci Sport model and the legendary M3 Coupé. Easily distinguished by its distinctive new rear M spoiler, other exterior additions include sports suspension settings and exclusive 18-inch double spoke alloy wheels. Acousticsalo underwent a change, 20kgs of insulation material was removed to increase the engine’s sound.

The interior reflects the sporty character of the exterior. Leather and Alcantara sports seats, shortened M gear lever, door sill with Clubspor’ model designation and special silver aluminium cubed interior trim were fitted as standard and create a sense of supreme driving precision. The 3 Series Clubsport Coupé was available in three colours: Titanium Silver, and two individual colours Estoril Blue and Velvet blue. The other even rarer version of the was an extremely limited run of special called the Williams F1 to celebrate the partnership. These cars featured a fantastic deep Le Mans Blue metallic paint with contrasting grey and blue leather seats, needlework of the William’s logos on the head rests, William’s F1 stickers on the front wings and an official numbered plaque on the dash.

Alpina B3 and B3S

Of course, who could forget Alpina’s versions of the E46 330? The B3 Coupé developed a healthy 280bhp and hit 60mph in 5.7 seconds. While the B£S had 305bhp and was 0.3 seconds faster to 60mph. Prices for these seem to sit between the Clubsport and M3 depending on condition and mileage. When I searched for Alpinas I did find more E46 Convertible versions than the Coupé in the adverts.

Conclusion

Above BMW’s silky smooth 3.0 Litre straight six

The E46 received a facelift in 2004 with different lights, restyled front wings, larger kidney grilles before manufacturing finished in 2005. There are some very late registered 06 cars around with higher UK road tax, sadly. But whether you are looking for a pre-facelift or not, the choice is getting harder and harder to find a good one of this classic E46 3 Series Coupé.

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