HOW TO BUY A
BEST OF THREE
BMW 3 SERIES (E46)
To relive what for many is the highlight of the 3 Series story so far, the E46 generation of 1999-2006, all you need is £500 and a steer in the right direction from John Evans
Knowing your E numbers is a rite of passage in BMW circles. No one talks about marks, so for the record, the 3 Series under the spotlight here is the E46 of 1999 to 2006 (or, whisper it, the Mk4).
Two decades on and the E46 is still a handsome car, while one in tip-top condition is very desirable. Saloon, coupé, convertible, estate (named the Touring) and even a hatchback (the Compact): there are as many bodystyles as there are days in the working week.