e46 bmw 328ci

My Valentine present to myself in 2001 was a new car. And why not. This time it came in the form of the BMW 328ci. The E46 coupe shape hadn't been out long and I just loved it and had to have one.

Naturally not long after, the 328 was replaced by the 330 and a Sport edition was introdced. As not to be outdone I shelled out on lowering springs, replacement bumpers, side skirts, rear spoiler and M3 mirrors. Although my car came with multi-spoke 18" alloys, I craved the 18" parallel wheel from the 5 series Sport. This is still my favourite wheel design to date, but as BMW didn't make this for the 3 series, I had to go along the replica route. Not ideal as everything else I bought were genuine BMW parts, but I was pleased with the overall result.

My car came with the much criticised steptronic gearbox. However for me this was an ideal compromise. For the dull, long daily commute the auto setting was a pleasure, but when the road opened, I had the opportunity to play with a manual. If I ever buy a car like this again for a daily drive, this is the 'box I would choose!

Eventually, a change of job meant my pride and joy was splattered in mud on a daily basis, so after 70,000 mles, I switched to a Land Rover Freelander for the daily drive. Only to use the 328 on a weekend was a real waste, so the decision was made to let her go. I'm not complaining too much as I only waited a month before purchasing my current Pride and Joy - the Ferrari 308 GTS.

Although spoilt by the fact that every 2nd car on the road now seams to be a 3 series BMW, I still look back on this car with great affection. It dished out smiles on a daily basis, although in a very diferent way to the Ferrari.

Mark Borthwick
January 2007