
BMW 3 SERIES (1998-06) 320CI 2DR CONVERTIBLE 2.2 SE
The BMW 3 Series (1998-2006), particularly the 320CI 2DR Convertible 2.2 SE, is a stylish and sporty vehicle that stands out in the UK's used car market. As a convertible, it offers an engaging driving experience perfect for leisurely drives and sunny days, making it ideal for individuals or couples who enjoy a blend of performance and open-air motoring. This model is well-suited for those seeking a car with dynamic design, a premium badge, and everyday practicality. It’s a popular choice for first-time drivers or those upgrading from smaller vehicles, thanks to its compact size and fun-to-drive nature.
What makes the BMW 3 Series 320CI especially notable is its reputation for sporty handling, sleek design, and a comfortable interior. The 2.2-liter engine balances lively performance with reasonable fuel efficiency, appealing to drivers who want a balance of power and economy. While competitors often focus on either luxury or sportiness, the BMW 3 Series manages to offer a mix of both, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a fun yet practical vehicle. The model’s moderate depreciation rate and distinctive looks continue to attract enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, ensuring it remains a competitive option in the used car scene. With an average recorded mileage of around 115,000 miles, it’s evident that many owners have enjoyed this convertible for years, making it a well-established choice for UK buyers.

average use

The data indicates that for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 320CI 2DR Convertible 2.2 SE, the most common recent mileage readings fall within the 110,000 to 120,000 miles range, accounting for 17.2% of recorded values. Mileage figures between 130,000 and 140,000 miles (8%) and 150,000 to 160,000 miles (12.6%) are also quite prevalent. Notably, a significant portion of readings—over 10%—are in the 90,000 to 100,000 miles (11.5%) and 100,000 to 110,000 miles (11.5%) brackets. Lower mileage ranges, such as 20,000 to 30,000 miles, are comparatively rare, at just 1.1%. Similarly, very high mileages above 160,000 miles are less common, with the 160,000 to 170,000 and 170,000 to 180,000 mile brackets representing only small percentages. Overall, the data suggests that many of these vehicles tend to have traveled around the 110,000 to 140,000 miles mark when most recently recorded.

vehicle values

The data indicates that the majority of private sale valuations for the BMW 3 Series (1998-2006) 320CI 2DR Convertible 2.2 SE fall within the £1,000 to £2,000 range, accounting for 92% of sales. Only a small proportion—4.6%—are valued between £2,000 and £3,000, with a further 3.4% priced below £1,000. This suggests that most units are priced quite affordably, with the bulk of the market clustered at the lower end of the price spectrum.

production years

The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 320CI 2DR Convertible 2.2 SE vehicles are manufactured between 2004 and 2005, accounting for approximately 78.2% of the sample (50.6% from 2004 and 27.6% from 2005). Vehicles from 2006 make up around 13.8%, while only a small proportion, about 8%, are from 2003. There are no vehicles listed from years earlier than 2003 in this dataset. This suggests that most of these convertibles on the market are relatively recent models within the production span, likely due to higher availability or demand for cars from the mid-2000s.

colour popularity

The data reveals that the most common main paint colour for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 320CI 2DR Convertible 2.2 SE is Blue, accounting for 42.5% of vehicles. Black is also quite popular, representing 20.7%. Together, these two colours comprise over 63% of the sample, highlighting a strong preference for darker and more traditional hues. Silver and Grey are less common but still significant, making up 23% and 9.2%, respectively. Interestingly, Gold and Green are quite rare, each representing only 2.3% of the vehicles, indicating limited popularity for these colours in this model range.

ownership cycle

The data on registered keepers for the BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 320CI 2DR Convertible 2.2 SE reveals a varied distribution, with most vehicles having between 5 and 8 previous keepers. Specifically, the most common counts are 6 and 8 keepers, each accounting for 12.6% of the sample, followed by 5 and 7 keepers at 12% and 8%, respectively. Notably, a smaller proportion of vehicles have only 1 or 2 keepers, at 3.4% and 6.9%, indicating that most vehicles tend to remain with a few owners over time. Additionally, there is a very small percentage (1.1%) with as many as 16 different keepers, suggesting rare cases of frequent ownership changes. Overall, the data suggests this model generally remains with owners for several years but can also experience more frequent transfers.

engine choices

The data indicates that all BMW 3 Series (1998-06) 320CI 2DR Convertible 2.2 SE models in the sample are equipped with a 2.2-liter petrol engine, representing 100% of the vehicles analyzed. This suggests a uniform engine specification for this particular model and variant, with no alternative engine capacities or fuel types observed in the dataset.












