BMW · BMW CI · Cars
BMW CI Rare
As of 2026 Q1, 375 BMW CIs remain registered in the UK — a genuinely rare sight on today's roads. That's down from a peak of 401 in 2017 Q2 — only 94% of the high-water mark, a loss of about 26 cars. Unusually, the numbers are actually rising — up 14 (3.9%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 63% are declared SORN — kept off the road in garages and barns rather than driven, the signature of a car being looked after rather than used up.
Survivors over time
How rare is it?
Rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (375 in the latest data).
Rarer than 46% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Trend
About the CI
The BMW 3 Series (E46) is the fourth generation of the BMW 3 Series range of compact executive cars manufactured by German automaker BMW. Produced from 1997 to 2006, it was the successor to the E36 3 Series, which ceased production in 2000. It was introduced in November 1997, and available in sedan, coupé, convertible, station wagon and hatchback body styles. The latter has been marketed as the 3 Series Compact. The M3 performance model was introduced in June 2000 with a 2-door coupé body style, followed by the convertible counterpart in April 2001. The M3 is powered by the BMW S54 straight-six...
BMW CI — questions & answers
How many BMW CI are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q1, 375 BMW CI were still registered in the UK — 138 licensed and on the road, plus 237 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the BMW CI rare?
The BMW CI is rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (375), making it rarer than 46% of the 2,429 UK car models we track.
Is the BMW CI increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of BMW CI on UK roads rose by 14 (3.9%).
What fuel do most BMW CI use?
Most BMW CI run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the BMW CI peak?
The BMW CI peaked at 401 registered in 2017 Q2, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.