BMW · BMW CI AUTO · Cars
BMW CI AUTO Rare
As of 2026 Q2, 375 BMW CI AUTOs 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 12 (3.3%) over the past year, as imports and barn-finds rejoin the register faster than cars leave it. Tellingly, 58% 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 2,315 UK car models we track.
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About the CI AUTO
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 AUTO — questions & answers
How many BMW CI AUTO are left in the UK?
As of 2026 Q2, 375 BMW CI AUTO were still registered in the UK — 157 licensed and on the road, plus 218 declared SORN (off-road). The figures come from official DVLA vehicle licensing data.
Is the BMW CI AUTO rare?
The BMW CI AUTO is rare — fewer than 1,000 remain (375), making it rarer than 46% of the 2,315 UK car models we track.
Is the BMW CI AUTO increasing or decreasing?
Over the last year the number of BMW CI AUTO on UK roads rose by 12 (3.3%).
What fuel do most BMW CI AUTO use?
Most BMW CI AUTO run on petrol — about 100% of those still registered.
When did the BMW CI AUTO peak?
The BMW CI AUTO peaked at 401 registered in 2017 Q2, and was first recorded in the data in 2014 Q3.