2004 BMW M3 E46 *Sold £17,200*

Description

• Immaculate example
• 86k warranted mileage
• Full Service History
• CSL parts
• Original Parts supplied
• Private plate to be removed

This generation of BMW M3 (E46) was the one that cemented the brand’s legend. The original M3 (E30) was an all-out racer with a side line as a road car. The E36 swapped these roles around – to its detriment. This M3 finally nailed the formula. Arriving in 2000, it instantly proved itself as an exceptional road car and racer.

The drivetrain was a blueprint for driver enjoyment. A naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine up front with an Automatic DSG gearbox bolted to the back, its prop shaft sending drive through a limited-slip differential to the rear wheels. The cherry on top was the power that came from arguably BMW’s greatest ever production engine, the 338bhp S54. This 3.2-litre straight-six makes peak power just shy of 8000rpm.

Cornering speed has always been an M3 party piece, but the E46 could carry licence-losing pace through the bends. When you did finally break the laws of physics, the M-differential apportioned torque based on wheel speed. This allowed really fine control of the rear end and made your average driver look like a drifting god.

Our vendor explained that although he will be sad to see it go, it just does not get the use it deserves. This is borne out in the MOT history which shows he has only added 1400 miles since purchase and less than 400 miles since 2021.

*Please note, the number plate in the images will be removed prior to the sale and an age-related plate will be allocated to the M3 – expected to be WP53 MTU*

Either way the lucky new owner will be taking ownership of an extremely well sorted example.  Supplied with two keys, all the manuals and service book with the usual main dealer stamps, followed by a couple from the BMW specialists that serviced the M3 throughout the years. Yes, a full service history, including the differential service.

Exterior

Never used in the rain, the bodywork remains in tip top condition with no dents or other damage to any of the panels. The shut lines are typically German in that they are flush, and the panel gaps are consistent. Its Carbon Black paint presents immaculately. Our vendor did explain that whilst it was stored a pesky pigeon managed to get in the garage and drop some lime onto the roof. The tiny blemish it left was enough for our vendor to get the roof repainted, although you would never know. Testament to how pedantic our vendor is about this M3.

Probably deserving of a mention much earlier in this description are those wonderful GTR replica wings. Professionally fitted and painted, they look absolutely perfect for the car and make it stand out as it should. Paired with the OEM 19inch CSL wheels and front and rear splitters and the CSL boot lid spoiler, we are looking at a very special car that stands head on shoulders above the crowd.  Add to that the fact the original wheels and wings will be supplied with the car, we are talking a collectors quality car.

When discussing the underneath, our vendor was keen to share that “the underside is as clean as the topside”. If there are no photos in the gallery as you read this then keep popping back – our vendor will supply some images as soon as he has a chance. Unfortunately, the car came to market prior to receiving them.

If you are in the market for the best example possible then you have pretty much found it.

• GTR Replica wings
• OEM CSL Wheels
• Front Splitter
• Rear Carbon Fibre lower trim
• CSL Boot lid Spoiler

Interior

The grey leather interior is a really nice contrast against the Carbon Black paintwork and remains in lovely order, predominantly because our vendor had it reconnolised when he purchased the M3; another nod to our vendor’s pedantic nature and the standout quality of this car.

The dash, door cards and steering wheel are also in fantastic condition with an even shine-free texture retained throughout. Commonly scratch-prone areas such as the driver’s door pull, and delicate centre console trims are also in good order. In the footwells, the light grey carpets are well protected by original BMW M3 over mats in black, again all in great shape.

The boot is in perfect order with the toolkit, albeit initially showing some missing items, has now had them put back into place.

As with the outside, this M3 interior is in remarkable condition and really does present itself fantastically.

As you would expect there is literally nothing that does not work correctly, exactly as it did when it left the factory. Even the a/c is topped up and pushing our cool air.

Engine

The S54 is an iconic six-cylinder powerplant revving to 8,000rpm with an intoxicating rasp at higher revs. In this car it’s paired with BMW’s DSG dual clutch auto gearbox providing a direct and consistent flow of power at all engine speeds.

Our vendor has shared that although the odometer shows 89k of warranted, fully serviced mileage, which is pretty low for a 20-year-old car, some would argue that it is only just run in as these spectacular six-cylinder behemoths of an engine are virtually bulletproof. It should also be pointed out that there genuinely is not a drop of oil seeping from anywhere in the engine bay. Lifting the bonnet shows a very nicely presented engine with only the faintest of age-related marks showing.

Lastly but by no means least is the fitted full Milltek stainless steel exhaust that will stay rot free for many years to come – always a great upgrade.

Wheels, Tyres, Suspension and Other

Those who know will be aware that the M3 E46 is not just about the super six-cylinder engine. It is about the full package; the M3 is not known the world over as “The Ultimate Driving Machine” for nothing. Built around a relatively light chassis with excellent handling dynamics, the suspension was engineered to deliver feedback and quick response to the driver’s inputs as they carved their way through the Bavarian Alps, before settling into a 150+ mph cruise on the Autobahn – and wow does it deliver.

As mentioned previously, the M3 sits on the upgraded 19-inch CSL alloys which are in perfect condition with none showing any evidence of ever touching the dreaded kerb. They are shod in 235/35 ZR19s to the front and 265/30 ZR19s to the rear, all less than a thousand miles old and presenting as virtually new. Again, as previously stated the original M3 wheels will be supplied to the winning bidder. These are also in fantastic condition.

As expected, the car drives, stops, steers and goes around corners as if it was new, with no unusual squeaks, rattles or knocks. Did we say you are looking at an M3 at the top of its game?

Our View

Respected journos state that the E46 M3 may not just be the best M3 but it may well be one of the best all-round performance cars of all time. In everything from looks to performance the E46 M3 nails it all perfectly, with the ability to deliver spine-tingling performance at sky high revs or mooch along in relative luxury and comfort as the mood takes you.

Impressive words indeed, and with this example being the beneficiary of a very pedantic owner coupled with those stunning GTR wings and CSL upgrades we are talking about a serious contender for the E46 M3 car or the year.

This one really is at show car standards and as we have said already, if you’re looking for a tip top example in a world of mediocracy (there are so many average examples out there) then you have just about found it.

Like we say, this is a very well presented M3 that is not only going to deliver but will keep delivering a wonderful drivers and owners experience.

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by, get bidding early.