The M3 version of the BMW E46 kept enthusiasts in waiting, not appearing until three years after the fourth-generation 3-Series had made its debut – but it was worth the wait.
Powered by a 343bhp 3.2-litre straight-six, it offered incredible performance with 0-60mph dispatched in just five seconds flat, incredible torque and wonderfully balanced handling.
It was a sensation, and led to an immediate 18-month waiting list when it finally went on sale in 2001. Today, you don’t need to wait, but you do have to look hard to find a good one as many of them have been modified and/or used hard.
This one is not such a car. It’s a genuine 110,000-mile example from enthusiast ownership, and the vendor – an M3 aficionado – has gone over it thoroughly to make sure it’s in great order for its next owner.
It’s also a cabriolet, so you can enjoy the roar from its sports exhaust with the roof down.
A well-cared-for original car, it has a lot going for it.
The vendor bought the M3 six months ago as a stop-gap, so that he could still enjoy driving one while his cherished special edition M3 was being restored at a local specialist. His other M3 is now nearing completion, so he needs to sell this one to get his garage space back.
Despite not owning it long, he’s spent quite a bit on the car to bring it up to a good standard, as until November 2021 it had been off the road for five years. A full service and general overhaul followed, and the car is presented for sale in great overall order.
It comes with a stack of old invoices and a BMW service book stamped up to 104,000 miles in 2016, having covered a further 6,000 miles since, of which a couple of thousand have been with the vendor.
The interior is one of the things that will sell this car.
The Oxblood Red leather really stands out and perfectly complements the black coachwork, while the seats, along with their matching door cards and carpets, are in superb order.
It has a BMW Business factory sat nav/CD/radio/TV system in good working order along with fully functional air conditioning, chrome M3 kickplates and genuine BMW E46 dealer mats, all in great condition.
Finished in Carbon Black Metallic, the M3 is subtle and discreet, while the factory 19-inch alloys are in presentable condition with a few minor scuffs. A perfectionist would want to refurbish them, but they’re smart enough and a good starting point.
The same can be said of the coachwork – the body is in good order with no damage and there are no signs of any visible rust, but there are a couple of areas where the paint has deteriorated slightly and a few small stone chips around the car.
Nothing drastic or of any significance, but a few small smart repairs would really give it a lift if you’re fussy. If not, then it’s a really good example regardless.
The inner rear light lenses are a bit cloudy, but the headlights are crystal clear and the original front splitter is undamaged. There is no hardtop, however a replacement convertible roof was fitted a couple of years ago, still looks great and operates perfectly.
The M3’s 3.2-litre straight-six develops 343 bhp and is an eager performer – after all, this was a legendary performance car in its day and it still flies along today, accompanied by a raucous exhaust note from its aftermarket stainless system.
This one is equipped with BMW’s super-quick SMG sequential-auto transmission, which can be operated via the selector lever or via a pair of steering wheel paddles. At the time of the photographs the SMG light was on but has since been diagnosed and subsequently been booked in with the garage to solve.
The vendor says that it drives perfectly, with no suspension noises and great steering and brakes.
This is a brilliant example of an honest, unmessed with M3 in factory specification, with no lairy modifications and a decent service record.
It drives spot-on, sounds great and is in very sound overall condition, ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
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2003 BMW M3 Cabriolet E46
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