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 one of the good ones - It’s a genuine sub-77,000-mile example from enthusiast ownership, the pats two keepers being big BMW fans.
It’s also a cabriolet, so you can enjoy the roar from its aftermarket stainless-steel sports exhaust with the roof down. A well-cared-for car with a fully known history, it has a huge amount going for it.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Original book pack
Service history and fully stamped book
Cherished registration included
MOT until October 2023
Always serviced by main dealers or approved independents
Genuine mileage
Two sets of keys
Lots of old MOT certificates
Box file full of invoices documenting service and repair work going back to the late 2000s
Lifetime guarantee certificate for Eisenmann stainless-steel exhaust system imported from Germany
THE INTERIOR
Charcoal leather
Electric roof
Upgraded dual-DIN Alpine Bluetooth stereo
Dark carbon trim highlights
The interior is one of the things that will sell this car as it’s in fine order - the seats, along with their matching door cards and carpets, are in superb condition with only a very minor amount of wear showing to the driver’s side seat bolster.
It has an upgraded E46-specific Alpine double-DIN stereo in good working order along with fully functional air conditioning, smart M3 kickplates and optional dark carbon trim inserts, the theme extending to the M-Sport steering wheel.
In the boot, the load area is spotlessly carpeted and the original tool kit is all present and correct.
THE EXTERIOR
Titanium Silver Metallic
Refurbished 19-inch alloys
Factory hardtop
No damage or visible rust
Finished in Titanium Silver, the M3 is bright yet subtle, while the factory 19-inch alloys are in excellent condition, having been refurbished a couple of years ago by a by a specialist.
The outer bodywork is in superb order with no damage and there are no signs of any visible rust, while it retains a glorious shine. The light units – often faded on E46s – are clear and all of the trim is pretty much flawless.
The roof operates as it ought to and it comes with the welcome addition of a BMW genuine hardtop, complete with stand (and cover) so you can store it in your garage. The headlining of the hardtop has also been retrimmed with an accompanying receipt. The top changes the character of the car completely, giving a much more coupe-like feel for the winter, as well as a little extra stiffness if you wish to press on.
THE MECHANICS
3.2-litre straight-six
SMG semi-automatic sequential transmission
Drives brilliantly with no known faults
Eisenmann stainless-steel exhaust and Eventuri induction kit
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 thanks to a wonderful Eisenmann stainless-steel sports exhaust system and Eventuri induction kit, fitted by the previous owner at a cost of almost £2,000.
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. The vendor says that it drives perfectly, with no suspension noises and great steering and brakes – we were able to drive it 10 mile son our photoshoot and it behaved impeccably when we did.
SUMMARY
This is a really smart, low-mileage example of an honest, unmessed with M3, with no lairy, over-the-top modifications and a comprehensive service record that runs to almost an entire box file.
It drives well, sounds amazing and is in very good overall condition, ready to be thoroughly enjoyed by its next owner throughout the pending summer months.
Notice to bidders
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