Description
UTAC | Millbrook, Bedford
Viewing: Tues 24th June from 12pm
Auction: Wed 25th June from 9am
Location: Millbrook Proving Ground, Station Lane, Bedford MK45 2JQ
2003 BMW M3 Coupé
Estimate
£16, 000 - £20, 000
Registration No: RN52 EZH
Chassis No: WBSBL92030JR05580
MOT: T. B. A
Just four former keepers and current registered ownership since 2016
Low mileage with just 68, 000 miles from new
Rated by the vendor as ‘excellent’ throughout
Offered with a history file that includes the original bill of sale
Widely hailed as one of the best-looking, best-sounding, and best-handling BMW M3s yet made, the E46 generation débuted at the March, 2000, Geneva Salon. Styled by Ulf Weidhase, the newcomer was a deft blend of aggression and subtlety. Available in Coupé or Convertible guises, the E46 M3 was powered by a 3. 2-litre DOHC straight-six allied with a Getrag six-speed manual transmission. Interestingly, the latter could be specified with either a conventional or electro-hydraulically actuated clutch. Dubbed ‘SMG-II’ when shorn of a third pedal, it proved to be the fastest-shifting gearbox in the world. Credited with developing around 343bhp and 269lb-ft of torque, the compact four-seater was reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 5. 3 seconds and a restricted 155mph. In addition to all-round independent suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, and power steering, the nimble BMW boasted a sophisticated M Differential Lock and Traction Control. According to the M Registry, 13, 052 Coupés and 7, 234 Convertibles were built to RHD European specification.
This M3, equipped with the SMG-II automatic transmission, stands out as an uncommonly well-preserved, low-mileage example. First registered on 22nd January, 2003, it had covered only 68, 000 miles from new when it was purchased by the fifth and present owner in 2016 on account of its excellent condition. For most of the last 10 years, he has enjoyed it as a static display piece, with the last MOT issued in 2017. Presented in a well-chosen colour scheme of Black paintwork with a Grey interior, the BMW also comes equipped with a desirable AC Schnitzer sports exhaust, which certainly does wonders for the soundtrack of the engine. Needless to say, the last nine years have been extremely kind to it, and the vendor rates the bodywork, engine, electrics, paint, transmission and interior as ‘excellent’.
Although the car is a relative youngster at 22 years old, it comes with the current V5C and a surprisingly detailed history file, which most pleasingly includes the original bill of sale. Never restored, just carefully preserved, we cannot sum it up better than the vendor when he describes it simply as “a lovely car.”
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
