Description
Kelham Hall | Newark, Nottinghamshire
Viewing: Tues 17th March 2026 from 12pm
Auction: Weds 18th March 2026 12pm
Location: Kelham Hall Main Street, Newark, Nottinghamshire NG23 5QX
Registration No: MH05 FCP Chassis No: WBSBL92050PP86931 MOT: T. B. A
1 of 50 examples of the Silverstone Edition M3 produced
Warranted 75, 000 miles from new and just five former keepers
Offered with documented service history, the most recent less than 2, 000 miles ago
Rated by the vendor as ‘very good’ throughout
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.
The Silverstone Edition was a highly limited production run of just 50 cars, with a very high specification finish. All were finished in Silverstone II Blue metallic with Dark Estoril Blue extended Nappa leather trim, complimented with Aluminium Cube trim, matching trimmed floor mats etc. This example also benefits from a high trim specification including an Anthracite steering wheel, Harman Kardon stereo, digital television, satellite navigation, 19in. diamond-cut alloys, bi-xenon lights and parking sensors. Besides its rarity, the other great attraction of this M3 Silverstone is its excellent specification. Manufactured in December, 2004, and registered new in Manchester, it has only had six registered keepers, and the current registered owner acquired it in 2012, since when he has cherished it very much as the collector’s item it is. It has only seen modest use, with just over 75, 000 miles covered from new, and servicing has been performed at regular intervals.
The first service was performed on June 13th, 2005, at 1, 852 miles by the Auto Centre in Darlington. The second and third were performed by Sandal Motors (Bayern) Ltd. on November 24th, 2005, at 13, 468 miles, and on June 16th, 2006, at 27, 748 miles. The BMW was returned to the Auto Centre for services four and five, July 24th, 2009, at 45, 019 miles, and on October 17th, 2011, at 58, 191 miles. The two most recent services were conducted by Prestige Auto Repairs on April 23rd, 2016, at 67, 161 miles, and on March 13th, 2021, at 73, 373 miles. Based on this, and a general inspection of the car, we feel the vendor is entirely justified in describing the BMW as “very good” in all areas. Having been in practically continuous use throughout its life, the M3 was allowed a bit of a rest and laid-up over the winter of 2025 to 2026, though previous to that it had been M. O. T.’d in September, 2024, with no advisories. Complete with its book pack, it will be provided with a fresh M. O. T. for the sale. It appears in lovely order inside and out, with very little indication that it is a twenty-year-old car, and it really does invite close inspection.
** 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.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
