Description
Only 275 examples of the CS version of the E46 M3 model were imported into the UK, this competition pack consisted of reduced unsprung weight, a shorter rack, upgraded brakes and an Alcantara steering wheel. Half of these cars were ordered with a six-speed manual gearbox and these are the cars that have now deservedly reached real cult status amongst BMW fans addressing the one shortcoming of the E46 M3 and M3 CSL model.
This super manual CS is in immaculate original unmodified condition throughout and has covered 49, 000 fully documented miles in the hands of four owners from new. Finished in silver grey metallic with Imola red Nappa leather, options as per the original factory order include Climate Comfort windscreen, heated front seats, navigation system with TV function, enhanced Bluetooth phone function, Harmon Kardon HiFi and M rear spoiler.
An incredibly detailed history file shows us every aspect of the car’s life, hence we know it was completed at the factory in Regensburg on the 21st of October 2005, delivered to the supplying dealer Ocean BMW in Falmouth on the 17th of November 2005 and registered and delivered to the first owner on the 1st of December 2005. The latter date also confirmed in the original stamped service book.
The first owner, a resident of Cornwall retained the CS until the 16th of June 2006 and hardly used the car, hence the running in service was completed by Ocean BMW at 1, 295 miles, the supplying dealer on the 19th of June 2006 for the second owner, also a Cornwall resident.
This second owner retained the CS until the 4th of June 2015, the mileage rising to 43, 600 miles in his tenure. He continued to use Ocean BMW for servicing as per schedule as confirmed with service stamps and correspondence.
The third owner based near Shrewsbury purchased the CS later in 2006 and retained it until 2024. He again took very great care of the CS with regular maintenance being completed by Rybrook Shrewsbury, his local BMW dealer as per service book stamps and detailed in invoices on file.
I purchased the car in September 2024 and sent it to the BMW M Power guru Darragh at Everything M3 for a full evaluation and major service with the instruction to correct any maladies found. An invoice on file amounting to £3, 000 details the work completed following which Darragh proclaimed this to be a very good one.
A regular Hairpin customer purchased the CS shortly afterwards for his small and perfectly formed collection that we store and maintain on his behalf. It has covered a minimal mileage, having been used gently for the odd weekend outing only.
The car remains in excellent original order with no discernible signs of wear and it really does drive well, fully living up the expectation that’s its legendary status creates.
It comes with an extensive history file documenting this car’s life exhaustively. A complete book pack including the above mentioned stamped original service book in the correct M Power leather wallet and all tools and keys.
