HIGHLIGHTS

Fabulously presented example
Serviced recently
Recent MOT
17 service stamps

THE APPEAL

Considered by many to be one of the best M series cars produced, the third generation M3 was finally released to BMW enthusiasts in 2000, three years after the E46 was launched. Following on from its predecessor, the E36, the E46 featured a more powerful engine, sleeker lines and more advanced technology, creating one of the best M3’s to date.

This well maintained example comes with 17 service stamps, with the most recent carried out approximately 350 miles ago. It has the desirable SMG semi-automatic gearbox, which gives a smooth, quick change. Fitted with the S54B32 engine, this newly designed six-cylinder engine would lead the way for BMW’s now well-established high-rev design. So with a fantastic engine and a superb gearbox, the cosmetic side of things weren’t overlooked; flared arches and a bulging bonnet are just some of the giveaway signs that this is no ordinary E46; it is an M3 E46!

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

V5 is present
UK Registered 8th November 2001
Latest MOT passed 20th October 2022 with no advisories
Excellent service history with 17 stamps
Recent service 350 miles ago
Owner's handbooks are present

THE INTERIOR

Original condition
Black Nappa leather interior Teilleder W.N. Schwarz N5SW
Air conditioning
The instruments are reported to be working correctly, with no warning lights when the engine is running
The odometer shows a reading of 108,930 miles
Harman/Kardon speakers with Pioneer head-unit
All of the switchgear is said to be working correctly and has no signs of heavy wear
Electric windows are working as they should
There is a minimal amount of creasing and minimal colour wear to the driver's seat
The door cards are in good condition, but the paint on the handle section has started to craze
Inside the boot area is clean and tidy
Warning triangle
90% of the tool kit is present

THE EXTERIOR

Finished in Titan Silver Metallic (354)
Presents well
Xenon headlights and fog lights are free from any splits or cracks. There is some condensation in the nearside foglight
The rear lights are free from damage. There are some light scratches and discolouration to the clear section of the lights.
The front and rear BMW badges also appear to be slightly discoloured
There is a small ding on the offside rear quarter, which a paintless dent removal specialist could possibly remove. It would need to be inspected by them first
There is also a small ding just above the nearside rear light
It does look to have had some paint on the offside quarter panel
Overall the car is in good condition with some age-related marks and chips in keeping with the age and mileage of the vehicle.
The windows look in good condition, with no noticeable scratches or chips; there is some perishing to the rubber seal below the windscreen
The wheels do have some small amounts of kerb damage
The tyres have a good amount of tread remaining

THE MECHANICS

3.2 litre straight-six
SMG semi-automatic sequential transmission
343 bhp 269 lb-ft of torque
The M3 fires up brilliantly
No untoward noises are coming from the engine or transmission
The automatic gearchange is smooth, or you can use the flappy paddles for more spirited driving
The brakes are working as they should, with no issues or juddering through the pedal
There are no knocks or bangs reported to come from the suspension
VANOS Recently checked and Ok'd
Rear subframe recently inspected

SUMMARY

Are you looking for a high-performance coupé from a high-end German manufacturer? Look no further; you have just found the ideal car.

The BMW E46 M3 is the coupé which offers something for everyone. First, it is practical to use daily with enough room for all the family inside the luxurious Nappa leather interior. Then there's the performance, with 0-60 mph in around five seconds, with a silky smooth SMG semi-automatic gearbox and excellent handling, resulting in a fantastic coupé which doesn’t disappoint.

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