Cherished number to be retained by vendor – will be sold on original BP02 EJA registration

HIGHLIGHTS

Gorgeous E46 M3
Full history and low mileage
SMG transmission
Rare factory hardtop with BMW stand

THE APPEAL

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 not such a car. It’s a genuine sub 37,000-mile example from enthusiast ownership, and the vendor – a BMW aficionado – has gone over it thoroughly to make sure it’s in great order for its next owner. It’s also a cabriolet, so you can enjoy the roar from its sports exhaust with the roof down. A well-cared-for, beautiful car with a fully known history, it has a lot going for it.

THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK

Original book pack
Service history and fully stamped book
Recent invoice for BMW major service at well-regarded independent
MOT until July 2023
Bought by vendor from a friend who had owned it for 17 years, so entire car history is known
Always serviced by main dealers or approved independents
Genuine low mileage
Invoice for recent alloy wheel refurbishment
Two sets of keys
Current and copy of previous V5C
All but one previous MOT certificate
Cherished number to be retained by vendor – will be sold on original BP02 EJA registration
Original glovebox torch

THE INTERIOR

Imola Red leather
Electric roof
Factory nav/CD/TV system
Motorola phone kit

The interior is one of the things that will sell this car. The Imola Red leather really stands out and perfectly complements the black coachwork, while the seats, along with their matching door cards and carpets, are in superb order.

It has a BMW Business factory sat nav/CD/radio/TV system in good working order along with fully functional air conditioning, chrome M3 kickplates and genuine BMW E46 dealer mats, all in great condition. It also comes with a factory installed Motorola phone kit and matching handset. It also comes with a folding wind deflector and storage bag.

In the boot, the load area is spotlessly carpeted and the original tool kit is all present and correct.

THE EXTERIOR

Carbon Black Metallic
Newly refurbished 19-inch alloys
Factory hardtop
No damage or visible rust

Finished in Carbon Black Metallic, the M3 is subtle and discreet, while the factory 19-inch alloys are in perfect condition, having recently been refurbished by a well-known specialist and treated to new centre caps and M-badges. They’re shod with nearly new Pirelli tyres all-round,

The same can be said of the coachwork – the body 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 crystal clear and all of the trim is pretty much flawless.

The roof operates as it ought to and it has 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. The underside looks excellent, with the original green coating still visible on the brake pipes and no evidence of any corrosion.

THE MECHANICS

3.2 straight-six
DSG semi-automatic sequential transmission
Drives brilliantly with no known faults
Recent major service at BMW specialist, including valve clearances and all fluids
New battery

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 from its factory exhaust system.

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. It has recently has a “Service 2” at a reputable BMW specialist in Essex and has covered only 2,200 miles since.

SUMMARY

This is a truly gorgeous, low-mileage example of an honest, unmessed with M3 in factory specification, with no lairy modifications and a comprehensive service record.

It drives brilliantly, sounds great and is in stunning overall condition, ready to be enjoyed by its next owner or even stored away as part of a collection, such is its brilliant overall condition.

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