2002 BMW M3 E46 For Sale (picture 1 of 132)
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Pre-bids

2002 BMW M3 E46

Highlights

  • Unmodified E46 M3 with known history from new
  • Subframe professionally reinforced by Munich Legends
  • Rod bearings replaced by BMW
  • Dry stored for the last eight years as part of a small collection
  • Cinnamon leather interior with minimal wear
  • Please note that the private reg has been removed and the car has been reassigned RA52OKX.



The Appeal

The E46 BMW M3 is one of the most celebrated iterations of BMW's motorsport-derived coupe, combining naturally aspirated straight-six power, engaging handling, and timeless design.

This 2002 example stands out for being a genuine unmodified specimen with comprehensive service history and important preventative maintenance already addressed. Having been part of a small collection and dry stored for the past eight years, this M3 offers the opportunity to acquire a well-preserved example of what many enthusiasts consider to be the definitive M3 generation.

The vendor says:

"Everyone knows the best driving car of all time is the E46 M3. Well, maybe it's the CSL... but for mere mortals, it's the entry-level base-spec S54-engined 3 series that had us all swooning in the early noughties. There really isn't anything else like it for driving experience and as a potent driving tool. Rare to find an unmolested one now, especially in such excellent condition, with low miles, low owners and a desirable spec and with all the major work done.
"Driving this car is like riding a chainsaw over a rainbow, and only owners know what that feels like. There is literally nothing like the rasp you get from the manifolds of an E46M. The driving experience is visceral and can't be replicated.
"Even though I spent 12 years in a 520hp 200mph daily driver, the E46 still feels so fast...and has a squirt out of a corner that will literally take your breath away.
The chassis has incredible poise, and the poise, combined with the power, engine noise, exhaust noise and brakes, makes it a truly special car to drive.

"A blank canvas for mods...it suits weight reduction, supercharging, BBKs...and can take a pretty 19" for summer. Although I find it handles, rides and accelerates better on the Style 167 18s.

"While I love this car, sadly, my health is changing, and I struggle with getting in and out. I was 32 when I bought my first E46M, but I'm not 32 anymore. My loss is someone else's gain, and somebody is going to be very happy with this car, which is truly a stunning example and a credit to its previous owners.
"

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History and Paperwork

  • UK market RHD car first registered in 2002
  • Three former registered keepers (four on the logbook as one re-registered to himself)
  • Full comprehensive service history with printouts
  • Dry stored for the last 8 years as part of a small collection
  • Described as driving better than a 47,000-mile E46 M3 the owner previously sold
  • Known history from new
  • Private registration not included in the sale
  • 105,000 miles
  • Comes with fresh MOT
The vendor tells us:

"This example needs none of the maintenance that an E46 might usually. The boot floor has been professionally reinforced by Munich Legends and will never need to be revisited. The rod bearings were replaced at BMW. The car had its valve clearances done in *need to check* and has a healthy VANOS system. Coupled with the fact that but it is a manual coupe in near immaculate condition makes it a true unicorn in today's world."

"The car has just been given a fresh MOT which it passed with no advisories. All advisories from previous MOTs were addressed by previous kwner prior to my purchase. Recent work includes a new aircon condenser, brake fluid and diff oil flushes"

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The Condition

  • The vendor states the paintwork is in very good order with no notable scratches, swirls or holograms
  • Few very light marks on the roof and a slight dent, visible in the photos
  • Factory-fitted Style 167 18" wheels in smoked gunmetal finish
  • Four Michelin tyres: PS3 fronts and Supersport rears
  • Rear tyres have an old DOT rating, all reportedly showing good tread levels
  • Presents well throughout
  • Cinnamon leather appears in smart condition with no sag or wear on bolsters
  • Steering wheel in good condition
  • Minor wear on the gearstick
  • Gearstick illumination doesn't work
  • Sagging interior pillar trims
  • A few pixels are out on the infotainment screen
The vendor tells us:

"The condition has to be seen to be believed. The only thing that might imply its true age is on the gearstick, which has wear and no longer illuminates. While i do intend to replace this, it is a nice example of the genuine patina of the car. The car is as close to immaculate as a 23 year old car gets and in many ways looks like it has just rolled out of the factory. The paint is generally immaculate without even a swirl, and attracts surprise everywhere it goes. A recent underside inspection shows it to be incredibly clean throughout, reflecting its indoor storage since approximately 2015. There is absolutely not a spot of rust anywhere, as you'd expect of an E46 of this rare calibre"

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The Mechanics

  • 3.2-litre S54 straight-six
  • Six-speed manual transmission
  • Subframe reinforced by Munich Legends
  • Rod bearings replaced by BMW
  • Recently serviced with 10w60 oil
  • Needs aircon regas
  • OEM brake discs and pads in good condition
  • Drives straight and true, the vendor says
  • No differential whine reported
image.png 1.86 MB

BEFORE YOU BUY
This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:
✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..
✓ We request that a non-refundable fee  be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.
✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own  full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.
✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection
or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it’s worth checking beforehand.. 

Pre-bids

What are pre-bids?

A pre-bid means you're able to place a bid before the official start of the auction. You will be notified whether or not you are the highest bidder when the auction starts.

Auction Details

  • Year2002
  • MakeBMW
  • ModelM3
  • ColourSilver
  • Odometer105,000 Miles
  • Engine size3200cc
  • TransmissionManual, 6 speed
  • Steering positionRight Hand Drive
  • Seller TypePrivate
  • TownWeston-super-Mare
  • CountySomerset
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • Auction ends

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