Highlights

Well-kept and very usable ‘black on black’ coupé
£50,000 reportedly spent on maintenance from new
Rod bearings replaced in 2012
Recently serviced, including oil, all filters, sump plug and spark plugs
New front brakes and pads recently fitted
MOT valid to October 2026 with no advisories

The Appeal

Sweet-revving S54 engine, 6spd manual box and the sort of engagement and agility that seems like a lost motoring art all make the E46 M3 perhaps the greatest coupe of the last 30 years. A big claim, but one that owners and reviewers regularly affirm.

Here is a chance to bag a very usable and nicely specified example - it’s finished in popular ‘black on black’ and is fitted with the 6-spd manual gearbox. The car is well kept and appears to be factory standard.

The vendor acquired the car earlier this year and tells us that it has recently had a major service and new front brake pads. The condition and mechanical running is verified by the current MOT, which runs to October with no advisories.

This is an E46 M car for buyers who want to use and enjoy their car rather than hide it away in storage. Here’s a chance to capitalise on previous keepers’ investment.

The vendor says:

“The car is absolutely amazing, pulls well through all gears. These cars need to be owned by people who have lots of time for them. The only reason I am selling is due to having a full-time job as well as running my own business.”

Key Information

Mileage: 152,800 miles indicated
Country of registration: United Kingdom
MOT status: valid until 12th October 2026
Technical specs: 3,246cc inline-six, six-speed manual
Paperwork: Service book present, we are told

The Detail

Black metallic paintwork in good order for age and mileage
Some light scuffs and also frontal stone chips to note in photos
Exterior shows some scratches as expected for a car of this age
Slight bubbling of rust on the driver's side rear arch, not blown through the paint
Reported to be free of dents
Appears to be a factory standard car with factory M Sport alloys
Alloys are presentable but show some kerbing to rims
Fitted with matching Goodyear tyres all round
Underside as shown with no structural advisories on MOT
Major service carried out since May 2026
This work included oil, all filters, sump plug and spark plugs
New front brakes and pads recently fitted
New gear stick installed with factory light-up function
Horn replaced as it was not working
Rod bearings replaced in 2012, noted in service book only with no invoice present
£50,000 reportedly spent on maintenance from new, we are told
Black leather M3 interior in good order considering age and mileage
Factory standard car that retains its factory radio/cassette system
Switchgear, headlining, door cards and carpets in good condition for mileage
Vendor describes the interior as being in very good condition
Fabric on the A, B and C pillars has started to come away
Vendor states the car would benefit from new gear linkage bushings

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. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.