Highlights
- Extensively restored since 2020, including paint, interior and mechanical work
- Stand-out example in Le Mans Blue with retrimmed red leather interior
- Stored in a temperature-controlled environment by the current keeper
- Recently serviced, including brakes
- Subframe reinforcement completed (addressing a known E46 M3 issue)
- Well-maintained throughout its life
The Appeal
The E46 M3’s brilliance is its key strength and also, for enthusiast buyers, a bit of a downside too. The sheer joy that driving one delivers means that many have been hammered. That leaves finding a good one a tricky prospect.
We suspect that few currently available are as good as this one. Finished in Le Mans Blue with a stand-out red leather cabin, it was factory specified with the desirable six-speed manual box. The vendor acquired it in 2020, and to say he has lavished it with investment would be a mild understatement.
Since purchase, the car has received a full respray, cabin retrim covering seats and wheel, and the suspension, differential, and subframe have been overhauled. The latter benefits from the desirable extra reinforcement that is a key check when buying one of these cars.
The vendor tells us that the car comes with full service history, including a recent service. There were no advisories on the last MOT. This is a clearly cherished M3 where someone else has spent all the money so that the buyer doesn’t have to.
The vendor says:
“The car is much more than just an M3 -it`s a dream brought to life. After owning it for 6 years and restoring it, it has become something truly special. What I love most is the feeling it gives me. No matter what kind of day I’ve had, the moment I sit inside, turn the key and hear it come to life, everything else disappears. It puts a smile on my face every single time. It’s not just a car — it’s an escape, an experience, and a reminder of why we fall in love with driving in the first place.”
History and Paperwork
- First registered 16th December 2003
- Seven registered keepers from new
- Current keeper since December 2020
- Vendor advises full service history with a comprehensive folder of invoices
- We are told there are photos and videos of the restoration process from start to finish
- Recently serviced, including brake work
- Stored in a temperature-controlled garage according to the seller
- Last MOT ran to 29th October 2025 with no advisories
- Will come with a fresh MOT
- Car described as ‘fully restored’ since 2020, including paintwork, interior, suspension, differential and servicing
The Condition
- Recently repainted in Le Mans Blue metallic and remains in very good order
- Some minor stone chips to the front bumper, which the vendor intends to rectify prior to sale
- Bodywork is factory standard and very well kept, as shown
- Factory M3 alloy wheels in very good order as shown with a few signs of age
- Matching Goodyear tyres fitted
- No structural advisories to the underside
- Subframe strengthening as shown in photos
- Interior professionally retrimmed in red leather and shows barely any signs of use
- No rips or significant wear visible in the cabin, we are told
- The steering wheels appears to have been retrimmed and shows little wear
The Mechanics
- S54 345bhp 3,246cc straight six engine
- Six-speed manual transmission
- Factory standard specification, we are told
- The vendor reports no known mechanical faults
- Suspension has been restored as part of the comprehensive refurbishment
- Subframe reinforcement completed (addressing a common issue with E46 M3s)
- Differential work carried out during restoration
- Recently serviced, including the braking system
- Regular maintenance schedule of servicing every 4,000-5,000 miles or annually
- No advisories on MOT test in October 2024
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.
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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.
