One of the most accomplished sports cars ever made, and a true modern classic, the E46 M3 is arguably as close to perfection as a production road car can be, at such an accessible price.
The third generation of M3 had a big job to do. The new millennium had dawned, and the motoring world had moved on – past glories such as the E30 M3 had faded from memory, and the first of the six cylinder M3s, the E36, was looked dated and in desperate need of a replacement. The arrival of the new 3.2 litre, six cylinder 343bhp S54 powered M3 was the perfect replacement, immediately silencing the critics and bringing thousands of new converts to the M3 fold. The numbers speak for themselves, with BMW selling a staggering 55,000 examples worldwide.
The M3 has since aged incredibly well, and despite BMW turning to a V8 configuration for the next generation, the traditional straight six layout, in a lighter and arguably more agile car still has drivers and fans drooling. The E46 M3 is without question an incredibly versatile and capable machine. It has never really moved into the ‘old car’ category, going directly from popular current model to sought after modern classic. Only the CSL version – at over twice the price – offers a more absorbing and rewarding drive.
Despite the huge number sold as new cars (12,500 in RHD) finding a well looked after, corrosion free, low mileage manual (nearly half were clutch-pedal-less SMG versions) example is surprisingly difficult. The popularity of the E46 M3 coupled with the low values around 2009-2012 meant that many cars were bought by owners unable or unwilling to spend the right amount on upkeep.
This particular E46 M3 is exceptional. Owned by the same family since new (the current keeper is registered as the second on the log book, being the brother of the first keeper) and meticulously maintained throughout the entire 50,000 miles recorded – all servicing has been done within the BMW dealer network until we took over recently – the car is in absolutely superb condition. A huge wodge of bills and a fully stamped service book bear testament to the owner’s super-thorough approach to ongoing maintenance. Our technical team inspected the car when it arrived and pronounced it fit to sell in that state – which is frankly almost unheard of (needs a tyre inflation kit and wheel refurb – all being done within the price. The car has just had an inspection 2 service and a fresh MOT, passed with no advisories. It is in the right colour combination – black with black, and is one of the later models, being a 2005 registered car (production ended mid 2006).
If you’re looking for the perfect, mid mileage, manual E46 M3, we think you’ve found it. To find out more, or to arrange a viewing, please contact our showroom team on 01825 740456 or email us on sales@munichlegends.com
