BMW (E46) M3 Coupé

About this Collectable

BMW M3 Coupé (E46)

Probably the best M3 ever. In particular, the S54 engine made the E46 an icon!

The first generation M3 (E30) was a success. Many motorsport successes also ensured eager public demand. Nearly 18,000 examples were sold. Of these, quite a few have perished so that the remaining cars now fetch huge sums of money. The E36 and E46 M3s do not differ much in terms of numbers. Around 80,000 of both models have been built. The E46 is actually a perfect combination between everything you want. Little to no understeer, and oversteer only when you force it. The suspension is stiff, but comfortable enough when the road surface is not too bad. The 343-hp Line 6 provides ample power when desired. Although an SMG automatic from BMW does not disappoint (especially if you use it for what it was made for), it is very cool that this is an ‘’old-fashioned‘’ (and highly sought-after) manual transmission. It makes for more feeling while driving anyway. Intermediate throttle yourself, being responsible for the clutch yourself. And choosing the revs of the 5 times Engine of the Year award winning S54 engine block yourself.

This E46 M3 began its life in America. According to the Carfax, the car had minor front damage (but no structural parts were hit) and was later transported to Europe. Then the then owner went all out on the car to turn it into a CSL tribute with lots of (real) carbon parts. Furthermore, original M3 CSL rims were fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres. In total, some 45,000.00 euros was invested to get this M3 back to the way it is here now.  For instance, the roof panel, front bumper and boot lid are carbon fibre, just like the original CSL. Headlights have been renewed, the car has been completely painted in its original colour and the engine has new bearing shells and a rebuilt Vanos, which means it is ready to go again for the time being. The modified suspension and bucket seats make the car the ultimate driver's copy!

Our opinion

This E46 is pretty much how you want it. Manual transmission, super sporty with the CSL parts and you sit nice and tight in the bucket seats. This does put a bit more emphasis on sporty use, but that's what you buy an M3 for, isn't it? You can also see the higher mileage as an advantage. Firstly, everything has already been done to it, secondly, you don't have to regret putting some miles on it to enjoy it, and thirdly, this one is priced a lot friendlier than the trailerqueens that languish in an expensive barn.

About the seller

The current owner, a true enthusiast who previously owned an original first-type RS6, was able to acquire the car from a close acquaintance. Which he knew how meticulously and professionally he had restored this car. In his eyes, it is the ultimate e46 with the looks of a CSL but with a manual gearbox. Despite the mileage, the condition the car is in can be called unique.    

Equipment

This M3 is equipped with:

- Harman-Kardon Hifi
- M-Sport steering wheel multifunction
- Climate control
- Dynamic stability control
- Electric windows front and rear
- Park Distance Control
- Metallic paintwork
- Xenon lighting

Modifications

- Carbon boot lid CSL style
- Carbon roof panel
- Carbon centre console
- Carbon CSL front bumper
- Carbon splitters
- M3 19-inch BMW rims (original)
- Lowered chassis
- Cobra bucket seats

Notes

The M3 has been completely repainted so that all new parts are actually in the same colour as the rest of the car. The S54 engine has 2 sensitive points: The Vanos and the connecting rod bearings. Both have been replaced/rebuilt on this car. Furthermore, the rear subframe is a well-known ‘pain point’ of the E46. Of course, this too has been reinforced! Because of the bucket seats, the airbag light is on. The brake discs are nearing their end. Therefore, a new (and correct) set of 4 drilled and ventilated discs is included.

Recent service history

There is no history further, everything has been done in-house. In total, around €45,000 has been spent on technology, parts and bodywork.

Included with sale

1 key
MOT report
Documentation undercarriage
4 new brake discs Zimmermann, OEM quality.

Summary

- Seller - Julian
- Location - Nieuw Vennep
- Chassis number - WBSBL934X4PN55529
- Registration number - P-247-TX
- First registration - 01-06-2004
- Mileage - 283,747km
- Demonstrable - Plausible
- Warranty - No
- VAT/margin car - Margin
- Bodywork - Coupé
- Engine - 3.2 Liter 6 cylinder inline engine
- Drive system - Rear-wheel driven
- Gearbox - Manual
- Tyres - 265-30-19 and 225-35-19, Michelin Pilot Sport DOT 2022 and >6mm
- Exterior - BMW Silbergrau Metallic 
- Interior - Black leather/fabric
- Upholstery - Leather/fabric
- Smoking car - No
- Owners - 2 in the Netherlands

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