2005 BMW M3 E46 Silverstone Edition

Highlights

• One of 50 Silverstone Edition cars with Silverstone metallic paint and a Dark Estoril Blue extended Nappa leather interior
• A rare find, especially in this condition and with such low mileage
• Manual gearbox with new clutch in 2021
• Extensive history, much of it with supporting invoices
• Stage 1 tune with rolling road printout showing a healthy output

Overview

Regarded by many as peak BMW, the appeal of the E46 M3 just doesn’t seem to get old. With a design that’s ageing like a fine wine, a high-revving and great-sounding straight six and fabulous handling, it’s a modern classic that is of interest to both keen drivers and collectors alike.

This is, of course reflected in the upward spiral of their prices but the general consensus is that it’s more than worth the price of entry. However, with production ending in 2006, they are starting to get a little long in the tooth and so finding a good condition, low mileage example is increasingly difficult.

Fortunately then, we’re delighted to offer this 2005 car which is a one of fifty special edition, produced towards the end of the production run and specified with a manual gearbox. With Silverstone metallic paint and a Dark Estoril Blue extended Nappa leather interior, the “Silverstone Edition” was a limited run that included many of the optional extras and a set of leather-edged floor mats in a matching colour.

That it’s a limited edition is of interest alone but this particular example has covered fewer than 45k miles and an extensive history that encompasses both regular maintenance and also includes a new clutch, rebuilt differential, recent new brakes all round and the replacement of numerous suspension components.

It’s clearly a mechanically well-cared for car but it is also in fine cosmetic fettle, both inside and out. In fact the next owner will have to decide just how much to use it as, in this condition, its value can surely only increase. Given the opportunity to really enjoy a well-sorted E46 M3, we know which way we would lean but we’ll certainly be jealous of whoever gets to make that decision.

History and documentation

• Registered 1 Mar 2005 according to the DVLA records, though the service book (with the correct VIN) shows 21 Jan 2005
• Acquired by the current owner Dec 2020
• Stamps in the book show the following main dealer services: PDI Jan 2005, running-in service May 2005 @1,424 miles, Oil service Aug 2006 @9,374 miles, Inspection I Nov 2007 @16,263 miles, Oil service Jan 2008 @25,612 miles, Inspection II Feb 2012 @35,371 miles (with matching invoice), Oil service April 2017 @39,744 miles (with matching invoice), Inspection I June 2018 @40,318 miles (with matching invoice)
• Stamps from independent garages as follows: Oil service May 2021 @41,851 miles, Oil service Mar 2022 @43,337 miles, Inspection II Feb 2023 @44,268 miles
• There’s a full set of invoices for servicing work carried out under current ownership and, in addition to the services listed above, the car has also received a new clutch, dual mass flywheel, spigot bearing and rear crankshaft seal in Jul 2021, new brake discs and pads all round in Sep 2021, a rebuilt limited slip diff and propshaft centre bearing in Apr 2023, new rear brake sensors in Jan 2024
• An invoice for a variety of OEM suspension parts is also provided from 2020, indicating that some refurbishment was carried out prior to the seller taking ownership
• A rolling road print out from Litchfield in Jun 2021 shows the result of a stage 1 tune which indicates around a 5% power increase
• The car will be sold with a fresh MOT
• Two sets of keys
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear

Interior

• As a Silverstone Edition car, Dark Estoril Blue soft Nappa leather adorns the interior and complements the exterior pale metallic blue
• The original black floor mats which are edged with matching blue leather are also present and aluminium cube trim was also part of the special edition specification
• The condition of the cabin is really as good as you could hope for at this age; there is a little light patina to the driver’s seat but it’s otherwise pristine
• Notable equipment includes the Harmon Kardon stereo with CD changer, satellite navigation with a TV function (though whether that’s now supported by the broadcast network is another matter), rear parking sensors and electric memory seats
• The boot is very clean and tidy and contains the full tool kit tucked under the boot lid
• In all, it’s very distinctive interior that has worn well and is now very well presented

Exterior

• Flared wheel arches and numerous styling tweaks mark this out as a cut above the regular E46 coupe
• Silverstone metallic paint suits the car well, while 19-inch wheels fill the arches nicely
• The paintwork looks to be in very good condition with just some light stone chips to the front and there are no signs of bodywork damage that we can see
• The alloys are pristine with no signs of kerbing and fresh BMW badges in the centre
• Tyres are Michelin Pilot Sport 4 all round
• Automatic bi-xenon headlights were part of the Silverstone Edition spec and the lenses are clear and undamaged
• Similarly, at the rear, the (LED) light lenses are undamaged and show no UV-fade
• Overall, it’s a real head-turner whose condition would make it welcome at shows

Mechanical

• Under the bonnet is a cleanly-presented, high-revving S54 3,246cc litre straight six which has received a stage 1 tune which the rolling road print out shows as producing 358 BHP (353HP)
• Six speed manual gearbox
• Rear wheel drive with a rebuilt limited slip differential
• Much has been written on PH over the years on the joy of driving an E46 M3 and with such low mileage and evidence of great mechanical maintenance, this one should be amongst the healthiest specimens

Summary

At this stage, it’s no stretch to call BMW’s E46 M3 an iconic driver’s car. As a result, most of them have been enjoyed extensively which is why it’s so rare to find a low mileage car in this condition. Whether you want to show it or enjoy the driving experience, this car is capable of providing on either front.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Feltham, Middlesex.