2004 BMW E46 M3 Manual

Highlights 

• Gorgeous example of a late E46 M3

• Sought-after manual transmission

• Comprehensive history

• Original wheels included in sale as well as replica 1Ms on display

• Recent Inspection 2 service and differential overhaul

Overview

For fans of M-badged BMWs, there was an agonising three-year wait from the introduction of the E46 to the arrival of the M3 derivative. 

But it was worth holding out for – the 343bhp Coupé and Convertible models arrived concurrently with a mid-life facelift for the E46 in late 2001, with a normally aspirated 3.2-litre straight-six and phenomenal amounts of torque, matched by a wonderful chassis set-up. It was lauded as the most engaging M3 ever made, spawning an 18-month waiting list when it finally went on sale. 

The vendor of this car had wanted one since they first clapped eyes on one in the early 2000s, and finally fulfilled their dream in 2014, purchasing this car and then setting about making it as good as it possibly could be. They took advantage of BMW’s 10-year anti-perforation warranty to have extensive work carried out on the car, including new front wings, a new boot floor and a partial respray. The vendor informs us the rear wings were also resprayed to correct any defects found under the warranty.

Their vision was to make the car look factory fresh, as the intention was to keep the M3 for a very long time. The headlight lenses were replaced and the BMW badges renewed. The rear-view mirror was replaced with a gel version to prevent any leaks in the self-dimming unit as the original LCD unit was known to fail, the stereo was reprogrammed as the original sent the boosted signal from the amp, to the stereo, then to the speakers. The modification sends the signal from the head unit to the amp, then to the speakers, as Harman/Kardon intended. The car also has a TV unit in the head unit that has been changed to digital, so can pick up modern TV signals – minor enhancements, but they do make the car more user-friendly. 

They also swapped the wheels – having had the original alloys re-cut when the vendor bought the car, they’d picked up some minor flaws so they acquired a set of replica 1M alloys to give it the appearance of a CSL, though the originals come with the car. 

Also included is the original airbox, as the M3 is running a CSL-style carbon airbox, which the owner fitted purely to enjoy the noise. 

The car is a sought-after six-speed manual M3 – a more traditional alternative to the commonly seen SMG – and is beautifully presented. Indeed, it wouldn’t have been for sale were it not for the owner moving overseas in 2016. They used the car briefly for a few weeks when back in the UK in 2018, but with no plans to return here permanently, the vendor finally decided to let their two cherished cars go – this and a Honda S2000. 

Whoever is lucky enough to become the next owner of this M3 will end up with one of the very best there is. 

 History and documentation 

• First registered in the UK on 3 August 2004 by Rydale BMW in Sutton Coldfield, W Mids

• UK V5C in the current owner’s name

• MOT until 15 July, 2026

• Two sets of keys

• Original handbook and service book in BMW wallet

• Service book stamped as follows: PDI (2004, main dealer); 1,112 miles (2004, main dealer); 11,621 miles (2005, main dealer); 23,899 miles (2006, main dealer); 36,998 miles (2007, main dealer); 49,536 miles (2009, main dealer); 61,072 miles (2011, main dealer); 72,192 miles (2013, main dealer); 86,195 miles (2015, independent); 92,860 miles (2016, independent); 96,406 miles (2025, independent)

• Recent invoice for Inspection 2 service and differential refurbishment

• Selection of old MOTs and tax discs

• Vendor informs us the car was kept in a carpeted, ventilated garage, dry-stored from 2016 to 2025, other than a brief period of use in 2018

Interior

• Superb black leather M Sports seats in lovely overall condition – very slight bolster wear marks on passenger seat

• M-Sport multi-function steering wheel

• Dark grey trim inserts 

• M-Sport kick plates

• Original high-line BMW head unit, which the vendor informs us has been converted to include digital TV

• Gear shifter upgraded to an illuminated M5 type

• Upgraded stainless steel head unit controls with subtle back illumination

• Leather-trimmed door cards in excellent condition

• Carpets and headlining appear in good order

• Tidy luggage area with tyre inflation kit

• Original tool kit and first aid kit

• Genuine BMW floor mats

• Factory sunroof

Exterior

• Original Titan Silver metallic

• Electric folding mirrors

• Exterior refurbished in 2014 under BMW’s anti-perforation warranty by main dealership in Hitchin, with new boot floor, replacement wings and rear quarters repainted

• Headlamp lenses replaced with new ones – originals are included among other spare parts

• Black Kidney grilles fitted with original chrome type included in sale

• Vendor informs us that all stone chips were removed and paint finished is almost flaw-free

• Replica 1M alloy wheels to give CSL-style look – original M3 alloys are included in the sale (pictured)

• Underside appears to be in very good order 

Mechanical

• 3.2-litre M54 straight-six M-tuned engine

• Six-speed manual transmission

• 343bhp

• 0-62 mph in 5.2 seconds; 155mph top speed

• Has just had a full Inspection 2 service and the rear diff has been rebuilt

• CSL-style carbon airbox

• The vendor reports that the car is superb to drive and that there are no known mechanical faults

Summary

There are M3s that are value-for-money performance cars and there are others that are rapidly appreciating modern classics worthy of adding to a car collection. This one falls into the latter category – it looks an absolute stunner. 

The vendor spent a fortune making it as good as he possibly could with a view to keeping it pretty much forever, before life threw him a curveball that took them overseas – they even agonised over taking the M3 with them. But in the end, after sitting on the fence for a few years, the vendor chose not to, giving you a rare opportunity to get your hands on what must be one of the best E46 M3s on the market right now. Keep it that way and it might not ever depreciate.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Royston, Herts.