2003 BMW M3 Coupe (E46)

Highlights 

• 343bhp, straight-six engine

• Manual gearbox

• Comprehensive main dealer and specialist service history

• Low miles

• Long, advisory-free MOT

Overview

BMW's perennially popular M3 has consistently delivered. From the very first homologated E30 in '86 to the most recent all-wheel drive G80 with almost 500bhp, these sporty versions of the German giant's 3 Series coupe remain a perfect paradigm of performance. But before all of the technical wizardry inherent in the more modern offerings there sits an M3 model that perhaps mixes the best of the old school with just enough of the new in a perfect balancing act – the E46 M3.

With a brand spanking (at the time) 3.2-litre, naturally aspirated inline six-cylinder engine that provides a beautiful mix of intoxicating noise, instant response and smooth yet progressive power, it's a motor that still scintillates to this day, despite the design now being 25 years old. 

Wrapped up in an understatedly muscular body with uprated suspension, beefy brakes and an M division variable differential, the car's dynamics were spot on right out of the gate and the E46 M3 remains an incredibly well-balanced car that positively encourages one to push on at every possible opportunity.

And this particular low mileage 2003 coupe is no exception. A fine example in original factory condition the car has been well-maintained and is reportedly running and driving perfectly. A full service history and an advisory-free MOT until August 2026 provides that all-important peace of mind and with just over 50K on the clock still has plenty left to give. 

With a recent brake refurbishment under its belt, as well as new diff oil seals, the car is ready to rock and roll so if you're looking for an iconic and engaging driver's car with plenty of performance that you can jump in and enjoy straight away then get bidding. 

History and documentation

• 2003 model year

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 26 Mar 2003

• In current ownership for six years

• Two keys

• Original book pack

• Comprehensive service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: pre-delivery check (main dealer), running in check at 1,131 miles (2003 – main dealer), oil service at 9,360 miles (2003 – main dealer), inspection I+micro-filter+brake fluid+coolant at 21,375 miles (2005 – main dealer), oil service+micro-filter+brake fluid at 31,962 miles (2008 – main dealer), inspection II+brake fluid+coolant at 36,501 miles (2011 – main dealer), oil service+micro-filter+brake fluid at 42,479  miles (2019 – specialist), inspection II+micro-filter+brake fluid at 44,211 miles (2020 – specialist), oil service+micro-filter at 47,974 miles (2022 – specialist), inspection I+micro-filter at 50,219 miles (2023 – specialist), oil service+micro-filter at 52,422 miles (2025 – specialist)

• Numerous receipts and invoices for servicing and work carried out

• Last service 05 Aug 2025

• Advisory-free MOT until 14 Aug 2026

• 52,453 miles

Interior

• The condition of the interior is extremely good overall with no signs of any damage

• All wearable surfaces, such as the driver's seat bolster, have only minimal signs of degradation commensurate with the age and mileage of the car

• The vendor informs us that all of the interior functions are operational, including sunroof, interior lights, electric memory heated seats, Harman Kardon sound system, cruise control, LCD screen, instrument panel brightness adjustment, radio etc.

• The glove box BMW torch is present and working

• The original tool kit, first aid kit and tyre inflater are included; note that towing hook is not in the tool box but is instead located under the boot floor beside the tyre inflater

• The vendor states that the LCD screen has a small patch at the top left hand side where the pixels have failed but this does not affect its operation

• The boot space is clean and tidy

• Tailor-made heavy duty rubber boot liner included

• The car comes with a full indoor quilted car cover (costing £200 when purchased 3-4 years ago but now reportedly retailing for upwards of £500) which the vendor states has never been out of the box

• The engine bay presents well

Exterior

• The general overall condition of the exterior is excellent

• There are no apparent dents to the body panels or scratches to the paintwork

• All shut lines look to be straight

• All glasswork is free from damage

• All of the car's various trim pieces are present, correct and in good shape

• The 19” alloy wheels are free from damage or curb marks but there are light signs of wear beneath the wheel lacquer

• The vendor states that all four Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres are in good condition with plenty of tread

• The vendor informs us that the underside appears to be in excellent condition and without any apparent issues

Mechanical

• 343bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.2seconds

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• The vendor states that all brake calipers have been replaced with original BMW professionally refurbished parts and BMW factory discs and pads (fitted by a BMW specialist)

• The rear differential oil seals were replaced whilst being recently serviced by BMW specialists Munich Power

• New recently fitted battery

• The vendor informs us that the vehicle has been exclusively run on Shell V Power fuel since purchase six years ago

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor states that all factory recalls are up to date, the car has been maintained as required over the last six years and it runs and sounds amazing

Summary

With many a petrolhead now clamouring for analogue heroes from days gone by, this could be your opportunity to own and drive one of the very best to ever play the game. A true icon and an appreciating modern classic the BMW E46 M3 is a dynamic and highly engaging performance machine. This example certainly ticks a lot of boxes and offers a turn key experience for its next lucky owner.

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 near Dorking, Surrey.