2004 BMW M3 (E46)

Highlights

• Manual Gearbox
• Non Sunroof model
• Low mileage
• Comprehensive service history and maintenance records
• Rear Subframe RACP replaced
• Con Rod Bearings replaced
• Carbon CSL (Karbonius) intake and tune
• Interior and audio upgrades
• Over £12,000 spent over past 5 years

Overview

Nobody can deny that the BMW M3 is one of motoring's greatest and most enduring success stories. From genesis of the marque back in 1986 with the original and arguably purest E30, the M3's reputation was then bolstered by the E36 in '92 and then further built upon by the excellent E46 eight years later.

BMW took everything it had learned from those previous two generations and poured it all into the third iteration of its sporty 3 Series coupe, creating another smash hit that continued to cite pure driving pleasure as not only an influence, but an outright goal.

A far cry from the tech-laden G80 M3 of today, the high-revving E46, with its 343bhp, naturally-aspirated six-cylinder engine, sporty suspension and subtly muscular looks remains an analogue masterpiece that demands full attention, which is a good thing because when you're on song in an E46 you feel truly connected.

This magazine-featured metallic black over red leather interior example comes to market with fully stamped service history and just 78K miles on the clock. In excellent condition throughout it certainly looks the part and with an uprated intake, CSL remap, impressive maintenance record and recent full service it surely has the go to match its show.

A high-end audio install with Carplay/Android head unit brings the tech in-line with more modern offerings but that all important fully engaging analogue feel is still there to be enjoyed to the fullest, especially since the car is equipped with the six-speed manual gearbox.

History and documentation

• 2004 model year
• First registered 02 Mar 2004
• In current ownership for four years
• Two keys
• Original book pack
• Comprehensive service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: pre-delivery check (2004 – main dealer), running in check at 2,039 miles (2004 – main dealer), oil service+micro-filter at 9,767 miles (2005 – main dealer), oil service+inspection I at 18,627 miles (2011), oil service+inspection I+micro-filter at 27,235 miles (2013 – main dealer), inspection II+valve clearances+micro-filter at 41,173 miles (2015 – specialist), oil service at 51,709 miles (2019 – specialist), inspection II at 54,779 miles (2020 – specialist), oil service at 66,454 miles (2022 – specialist), inspection I at 77,898 miles (2025 – specialist)
• Numerous receipts and invoices for servicing and work carried out
• We're told that the car has received a CSL remap to 350bhp and that over £12,000 has been spent in the last five years on maintenance and upgrades

• The seller also advises that the car has had both the conrods and RACP (rear axle carrier panel) replaced

• Featured in Modern Classics magazine, including a review by Tiff Needell, with a copy of the magazine included

• Last service 29 Apr 2025
• MOT until 24 Apr 2026
• HPI clear
• 78,600 miles

Interior

• The interior is in incredibly good condition for the car's age and mileage
• Dashboard functions correctly with no evidence of any pixel issues
• The red leather seats look clean and show limited signs of wear
• Carpets and headlining look to be in great shape
• The dashboard and centre console are undamaged
• The door cards look good but there are a few small areas of wear to the driver's side
• Carbon fibre trim in place of the original (original parts included)
• High-end updated audio install (original parts included)
• Carplay/Android head unit (original included)
• The boot area is well-presented and comes with warning triangle and partial factory tool kit

Exterior

• The overall condition of the exterior is excellent
• There are no apparent dents or damage to the body panels
• The paintwork looks to be free from any major blemishes or swirl marks with only a few usual light stone marks to the front end to note
• All panel gaps are straight
• All glasswork is free from damage
• The original 19” alloy wheels look to be in good condition and free from damage but there are some light marks to the edge of the two rears
• The Michelin tyres (Pilot Sport 4 front and 4 S rear) all appear to be in good condition, with the seller reporting that the rears were replaced just three months ago
• No obvious signs of corrosion

Mechanical

• 350bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine, courtesy of a CSL Karbonius airbox and remap by BMR Performance
• The engine bay is clean and tidy
• Six-speed manual gearbox
• Rear-wheel drive
• 0-60mph in 5.2seconds
• 155mph top speed (limited)
• Recent full service
• The vendor states that the car drives perfectly
• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

In excellent condition and elevated by a few tasteful, choice upgrades this E46 M3 represents a great example of BMW's third generation sporty 3 Series. Combine that with the full service history, excellent maintenance record, recent full service and long MOT and what you get is a well sorted and highly desirable machine that really hasn't covered that many miles in the grand scheme of things. With values firming up, this could well be a head and heart purchase. Get your bid in now!

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 Iver, Buckinghamshire.