BMW E46 M3 CS

Enthusiasts will debate for decades to come which M3 was the best. Any of you that know me will be aware that my roots date back to the revered E30 M3. I grew up with them and love homologation specials with competition pedigree. That said, one would argue that the E46 M3 will go down in the history books as the most all round, multi-tasking M3 of all time. Utter day to day usability blended with track day ability when required.

Another debate that continues is which E46 M3 to own. Well, they are all great and all do slightly different things. The big discussion is still M3 CS versus M3 CSL and that really depends on personal circumstances. We all aspire to own what is believed to be the ultimate incarnation. The M3 CSL. That would be great if we all had the ability to own multiple cars for multiple tasks but not all of us do.

The E46 M3 that really gave the most all-round package, the car for all occasions was the M3 CS. The CS insignia was borrowed from previous models and stands for Coupe Sports and applied to the cars built with Competition Package. A slightly more useable alternative to the M3 CSL. The Competition Package was only applied to 275 right hand drive cars with Interlagos Blue offered as the preferred option with brushed alloy interior trim and Alcantara steering wheel. Mechanically the CS benefitted from the CSL larger brakes, the CSL quicker steering rack, 19” staggered Motorsport wheels and M Track Mode. The CS was the M3 that wore a Savile Row suit during the week with the ability to pound the race circuits of Europe at the weekends.

At the heart of the M3 is the now legendary, award winning S54 engine. An in-line 6-cylinder, 24 valve, 3,246 CC, twin cam with double Vanos and managed by Siemens sophisticated engine management, which made it possible to achieve 343 bhp, 365 Nm of torque whilst returning over 30 mpg if cruising. This clever power plant is the key to these cars split personality and multi-tasking abilities.

This particular CS was bought to us for initial due diligence to ensure it was the right example to join the owners growing car collection and to be mildly tweaked for the occasional Nurburgring or Spa track day.

The first part of the inspection on any E46 M3 is all about bodywork integrity. Cracked boot floors and corrosion issues are becoming more and more common reasons for rejecting these cars. It was a pleasure to give this 80,000-mile example the green light.

Working closely with the owner, a program of both age-related preventive maintenance, bodyshell future proofing and subtle enhancements was drawn up and carried out in our workshop.

Inspection II service

New block constant pressure valve

New throttle position switches

New battery

Fit Recaro seats and Schroth Harness

Replacement big end shells and rod bolts

New RS29 brake pads front and rear

New braided brake lines with competition fluid

New Polyflex bushes

Rear sub-frame boot floor reinforcing

Bodyshell clean and future proofing with clear cavity wax

It should also be noted that the clutch and flywheel were replaced at 74,000 miles and a brand-new BMW differential fitted at 77,000 miles.

Specification

E46 M3 CS

SMG

December 2005

4 Owners

80,000 Miles

Full-service history

Interlagos Blue

High gloss shadow line

Black leather

Automatic air conditioning

Dynamic Stability Control

Original front seats are electric with memory

M Alcantara steering wheel

Auto dip interior mirror

Front fog lights

On-board computer

Anthracite headlining

BMW alarm

Green top tint screen

Front armrest

Headlight cleaning

Park distance control

Rain sensor

Xenon lights

TV

CD Changer

Navigation system

Harmon Kardon Hi Fi

Black leather Recaro Pole Position front seats

Schroth 4 point harness in red. Original lap and diagonals still fitted.

Grom Handsfree Audio kit

Toyo R888R Tyres

Sports rear exhaust box

Polyflex bush set,

Braided brake lines

Pagid RS29 brake pads front and rear

Due to a recent relocation to Sussex, it has been decided that it is time for this lovely M3 CS to find a new owner.

The car will be delivered with all the original manuals, handbooks, fully stamped service book, spare keys and the original seats enabling an easy swap back to original if required in the future.

The car will pass through the workshop for PDI, new MOT, air condition service, new boot carpet, new prop-shaft coupling, battery tray clips, fan cowling clip, cavity wax inspection and top up as required.

Please call Barney for further information on this M3 CS and do not hesitate to ask if you require any specification changes back to original.