2004 BMW

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 people driving a manual version will tell you the SMG took away that analogue driving experience and that a gear-lever and clutch pedal is the only pure way to enjoy an E46 M3. The other camp, who own SMG gearbox M3s, will argue just as virulently and passionately about the pro's of SMG. Trust me, I have driven and owned more E46 M3s than most and the debate works both ways. The SMG soon becomes second nature and the F1 style of changing gear will soon change your driving habits and create a new bond with the now normal generation of manual gearbox.

The E46 M3 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.

Due to the extraordinary day to day usability of these M3s, it is now extremely hard to find low mile, well cared for examples. Most saw many winters of daily driving on our salted roads causing corrosion to take hold. Many fell in to the wrong hands and lacked the proper maintenance that they deserved. Following our usual workshop inspection of this car, it was given the green light and we are delighted to be able to offer this exceptional example for sale. With only 49,000 miles in the hands of just just three previous owners and featuring a 100% complete BMW service history from new. The superb document file features every single invoice from only 6000 miles and every MOT, the first being in 2006 with only 5,413 miles. All the correct and original manuals, spare keys, fully stamped service book, tools are still present and correct.

49,000 Miles

Full service history

3 Owners

Titan Silver

Black leather

Tracker

Dynamic stability control

Motorsport multi-function steering wheel

Electric front seats with memory

Front and rear foglight

Automatic air conditioning

On-board computer

White lens

Glass sunroof

Warning Triangle / First aid kit

Front armrest

Adjustable seat width

Headlight cleaning

Park distance control

Rain sensor

Professional navigation system

Bluetooth mobile phone preparation

TV function

CD Driver

6 CD changer

19” wheels

Prior to hand over to the new owner, the car will pass through the workshop for the following preparation and proper age related future proofing of the shell to ensure long-term integrity is preserved.

Inspection II service

Change coolant

Change brake fluid

Replace rear brake pads and sensor

Replace differential oil seals

Replace fuel filler hose clips

Repair corroded rear exhaust box clamps

Replace all tyres with Continental Sport Contacts

Valet

Issue new MOT

Underside car clean, detail and cavity wax injection

Road test car

Please enquire with Barney for further information on this superb example.