2001 BMW M3

2001 BMW E46 M3

The E46 M3 is a true weekend warrior. A machine capable of thrashing around Thruxton on Sunday and be back in the office on Monday.

At the heart of the M3, the now legendary S54 engine. An in-line 6-cylinder, 24 valve, 3,246 CC, twin cam with double VANOS and managed by a sophisticated Siemens engine management system, making it possible to achieve 343 bhp and 365 N.m of torque whilst returning over 30 mpg of cruising range. This clever power plant is the key to M3’s Jekyll & Hyde personality.

Due to the extraordinary day to day usability of these M3’s, it is now extremely hard to find low mileage, well cared for examples. Most saw many winters of daily driving on our salted roads causing corrosion to take hold. Many fell into the wrong hands, saw endless modifications for track use and lacked the proper maintenance that they deserved.

At the owner’s request after his purchase, we carried out the all-important Hero Motor Company protection program. The underside of the car was thoroughly washed, inspected and then clear cavity wax applied to the shell and cavities.

We then completed an Inspection II service, brake fluid change, refurbished the wheels and fitted new tyres to all four corners.

Although capable from the get go, this E46 M3 has seen modest improvements in the form of Bilstein B6 shock absorbers. Used in conjunction with the standard M3 springs, the M3 retains that sporty handling and comfort, whilst reducing bodyroll. It’s a favoured combination of ours for many performance road car builds.

The current owner opted for a Supersprint exhaust system for a more visceral experience, as let’s be honest, the Supersprint sounds fantastic when paired to the S54 straight-six.

A freshly retrimmed M Sport steering wheel and quickshift kit helps to modernise gear selection and haptic feel in the cabin, completing a program of upgrades totalling a whopping £9,000!

This E46 M3 has been in our care at Hero Motor Company for 10 years, currently residing with a good friend and long time customer who has enjoyed the M3 sparingly as part of a garaged collection

Before handover to the new owner, the car will pass through the workshop for PDI, final checks and a new MOT.

With the car is a very thorough document file, spare keys, tools, original service wallet containing all manuals, handbooks and fully stamped service book.

Our Thoughts:

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 well rounded M3 of all time.

Full Specification:

Date of Production: 11/06/2001

First Registered: 03/07/2001

3.2 litre S54

Petrol

Rear Wheel Drive

Exterior: Titan silber Metallic

Interior: Teilleder Walknappa Schwarz Leather

3246cc

Full Service History

70,000 miles

6 Previous Owners

6-Speed Manual Transmission

19” Alloy Wheels

AP Racing 6-Pot Brake Kit

Bilstein B6 Suspension

Shortshift Gear Selector Kit

Supersprint Exhaust System

Automatic Air Conditioning

Front Fog Lights

Electric Front Seats Adjustment

Interior Mirror Auto-dip

Titan Shadow Interior Trim

M Sport Steering Wheel

Anthracite Headlining

White Direction Indicator Lights

Windscreen Green Tint Upper Strip

Rear Sunblind

Smoker Package

Isofix System

Armrest Front

Headlight Cleaning System

Parking Distance Control (PCD)

Rain Sensor

Xenon Lights

BMW Satellite Navigation

6-CD Changer