2003 BMW M3

£22,500 – priced for a quick sale.

A genuinely exceptional BMW E46 M3 Convertible, finished in the iconic launch colour Phoenix Yellow, manual, and producing approximately 530BHP courtesy of an ESS 525 Supercharger kit.

This is very much an OEM+ E46, rather than a heavily modified car. The intention throughout its build has been to create something that retains the appearance, character and quality of the original M3 while addressing the important E46 maintenance items and adding serious performance where it counts.

For an E46 enthusiast or purist who appreciates a properly maintained car, the important bit is what's underneath it all.

THE E46 M3 "BIG 3" – ALL DONE

VANOS completed – including solenoid

Rod bearings replaced – ACL bearings & ARP bolts

Rear subframe reinforced

All three have been completed and are documented.

Over the last four years the car has undergone a huge amount of work, with meticulous attention paid not just to performance but to preventative maintenance and all of the smaller details that so often get neglected on E46s.

Where something has needed doing, it has been done properly. A huge number of components have been replaced or refreshed, with genuine BMW/OEM parts used extensively throughout.

PERFORMANCE & CHASSIS

The centrepiece is the ESS 525 Supercharger kit, taking the S54 to approximately 530BHP while retaining the wonderful character of the original engine.

Supporting upgrades include:

ESS 525 Supercharger Kit

Approx. 530BHP

Full Milltek exhaust system

Decat

BC coilovers

K-Sport 8-pot brakes

Upgraded front & rear anti-roll bars

Powerflex adjustable rear arms

Reinforced rear subframe

ACL rod bearings & ARP bolts

VANOS & solenoid replaced

Mishimoto catch can

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tyres

Schneider short shift

Full gear linkage overhaul

The result is an E46 that still feels like an E46 M3 should, but with a level of performance that completely transforms the car.

MAINTENANCE

Maintenance has always been approached meticulously rather than waiting for things to fail.

In addition to the Big 3, work includes:

New thermostat

New water pump

New radiator

New radiator hoses

New coil packs

New spark plugs

New belt tensioners

Recent service

New wiper arms & blades

New bonnet struts

New bonnet catches

Numerous new trim clips, fixings, nuts and bolts throughout

It is the sheer amount of detail that's gone into this car that separates it from the average modified E46.

EXTERIOR

The Phoenix Yellow bodywork gives it unmistakable early E46 M3 presence, while the exterior has deliberately been kept close to factory specification.

It sits on diamond-cut 19-inch wheels with floating centre caps and also comes with its colour-coded hardtop.

Further exterior refurbishment includes:

Climate windscreen

New kidney grilles

New BMW badges

New rear lights

New front indicators

New side indicators

New fog-light surrounds

New headlight covers & gaskets

New side grilles

Dealer-style plates

Refreshed hardtop

New under-bonnet decals & VIN labels

PSD dress-up kit

PSD wheel studs & nuts

It's an extremely clean OEM+ look without unnecessary spoilers, oversized wheels or styling additions taking away from the original E46 design.

INTERIOR

The same attention has been given inside.

Apple CarPlay

Wireless phone charging

Upgraded audio with subwoofer & built-in amplifier

Newly trimmed steering wheel

New gear knob & gaiter

New handbrake gaiter

New centre console

New armrest

New OEM mats

New dashboard trims & gear surround

New interior mirror

New speaker covers

New inner door handles

Wind deflector

The folding roof is as new, and the car also benefits from a Clifford alarm and immobiliser and CSL boot release.

A VERY DIFFICULT CAR TO RECREATE

Anyone who knows E46 M3s will appreciate just how much money and time it would take to start with an average car and recreate this one.

Finding a manual Phoenix Yellow M3 is one thing. Finding one with the Big 3 documented, then adding an ESS supercharger, brakes, suspension, exhaust, wheels, tyres, cooling-system work, drivetrain refresh, interior refurbishment, exterior trim and all the countless smaller OEM details is another proposition entirely.

This isn't a car that's simply had a supercharger bolted onto it. It has been developed and maintained over several years with the intention of making it one of the most complete OEM+ E46 M3 Convertibles possible.

It presents beautifully, is exceptionally well sorted and is absolutely devastating when you put your foot down.

£22,500

The price reflects that I am looking for a straightforward, quick sale, rather than the amount that has been invested into the car.

A fantastic opportunity for someone looking for a properly sorted, meticulously maintained and very special E46 M3 that can be driven and enjoyed immediately.

Serious enquiries welcome.