2003 BMW M3

BMW’s third-generation M3, the E46, took the hearts of real sports car fans by storm when it was launched in 2000. With a lightweight construction and its high-revving, in-line six-cylinder engine, it embodied, for many, a return to the virtues of the legendary first-generation cars, the E30. Priced on a par with the Porsche Boxster S, the E46 M3 was streets ahead in performance, challenging the much pricier 911 and Audi RS4. Stiffened, wider-tracked with big wheel arches and a massive front spoiler, it packed a 343bhp 3.2-litre ‘S54’ straight-six engine substantially re-engineered by the 'M' division. All cars were officially limited to 155mph, although Autocar’s test model happily topped 170mph.

Supplied to the first of just two former keepers on 20th August 2003 resplendent in Pheonix Yellow Metallic with Kiwi Nappa leather and fitted with the highly capable sequential automated six-speed manual transmission. The SMG II uses the same physical Getrag S6S420G manual gearbox as the standard manual E46 M3, but replaces the driver's left clutch pedal with an electrohydraulic pump and computer-controlled system with paddle shifters and a centre console lever, allowing clutchless manual shifts or automatic driving modes.

The second keeper purchased the car on the 10th May 2005 at 12,500 miles from Village Sports Cars of Cirencester, for the princely sum of £30,995. According to the MOT certificates issued, an average of some 1,000 miles was covered up until 2012 whereupon the car’s odometer went up by an average 100 miles per year to the current reading of 24,795 miles. The M3’s most recent MOT certificate, issued without advisories, is valid until 12th October 2027.

One of the last truly handsome examples of the M3 to be produced and supplied in the brochure colour, as seen in the accompanying history file, which also includes handbooks, duplicate service book, aforementioned 2005 bill of sale, service records, receipts, Tracker documentation, V5C and two keys.