2002 BMW M3 (E46) | PH Fleet
Having already seen more than its fair share of frozen water, Rob treats his M3 to a blast of dry ice
It's hard to believe I've now owned my E46 M3 for the best part of nine months. Since buying it last November, we've covered plenty of miles together, from a snow-covered adventure across the Alps to rather less glamorous exercises around Shropshire.
Working remotely has meant the M3 has quietly become part of everyday life. It has joined me on coffee runs, client meetings and more than a few unnecessary detours simply because the road looked more interesting than the direct route. It has even taken on the important responsibility of rural reconnaissance, making regular inspections of both my favourite B roads and our harvest.
The reality is that I bought this car to drive, and for exactly that Alps trip, even if it did cause a few readers to raise an eyebrow. After nearly a year of faultless service, the noble steed has truly got under my skin and I felt it deserved a little thank you…
Dry Icing and Lanoguard
Originality is becoming one of the most valuable commodities in the modern classic market, and I was conscious to see if I could keep mine that way. With that in mind, and seeing the growing popularity of new preservation technologies, I visited Andy at Shropshire Powder Coating to try something completely new to me — a dry ice blast.
It was fascinating to get underneath the car and strip away over two decades of road rash, revealing factory finishes and flashes of Imola Red as they slowly began to see the light of day again.
What was underneath was genuine reassurance. The underside was completely dry, with no leaks and, importantly, no unwanted surprises hiding away. Undoubtedly, the most significant revelation came from inspecting the notorious boot floor.
It appeared precisely as Darragh from Everything M3 had noted in his initial inspection; the structure remained vitally intact, showing no evidence of stressed spot welds or the dreaded fatigue that has plagued most.
Now squeaky clean, every exposed surface was treated with Lanoguard. Having gone to the effort of revealing just how good the underside was, it would have been a crime to hide it all away again beneath thick black underseal. The transparent coating means I can still appreciate the originality of the car while knowing it is protected from Britain's less-than-kind climate.
More importantly, it was a brilliant confirmation that this M3 has been cared for properly throughout its life and I hadn’t ruined it. Instead it simply reinforced why this particular car stood out when I bought it - and it is now cleaner underneath than most E46 M3s that have never ventured further than Tescos.
Ski Boots for Running shoes
The Michelin Pilot Alpin 5’s certainly earned their keep. They transformed what many believe to be a hopeless winter sports car into something genuinely capable of summiting peaks littered with chairlifts and piste bashers.
Now summer has arrived, those winter boots have inevitably found their way to the loft, replaced by a fresh set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres. Despite the Pilot Sport 4 S being regarded by many as the benchmark for fast road driving, I'd somehow never experienced them before. The difference is remarkable.
Steering response is noticeably sharper, the front axle feels keener to change direction and mid corner the often overused phrase “it feels like its on rails” does certainly come to mind. All doubtlessly to the annoyance of my local villages in Shropshire, which are becoming wearily familiar with the raspy S54 bark.
Hibernation
Now it has returned from automotive Turkey, I have become far more conscious about keeping it that way. Life at home means there is a constant game of automotive musical chairs in the family garage. The M3 isn't always lucky enough to secure an indoor spot and often ends up spending a few days under the sheltered lean-to instead.
That's where Classic Additions' new Hybrid Cover was a very wise choice. It offers the flexibility to cope with those occasions when the car isn't tucked safely inside, while also hiding a rather unmissable Imola Red from prying eyes. Hopefully, though, it won't spend too much time underneath it.
The Question
Do I continue enjoying one of the best semi-daily drivers I've owned, accepting that mileage is simply part of its story? Or do I hand it on while it remains an increasingly desirable and original E46 M3, before those six figures appear? Thoughts welcome in the usual spot...
FACT SHEET
Car: 2002 BMW E46 M3
Run By: Rob Slom
On Fleet since: November 2025
Mileage: 84,340
Miles are only a number, condition and evidence of maintenance (and love) are far more important.
Really nice car.
We had 2 many years ago and absolutely loved them. Do intend revisiting if more garage space ever happens.
I'd had previous BMW, a 2002tii & an E30 M3 Cecotto along with quite a few convertible cars, MG, Lotus, Caterham etc.
For whatever reasons it didn't happen and I went down the line of TVR, Caterham, more Lotus Volvo etc.
Currently looking for a nice usable car that I can run 12 months of the year. Retired, I don't do that many miles anymore, sun damage to the top of my bald pate means I no longer hanker for drop top.
Had decided that now was the time to buy my "forever" car and mentally listed the two cars I've desired "forever".
Maybe I should add an E46 M3? They seem to have gone through the "wide boy/spiv" mode and come out the other end looking good.
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