2002 BMW (E46) M3

This E46-generation BMW M3 is a stripped-out and track-prepared performance saloon, which has been fitted with a number of desirable motorsport-focused components while remaining fully road legal. Under the bonnet is the 3.2-litre S54 straight-six engine, which is mated to the sought-after six-speed manual transmission. The car has covered 84,858 miles from new.

First registered on 14 March 2002, this M3 was acquired by the seller approximately one year ago in its current state, suitable for circuit use. The conversion work was undertaken by Caged Laser Engineering of Frome in December 2017.

Today, the bodywork generally presents well, and is not believed to have suffered from any collision damage. While there are some cracks to the front bumper lip, the usual E46 problem areas such as the wheel arches remain free of rust. The Titan Silver paintwork is also in good condition, though it is not known whether the finish has ever been resprayed.

In keeping with the car’s use as a daily-drivable track toy, front and rear towing eyes are fitted as mandated, and the tail lights have been replaced with LED items; however these have not been coded. This E46 rides on a set of 19-inch ‘Style 67’ alloy wheels, which have been refurbished since the photos were taken and are now in excellent condition.

In the cabin, this M3 is now far more race car than executive coupe, with the original interior having been partly stripped out and replaced with a raft of race-focused features. These include a pair of GP-Race Pro Circuit FIA-compliant bucket seats, a Caged Laser Engineering six-point bolt-in roll cage and TRS four-point FIA HANS harness belts.

The steering wheel is a black Alcantara-trimmed Sparco 368 item, which is mounted on a quick-release boss, and the car also features a plumbed-in fire extinguisher system and lightweight fibreglass front door cards, manufactured by Automac.

Despite these changes, a number of the car’s creature comforts remain in place, including a modern stereo head unit with USB port, climate control system, electric windows and rear parking sensors. The seller states that there are issues with the uncoded LED tail lights, but the rest of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items function correctly.

This M3 was last serviced in September 2020 at around 84,000 miles by Charles Gates Racing, including replacement of the rocker cover gasket, checks and adjustment of the valve clearances and brakes, as well as fitting a stud and nut conversion kit and Hack Engineering billet steering coupler, before changing the engine oil and oil filter.

Prior to this, the brake pads were replaced in June 2020 with Pagid RS29 items on the front and DS1.11s at the rear, while the front differential bush was replaced and the engine oil and filter were changed. In May 2020, a full geometry setup was carried out, a ‘purple tag’ steering rack was fitted and the car’s engine, gearbox and differential oils were changed.

While the potent S54 engine remains untouched, a number of other modifications have been carried out to enhance this M3’s performance on the track, including the fitment of BC Racing adjustable coilovers, K Sport brakes with Pagid performance pads and a Scorpion exhaust system.

Its last MOT test was conducted on 17 June 2020 at 82,837 miles, which it passed first time with only one advisory noting the absence of the rear passenger seats. All four tyres were replaced in May 2020 with Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S items, which the seller states have around 4mm of tread remaining.

This BMW M3 is a stripped-out performance coupe, which its current owner describes as the ideal car to take you to, around, and back from the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit – or another favourite UK or European track. Prepared with a number of performance parts and FIA-compliant safety features, it represents an affordable entry point for amateur motorsport and track days, while remaining usable on the public highways between events.

The description of this auction lot is, to the best of the seller's knowledge, accurate and not misleading. Collecting Cars requests a range of detail about the lot from the seller, and performs a level of due diligence. However, bidders must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of the description, and conduct any research they feel is necessary before committing to a bid. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.