2003 BMW (E46) M3

This BMW M3 E46 is an original, low-mileage example of the firm’s final naturally-aspirated straight-six M3. It is powered by a 338bhp 3.2-litre engine, coupled to the six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with paddle shift. The odometer indicates 67,800 miles from new.

First registered on 2 September 2003, this M3 has had only four registered keepers from new, including the vendor who has owned the car for 10 years. It is offered for sale with the option of continuing the extended BMW Insured Warranty currently in place, should the new owner decide to do so.

Finished in Carbon Black metallic, this BMW is believed to wear its original paint, with minor stone chipping visible to the front bumper and bonnet. There are also a handful of shallow scuffs under the front bumper. The vendor notes a soft dent on the bonnet caused by a golf ball – with no damage to the paint – as well as minor imperfections on the driver’s door, and a small scratch on the top of the rear bumper. Overall though, the body is in very good order, and the paint retains a deep shine.

The M3’s ‘Style 67’ alloy wheels are in good condition, having previously been refurbished prior to the seller’s ownership. There is now just some lacquer peel apparent on the front-right wheel, and the centre caps could also benefit from replacement.

Specified with the optional Harmon Kardon speaker system and electronically-adjustable front seats, the M3’s interior is befitting of an executive sports car and remains in original condition. The main contact points of the leather steering wheel, the gear lever, and the shift paddles are in great shape – as is the dashboard switchgear.

The Imola Red leather seats present in very good order, with no rips or tears, and only modest wear and marks. The door cards are in excellent condition, with only minor marks apparent on the driver’s dark grey door pull, and there are small blemishes on the gear stick surround trim.

The original BMW-fitment infotainment system is still in place, and the car is also equipped with automatic air-conditioning and heated front seats. There is also an optional sunroof, which is in full working order. The seller notes that the driver’s door lock, window regulator and auto-dimming rear view mirror were all replaced under the extended BMW Insured Warranty this year.

This BMW has been evidently been well maintained throughout its life, and over the last 10 years in particular. Its last service was on 22 June 2020 at 67,426 miles, when Barons BMW of Ruislip performed an oil and brake fluid change. A new clutch was also fitted in September 2018 at 62,008 miles, covered by the extended warranty. A summary of the service history is included below, as well as a remarkably detailed breakdown of the maintenance and warranty work completed over the last 10 years in the vendor’s ownership.

Its most recent MOT test was on 25 June 2020 at 67,430 miles, resulting in a first-time pass with no advisories. The rear subframe has been checked by BMW with no sign of fracturing, with the latest check on 30 June 2020. The wheels are currently fitted with Continental SportContact tyres, with around 4-5mm of tread remaining.

This naturally-aspirated performance coupe will reach its next owner with two keys, plus the additional emergency key, the BMW-branded tool kit and all original handbooks. The original stamped maintenance record is also present, and is shown in the gallery. There is also an unused, original BMW air compressor.

Combining timeless styling with a unique straight-six soundtrack, this E46-era BMW M3 has a comprehensive history, with considerate use and regular maintenance. It could easily be put into service as a handsome daily driver, or could be carefully garaged and enjoyed as a weekend toy.

Summary of service history:

• 26 Aug 2003 – Pre-delivery
• 30 Sep 2003 – 1,300 miles (running-in)
• 12 Aug 2004 – 9,210 miles (Oil service)
• 22 Aug 2005 – 18,711 miles (Inspection I)
• 12 Apr 2007 – 32,507 miles (Oil service)
• 6 Feb 2009 – 44,306 miles (Inspection II)
• 19 Feb 2011 – 53,813 miles (Oil service)
• 4 Jun 2013 – 57,165 miles (Inspection I)
• 17 Mar 2016 – 58,095 miles (Oil service)
• 4 Apr 2018 – 60,556 miles (Inspection II)
• 22 Jun 2020 – 67,426 miles (Oil service)

Additional maintenance during vendor’s ownership (all at BMW Ruislip):

• 24/05/10: mileage 50,566 - Brake Fluid and Coolant Change
• 16/08/10: mileage 51,848 - Replace pressure accumulator (SMG) for hydraulic unit
• 14/09/10: mileage 52,429 - New left Exterior Mirror
• 17/02/11: mileage 53,813 - New alternator, new intermediate and rear exhaust, new steering rack, new pressure line for power steering, LSD fluid change.
• 29/05/12: mileage 56,038 - Brake Fluid Change
• 11/03/13: mileage 56,795 - New rear coil spring
• 14/10/13 mileage 57,465 - New right exterior mirror
• 03/09/14: mileage 57,647 - Brake Fluid and Coolant Change
• 03/09/14 mileage 57,647 - New front passenger airbag
• 26/09/14: mileage 57,647 - New rear brake pads
• 17/03/15 mileage 57,738 - Replace one ultrasonic parking sensor to rear
• 21/03/17: mileage 59,267 - Brake Fluid Change
• 23/03/17: mileage 59,267 - New driver’s airbag
• 23/03/17: mileage 59,267 - Replace one ultrasonic parking sensor to rear
• 29/11/17: mileage 59,819 - Replacing final drive with differential, input flange of final drive (incl. rotary seal) repair leak, replace both front trailing arm rubber mounts
• 14/11/17: mileage 59,189 - Coolant Change
• 18/09/18: mileage 62,008 - New replacement SMG clutch
• 02/07/19: mileage 64,273 - Wheel alignment and adjust front tracking
• 23/04/19: mileage 62,465 - Brake Fluid Change
• 22/06/20: mileage 67,426 - Brake Fluid and Coolant Change
• 29/07/20: mileage 67,655 - Oil leak from chain tensioner fixed, new driver’s door lock
• 13/08/20: mileage 67,750 - New driver’s door window regulator, new auto diming rear view mirror

All 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.