2003 BMW (E46) M3 - MANUAL

This E46-generation BMW M3 is equipped with the involving manual gearbox and remains entirely standard and unmodified. Under the bonnet is the responsive ‘S54’ naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight-six, which produces 338bhp and drives the rear wheels via the six-speed manual gearbox. The odometer displays 70,437 miles from new.

First registered on 17 December 2003, this original UK-market M3 was acquired by the seller nearly nine years ago, and has been lovingly maintained as a sparingly driven ‘garage queen’ throughout their ownership.

The bodywork is believed to be entirely free of any prior accident damage, with flush shut lines and tight panel gaps. Routinely hand washed and detailed by its current owner, the car’s Silver Grey metallic paintwork is believed to be all original with the exception of the rear bumper, resprayed to a high standard in the past. Overall, the bodywork presents very well. While there are a few minor blemishes including light stone chips on the nose and minor scuffs on the passenger-side wing mirror, these are commensurate with the car’s age and mileage.

The rubber door and window seals are also in good order, and the light lenses are free of any chips or cracks. This M3 rides on its original set of 18-inch ‘Style 67’ alloy wheels, which are in great shape, having recently been refurbished and finished in anthracite grey.

Moving inside, this coupe’s front and rear seats are upholstered in smooth Black Nappa leather, and while there are some general signs of wear and creases to their surfaces – and the driver’s outer bolsters in particular – this is in keeping with the car’s use. Elsewhere, the interior plastics are in admirable condition, and both the leather-wrapped gear knob and steering wheel are similarly smart.

Factory-fitted equipment includes a high-end Harman/Kardon sound system with Bluetooth integration, heated and electrically adjustable front seats, climate control, and rear parking sensors. The vendor states that all of the interior buttons, switches and electrical items work without fault, and that there are no warning lights displayed on the dashboard.

This M3’s mechanical components are described by the seller as being in great condition. Most recently, the car was serviced in September 2018 at 69,344 miles by renowned BMW specialist, CPC Auto Services. This included replacement of the differential seals and differential oil. Prior to this, CPC carried out an Inspection II service in October 2016 at 68,289 miles and replaced both of the rear coil springs. In December 2013 at 65,505 miles, North Oxford BMW performed a general oil service and health check.

This M3’s latest MOT test was conducted on 21 October 2020 at 70,417 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass, with advisories noting some corrosion on the offside and nearside brake pipes. All four of the car’s alloy wheels are fitted with Pirelli P-Zero Rosso tyres, which appear to be in good order and have 3.5mm of tread remaining at the front and 5.5mm at the rear.

The car will be accompanied by its original sales invoice, as well as its stamped service book and invoices for past maintenance. It will also be supplied with a number of past MOT test certificates, plus its full tool kit, glovebox torch and warning triangle.

This E46-generation BMW M3 is a superbly engineered modern classic performance car, which is presented in unmodified condition, and which has been well-maintained to date. Featuring a manual transmission and no sunroof, this fine example is arguably the purist driver’s choice.

 Summary of service history:

• 17/12/2003 - 0 miles - Cooper BMW - Initial purchase
• 12/01/2004 - 1,121 miles - Cooper BMW - Running in Service
• 07/10/2004 - 10,672 miles - Cooper BMW - Oil Service
• 26/08/2005 - 21,187 miles - Cooper BMW - Inspection I
• 22/11/2006 - 30,652 miles - Sytner Leicester BMW - Oil Service
• 25/06/2008 - 40,867 miles - Sytner Leicester BMW - Inspection II
• 16/02/2009 - 40,875 miles - Sytner Leicester BMW - Alternator replacement
• 29/04/2010 - 50,703 miles - Sytner Leicester BMW - Oil Service
• 24/06/2011 - 57,120 miles - CPC Auto Services - Inspection I, Vanos, MAF, PAS, Trailing Arms, Belts.
• 16/08/2012 - 60,109 miles - North Oxford BMW - Vehicle health check
• 13/12/2013 - 65,505 miles - North Oxford BMW - Oil Service
• 30/12/2014 - 67,203 miles - North Oxford BMW - Airbag replacement (recall)
• 07/10/2016 - 68,289 miles - CPC Auto Services - Inspection II, 2x Rear coil springs
• 10/09/2018 - 69,344 miles - CPC Auto Services - Differential Seals and modified oil

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.