2003 BMW (E46) M3 - ONE OWNER

KEY FACTS

• A great opportunity to acquire a single-owner example of the capable and involving E46-generation M3.
• Featuring the BMW S54 naturally aspirated 3.2-litre straight-six developing 338bhp and powering the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission.
• The car is presented in its original factory specification, in unmodified condition, and supported by a comprehensive BMW and marque specialist maintenance history.

EQUIPMENT AND OPTIONS

• The car features an attractive combination of Carbon Black paintwork with Kiwi leather interior, and has the optional 19-inch ‘Style 67’ M Double Spoke forged alloy wheels which are fitted with Continental SportContact 6 tyres.
• The factory specification includes upgraded Harman Kardon sound system, electric glass sunroof, xenon headlamps, cruise control, climate control, rain sensor, automatic headlamps and electrically adjustable heated front seats with memory function.
• Attesting to the car’s singular ownership history, the car comes with all original service and owner manuals, all supporting maintenance and MOT documentation, and the original sales invoice.

CONDITION

• The bodywork presents in very good shape, and the common E46 issue of corrosion to the front wheel arches has been addressed through replacement of the nearside front wing, and repainting to match. The rear wings have also been refurbished and painted. Slight deformation of the lower front bumper is visible, in addition to two slight cracks and some crazing of the nearside front bumper skirt.
• The condition of the Carbon Black metallic paintwork is also very good, with the vendor reporting minor scratches to the nearside of the rear bumper and a couple of stone chips to the nearside front bumper.
• The alloy wheels are in very good order, with no kerbing marks, having been refurbished in September 2020 and painted in the Shadow Chrome finish.
• The Kiwi leather interior is in very good condition, with the seats showing creasing commensurate with age and use, but with no damage evident. Some slight discolouration is visible on the rear bench.
• The interior trim presents well, with some scuff marks on the centre console.
• The vendor reports no known mechanical or electrical faults to the vehicle.
• It has always been fuelled with high-octane petrol from new.
• The most recent MOT test was conducted on 14 July 2020. The vehicle passed following an initial failure, after faults relating to headlamp aim and the offside rear tyre were rectified. No additional advisories were noted. 

SERVICE HISTORY

• The most recent service was performed in January 2020 at 113,741 miles, where a comprehensive ‘Inspection II’ service was performed which included a refresh of the engine oil and filter, air filter, spark plugs, pollen filter and fuel filter. At the same time, the front brake pads and discs, front callipers, and hoses were replaced.
• Previously, in April 2018, at 99,599 miles, oil and air-conditioning services were performed, and mechanical and cosmetic maintenance carried out including replacement of the rear trailing arm bushes, rear hub bushes and bolts and nearside front wing. Both the wing and bonnet were resprayed at this time.
• In 2016, at 89,589 miles, in addition to an oil service, the brake pipe system was renewed, the alternator drive belt replaced and both push rods and control arms replaced.
• In 2006, the vendor notes that the gearbox and rear differential were both replaced under warranty by BMW at 24,060 miles.
• The rear floor was inspected during all the most recent services, in July 2016, April 2018 and January 2020.

Summary of service history:

• 10.09.2003 - Running-in service
• 20.10.2004 - 12,783 miles - Oil Service
• 26.10.2006 - 26,582 miles – Inspection I
• 04.04.2008 - 39,253 miles - Oil Service
• 26.02.2010 - 50,798 miles - Inspection II
• 26.06.2012 - 62,802 miles - Oil Service
• 20.11.2014 - 81,907 miles - Inspection II
• 14.07.2016 - 89,589 miles - Oil Service
• 26.04.2018 - 99,599 miles - Oil Service
• 02.01.2020 - 113,741 miles - Inspection II

SUMMARY

An attractively specified one-owner example of the acclaimed BMW E46 M3, this car benefits from the six-speed manual transmission and a well-documented maintenance history. A hugely capable and rewarding performance coupe, this example is original and unmodified, and is ready to enjoy.

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. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.