2004 BMW (E46) M3

This BMW (E46) M3 is a superb performance coupe, which has been painstakingly modified to enhance its appearance, powertrain and handling. Under the bonnet is the 3.2-litre S54 straight-six engine, mated to the desirable six-speed manual transmission. The odometer shows just 40,121 miles from new.

First registered on 18 June 2004, the car’s log book lists three prior keepers, with its third owner being responsible for all of the work which saw it transformed from a standard M3 to the vehicle it is today.

The ethos behind this metamorphosis was to create a half-way house between the standard M3 and the more focused CSL, with the performance of the latter and the everyday usability of the former. To achieve this, a raft of components were either upgraded or replaced, including work to the body, interior, drivetrain and suspension, as detailed below.

Completed over a five-year build, it was later sold to its current owner around one year ago. He has covered approximately 3,000 miles behind the wheel, most of which was a trip to and from Monaco last September.

The bodywork now includes a genuine BMW M3 CSL boot lid, CSL rear diffuser and a Vorsteiner CSL-style front bumper with carbon-fibre splitters. It is in excellent condition, with smooth shut lines and consistent panel gaps. Similarly, the Titanium Silver paintwork is in great shape, and is bright and glossy all around the car, with the only marks noted by the seller being some small stone chips to the front end and a minor scuff on one of the rear wheel arches.

All of the trim and light lenses present very well, and the previous owner fitted a custom ‘CS’ badge to the tail, as a nod to the enhanced performance over its original factory specification. The car rides on a set of genuine 19-inch BMW CSL wheels, which have been refurbished in the correct factory finish by renowned specialist Lepsons, and which are free of any chips, scratches or kerb damage. Bidders will be pleased to hear that the rear subframe – a common weak spot on the E46 M3 – was stripped and refurbished using reinforcement plates from specialist Redish Motorsport, along with seam welding of the rear wheel arch joins.

Looking to the interior, the electrically-adjustable seats still feature their original black upholstery, which presents very well, with only modest wear commensurate with the car’s age and low mileage. Numerous other items have been refurbished, replaced, or upgraded – including the steering wheel and handbrake grip now trimmed in Alcantara with ‘M’ tri-colour stitching – to create a smart and bespoke cabin.

Replacement ‘Silver Cube’ patterned interior trim has been fitted, and the gear knob has been replaced with the illuminated item from the F10-generation M5. A new ‘Mirror John’ glass cell has also been fitted to the auto-dimming rear view mirror. The build also included installation of a reversing camera, as well as interior and exterior boot release buttons. Factory-fitted equipment includes electric folding mirrors, an electric rear blind, electric lumbar support and rear parking sensors.

The entertainment system has also been attended to, with the original infotainment system and sat-nav being enhanced by the addition of an Alpine iPod interface with an aux-in and USB charger. The original Harman Kardon speakers and subwoofers have also been replaced with upgraded items made by Dayton Audio, and additional sound damping has been added to remove any creaks or rattles.

Such was the previous owner’s attention to detail, that all of the additional wiring used is in the same colours as in the M3 CSL – and it comes as little surprise to learn that all of the buttons, switches and electrical items work correctly.

Mechanically, this M3 is in great shape, and it has been routinely serviced throughout its life. It has also been carefully modified with a selection of high-end parts. Engine and drivetrain enhancements include a Karbonius Composites CSL-style carbon-fibre air intake with ITG air filter and Schrick cams and followers. The ECU has also been converted to CSL specification, and CSL intake air temperature and MAP sensors have been fitted.

Helping the upgraded engine to breathe more easily, the exhaust system has been overhauled with a Supersprint resonated centre section and genuine CSL rear silencer, while a 3.9:1 BMW Motorsport final drive was fitted by JC Racing to improve acceleration.

As with the engine, the suspension system has been improved, largely using BMW parts, including CSL struts, springs, suspension arms and drop links, while the steering rack was replaced with a 12.8:1 ratio unit from an E86 Z4 M Coupe.

The car is fresh from a scheduled maintenance visit to Lancaster BMW that took place on 29 July 2020. Prior to this, its most recent services were in December 2017 at 37,222 miles, and in December 2015 at 36,722 miles – both at Soper BMW. The latter was a full Inspection II visit, and both driver and passenger airbags have been replaced under recall.

This M3’s last recorded MOT was conducted on 16 July 2019 at 37,248 miles, when it received a first-time pass with no advisories. With the six-month extension, the MOT certificate remains valid until 15 January 2021.

The wheels are shod with Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres, measuring 235/35 ZR19 in the front and 265/30 ZR19 at the rear. All four are in very good condition and have approximately 6mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying the car are its original handbooks, service book, invoices, tool kit and two keys. The cherished registration ‘M3 RUN’ is also included.

This BMW M3 is an extensively modified performance coupe, which straddles the line between the usability and comfort of the standard car and the sublime handling and induction noise of the limited-run CSL. Benefitting from a raft of aesthetic and mechanical upgrades, it is presented in remarkably good condition, and represents an opportunity to own something close to the manual CSL that BMW never made.

Summary of service history:

• 17 Jun 2004 – 0 miles (pre-delivery)
• 23 Jul 2004 – 1,610 miles (running-in)
• 20 Jun 2006 – 11,547 miles (Inspection I)
• 21 Dec 2009 – 24,013 miles (Inspection I)
• Date tbc – 30,054 miles (Oil service)
• 2 Dec 2015 – 36,722 miles (Inspection II)
• 27 Dec 2017 – 37,222 miles (Oil service)
• 29 Jul 2020 – 40,140 miles (Oil service)

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.