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2004 BMW (E46) M3 CSL

This 2004 BMW M3 CSL is a pristine example of contemporary performance hero, with very low mileage and a high factory specification. Its engine is the 3.2-litre S54 straight-six, producing 350bhp, with rear-wheel drive via the six-speed Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) with paddle shifters. The odometer of this car shows just 9,596 miles from new.

An original right-hand drive UK market car, it was first registered in June 2004. Up until 2008, it was looked after by BMW main dealers in Cheshire and Lancashire. It was maintained by Murketts BMW in Cambridgeshire between 2009 and 2011, and then in 2013 it had a full service at Cooper BMW in Norwich at 9,450 miles.

From late 2013 until early 2019, the car was off the road and in dry storage, and was in the collection of well-known enthusiast, Graham Dacre. The seller has owned the car for the last year, but having not had sufficient opportunities to enjoy it, he is offering it to another enthusiast.

The bodywork of this CSL is in outstanding condition, with no panel damage, dents or scrapes. Likewise, the carbon-fibre front lip spoilers, roof panel, and rear diffuser are all unspoilt, with no cracks or lifting of the gloss lacquer. The metallic ‘Silbergrau’ paint finish remains superb, with a smooth and glossy appearance all around the car.

Its window surrounds are finished with the high-gloss Shadow Line trim, which is in excellent condition. All of the headlight lenses, brightwork, and badges are also original and undamaged. It sits on the correct set of lightweight forged 19-inch double-spoke alloy wheels, which are immaculate, with no kerbing marks or flaking paint.

Inside, the seats are all trimmed in Amaretta synthetic suede with anthracite ‘Reflex’ cloth centre panels. The upholstery remains in superb condition, with no noticeable wear to speak of. The carbon-fibre door cards and centre console cover are also in great shape, with no unsightly nicks or scratches. A commemorative plaque from BMW is mounted next to the handbrake lever.

Factory-fitted equipment includes rear parking sensors, climate control, the Becker Cascade Pro stereo head unit, and xenon headlights. At the back of the car, the boot lining is in good order, and even the BMW oil top-up bottle bag and first aid kit are still present.

Opening the bonnet reveals an engine bay that looks pristine, which reflects its very low mileage and sound maintenance history. It remains in the original factory specification, with the exception of upgraded suspension, as well as the AP Racing big brake kit, with six-pot calipers at the front and four-pot items at the rear. The car had the important running-in service carried out at 998 miles in June 2007.

The last annual service on record was in October 2013 at 9,450 miles, carried out by Cooper BMW in Norwich. It is understood that by the end of the year, the mileage stood at just over 9,580 miles and the car was put into storage. It was only brought out in 2016 for a passenger airbag safety recall (at 9,587 miles), and as the MOT history shows, it was not on the road during this time.

Having been removed from storage before sale to the current owner, it was put through a fresh MOT on 9 May 2019 at 9,595 miles, which resulted in a clean pass with no advisories whatsoever. The alloy wheels are shod in a set of Goodyear Eagle tyres, which are all in very good condition with around 5mm of tread remaining.

Accompanying this car is the original book pack, as well as a service history file containing various invoices for maintenance work. BMW UK has confirmed that the car is due for a main dealer visit to attend to a driver’s airbag recall.

Driving the M3 CSL back-to-back against the new M2 Competition in 2019, journalist Richard Lane wrote in Autocar that the former was “among the finest driver’s cars of all time, powered by perhaps the best straight-six engine ever made”.

This M3 CSL is a genuinely immaculate example of a coveted limited edition. Few among the 422 original UK-market cars can remain in such superb cosmetic condition, and with such low mileage from new. It would benefit from a fresh service before any spirited driving, but otherwise it needs nothing, and would certainly make a wonderful addition to any collection of modern classics.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to another age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.

Summary of MOT history: