2006 BMW (E46) M3 CS - MANUAL

This BMW M3 CS is a very well-presented example of one of the most coveted modern M cars, described by Evo magazine as “the best bits of the CSL for far less money.” It is powered by the same 338bhp 3.2-litre S54 straight-six engine as the standard M3, and in this case is equipped with the sought-after six-speed manual transmission.

The online VIN record for this M3 shows the correct factory-fitted ‘Competition Package’ (code S7MA). The CS model benefitted from the M3 CSL’s quicker steering rack, lightweight alloy wheels, uprated brakes and M Track mode button. The cabin was enhanced with suede trim for the steering wheel, gear shift gaiter and handbrake lever, along with ‘cube’ design aluminium accents.

It is a remarkably rare version of the E46 generation model; understood to be one of around 250 examples built for the UK market. The manual gearbox in this car means it is rarer still. First registered in February 2006, there are three previous registered keepers on the log book, and it was acquired by the seller just over five years ago.

The car has covered just 3,000 miles over the last five years, and the majority of that was for a European road trip in 2017, driving from the UK down to Lake Como in northern Italy, across to Bordeaux, and back to its home in Suffolk. It has been kept in dry storage whenever not in use, but has regularly exercised and taken for its annual MOT tests.

Four years ago, at around 111,000 miles, the bodywork and paint was treated to a minor restoration, which included replacement wings and a replacement door - to rectify a common fault due to corroding from the inside. The entire car was then painted to remove all stone chips, with the exception of the boot and roof panels. All cavities were under-sealed to protect against corrosion, and the boot floor was also inspected at this time.

Its bodywork and stunning Interlagos Blue paint are described by the seller as being in excellent condition today, and as the photo gallery shows, the finish presents very well indeed. There is no evidence of any panel damage, and the seller reports only two stone chips on the front bumper, and one other on the bonnet.

The exhaust has been retrofitted with the OEM BMW Euro tips, but otherwise the exterior appearance is to the original factory specification. It rides on the 19-inch CSL style alloys, which are marked on two wheels, but which are generally in very good condition. The paint on the brake callipers has flaked in places, so would also benefit from repainting.

In the cabin, this M3 CS is equipped with the black Nappa leather heated front seats, with full electric adjustment, including lumbar settings and back width controls. The leather has obvious signs of use commensurate with the mileage, but there are no rips or tears in the material. The rear seats have evidently been used infrequently, and remain in superb condition.

The synthetic suede around the steering wheel rim has been re-trimmed by Royal Steering Wheels, and the fascia has also been changed to a carbon-effect item. Factory-fitted equipment includes climate control, rear parking sensors, and the BMW media system with satellite navigation.

Its last scheduled maintenance was in May 2015 at 110,346 miles, when an Inspection I service was carried out by BMW specialist Bartlett Automotive. This included checking and adjustment of the valve clearances, a new water pump, new auxiliary belts, a replacement gear lever and bushings, a new VANOS oil feed pipe and new xenon light link rod. While the car has only covered 3,000 miles since then, the seller is happy to carry out an oil change prior to handover to the next owner. The driver and passenger airbag recall work was completed in 2019, and new lower suspension arms were fitted in 2016.

Prior to this, it received an Inspection II service in August 2014 at 98,620 miles, carried out by Awesome GTI. This included renewal of the engine, differential and gearbox oils, new front and rear brake discs and pads, Powerflex rear trailing arm bushes, a HEL Performance braided clutch line and power steering pipe, new VANOS seals, and fitment of an ITG air filter. New front to rear brake pipes were fitted at 98,094 miles, along with new exhaust flanges.

The most recent MOT test was on 17 July 2020 at 113,249 miles, which it passed with no advisories about its condition, and with the tester noting only the presence of factory-fitted engine covers. Over the last nine years, covering some 60,000 miles on the road, the car has never failed an MOT, or even had any other advisories. The wheels are fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres on the rear and with Pirelli P Zero tyres on the front, all of which have around 5mm of tread.

Accompanying this M3 CS is the original service book and handbook, numerous invoices and receipts for maintenance, and old MOT certificates. Two keys are present, as well as a complete tool kit, and the Harmon Kardon speaker and amplifier should the next owner wish to retrofit them. The seller is also including a spare set of original rear coil springs.

This BMW M3 CS is an engaging and sought-after performance car, which blends some of the enhanced dynamic character of the CSL with a more pliant chassis. The presence of an involving manual transmission makes this a very rare and collectable modern classic, but it is also ready to enjoy on the next owner’s favourite roads.

Summary of service history:

• 28/10/2006 - 1,260 miles (running-in)
• 01/02/2008 - 16,290 miles (Inspection I)
• 21/07/2009 - 37,725 miles (Oil service)
• 22/06/2011 - 53,195 miles (Inspection II)
• 22/06/2012 - 68,837 miles (Oil service)
• 22/06/2013 - 85,006 miles (Oil service)
• 14/08/2014 - 98,620 miles (Inspection II)
• 21/05/2015 - 110,346 miles (Inspection I)

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.