2004 BMW E46 M3

This car hails from March 2004; the latter half of the E46 M3’s 2000 to 2006 production life. The car was supplied to its first lucky owner by dealers Scothall BMW of Leeds. The first owner is thought to have retained the M3 until around 2007, covering approximately 35,000 miles during her tenure. Second and third keepers followed before being acquired by the current keepers in April 2009. At that point the odometer was registering a little over 40,000 miles.

What appealed to the current custodians about this example, other than it being an E46 M3 of course, is its refreshingly original and unmodified condition. The M3 is beloved by many, not least those that like to “personalise” their cars with the odd bell and whistle not necessarily type-approved by the M-Division. Thankfully this fine example has escaped that sort of attention to present in full “factory gate” specification.

As well as diligent routine maintenance and sympathetic storage, current owner, David, has incurred significant recent expense to “ensure it is at the highest possible standard for its new owner to enjoy.” This schedule of pre-sale works includes brand new Pirelli P Zero tyres all round (around 150 miles ago), refurbished diamond cut wheels, new brake discs and pads front and rear as well as new rear brake pipes.

A long MoT is in place valid until May 2025 and the M3 was serviced by BMW of Dorchester in March of this year at 66,777 miles. Consequently, there is nothing for the next owner to do other than relish the unique and ample charms of a true, analogue M-car icon.

The E46 BMW originates from Chris Bangle’s tenure at BMW as head of exterior styling. As ever with the 3 Series it was a case of DNA retaining evolution rather than any form of revolution. The M3, of course, benefitted from a raft of external cues that mark it out as the apogee of the range. There’s the subtle but muscular looking body kit, accompanying flared flanks and chromed wing gills. The latter were designed for additional cooling but were found to be superfluous during testing. They were retained, however, for aesthetic reasons. At the rear the sublime quad tail pipes and boot mounted “Gurney flap” help explain to others what has just rocketed past them.

David’s example looks superb in its Mystic Blue Metallic (A07) paintwork, surely a pre-eminent shade for a 2004 M3. The condition of both body and paintwork looks excellent with a deep metallic finish in evidence and a Munich-appropriate precision defining the panel gaps. Cabin glass, light lenses and marque and model badging all appear original and pristine, too.

An obvious highlight here, however, are the recently refurbished and re-shod 19-inch, double spoke 67M diamond cut alloy wheels. Enough to make any autophile’s heart sing, these arch-filling beauties set off the M3’s subtle but not too subtle persona off to a tee. The staggered set of premium quality Pirelli P Zero tyres are reported to be just a mere 150 miles or so old.

On opening the M3’s doors, ribbed and tri-coloured “M3” sill protectors greet the eye. This example is fitted and finished with the Nappa Titanium Grey leather. The Nappa refers to the smooth texture and Titanium is the hue. Like the exterior, the M3’s cabin truly belies its 20 years. The seats are deeply bolstered to the waist and thigh, yet despite these signs of wear from a couple of decades of ingress and egress are minimal. The seats are electrically adjustable, and the driver’s side features memory settings. The rear cabin is equally pristine and eminently useable, too.

A familiar, chunky, multi-function, three spoke leather steering wheel is fitted, its upper half offering a clear view of the ultra-clear, white on grey VDO gauges. The 180mph speedo, with M-Division tricolours, and the orange lined at 7,500 and redlined at 8,000 rpm tachometer immediately draw the eye. The driver-centric centre console is an object lesson in “less is more” BMW function and houses the climate and audio system controls.

The steering wheel change paddles and the slightly blingy looking, but original, selector lever confirm this example as an SMG (sequential manual gearbox) equipped car. Based on the manual car’s six-speed Getrag S6S420G unit this was an option for the first time on the E46 M3. Other range-topping refinements include electric glass sunroof, automatic climate control and CD changer.

The M3’s S54B32 3.2-litre, straight-six engine is a purist’s delight. Like most M-Division production engines, this one boasts six separate throttle bodies for optimum response and a “drive-by-wire” electronic throttle control system was new for this model. A forged, nitro-carbonised steel crankshaft, graphite-coated pistons and an 11.5:1 compression ratio left no one in any doubt that this was a worthy recipient of the hallowed M3 nomenclature.

As only really great engines do, this one was renowned not just for its progressive, naturally aspirated delivery, but for its divine soundtrack, too. It even looks pretty good for a big box of oily springs, rods and valves. A shiny M-Division emblem tops the canted over cam-cover and everything here looks clean, correct and ship-shape.

The underside is mostly faired in but what is on view looks clean, straight and leak free. There’s a bit of surface corrosion noted in places, but it looks pretty superficial overall.

The commodious boot is originally carpeted and free from marks or stains. The obligatory drop-down tool kit scores a solid 8/10 on the universally accepted “how complete is my BMW toolkit” quotient.

The subframe has been dealt with also, the seller says "it has had the boot floor strengthen done. Pictures and invoice are included in the history." ​

The history of this M3 is reassuringly complete with plenty here to pour over. The V5 registration document is present as is the hard copy of the current MoT. Numerous earlier MoT hard copies are included also.

The original book pack is included with the all-important service booklet at its heart. The latter documents a PDI and running in service at the hands of supplying dealer Scotthall of Leeds. They also undertook the first full service at 13,502 miles in May 2005. The next three services were all by BMW main dealers taking us to 44,789 miles in March 2011. A further six subsequent stamps are featured from both main dealers and specialists. The most recent was courtesy of BMW Dorchester in March of this year at 66,777 miles.

The remained of the archive consists of numerous invoices providing the details and associated costs behind these stamps.

For many the E46 M3 represents the sweet spot in the lineage. A naturally aspirated straight six (like all purists surely prefer their M-cars), subtle yet purposeful looks and performance and soundtrack that few, if any, peers can equal. In summary – an awesome and deeply desirable motorcar.

This example is hard to fault. It’s the right colour, with the right mileage and the right number of former owners. Its maintenance has clearly been diligent, and the overall condition seems very good indeed. It remains a surprise, then, that these highly accomplished M cars still represent such truly unbeatable value for money. The market is almost certain to catch up any time soon so be sure to make hay whilst the last of the autumn sun shines. Bid today.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £12,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.