2004 BMW M3 (E46) Coupe SMG

Highlights

• 338bhp from the S54 straight-six

• SMG automated manual gearbox

• In current ownership for 17 years

• Full BMW main dealer and specialist service history

• MoT until Feb 2026 with no advisories

Overview

M is one of the most powerful letters in the history of performance cars - never has one single letter earned so much respect or carried such weight amongst fans of going quickly. BMW’s M division has long been the maker of top-shelf performance cars that balance fantastic performance with everyday usability, and the E46-era M3 is a particular highlight. 

Not only was this era of M3 a brilliantly usable performance car, but it also played host to what any enthusiast would argue is one of the finest six-cylinder engines of all time - the S54. Featuring individual throttle bodies on all six of its cylinders, 338bhp and a soundtrack that makes the hairs on the back of your neck stand up as you push towards the redline, it really is a driving experience that any PHer has to experience at some point in their life. 

This example was purchased by the vendor from BMW as an Approved Used car in 2007, and has enjoyed an easy-going life ever since with no track use and the seller stating that he always warmed the car through correctly before exploiting the full might of the wonderful S54 engine under the bonnet. 

Boasting a full BMW main dealer service history (with the exception of one service which was performed by respected marque specialist Munich Legends) the seller also notes that all BMW recalls have been carried out where required, and the current MoT has no advisories - always a win for any E46.

Our seller says that he’ll be very sorry to part ways with this much-loved M3 after such a long-term ownership experience, but it’s now time for someone else to enjoy it the way that BMW intended.

History and documentation

• Registered 28 Aug 2004

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Jun 2004 (PDI), Aug 2004 @ 1,416 miles, Jun 2005 @ 12,967 miles, Nov 2006 @ 27,053 miles, Nov 2007 @ 40,050 miles, Nov 2008 @ 53,677 miles, Sep 2009 @ 67,586 miles, Sep 2010 @ 82,242 miles, Jan 2013 @ 94,913 miles, Jun 2018 @ 107,029 miles, Feb 2025 @ 113,104 miles

• Full document pack

• Collection of invoices, servicing records and paperwork for other maintenance

• Two keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 05 Feb 2026

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Nearside rear driveshaft and ABS sensor replaced Jan 2024

• Old Tax discs

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

Interior

• The interior of this E46 M3 presents in excellent condition, and has evidently enjoyed a careful and cossetted life

• High-traffic areas such as the outer bolsters on the seats remain in great shape, with no heavy wear noted

• The rear seats are lightly creased in keeping with the car’s age and mileage

• Upon closer inspection, there are some minor marks and scratches in the soft-touch plastic coatings dotted around the cabin

• The various graphics on the buttons and switches remain in great condition

• There are some useful factory extras: Professional Sat Nav system, Harman Kardon HiFi upgrade (6 CD changer in boot and single CD in dash), folding/heated mirrors, all of which are working as intended

• The seller reports that one of the rear parking sensors has an intermittent fault, but there are otherwise no known faults

Exterior

• The bodywork presents in fair condition overall, having benefited from being garaged throughout the current ownership

• The paintwork is in good shape, while the bodywork shows no signs of any impact damage or mis-aligned panels

• On closer inspection, the front end exhibits the usual stone chips, along with some deeper touched-in marks around the registration plate

• All four wheel arches exhibit corrosion and bubbling, as does the offside mirror mount and the area around the boot latch, though the vendor reports that these patches have been “stable” for a number of years

• Elsewhere, there are small marks on both rear bumper corners and a small scuff below the nearside door handle

• All four wheels exhibit some wear and kerb rash, and would benefit from refurbishment

• The wheels are shod in a set of Michelin Pilot Sport tyres, with measurements from BMW as follows: front left 5/6/5mm, front right 5/5/5mm, rear left 5/6/5mm, rear right 5/4/5mm

• The offside headlight displays some moisture ingress

• Whilst there are a few areas that possibly require attention, this is still a smart-looking example of what many consider to be the best-looking M3 of them all

Mechanical

• 338bhp, inline-six naturally aspirated S54 engine, sending power to the rear wheels through an automated manual gearbox with paddle shifters and a limited-slip differential

• The front brake discs, pads and calipers were replaced in April 2023

• Under the bonnet, the engine and ancillaries present in good condition

• There are some areas of staining noted around the valve cover gasket

• We note some corrosion visible around the bonnet latch, commensurate for a vehicle of this age

• There are no reported modifications or upgrades fitted to the engine or drivetrain

• The seller notes there is a noise coming from the rear wheel when manoeuvering at slow speed

• BMW brake measurements at last inspection - Front brake pads 12mm and discs good, rear brake pads 10mm and discs good

• The seller reports that the car drives well and sounds fantastic, with any mechanical issues or wear-and-tear attended to over the years

• Underneath, there are signs of corrosion on surfaces and suspension components, but nothing that has troubled the MoT tester for the current certificate

• Full BMW main dealer and specialist service history
  
  

Summary

Offering the opportunity for one lucky bidder to obtain a low-ownership example of the iconic BMW E46 M3 with an excellent service history and free from modifications, this M3 gives scope for the next owner to continue to use it, enjoy it and make the most of the sonorous S54 engine, whilst also offering the opportunity to aesthetically revitalise the bodywork to bring it in-line with the mechanicals and interior of the car. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Haslemere, Surrey.