2003 BMW M3 Coupe (E46) Manual

Highlights

• Current owner for 22 years

• Manual gearbox example

• Just 2 owners from new

• On-the-button, ready to go

• Clean MOT until September 2026

Overview

The E46-era BMW M3 is a cultural icon for petrolheads. Representing BMW’s shift into the modern era and into the 21st century, the ‘46 has stood the test of time remarkably well, still keeping up with modern-day performance cars, all whilst looking fantastic over 25 years from its first release, not to mention retaining the addictive noise of the S54 engine…

Whilst today’s family of M cars feature enough tech to power a spaceship and enough nannying driver aids to send even the most laid-back of drivers to the brink of insanity, the E46 features just enough safety features to keep you happy without overpowering you, meaning you have the wonderful balance of comfort and convenience, yet still enjoying an analogous driving experience. In other words, it’s just our cup of tea here at Pistonheads HQ. 

This particular pre-facelift M3 was purchased by our vendor (only the second owner from new) in 2003 as a retirement present to himself. Since then, the car was regularly driven across the country by both our vendor and his late wife, but has seen very limited use in the last 5 or so years, due to deteriorating mobility and vision. 

History and documentation

• Registered 04 January 2003

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Jan 2003 (PDI), Jan 2003 @ 1,010 miles, Jun 2003 @ 13,056 miles, Jul 2004 @ 27,717 miles, Jan 2006 @ 41,006 mile, Jul 2007 @ 55,478 miles, May 2009 @ 69,714 miles, Mar 2010 @ 74,933 miles, (no date) @ 89,917 miles

• Full document pack

• Collection of invoices and old MOT certificates

• Two keys

• Current MOT with no advisories expires Sep 7th 2026

• Additional invoices for a new cam sensor, MAF and miscellaneous works in August 2024

• The seller tells us that the rear differential pinion seal, crankshaft sensor, fuel pump and fuel pump relay have been replaced in the car’s recent history

• The rear subframe has been examined by a specialist garage in recent years and no faults or issues have been found, and therefore the original subframe / boot floor remain in place

• V5 present in owner’s name, showing just 1 former keeper from new

• HPI clear

Interior

• Black leather ‘shadow chrome’ interior in good condition throughout

• The cabin retains the typical ‘BMW leather’ smell that enthusiasts know so well

• There is some light scuffing to the outer driver’s seat bolster, but otherwise all four seats wear what would be considered below commensurate levels of wear and patination given the vehicle’s age and mileage

• We note some light scuffs and wear to the high-traffic areas such as the steering wheel, door cards and shifter

• Looking closer, there are a number of scratches to the soft-touch coating around the handbrake trim and on the lower dashboard section

• The OE stereo/radio unit remains in place

• In the rear, the boot carpet has been protected with a plastic liner, and as such remains in very good condition

• Underneath the floor, the original emergency tyre inflator remains in place

• A partially complete fold-down tool kit is present in the boot lid

• The air-conditioning system does not appear to blow very cold, and may need a re-gas or investigation

• Other than the above note regarding the air-conditioning, there are no reported faults

Exterior

• Classic Titan Silver paintwork in good overall condition, with some expected signs of wear from a life well lived

• The front end exhibits the usual smattering of stone chips (largely hidden thanks to the silver paintwork) as do the mirror caps, and there are a few typical light blemishes dotted around the bodywork

• Both bumpers appear to have been painted during their lifetime

• The front bumper is bubbling on the lower nearside corner, whilst the rear bumper is bubbling on the upper offside corner

• Elsewhere, there is impact damage visible on the front offside corner (which appears to have ‘popped’ the bumper out of alignment) a larger pair of scratches on the nearside door lower, and a number of small imperfections on the door rub strips

• We note some bubbling on both front arches, as well as on the driver’s side mirror mount casing

• All four wheels are in excellent condition with no sign of heavy kerb rash or damage

• All of the tyres are Continental Contisportcontact, dated 2013 on the front and 2012 on the rear

• Overall, a smart example of the E46-era M3 that would benefit from some aesthetic attention to bring it back to its best

Mechanical

• 3,246 cc inline-six S54 engine, producing 343bhp

• Power is sent to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and limited-slip differential

• No reported modifications or changes from factory specification

• The engine bay itself would benefit from a detailing, but there doesn’t appear to be any causes for concern that we can see

• Being particular, there is some staining around the valve cover, but this appears to be historic

• Started from cold during our photo shoot after sitting overnight, the S54 fired into life with ease, and free from any untoward noises, rattles or smoking

• No reported faults or issues from the seller

Summary

Offered for sale with only 2 owners from new, no reported rear subframe issues and with a silky-smooth S54, this is the chance to get your hands on a low-ownership example of the famed E46-era M3, that still has plenty of scope for personalisation or aesthetic improvement, should you wish to do so.

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 Taunton, Somerset