The Details

BMW E46 M3

£22,495

J00001

Specification

  • Mileage: 77,900
  • Year: 2003
  • MOT Expiry: June 2027
  • Exterior Colour: Silver Grey Metallic
  • Interior Colour: Black Nappa Leather
  • Top speed: 155
  • 0-60mph: 5.5
  • BHP: 338
  • Transmission: 6-Speed SMG
  • Engine Capacity: 3246cc
  • Engine Configuration: Straight 6

Equipment

Silver Grey Metallic paintwork, Black Nappa leather upholstery, 19-inch polished M alloy wheels, 6-speed SMG II transmission with steering-wheel paddles, Continental SportContact 6 tyres, Electric glass sunroof, BMW satellite navigation, Harman Kardon audio system, Multifunction leather steering wheel, Front centre armrest, BMW overmats, Facelift LED rear lights, Spare key, Original BMW document wallet and handbooks.

Exterior

Having remained with the same owner since 2008 and been mainly garaged during that time, this facelift M3 presents in very smart condition. The bodywork is free from significant scuffs, with a light peppering of stone chips around the nose and a handful of small touched-in marks elsewhere reflecting its use. The headlights, front fog lights and indicators are undamaged, while the chrome kidney grilles, window rubbers and exterior trims remain particularly well preserved. Even the windscreen scuttle trim, often weathered on these cars, presents very nicely.

The 19-inch M alloy wheels retain their correct polished appearance and are free from kerbing. Some minor milky marks are visible beneath the lacquer on three wheels, while all four wear matching Continental SportContact 6 tyres with good tread and no obvious perishing. Other details to note are slight lacquer peeling on the bonnet badge, a little moisture in the passenger-side wing repeater and a small area of bubbling along the bottom edge of the boot lid. Overall, a very clean and appealing example with only modest cosmetic imperfections.

VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

Interior

The cabin is a particular highlight, displaying the sort of preservation that makes long-term ownership so appealing. The leather remains beautifully soft and supple with an attractive matte finish, while the steering wheel retains a pleasingly textured surface. The passenger seat is exceptionally well presented, and the rear seats show barely any signs of use.

The centre console is similarly impressive, including an unusually clean ashtray cover, with very little wear evident on the armrest, handbrake or gear selector. Original BMW overmats remain fitted, showing only light wear, and the surrounding carpets and headlining are in excellent condition. Satellite navigation, Harman Kardon audio and the glass sunroof complete a particularly inviting cabin.

Minor imperfections comprise some deterioration to the satin-painted finish on the interior door handles and a small blemish on the navigation display. The luggage compartment is exceptionally tidy, with clean, unstained pale-grey carpeting and only very light loading scratches to the plastic threshold trim.

ENGINE & TRANSMISSION

The 3.2-litre straight-six is paired with BMW’s six-speed SMG II transmission. Its service book records maintenance by Barons BMW initially, followed by the same independent workshop from 2010 onwards, with the latest recorded Inspection II completed in November 2024 at 76,940 miles.

Under the bonnet, the presentation is particularly impressive. The black plastics are clean and undamaged, while the visible inner wings, front slam panel and scuttle all present extremely well. Light surface oxidation to some exposed alloy components is consistent with age and does little to detract from the overall appearance of this very clean engine bay.

History File

First registered in September 2003, this M3 has remained with its current owner since November 2008. The accompanying V5 records two former keepers, and the car retains its original BMW document wallet, handbooks, stamped service book and spare key.

The service record begins with Barons BMW of Farnborough, including the important running-in check at 1,251 miles in September 2003. Main-dealer servicing continued through to 54,572 miles in 2008. From 2010 onwards, the book records consistent attention from A.C.V. in Alton, with the most recent stamp documenting an Inspection II in November 2024 at 76,940 miles. Additional entries record brake-fluid, coolant, gearbox and rear-axle oil changes.

A significant recent investment is the rear axle carrier panel repair and reinforcement undertaken by Spartan Automotive in October 2026 at 77,865 miles. Supported by an invoice totalling £5,046.99 and an extensive photographic record, the work included installation of a Redish V3 reinforcement kit, repairs to cracked spot welds, corrosion treatment and protective refinishing. A brake-fluid service and four-wheel alignment were also included.

With nearly eighteen years in the current ownership, a particularly well-preserved interior and substantial recent expenditure on the rear axle carrier panel, this is an appealing example supported by a reassuringly detailed record of care.


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