About this Collectable

The best naturally aspirated straight-six ever, with over 340 hp at over 8,000 rpm, was fitted into one of the most beautiful coupes BMW ever built. It's now a highly sought-after classic that still looks fantastic, especially in Imola Red. The S54 was repeatedly named 'Engine of the Year' and, thanks to VANOS camshaft control, boasts plenty of torque even at low revs and revs effortlessly up to 8,000 rpm. It's also very reliable with proper use and maintenance. Four exhaust pipes, a wider body, and various other details subtly indicate that this is a serious sports car that can still compete with modern sports cars. The E46 is actually a perfect combination of everything you could want. Little to no understeer, and oversteer only when you force it. The suspension is firm, but comfortable enough on a road surface that isn't too rough. BMW's SMG automatic transmission doesn't disappoint, especially if you use it for its intended purpose. Yet, many have opinions about it. These are generally keyboard warriors who have never driven one themselves, or don't understand how to use it. If you set it to the sharpest setting, the gear changes are incredibly fast and brutal. You'll never be able to shift against them yourself. Comfort is perfectly fine, provided you help it a little. Just ease off the throttle while shifting, and you'll have a smooth transition to the next gear. It's not much different than doing that with a manual transmission, but with your left foot resting gently on the footrest. BMW installed the SMG in its flagship model, the CSL, for good reason.

Many e46 M3s are converted to tracktools, and for good reason. These cars already come standard with fantastic handling, a good braking system, and an engine that, aside from proper maintenance, requires no maintenance, as it already boasts well over 100 hp per liter. While many E46s have since been rebranded as Ringridders with semi-slick tires, bucket seats, and a roll cage, this example is beautifully preserved and in excellent original condition! Since 2022, the E46 has been registered in the Netherlands in the name of the current owner. It originated in Spain and was registered in 2004. It's noteworthy that this car left the factory as a "Fotofahrzeug" (Photographic Vehicle) in 2002. This likely explains the fresh Imola red color. It looks fantastic compared to the somewhat dull (and safe) gray and black that almost all M3s are equipped with. This continues in the interior, which is otherwise beautifully finished. The M3 is very well equipped with original forged 19-inch wheels that are still in perfect condition. It's obvious that the car was driven in Spain; there's not a trace of rust or damage anywhere, and the underbody looks like new.

Our opinion

This E46 is exactly what you want it to be. Many nice options, a beautiful and very sporty color, and a great story to go with it. Furthermore, it's superbly maintained and in pristine condition. We highly recommend it; they certainly won't get any cheaper in the coming years.

About the seller

The current owner purchased the car in 2022 and used it purely as a hobby. Unfortunately, there's not enough time to enjoy the M3, so he decided to auction it off through The Collectables.

Technical details

The specifications, upgrades, and maintenance history below provide a complete overview of the condition and features of this M3.

Equipment

This M3 is equipped with:

  • Dynamic Stability Control
  • Alarm system
  • Folding exterior mirrors
  • Clima Comfort windshield
  • Rear sunblind
  • Automatically dimming interior mirror
  • Smoker's version
  • Electrically adjustable seats with memory
  • Ski bag
  • Heating
  • Xenon headlights with headlight washers
  • PDC
  • Rain sensor
  • Automatic air conditioning
  • Trip computer
  • TV function
  • Navi Professional
  • BMW Handy pre-installed
  • CD changer
  • Harman Kardon Hi-Fi
  • M-multifunction sports steering wheel
  • Brushed aluminum interior
  • High-gloss shadow line
  • Anthracite headliner
  • White turn signals
  • 19-inch forged alloy wheels
  • Drivelogic M-sequential transmission
  • Photofahrzeug (0903)

Modifications

None, this car is still in its original condition.

Comments

The M3 is in very good condition considering its age and mileage. A few areas (both sides and the trunk lid) have been repainted for cosmetic reasons and have a slightly thicker paint finish.

Recent maintenance history

March 12, 2002 – Commissioned as a "Fotofahrzeug" (photo vehicle) by BMW Fuhrpark Munich
October 2, 2006 – 33,221 km – Serviced BMW Motor Gorbea
June 9, 2008 – 47,158 km – Serviced BMW Motor Gorbea
August 29, 2008 – 47,747 km – Various work performed on BMW Motor Gorbea
October 28, 2011 – 64,572 km – Various work performed on BMW Motor Gorbea
February 25, 2016 – 83,793 km – Passenger airbag replaced on BMW
November 4, 2019 – 96,024 km – Various work performed on BMW Premium Barcelona
November 22, 2019 – 83,973 km – Driver airbag replaced on BMW Barcelona
January 12, 2021 – 97,157 km – BMW service Barcelona
22-07-2025 – 105,266 km – BMW service van Poelgeest

The history contains an error in the manually entered position on November 22, 2019. The other positions were read by the dealer using a key.

Included with sale:

  • 2 original keys
  • Binder with invoices and documentation
  • Original vehicle folder + accompanying booklets

Summary

  • Seller – Nick
  • Location – Zwijndrecht
  • Chassis number – WBSBL91050JP80230
  • License plate – P-827-NS
  • First registration – August 11, 2004
  • Mileage – 105,575 km
  • Verifiable - Yes, via Booklets, invoices, and key read-out
  • Warranty – No
  • VAT/Margin Car - Margin
  • Body – Coupe
  • Engine – 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine
  • Drive – Rear-wheel drive
  • Transmission – SMG
  • Exterior – Imola Red
  • Interior – Black and red leather
  • Smoker's car - No
  • Owners – 3
  • Owned since – May 20, 2022
  • Tires – Michelin Pilot Sport 225-40-19 and 255-35-19, DOT 2020-2021 and >5mm

The description of this Collectable has been compiled with the utmost care, based on information provided by and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre)selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. The vehicles are sold "as is" without any warranty unless otherwise stated. Bidders are responsible for verifying the accuracy of the description and may, if desired, conduct a personal inspection. All collectables on our platform may be subject to any inspection, investigation, or appraisal by buyers in advance, in consultation with the seller. Please consult our Terms and Conditions for more details. 

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