Description
This lot will be auctioned via Iconic Auctioneers, The Iconic Sale at the NEC Classic Motor Show 2024 - Cars on Saturday the 9th of November, NEC, Birmingham, B40 1NT. BMW’s third-generation M3, the E46, took the hearts of real sports car fans by storm when it was launched in 2000. With a lightweight construction and its high-revving, in-line six-cylinder engine, it embodied, for many, a return to the virtues of the legendary first-generation cars, the E30. Priced on a par with the Porsche Boxster S, the E46 M3 was streets ahead in performance, challenging the much pricier 911 and Audi RS4. Stiffened, wider-tracked with big wheel arches and a massive front spoiler, it packed a 343bhp 3. 2-litre ‘S54’ straight-six engine substantially re-engineered by the 'M' division. All cars were officially limited to 155mph, although Autocar’s test model happily topped 170mph.
The pre-delivery inspection for this manual-gearbox Titanium Silver Metallic M3 was carried out by BMW main dealer, Wellways of Bath, on 27th December 2001 for delivery to its first owner in the New Year 2002 and consequently it's regarded as a 2002 model. The service book contains a further seven stamps, corroborating the remarkably low mileage of just over 34, 000 and the current MOT is valid until June 2025.
Probably the last of the true analogue M3s with the harmonious S54 3. 2 engines, these high quality build Coupés can only appreciate and still represent incredible value as a true 175mph super handling offering from Bavaria.
