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2004 BMW E46 M3 - View All

Exterior

Interior

Mechanical

Documents

Vehicle History

Overall condition: Excellent Original
Number of owners: 2 inc. current owner
History: Part
MOT: 19th April 2024

Read any top 10 of modern classics and the BMW M3 is not only going to be included, but chances are it’ll be towards the top of the list, and for very good reason. Put simply, the M3 is arguably the ultimate combination of good looks, power, handling and usability – a winning package for many who are looking for an everyday classic with a modern touch.

Based on the E46, the third generation of the M3 ran from 2000 to 2006 and the S54 straight-six engine’s power output rose to between 343 to 360hp. With 85,000 examples sold, it remains the most popular M car to date and one that gets BMW enthusiasts hot under the collar!

Amazingly, this particular example has just 37,700 miles on the clock and with only two owners from new, is still in almost factory condition thanks to the care it has been shown. Being housed in a bespoke car storage facility has certainly helped with this remarkable preservation and means that the lucky buyer will be driving off in a vehicle that looks nearly new rather than almost 20 years old.

Exterior

As you might expect from a car with such low mileage, the exterior is in exceptional condition. The Titansilber metallic silver paint has a smooth, glossy finish and deep shine with very few stone chips or marks, whilst the panels are also excellent – the only blemish being a minor mark on the leading edge of the driver’s door and something that the current owner is planning to have professionally resolved before the car is sold.

All badges and bright work are clean and bright, with lights and glass being crisp and clear. The BMW M3 retains the factory-fitted alloy wheels which are unmarked and shod with Michelin Pilot Sport tyres showing plenty of deep tread.

Watch a video of the 2004 BMW M3 Coupe

Mechanics

The 3.2-litre S54 straight-six starts on the button and idles smoothly. The car is fitted with the SMG automated gearbox and although this was only tested at manoeuvring speeds, it selected Drive and Reverse without issue.

A 2022 factory recall to allow for a replacement passenger airbag was successfully carried out.

Interior

Providing an attractive contrast to the silver exterior, the cabin is trimmed in red leather and shows very little use or wear – only very light rubbing on the bolster of the driver’s seat being evident.

Complementing the red leather seats are a set of matching door cards that feature brushed aluminium inserts – a finish that continues across the dash, although it should be noted that there are a few very small blemishes on the surface of the passenger side trim.

Charcoal-coloured carpets are fitted throughout and show almost no signs of wear with the headlining also being in excellent condition.

To confirm the BMW’s status as an M car, the trademark steering wheel is fitted, featuring two-tone blue and red stitching with dark silver inserts. With a high-specification in-car entertainment system installed, including Harman Kardon speakers, full colour satellite navigation screen and the bonus of a TV tuner, this particular M3 really does have everything you would expect… and more.

Why bid?

With so few miles on the clock and having been cherished and very well stored, this BMW M3 Coupe is in superb condition and would be an excellent addition to any collector’s garage, enthusiast’s driveway or for someone looking for an iconic modern classic that can be used and enjoyed.

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Notice to bidders

Please note whilst Bidding Classics offer the most descriptive auction listings and in-depth photos and videos, we cannot claim they are totally accurate reflections of the condition of each vehicle listed for sale. Therefore, we encourage all bidders to do their own due diligence and arrange a viewing of each vehicle for sale. Viewings can be arranged by posting in the comments section below, this will trigger an email to the seller, who will get in contact to arrange a time of mutual convenience.

Also, it is likely that many of the classic cars sold through our platform will have had repair work in the past that we cannot verify. As such we do not warrant (and no warranty shall be implied) that the repairs have been carried out to a high standard or that any replacement parts are genuine.

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