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 6-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 155 mph, although Autocar’s test model happily topped 160 mph.

Offered here is a UK-supplied, right-hand drive E46 M3 fitted with the desirable manual gearbox and finished in stylish Silver Grey Metallic with Imola Red Nappa leather. It was first registered on the 1st March 2004 and has been enjoyed by three owners since then who have covered just 29,152 miles between them. Since leaving the factory, the car has been thoughtfully enhanced with the addition of genuine ‘BMW Individual parts’ such as a BMW carbon air box, BMW Performance strut-brace, updated steering wheel, later BMW wheels, an updated BMW boot lid along with a tasteful addition of Alcantara to parts of the interior etc. Pleasingly, the original parts were retained and they are included with the car. These parts can be seen in the auction hall during the sale days and naturally the car’s history file with its service book detailing work carried out over the years will be available for inspection.

Sadly, the owner of this lovely M3 passed away recently and the car is being offered by his family. It was clearly much loved by the late owner who owned it from 2009 all the way up until his recent sad passing. It’s very hard to find a manual gearbox E46 M3 with this sort of sensible mileage on the market today and this particular example appears excellent all round. Silverstone Auctions are storing the M3 for the late owner’s family prior to the sale and we encourage and welcome your earliest inspection.