"The M3 version of the BMW E46 3 Series was only available in coupé and convertible body styles, a saloon version was not produced due to the introduction of the new M5. The E46 M3 is powered by the S54 straight-six engine and has a 0-62mph acceleration time of 5.1 seconds, with either the manual or SMG-II transmission. The top speed is electronically limited to 155mph. The SMG-II used an electro hydraulically actuated clutch and gearshifts could be selected via the gear knob or paddles mounted on the steering wheel. The SMG-II was praised for its fast shift times and race performance but some people found its shifts to be delayed and lurching in stop-start traffic.
This 2002 BMW M3, with manual gearbox, was purchased by the current owner in 2016 after an extensive search to find the best example that was available. It was then sent to one of the UK’s top classic Ferrari specialists and was upgraded to E46 ‘stage one’ conversion for use on race tracks. This was done so he could learn to drive his classic Ferrari. When the car was completed, he had already gained the experience he needed and the car was never used on the track. It was fully stripped of its interior and fully upgraded which included a six-point, bolt-on roll cage, two motorsport bucket seats and seat mountings, a pair of six-point FIA Hans harness seat belts, a 1.8kg FX G-TEC with ADS (advanced discharge system) fire extinguisher system, a handheld FX G-TEC with ADS gas fire extinguisher, towing eyes (front and rear), carbon door cards and a competition style quick release steering wheel. Total cost for the parts needed came to over £7,500. Finished in Titan Silver with its black, new race prepared interior, this M3 is supplied with a V5C registration document and a MoT test certificate which expires in June 2020. This is a chance to purchase a properly prepared M3 E46 fast road car or track day car."