Price: SOLD
Mileage: 111,200 Miles
Engine: S54B32 Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Gearbox
Exterior color: Steel Gray Metallic
Interior: Imola Red Leather Interior
Additional features:
ZHP Black Carbon Interior Trim
Major Engine Overhaul in July of 2021
Coated Rod Bearings
ARP Bolts
S54 Valve Adjustment and VANOS Refresh
Dinan Intake
Dinan Throttle Bodies
Turner Subframe Reinforcement
Hotchkis Performance H Sport Sway Bars
Powerflex Subframe Bushings
Active Autowerke Headers
Active Autowerke High-Flow Cats (original Cats included)
Borla Exhaust
Korman 4:11 Limited-Slip Differential
Premium Package:
Moonroof
Power / Memory Sport Seats
Automatic Headlights
Rain Sensor
M Multi-Function Steering Wheel
Harman Kardon Premium Sound
Xenon Headlights
White Direction Indicator Lights
Automatic Climate Control
On-Board Computer
Fog Lights
Fold-Down Rear Seats
BMW Rubber Floor Mats
18-Inch M Double-Spoke Style 67 Wheels
Sumitomo HTR ZIII Tires
20 Year CCA Member-Owner
Fresh Oil Service
Gearbox/Differential Fluids
Coolant Flush
Brake Fluid Flush
4-Wheel Alignment
The E46 generation M3 was the last of a legacy of normally aspirated, inline 6-cylinder M cars that defined the marque for a generation. At the heart of the E46 M3 was the 333-horsepower S54B32 engine, an evolution of an architecture that reaches back to the original M535i and M1. The S54 won multiple engineering awards upon its release, and, at the time, it produced the highest horsepower-per-liter for a normally aspirated production engine. A pull to its screaming 8000-RPM redline is a smile-evoking experience that is only made better by the communicative and composed E46 chassis. The M3 also got exclusive suspension, brakes, and wheels that gave it formidable performance. Even today, a well-driven E46 M3 can hold its own against much more powerful and modern performance cars. Clean, low mileage, 6-speed manual examples in rare colors and options carry the highest premiums.
This 2002 Steel Gray over Imola Red 6-speed M3 is one of the best color combos and properly sorted example. It was a one-owner car until last year, reportedly owned by a BMW CCA member and instructor. Factory options include the Premium Package (power/memory seats, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, Nappa leather), Heated Seats, Bi-Xenon Headlights, and Harmon Kardon Premium Sound. What sets this M3 apart are the modifications. The list includes ZHP black carbon interior trim with a recently re-covered steering wheel. Dinan intake and throttle bodies, Active Autowerke headers and high-flow cats (original cats included), and a Borla exhaust deliver power, which is further livened by a Korman built 4:11 limited-slip rear differential. The subframe is reinforced with a Turner subframe reinforcement kit and Powerflex bushings. The suspension is upgraded with Hotchkis Performance H Sport swaybars. The end result is a highly visceral M3, that despite a gloriously loud exhaust, maintains the original DNA of the E46 M3.
The records and receipts date to the original delivery from Voss Village BMW on July 27, 2002. The records show regular services throughout its life and invoices for all upgrades. In July of last year, the S54 engine was replaced with a refreshed S54 engine from a 2005 M3 that was involved in an accident. The VIN and Carfax for that car are included in the records, with the last reported mileage reading being 94,496 miles in 2019. The engine was inspected, re-sealed, and the water pump, thermostat, cam sensors, and lots of other ancillaries were replaced. In the process, the rod bearings were also replaced with coated bearings and ARP bolts and the clutch was replaced. Then, after nearly twenty years of ownership, the original owner sold it to a good friend of ours. He refreshed the VANOS, completed an S54 valve adjustment, flushed the coolant, brake fluid, transmission, and differential fluids, changed the engine oil, and did a four-wheel alignment. When he was done, we brought it to Colorado and are happy to have it in our stable. As it sits, it would be a perfect M3 to use and enjoy out on the open road and/or use for light track or autocross duty if desired. The BMW club Autocross season starts soon, and the first performance driving school is in May. We will happily include a BMW CCA membership with the purchase, and private instruction and coaching are available for extra upon request.
Steel Gray Metallic was one of the best colors in the E46 M3 pallet and was only available for the first two years of production. The paint is in excellent condition, gauging between 4 and 7 mils. The majority of the car appears to have been repainted at some point, except for the hood, which gauges at 3 mils. The front bumper cover and lower edge of the hood are protected by PPF, which is also in good condition. Close inspection does reveal slight rock chipping and other imperfections, but overall, the paint presents very well. Despite living in Ohio, it has clearly not been exposed to winter conditions. There is no notable corrosion (lift pictures are on our website if you are reading this elsewhere). The trim is in good shape with minimal UV fade (thanks to not living out west). The windshield glass has light pitting but is crack-free. The remaining glass is in excellent shape. The headlight lenses, markers, and taillights are all in good condition. The factory M Double-spoke wheels have been refinished and have no curb rash or glaring imperfections. They are wrapped in Sumitomo HTR ZIII Tires with good tread remaining and 2017 DOT dates.
The interior is also in great condition. There are no odors to speak of. The headliner does not sag, nor do the A, B or C-pillars. The carpet and factory rubber floor mats present very well. The Imola Red interior is in great shape, with light to moderate bolster wear on the outer edges of the front seats being the only nit-pick. The rear seats are the desirable fold-down type. The M steering wheel is in good condition, with a receipt showing it and the shifter being replaced in the records. There are no failed pixels in the instrument cluster, radio, or HVAC panel, and no warning or check engine lights are illuminated. The heat blows warm and the air conditioning blows cold. The blower motor does not chirp, and the final stage resistor functions correctly (common issues). There is minor scratching on the center console. The shift knob surround has very few of the typical E46 wear marks. The power door locks and windows work correctly, as does the sunroof. The door cards are tight, and the window regulators are quiet; the driver’s door trim does have some scratching. The trunk tool kit is complete (lug wrenches were not included with M3s because of the mobility kit). All owners’ manuals and two keys are included with the sale, along with the original window sticker and records booklet.
All preventative maintenance is up to date and no common E46 issues are present. The service records are thorough, showing consistent care and maintenance, along with the work outlined in the summary paragraph. The rod bearings have been replaced, the VANOS has been refreshed, and the subframe has been reinforced. The S54 valve adjustment, engine oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant have been done recently. The engine fires on command, idles smoothly and pulls strongly to redline. It does not leak, drip, or spot. The clutch has been replaced and does not slip. The brakes have lots of pad life and rotor run-out remaining. There is no driveline or wheel bearing vibration or whine. This M3 has been properly owned and cared for and will make its new owner a proud member of the E46 M3 fold.
VIN Decode
Original Vehicle Options
SHARE
THIS
LISTING