Specifications
Highlights
• Excellent Low Mile Example
• Fully Loaded From the Factory
• The Epitome of BMW's N/A Inline-6 Development
EAG Impressions
Building on the success of the E36, the E46 3-Series refined BMW's compact luxury formula. Its design was evolutionary rather than revolutionary, maintaining the brand's signature styling cues. While European buyers had access to a wide range of diesel and petrol engines, U.S. models were primarily offered with inline-six powerplants. The performance gap between European and U.S. models narrowed significantly with this generation, particularly with the M3. Both markets received the same high-revving 3.2L S54 engine, though European models still enjoyed a slight power advantage due to less restrictive emissions equipment.
Overview
For many performance car manufacturers, there is one style of engine that they are most closely tied to; for Porsche, it is a Flat-6, with Ferrari a V12, and for BMW, since the 1930s, that motor has been the Inline-6. As technology advanced, the engine was improved and refined with every subsequent generation, and at numerous points, an inline-6 powered nearly every car in the brand’s lineup. When people talk about the peak of BMW’s inline-6 development, the S54 developed for the E46 M3 comes up frequently. A supremely flexible engine, the S54 offers fantastic in-town usability, but when you get on it, it will rev to the stratosphere and both sound and feel like a race car while you’re doing it.
History
Built in June 2003, this E46 M3 is finished in Alpine White III over a black leather interior and shows just 25,655 miles from new. This marks the first trip through Enthusiast Auto Group for this M3, and just like all of our cars, it was subject to a thorough rejuvenation through our shop, with a bill totaling over $7,500. When this car arrived at our workshop, it was already in very good condition, with the majority of the exterior work consisting of a thorough detailing and replacing some faded badges. Although this is not a Competition package car, it sits on a set of BMW’s coveted 19” Competition pack wheels, which perfectly complement this extraordinary vehicle.
While under our care, we performed our standard list of checks, including inspecting the VANOS, rear subframe, and multi-point mechanical inspection during the course of carrying out a II Service. We noticed a few minor leaks, which led to replacing a radiator hose, the constant pressure valve, and a timing chain sealing ring, and we also carried out a 4-wheel alignment. After our rejuvenation process, this 22-year-old M3 feels showroom fresh and runs and drives as it should.
Gallery
Documentation
