Specifications
Highlights
•Reference-Grade Example
• Stunningly Preserved Throughout
•A Well Specified LCI E46 M3
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
This 2005 BMW M3 was sold new in March of 2005 and has been under the care of two enthusiast driven owners from new. Finished in Silver Gray, this car shows a truly remarkable 6,088 miles at the time of cataloging and has been kept in exceptional condition throughout. Silver Gray is an outstanding color for this car and should not be confused with the lighter Titanium Silver that is more common. This darker gray has some blue hues to it, and much like Porsche’s GT Silver, picks up the curves in a very dramatic way. This car is fitted with the M3’s standard 18” wheels with a Chrome Shadow finish- people frequently swapped these out for larger 19” optional wheels, but these are a perfect size for the car and make for a nice sidewall that is typically missing on other M3s.
We performed our comprehensive inspection and will be performing the following services to ensure this vehicle will arrive to its next enthusiast owner running as well as it presents cosmetically. Early Inspection I service with valve adjust in conjunction with a VANOS rebuild and supplemental fluid services so everything is new and refreshed. We will also be replacing the oil pan gasket based on the gasket's age and current seep that is forming commonly found on the S54. We will also be upgrading known components like the CPV (constant pressure valve) o-ring with a Viton material as well as RTAB (rear trailing arm bushings) with Powerflex's urethane bushings. All standard EAG Extra Mile services will ensure we have the opportunity to enhance the E46 M3 delivery process almost 20 years later.
History
It should come as no surprise that the interior is just as perfect as the exterior of the car. The black leather seats are free of any wrinkles or creases, and the black steering wheel retains its beautiful matte finish, with the red and blue M-color thread as vivid as the day it was installed. Stainless Steel trim was optioned on the dashboard, center console and door handles which provides a nice contrast against the black leather and keeps the interior looking modern and clean. It is difficult to describe the quality of the inside of this car, and even photos don’t do it justice- if you want to feel like you are stepping into a time capsule back to 2005, just slide behind the wheel of this car.
Undoubtedly, the S54 found in the E46 M3 is one of the best inline-6s ever produced by BMW. With dual overhead cams, individual throttle bodies, and VANOS on the intake and exhaust cams, the S54 feels like a proper motorsport engine in the high revs, but that maintains the ability to be happily used around town as well. This example is paired with a solid-feeling 6-speed manual gearbox, which offers great shift action and is really the ultimate way to enjoy the sublime powerplant. While under our care, we performed our standard list of checks, including inspecting the VANOS, rear subframe, and multi-point mechanical inspection.
Gallery
Documentation
