Price: SOLD
Mileage: 62,200 Miles
Engine: S54B32 Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Gearbox
Exterior color: Carbon Black Metallic
Interior: Black Leather
Additional features:
Titan Interior Trim
Heat/Power/Memory Sport Seats
M Multi-Function Steering Wheel
Xenon Headlights
Automatic Headlights
White Direction Indicator Lights
Headlight Washers
Automatic Climate Control
Rain Sensor
On Board Computer
Fog Lights
Parking Distance Control (PDC)
Fold Down Rear Seats
BMW Carpet Floor Mats
Continental ExtremeContact DW06 Tires
2-Owner M3
New Mexico/Nevada/Colorado Car
Clean Carfax
Rod Bearings Replaced Under Recall
Rear Subframe Mounts Healthy
VANOS is Quiet
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. The 2001, 2002, and early 2003 model years had a rod bearing recall that was remedied by mid-2003. The service information bulletin (SI B) covering this replaced the faulty rod bearings with updated units. Clean, low mileage, 6-speed manual examples in rare colors and options carry the highest premiums.
This 2002 Carbon Black over Black Leather M3 straddles the line between an exceptional driver and a collector-grade example. Outfitted with the proper 6-speed gearbox, power and heated seats, xenon lights, parking distance control, and 18-inch wheels, it is well optioned. It was originally delivered in June of 2002 and remained with its first owner for the majority of its life in New Mexico and Nevada. The Carfax shows regular dealer services at Sandia BMW Santa Fe BMW and BMW of Henderson throughout their tenure and we have a print out of service work and recalls from BMW. The current owner, who we are selling it on consignment for, purchased it in January of 2020 and brought it to Colorado. In preparation for sale we didn’t find much to gripe out. We refinished the wheels in the OEM Chrome Shadow, mounted fresh Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 tires, replaced the one-piece shift knob and boot, replace the auto-dimming rearview mirror with a solid state unit, replaced the windshield, and had BMW specialists Autosport Werks complete an S54 valve adjustment and replace the spark plugs. Other recent maintenance includes the alternator, power steering pump, and differential mount being replaced. The rod bearings were replaced under recall, the VANOS is quiet, and the rear subframe mounts shows no signs of failure. The owners’ manuals are present, as are two sets of keys.
Overall the Carbon Black paint in in great condition. It paint gauges as original, between 3 and 4 mils with the exception of the driver’s side door which showed some double-digit readings. Close scrutiny reveals small imperfections in the form of minor rock chips and light swirls/scratches on the front bumper cover and lower hood. There is some UV fade on the roof rack strips between the pillar lines and center roof section. The rear quarter window rubber seals are degraded, as is tyical with E46s. There is no rust thanks to the dry climates it has lived in. The factory VIN placard is in place and all trim work presents very nicely, albeit with light UV fade. The windshield is crack-free with minor pitting. The headlight lenses are clear and slightly pitted. The rear taillights are crack-free with slight yellowing in the clear lenses. The factory M Double Spoke wheels are excellent thanks to being refinished in the original Chrome Shadow and are wearing fresh Continental ExtremeContact DWS06 tires.
Overall, the black leather interior is in great condition. There are no odors and the headliner does not sag. There is slight shrinking on the A-Pillar trim panels and one imperfection on the driver’s side. The carpet and factory carpet floor mats present very well, although the Velcro circles are no longer attached. There is light wear on the outside bolsters of the driver’s seat and very light wear on the passenger side, with slight shrinkage of the seat bottoms due. The rear seats are the desirable fold-down type. The M steering wheel is in great condition with minimal wear. The BMW tape deck has a small crack below the tape insert. There are no failed pixels in the instrument cluster, radio, or HVAC panel and no warning or check engine lights 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). The shift knob is perfect, having been recently replaced. The power door locks and windows work correctly; the sunroof shade takes a little force to move beyond halfway, which recommend not doing. The door cards are tight, and the window regulators are quiet; there is light wear on the titan door pull trim. The trunk tool kit is complete (lug wrenches were not included with M3s because of the mobility kit). The owners’ manual and two keys are included with the sale.
All preventative maintenance is up to date and no common E46 are present. The Carfax and dealer record print out show regular and frequent maintenance under the long-term original owner. The rod bearings were replaced under recall, the subframe mounts have no cracks. We had Autosport Werks do a fresh S54 valve adjustment and replace the spark plugs. The S54 fires on command, idles smoothly and pulls strongly to redline. It does not leak, drip, or spot. The VANOS is quiet. The 420G shifts smoothly, with no second or third gear grinding and the clutch 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. We ensure it passes and pay for emissions in the State of Colorado. As it sits, this is a turn-key M3 ready to be driven across country.
VIN Decode
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