Price: SOLD
Mileage: 122,500 Miles
Engine: S54B32 Inline 6-Cylinder Engine
Transmission: 6-Speed Automated Manual Gearbox (SMG)
Exterior color: Jet Black 2 (668)
Interior: Black Leather Interior (N5SW)
Additional features:
Brushed Aluminum Interior Trim w/ Carbon Fiber Overlays
OEM BMW M3 CSL Carbon Fiber Roof (Sunroof Delete)
OEM BMW M3 CSL Rear Decklid
Seibon GTR-Style Carbon Fiber Hood
Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps
Carbon Fiber Grilles
Rogue Engineering Rasp Pipe and X-Pipe w/
Electronic Valve Control (EVC) Muffler Bypass
Eisenmann Race Exhaust
KW V1 Coilover Suspension
Euro CSL Headliner
Power / Memory / Heated Sport Seats
M Multi-Function Steering Wheel
Xenon Headlights
Automatic Headlights
Harmon Kardon HiFi Sound System
White Direction Indicator Lights
Automatic Climate Control
Rain Sensor
On Board Computer
Fog Lights
Parking Distance Control (PDC)
Fold Down Rear Seats
BMW Carpet Floor Mats
VMR V703 19-Inch M3 CSL Style Wheels
Michelin Pilot Sport 4S Tires
Colorado / South Dakota Car
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, but public opinion has begun to turn in favor of SMG M3s. A mid-lifecycle update starting with March of 2003 (2003.5) model years included several new standard features, the most notable being LED taillights.
This 2004 Jet Black over black SMG M3 is a very unique example thanks to some rare and tasteful upgrades. The list includes a genuine M3 CSL carbon fiber roof, genuine M3 CSL decklid, and a Seibon GTR-style carbon fiber hood. The vents on the hood were only clear coated when it was painted adding a subtle hint at its material. It wears matching mirror caps, grilles and interior trim overlays that continue the carbon fiber theme. Underneath of that carbon fiber is a set of KW V1 coil over suspension, riding on VMR “V703” CSL-style wheels. The exhaust is a Rogue Engineering resonated “rasp” pipe with the complementary X-pipe, and a muffler bypass electronic valve control (EVC) mated to an Eisenmann Race exhaust. Other notable factory options include a healthy SMG 6-speed sequential gearbox with M Drivelogic, heated power seats, Harmon Kardon HiFi sound system, power heated seats, xenon headlights, and parking distance control (PDC).
It was originally delivered in April of 2004 by Schomp BMW and has remained in Colorado through multiple owners, other than a six-year stint in South Dakota. The Carfax and a dealer maintenance printout show frequent dealer services at Schomp BMW (even when it was based in South Dakota). The current owner purchased it in 2015 had it subsequently serviced at Avalon Motorsports. The work has included replacement of the suspension with the KW V1’s, along with the strut mounts, control arms, control arm bushings, sway bar links, sway bar bushings, and trailing arm bushings. At 121K miles the VANOS unit was overhauled with new O-rings and cam drive bolts, a valve adjustment was done, the drive belts were replaced, and oil leaks were remedied by replacing the oil pan gasket, oil relief valve, and timing chain tension seal ring. In 2018 the CSL parts were installed and the majority of the car was repainted in the original Jet Black 2 by Apex Autobody.
In preparation for sale we re-installed the stock headers for emissions compliance, replaced the thermostat housing, and gave it a fresh oil change. The SMG gearbox is healthy, as are the subframe mounts. The oil is a bit too fresh to pull an oil analysis, but based on other examples we’ve had, rod bearings shouldn’t be on your radar until after the mid-100K mile mark. As it sits, it is a nice driver-quality E46 M3 with some very unique kit. You could leave it exactly as it is and enjoy it, or continue the build into an AutoX, time trial, or D.E. car (performance driving instruction is available if desired). Extra parts that are negotiable on are a Megan Racing exhaust and healthy SMG spares we have left over from manual swaps. The Carfax reports multiple owners, an accident in 2010 in South Dakota, and damage to the front bumper cover under the current owner in 2018. The records are included in a three-ring binder, along with all owners’ manuals and two keys.
The Jet Black paint is in good condition and makes the car look downright sinister with all of the carbon bits. The paint job itself good, but not perfect. Close inspection does reveal paint lines, sanding marks, and some fisheyes. There is evidence of some filler in the right rear quarter panel. The carbon weave in the CSL roof looks amazing, but there is one area where the lay-up isn’t even, which could have only come this way from BMW. The naked carbon areas of the Seibon GTR-style hood are a near perfect match. The front bumper cover has some minor paint chips, but nothing glaring. The carbon fiber mirrors have some UV fade; the original mirrors are available if desired. The factory VIN placard is in place. There is no rust. All trim work is in place. The windshield is crack-free, but does have some pitting. The headlight lenses have moderate pitting. The front marker and indicator lights have clear lenses. The LED rear taillight lenses are crack-free and look great! The VMR CSL-style wheels are in good shape, but do have some curb rash. The VMR wheels are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires with 60% tread remaining.
Overall, the interior is in good condition, but it does have some flaws. There is faint smoke smell, but nothing offensive and I have the nose of a bloodhound (the headliner which usually bears the brunt of smoke odors was replaced with the CSL roof). The A-pillar trim is sagging, as is the C-pillar trim. The carpet has no notable stains or tears and is protected by BMW M3 floor mats. The seats are in good shape, with light bolster wear on the driver’s seat. The rear seats are the desirable fold-down type. The M steering wheel has moderate wear on the leather portions. There are no failed pixels in the instrument cluster, radio, or HVAC panel and there are no warning or check engine lights illuminated, other than a tire pressure light due to the tire pressure sensors beginning deleted. The auto-dimming rear view mirror has been replaced with a larger non-M E46 unit and does not leak. The BMW Harmson Kardon HiFi sound system sounds great. 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 of the center console. The shift knob surround has typical E46 wear marks. The power door locks and windows work correctly; the sunroof was deleted with the CSL roof. The door cards are tight, and the window regulators are quiet. 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.
All preventative maintenance is up to date and no common E46 are present. 2003.5 and later model year M3s do not have the rod bearings issues that early E46 M3s had, and the OEM ones usually last well into the mid-100K mile mark. The last valve adjustment was done at 121K miles and the VANOS cam bolts were replaced with the tabs being inspected. The driver’s airbag recall has been complied with; the passenger is still due, which can be done at the dealer at no extra charge. The transmission fluid, brake fluid, and coolant have been flushed regularly. The engine fires on command, idles smoothly and pulls strongly to redline. It does not leak, drip, or spot. The VANOS is quiet. The SMG unit functions correctly, the clutch does not slip. We have extra lower-mileage SMG parts we can include with the sale if desired. The KW V1 suspension is a fantastic compromise between a street-friendly ride and a considerable handling upgrade over the stock M3 suspension. The brakes have lots of pad life and rotor run-out remaining. There is no driveline or wheel bearing vibration or whine. There are few better cars for the money than an E46 M3; this one is an excellent, clean, driver-quality that has is a great platform for the new owner.
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