Price: SOLD
Mileage: 70,500 Miles
Transmission: 6-Speed Manual Transmission
Exterior color: Silver Grey Metallic Exterior (A08)
Interior: Black Leather Interior (N5SW)
Additional features:
Brushed Aluminum Interior Trim
Glass Sunroof
Power Memory Sport Seats
Auto Dimming Rearview Mirror
Automatic Headlights
Xenon Headlights
BMW Business CD Stereo
HiFi Sound System
Automatic Climate Control
Rain Sensor
On Board Computer
M Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel
Anthracite Headliner
White Direction Indicator Lights
Fog Lights
Fold Down Rear Seats
Style 67 19-Inch Staggered M3 Wheels
Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 High Performance All Season Tires
100% Stock and Unmolested
Time-Capsule Condition
California / Colorado Car
Clean Carfax
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. Early M3s had a rod bearing recall that was remedied by mid-2003. A life cycle impulse (facelift) also occurred in mid-2003, with later models having more standard options and LED tail lights. The E46 M3 market has diverged with clean, well-cared for, low mileage examples commanding the highest premiums and beaten and abused examples selling for a fraction of their original purchase price—but you don’t get something for nothing, as there is a significant cost to correct the inevitable issues the entry-level buyer examples will have.
I am selling this 2004 Silver Grey Metallic M3 on consignment for a fellow BMW enthusiast. It represents an excellent buy in the E46 M3 market. It is a post-facelift, 6-speed example, with relatively low miles. It’s in the sweet spot of mileage; not commanding the premium that ultra-low mileage examples do, but still being well-preserved. Silver Grey Metallic was one of the best colors in the M3 color pallet. An evolution of Steel Grey Metallic, it accentuates the M3’s form in a way that few other colors do. It always presents fantastically, clean or dirty. Black leather with brushed aluminum trim complements it perfectly. It is 100% stock, unmolested, and well-optioned with the Premium Package and Xenon Headlights. The original owner purchased it from BMW of San Francisco and it remained in the Bay Area until coming to Colorado in 2008 with 16,000 miles. It has remained in Colorado ever since and always been properly cared for by successive owners. The Carfax reports regular services; I have detailed records dating back to 2007. The records show frequent oil changes, regular Inspection I and Inspection II services and valve adjustments, along with periodic transmission and differential fluid changes. The next valve adjustment isn’t due until 80,000 miles. The Carfax is clean, but the records show a minor left-rear quarter panel repair. The damage was minimal and the repair is thoroughly documented in the records. The original panel was retained and the resulting finish is factory-grade. Both driver and passenger airbag recalls have been complied with. The subframe mounting points have no cracks. In preparation for sale we gave it a fresh oil change, replaced the auto-dimming mirror with solid-state internals (the original had fluid that eventually leaks and damages the center console), and had the front bumper cover repainted by high-end specialists SVE Autobody due to rock chips. BMW M3 floor mats are included, along with two keys, and all owners’ manuals.
The Silver Grey Metallic paint is in pristine condition. It has clearly always lived indoors and been spared harsh weather and UV exposure. There are no glaring imperfections anywhere. There is a light scratch on the hood above the passenger side headlight and the lower hood and front fenders do have minor paint chips, but they take scrutiny to see. The paint match from the aforementioned bumper cover and left rear quarter is perfect. All panels appear to be original and the factory VIN tags and placards are in place. There is no rust. All trim work is in place. The driver’s side window weather stripping is lifted slightly towards the rear of the door, but it doesn’t not warrant replacment. The windshield is crack-free, there is one small chip on the left side, but it out of the line of sight. The headlight lenses are crystal clear and the fog light lenses are crack-free. The post-facelift LED rear tail light lenses are crack-free and look great! The Style 67 19-inch wheels are straight and true with minor curb rash. Factory wheel locks are included. They are wrapped in Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3 all-season tires that are worn evenly with lots of tread remaining. Michelin Pilot Sport A/S 3s are a game-changer. I mounted a set of these tires on my wife’s M3 and set a faster dry lap time on them than my well-used, but still sticky R1s!
The Black leather is in excellent condition. There are no odors and it has never been smoked in. The carpet has no stains or tears and has been protected by all-weather factory BMW M3 floor mats. Overall the leather is in excellent condition, it is still soft to the touch. The seats are in great shape, with even the driver’s side bolster having minimal creasing. The rear seats are the desirable fold-down type. The M steering wheel has no excessive wear or failed M-colored stitching. There are no failed pixels in the instrument cluster, radio, or HVAC panel, and no warning or check engine lights. The auto-dimming rear view mirror was replaced at some point with the larger 3-Series unit. I had the internals upgraded with solid state auto-dimming that will never leak onto the center console. The headliner does not sag. The BMW Business 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 typical center console storage compartment and ashtray covers. The shift knob and boot are the desirable one piece, and there is very minor wear of the shift knob. All power windows, door locks, and the sunroof operate correctly. The door cards are tight and the window regulators are quiet. There is minor wear on the driver’s side door seal, but the felt isn’t splitting apart. The trunk tool kit is complete (lug wrenches were not included with M3s because of the mobility kit).
This M3 comes with comprehensive maintenance records going back to 2007. They show regular oil changes, regular inspection I and II services. All preventative maintenance is up to date and all common issues have either been addressed or are not present. The last S54 valve adjustment was done at 50,000 miles and isn’t due for another 10,000 miles. All fluids (brake, power steering, coolant, gearbox, and differential) have been changed on schedule and we gave it a fresh oil change in preparation for sale.
This is a turn-key M3. The engine fires on command, idles smoothly and pulls strongly to redline. It does not leak, drip, or spot. The VANOS is quiet. The clutch take up is correct and the shifter is crisp. The brakes are firm, the suspension is compliant, and there is no driveline or wheel bearing vibration or whine. It has never been tracked, but performance driving instruction and coaching are available through us if desired—there is no more potent weapon for the money than an E46 M3!
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