Registration - D2 CYA

Chassis No. - WBSBL92070JR02844

M.O.T. - 12 Months MOT TBC

Odometer - 59,000

One of BMW’s most desirable M-Cars, this 2002 M3 coupe is presented in classic metallic black, and comes with the superb 3.2-litre straight-six that gave the car such a character that it has gone down as a future classic. Crucially, it’s fitted here with the six-speed manual gearbox that helps make ‘D2 CYA’ one of the best driver’s cars of its era, a model which dominated both road group tests and won across a board spectrum of motorsport classes. Performance from the E46 M3 when new was a 0-62mph time of 5.2 seconds, thanks to more than 330bhp produced, and an electronically limited top-speed of 155mph. This is a bona fide supercar botherer, with a red-line at 8,000rpm and a soundtrack to match. And that’s before the corners are factored into account. BMW’s M-Division worked on the 3 Series chassis and suspension, creating a wider track and stiffer springs as part of a comprehensive suite of performance focused upgrades.

The cabin is upholstered in grey Napa leather, and comes fitted with carbon-effect panels on the dashboard, centre console, and door. A high level of factory equipment specification was fitted to each BMW M3, and ‘D2 CYA’ includes features such as Harman-Kardon audio system, parking sensors, air conditioning, leather sports seats, electric windows, quad rear exhaust, discreet M3 badging, and 10-spoke alloy wheels. The present owner is just the fourth to hold the keys to this particular M3, and has owned ‘D2 CYA’ for around eight years. For a 22 year old machine, the indicated 59,335 miles on the odometer is not a high mileage - though this is not guaranteed. The vendor does not have much service history to offer, but the M3 will be put through the workshop prior to sale, and provided with 12-months' MOT and service, alongside all existing paperwork. Only the interior is considered as anything other than first rate, and even that is thought of as ‘good’ by the seller. The engine, transmission, electrics, body, and paintwork are all rated as ‘excellent’.

The E46 M3 was the third generation to wear the famous badge, arriving in 2000 in coupe and convertible body styles. Powered by BMW’s well-loved S54 straight-six engine, it was available with either six-speed Getrag manual gearbox, or six-speed automated manual transmission, which saw paddles fitted on the steering wheel. BMW’s power plant racked up eight wins at the ‘Engine of the Year’ awards in total, using a double-VANOS system for smooth power delivery, while allowing a high rev-limit for performance driving. Wider wheel arches cover a broader track front and rear, while side skirts, a deeper front bumper, and Gurney flap rear wing boosted aerodynamics. The side vents - now synonymous with the E46 M3 - were added for improved cooling, but found during testing to be unnecessary. Aesthetic appeal meant they remained however, though the ‘power dome’ bonnet bulge was certainly necessary, to accommodate the engine’s intake system.

A facelift arrived in 2003, though thanks to the demand for the pre-facelift model, BMW understandably didn’t mess with things much. Rear lights were switched to LEDs, and a few equipment tweaks inside were carried out, but essentially the M3 was already a first-class 3-Series flagship, and remained largely untouched. An M3 CSL was introduced in 2003 however, which lightened the model by an impressive 110kg, creating a more focused driver’s machine still. That said, the BMW M3 was - and remains - a practical coupe, with seating for four and reasonable levels of boot space. The third-generation M3 was produced until 2006, when it was replaced with the E92 coupe, having sold more than 85,000 units.

In summary:

· Highly desirable model in BMW’s M3 history.

· Characterful 3.2-litre straight-six engine, rated as ‘excellent’ by vendor.

· Well maintained and modest mileage for a car now 22 years old.