32,223 Original Miles
Manual Transmission
3.2L Inline 6
333 hp @ 7900 RPM*
262 lb/ft torque @ 4200 RPM*
Capable 0-60 MPH: 4.6 seconds
Top Speed: 168 MPH
Price in 2005: $47,300
*Seller Asking:
$49,999
Fast Facts:
- A small design detail that made the E46 superior to the previous E36 was the location of the front wheels. The E36 had such poor rear legroom that an improvement was mandatory for the new car – BMW was determined to meet or exceed their rivals in terms of interior space and legroom. The solution was to push the front wheels as far forward as possible (25mm), which provided many benefits
- One benefit is that interior space increased without increasing the overall size of the car, solving the rear legroom dilemma. Second, it allowed the engine to sit farther back, improving steering dynamics and helping the car achieve a near 50/50 distribution
- With peak power occurring @ 7900 RPM and paired with a 3.62 axle ratio, the drivetrain practically begs the driver not to shift until the 8,000 RPM redline. It was obvious how proud BMW was of the S54, as it produced the highest specific output of any naturally aspirated engine in BMW’s history (minus the limited production V12 developed for the McLaren F1)
- The piece de resistance is a set of 6 motorsport-inspired DBW individual throttle bodies that provide the required airflow for an 8,000 RPM redline. During development, however, BMW had difficulty fitting this intricate intake setup underneath the hood of the standard 3 series. Their solution was to create a sporty-looking bulge in the center of the hood to accommodate the intake. This bulge is commonly referred to as the “Power Dome”
- It was also realized during development that the side fender vents (which were intended to evacuate heat from the engine bay) weren’t very effective. However, the design was already approved by the management team, and since everyone liked the added design touch, BMW decided to keep them. These tiny vents stayed put as a signature design trait of all BMW M cars moving forward
- In an unconventional attempt to provide increased steering feel for the driver, the M3’s rack and pinion steering employs a slower steering ratio than the base 3 series (15.4:1 on the M3 vs 13.7:1 on base cars). However, the ratio might have been too slow, as BMW found the need to upgrade to a faster ratio (14.5:1) for buyers who opted for the driver-focused Competition package (offered in ’05 and ’06)
- BMW’s M division was highly against the idea of putting an automatic transmission in the E46 M3. The development team must have put up quite a fight against corporate because, in the end, they got what they wanted – no automatic transmission was to be offered in the M3, despite the push from corporate. The car was to be built exclusively with one transmission: a 6spd manual. There was one caveat: buyers could opt to have the transmission electronically controlled, without a clutch pedal. This computerized setup, referred to as SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox), was as close as buyers could get to an automatic trans. Using one transmission for all cars not only saved BMW money, but it made it extremely easy to convert an SMG car to a gated 6spd
Key Model Year Changes:
- Front suspension is revised on coupes to reduce understeer and improve ride quality (via softer shocks. 2004 and older M3’s had a slightly harsher ride). This was also the first year of the optional Competition package (ZCP)
- Virtually no changes between 2005-2006
Seller Notes:
- 32k original miles
- Original owner
- 6spd gated manual
- Incredible example
- Always garaged
- Original condition
- Silver Gray Metallic over Nappa leather
- Cold weather package, heated seats, Premium package, power glass moonroof and power seats with driver memory
- Aluminum interior trim
- Harman-kardon sound system
- Location: Trumbull, Connecticut – (more photos below)
- CONTACT SELLER – Update: Seller’s Autotrader ad has been deleted (sold or removed from market)
– Click for shipping quote –
NEVER MISS A CAR!
To list your own car, contact us HERE.
*SAE rated from factory. May not reflect current output.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
*Performance numbers pulled from either the factory brochure or reputable automotive road tests.
*Base price when new does not reflect original MSRP of this particular car, nor does it reflect what the original owner paid for it.
*Advertised price at time of posting. Sellers can raise or lower prices on their original ad at any time. Click on the original ad to view current price/availability.
Mileage Disclaimer: NOC has not confirmed if the mileage stated by the seller is true and accurate. It is up to the buyer to verify these claims. Vehicle history reports, service records stating mileage, and even inspections of odometer tampering are recommended.
- COMMENTS -