The last of the howling inline-six M3s
The E46 generation M3 had a lot to love.
It was a marked improvement over the preceding E36; with a taught muscular looking body with sublime chassis balance and a howling 252kW 3.2lt straight-six engine.
For many, the storied M3 badge is synonymous with the naturally aspirated straight-six engine; and with the succeeding E92 moving to V8 power, and the current generation F82 downsizing back to a twin-turbo V6,it’s unlikely we’ll ever see the spiritual six in an M3 again.
The E46 screamed all the way up to 8000rpm, supported by variable valve timing systems on both the inlet and exhaust cams.
It’s not even that old, first appearing in 2002, but after its still-young lifetime many have cemented it as a true hero car, and a modern classic.
They’re also a bargain!
Secondhand prices range from around $25,000 to $35,000 for cars in more desirable specification. Outstanding cars with manual transmissions will require an extra ten grand tacked on to those figures, and are even priced above its more modern V8-powered E92 M3 offspring.
This Laguna Seca Blue E46 convertible possesses very low mileage, presenting just 102307 kilometres on the odometer. It comes with four new tyres, new brake discs and pads, as well as full service history and books.
Listed for $25,000, the car will also come with an RWC.
The kicker is, it’s not a manual unfortunately, and many have less-than-pleasant things to say about the early SMG gearboxes.
Still, it’s a handsome open-top car with a sublime powertrain. If you’re just after a nice modern classic cruiser, this could be it!
You can check out the full listing here!
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