To many BMW enthusiasts, the E46-generation M3 serves as a true symbol of excellence. This is a third-generation M3 featuring sought-after options and low mileage. With the Competition package, this is the fastest E46 M3 available in North America. It can be hard to choose a favorite version of the BMW M3 because each one has its own personality while still following the same basic formula. The first one was a crazy, buzzy, box-flared little touring car homologation special. A new battery-electric version of the current M3 and M4, which are turbocharged monster sport sedans with available all-wheel drive, is on the way, and it’s bound to upset the apple cart. However, one M3 clearly outperforms the others in terms of driving pleasure. One of the E46-generation cars for sale on Bring a Trailer is this 2006 M3. Bring a Trailer is owned by Hearst Autos and works like Invoice Pricing. An old-fashioned straight six? Check. Look for one with a manual gearbox. This car is even better because it only has 12,000 kilometers on it and comes with the desired Competition package. This M3 really stands out when you put the new service records together with the simple Indigo color. This M3 was first registered in Ontario as a model for the Canadian market. It now has a U.S. metric instrument set instead of the original one. Unlike the E36-generation M3, which had a less powerful engine than the Euro version, the E46 didn’t hold back. In North America, it came with a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine that made 333 horsepower and could go as fast as 8000 rpm. The E46 M3 was a car that was made for drivers. Even though it takes more than 13 seconds to go a quarter mile, which is pretty fast these days, the experience of driving it is more about poise than speed. As time went on, M3s got faster, but they were also heavier and focused on direct force. Code of Choice ZCP gave this M3 the Competition package it needed by using parts left over from the Europe-only (and very expensive) CSL. It has 19-inch BBS wheels, a slightly faster steering ratio (14.5:1), and higher spring rates. It also has bigger front brakes, a track mode for stability control, and an Alcantara-covered steering wheel, just like the CSL. This base version comes with all of the original accessories, plus a few extras, like GPS and Harman Kardon sound. I don’t see why the second one is necessary when you can just listen to the S54 inline-six scream its lungs out. The 2017 repair of the VANOS variable valvetrain in the engine is one less thing that needs to be taken care of. Before everything goes electric, you can drive and enjoy what might be the best M3 ever made. The M3’s battery-powered replacement will be faster and more powerful, but we will miss the E46’s charm. December 17 is the last day to bid.
