If there is one M car that went to the heart of BMW fans it has to be the E46 M3. Today, the E46 M3 may be the best value M3. Due to its age, 2000-2006, they aren’t very expensive and can be found with decent mileage. But they also aren’t so old that they feel baron compared to newer cars. A decent mileage E46 M3 can be had for anywhere between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on the condition and options. This makes them very affordable for the caliber of sports car that they are.

On top of this, the E46 M3 was the perfect test bed for racing companies and tuning shops from around the world, and it’s a car you often see at amateur track days. The E46 M3 came with a 3.2 liter inline-six engine developing 333 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It could hit 0-60 in 5.1 seconds and had an electronically controlled top speed of 155 mph. The I6 in the E46 M3 is one of the better one’s BMW ever made. With its Double VANOS variable valve timing and 7,900 rpm redline, the 3.2 liter screams through the rev range with smooth and linear power. It also makes a fantastic sound doing it.

But when the stock car is not enough for hot laps, customers can also resort to the tuning industry. Take for example this E46 M3 which has undergone some extensive changes to prepare it for the track, from its body construction and power, to suspension and interior upgrades. Here is the full list of modifications, along with a photo gallery:

Maintenance:

  • 57,492 – Valve adjustment done by Dan on M3forum
  • 58,783 – Inspection II (OEM BMW parts) as well as power flex RTAB and FCAB done by R&D automotive in Albany, NY.
  • Recently did all fluid changes, have receipts.

Upgrades:

  • Dinan Strut Tower braces
  • Ess 525 Supercharger w/ 7-8 psi Tial Bov
  • FULL Supersprint Exhaust
  • Stepped Headers (PN 044001)
  • Section 1 w/o cats (PN 044012)
  • Section 2 w/o resonator (PN 787513)
  • Race muffler (PN 044006)
  • Rk Tune (Backfire): Coded to only work with sport button
  • Marlboro Racing Wrap (Grey/ Fire Orange)
  • Awron Gauge
  • Air Fuel Ration Gauge w/ custom gauge panel
  • Boost Gauge w/ custom gauge panel
  • Raven Roll Cage Fire Orange
  • Ohlin Coilovers Road and track
  • Tunermotorpsort track sway bars front and rear
  • Turnermotorsport Rear Camber Arms
  • Project KICs Nechrome R40 open ended locking lug nuts w/ key
  • Turnermotorsport 90mm bullet nose stud conversion
  • King of Vertex 330mm Steering Wheel
  • Works Bell Short Hub
  • Avin Avant Double Din
  • Schroth Harnesses
  • Recaro seats
  • Status Gruppe Trunk 2×2 CF
  • Status Gruppe Diffuser 2×2 CF
  • Status Gruppe Front Lip 2×2 CF
  • CobyWheel alcantara shift boot and e-brake boot with yellow tri-stitching
  • Orion V2.5 Angel Eyes
  • Matte Black Grills & Side Vents
  • Smoked Front corners
  • LED Tails