E46 (2001 to 2006)

Introduced for the 2001 model year, the BMW E46 M3 is widely regarded as one of the greatest modern performance cars ever built, combining everyday usability with a motorsport-derived engine and timeless design. Powered by BMW M’s legendary S54 3.2-litre naturally aspirated straight-six, producing 338 hp, the E46 M3 was offered in coupe and convertible body styles, each available with either a 6-speed manual or SMG automated manual transmission. Beyond the standard models, BMW produced several important variants, most notably the Competition Package (ZCP)—available in both manual and SMG—and the highly revered M3 CSL, which pushed weight reduction and track focus to new levels. Total E46 M3 production is approximately 85,766 cars worldwide, with CSL production limited to just 1,383 examples, underscoring its rarity. In the Australian market, the E46 M3 was officially sold in strong numbers and remains one of the most recognisable and actively traded M cars, with values driven by manual transmission preference, body style (coupe premium), originality, mileage, and condition, as well as strong collector interest in ZCP and CSL-equipped cars as icons of BMW M’s naturally aspirated golden era.