2004 BMW M3 (E46) Coupe - Manual

Highlights

• Standout Phoenix Yellow over black leather

• Naturally aspirated 3.2-litre S54 straight-six with 343bhp

• Manual gearbox

• Front brakes and both front tyres freshened in 2026

• MOT'd through to June 2027

• Stamped service book from a run of BMW and marque specialists

• On the button and ready to be driven

Overview

Most E46 M3s you'll meet wear silver, black or a shade of blue, so a proper Phoenix Yellow example tends to stop conversations in car parks. This one does exactly that, the bright paint complimented by a black leather cabin and the subtly muscular coupe shape that's aged into a genuine head-turner.

Look past the paint and the good stuff is all present and correct. Under the bonnet sits the naturally aspirated 3.2-litre S54 straight-six, an engine that revs to the far side of 7,000rpm and makes 343bhp doing it, sent to the back wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited slip diff.

This particular car has had recent attention to keep it driving well: the front brakes were overhauled in the summer of 2026 with new discs, pads and a caliper, two fresh front tyres went on at the same time, and there's a stamped service book showing a partial service history. It carries a current MOT into June 2027, so the next owner can simply get in and drive.

Looking at the pics, it’ll be clear to anyone that it will need some cosmetic work for the long term. What isn't in doubt is the appeal of a manual, rear-drive, yellow M3 that starts, sounds and drives exactly as one of these should.

History and Documentation

• Registered 16 September 2004

• Stamped service book with services recorded at 1,344 miles (2004), 12,710 miles (2005), 25,944 miles (2006), 37,203 miles (2009), 46,448 miles, 56,983 miles, 68,437 miles (2018) and 77,075 miles (2024)

• Documented June 2026 work by Protyre covering two new front tyres, new front brake discs and pads, a new offside-front brake caliper and a brake fluid change

• Two keys accompany the car along with the original book pack, with the V5C in the owner's name

• We're told a new battery was fitted ahead of the most recent MOT

• Current MOT runs until 17 June 2027

• HPI clear

Interior

• Black leather cabin that wears its miles lightly, with only light bolster creasing

• Genuine illuminated M3 tread plates sit in the door sills

• M steering wheel with red contrast stitching

• Matching M gearknob and three pedals

• Widescreen CD/ radio unit

• We're told everything works as it should

Exterior

• Finished in eye-catching Phoenix Yellow, with the main panels presenting glossy and even

• Contrasting black roof wrap

• Staggered 18 inch M double-spoke alloys sit straight and largely free of kerb damage

• Two new Falken front tyres were fitted in 2026

• Xenon headlights, twin kidney grilles, quad tailpipes and M badging are all present and correct

• Note that there is some corrosion around the arches and on the underside which will need addressing

• Front lower undertray shows a few scuffs and a small split

• One replacement front wing has been sourced and will be provided with the car

Mechanical

• Naturally aspirated 3.2-litre S54 straight-six sending 343bhp to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox

• Performance runs to a claimed 0-62mph in 5.2 seconds and on to a limited 155mph

• Front brakes were overhauled in June 2026 with new discs, new pads and a new offside-front caliper

• We're told it starts well, sounds good, drives well and stops well

Summary

A manual, E46 M3 in arguably the most joyful colour BMW offered, with fresh front brakes, new front tyres and a long MOT, meaning it's ready to be used and enjoyed straight away. The corrosion around the car will need sorting but should be well worth the investment; the value of these cars look to only be going in one direction.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Durham, County Durham.