History

At the turn of the millennium, BMW began producing the third generation of the famed M3. Its predecessors were well known for their powerful engines and design characteristics that made them instantly recognizable. This continued with the BMW M3 E46.  

With major upgrades from its past generation, the M3 got a new 6-cylinder 3.2-litre S54B32 engine that gave the M3 high-rev capabilities, creating 343 horsepower. The M3 was given either a Getrag 420g 6-speed manual or 6-speed SMG-II (sequential manual gearbox) originally trialed in European and ROW E36 M3 models. The Body was given a more sleek and elegant form, with more rounded edges and a more aerodynamic feel. The car became a fan favorite and there were a total of 85,766 produced. 

Within the production of the BMW M3 E46, there was an option for buyers to customize their vehicle using the BMW “Individual” program which allowed personalization of the interior color, paint color, and almost any cosmetic preferences the owner may have. This was rarely utilized by most buyers, but the cars that were created through this program have many combinations of options/colors that you are unlikely to find on other examples. This makes them incredibly rare and sometimes creates scenarios for one-off or one of one examples. 

This Car

This example, chassis #WBSBL93422JR16526, was one of the cars that went through the BMW’s “Individual” program. It is finished in a one-of-one Slate Green over a Cinnamon leather interior and according to the registry is believed to be the only example in this combo. Along with its color scheme, the car was ordered new in 2002 as a manual with a cold weather package which includes heated front seats, headlight washers, and a ski bag, as well as ordered with the premium package, giving the car a moonroof, power seats with driver memory, rain sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlight control, and nappa leather upholstery. The car’s other features ordered were an adjustable seat back with lumbar support, Bi-xenon headlights, and a harman kardon sound system. And of course, it was ordered with a 6-speed Manual. 

The car was ordered and purchased at BMW of Arlington, VA by its first and only owner and was routinely serviced there as well as at BMW of Sterling, VA and one other marque specialty shop. The vehicle remained with only one owner from 2002 until 2024, keeping the car in perfect condition throughout ownership with limited and careful use. Having only accumulated 8,938 miles on the odometer from new. During the original owners tenure, a set of genuine CSL wheels were added. This car has proven to be one of the best, receiving high honors at multiple shows including the Deutsche Marque Concours. 

Offered with the sale is the original window sticker, books, tools, keys, a clean CARFAX report and the original set of wheels/tires. 

The Market