Skip advert
Advertisement

BMW M3 E46 - Best BMW M cars

Great looks, great performance and a hardcore limited-run model to boot, the E46 BMW M3 had it all

The fabulous E46 M3 was the last in the line before the model’s character changed completely with the introduction of V8 power. When the E46 was born in late 2000, the high-revving BMW straight six engine was still king of the road – this time with 333bhp, an 8,000rpm red-line, electronic throttle control, and the option of steering-wheel paddle-shifters for the 6 speed transmission.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If that wasn’t enough to set enthusiasts drooling, the limited edition CSL version was a stripped-out lightweight version with carbon fibre roof panel and further uprated running gear. 

BMW E46 M3 (2000-2006) specs 

  • Production: 85,744 (2000-2006)
  • Engine: 3.2-litre, six-cylinder
  • BHP: 333bhp
  • 0-62mph: 5.1 seconds
  • Max Speed: 155mph

What’s the BMW M3 CSL like to drive? 

Steve Sutcliffe tries it out on track

The M3 CSL I recall as a truly great car that was ruined by a rubbish SMG gearbox, which deserved no place in a chassis this good, but the CSL has aged well. Its chassis is still an absolute peach, with deliciously uncorrupted steering and fantastic damping, plus it has one of THE great six-cylinder engines of all time. It still feels properly quick, and its ’box, although far from cutting edge beside more modern paddleshift autos, doesn’t seem as much of a hindrance today somehow. Either way, I couldn’t get enough of the CSL.

 Just to sit in it feels incredibly special, and from the outside it looks even more gorgeous today than it did in 2004, when it cost £58,455. That’s risen today to more than £110k for a mint example such as this, but if ever a car deserves to be worth double what it cost new, 18 years later, this is it. I ache to own it, possibly because I know I never will.

BMW E46 M3 CSL (2004) specs and prices

  • Price new: £58,455
  • Value now: £115,000
  • Number built: 1,383
  • Engine: 3.2-litre 6cyl 
  • Power/torque: 355bhp/370Nm
  • 0-62mph: 4.9 seconds 
  • Top speed: 155mph
  • Gearbox: Six-speed SMG 
  • Weight: 1,385kg
Skip advert
Advertisement
Continue Reading
Current affairs and features editor

Chris covers all aspects of motoring life for Auto Express. Over a long career he has contributed news and car reviews to brands such as Autocar, WhatCar?, PistonHeads, Goodwood and The Motor Trader.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept revealed to preview all-new electric SUV
BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept - front
News

BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concept revealed to preview all-new electric SUV

This Neue Klasse X concept showcases the design inspiration for next year’s Neue Klasse SUV
21 Mar 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024
Best new cars coming in 2024 - header image
Best cars & vans

Best new cars coming in 2024

There are some big new models from the likes of BMW, Citroen, Dacia, Ford, MINI, Skoda and more on the way in 2024
12 Mar 2024
BMW and MG electric car adverts banned over ‘zero emissions’ claims
BMW i4 - front tracking
News

BMW and MG electric car adverts banned over ‘zero emissions’ claims

Advertising Standards Authority follows up its ban on misleading WLTP range figures with a new consumer-focused ruling on EVs.
7 Feb 2024
New BMW Neue Klasse SUV to open a “new era” for the brand in 2025
BMW Neue Klasse SUV spyshots - front
News

New BMW Neue Klasse SUV to open a “new era” for the brand in 2025

The all-electric SUV will mark a change in technology and design language for BMW
1 Feb 2024

Most Popular

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay
Road tax documentation
News

Road tax set to rise in April: here’s how much more you’ll pay

Drivers with newer cars can expect to be paying roughly £10 more per year, a although the biggest gas guzzlers will fare the worst
26 Mar 2024
Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power
Dacia Sandero - front
News

Posh new trim level for Dacia Sandero while the Sandero Stepway gets more power

Both the Sandero and Sandero Stepway ranges have been tweaked, gaining more safety features to meet the latest regulations
26 Mar 2024
Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years
Upcoming Audi models - four-way image
News

Huge Audi new car blitz to bring us 9 models in 2 years

After a quiet few years, the German giant is gearing up for its biggest product onslaught to date
25 Mar 2024