2001 BMW M3

Though I’ve quite happily entered into M3 ownership and don’t regret my choice, I still keep my eye on where similar examples trade for. Just last week an Interlagos Blue ZCP came to the attention of both Dan and I and sold for just below $20,000 – not bad, but the car had quite a few miles and no major services completed and some unoriginal changes, such as darkened wheels. There was another that I was following at the same time – this earlier 2001 example. While not a ZCP, this 2001 had the later look with updated wheels and taillights, plus a CSL trunk. The condition also looks generally a bit better and it has lower miles, but is also missing most of the major maintenance these cars can require. Still, there’s the big draw – that amazing Laguna Seca Blue exterior, this one hiding a rare Gray interior. It was my second color combination choice, and worth a look:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 BMW M3 on eBay

Year: 2001
Model: M3
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 81,100 mi
Price: No Reserve Auction

Selling my 2001 BMW E46 M3 in the RARE and absolutely stunning Laguna Seca Blue color with some tasteful modifications. The E46 M3 is the next future classic, and this color combo is iconic. This M3 is completely stock pushing out 333 horsepower out of a 3.2 liter inline 6 cylinder engine. It has a 6 speed manual transmission with only 81,100 miles. I purchased the M3 from an enthusiast and have only put 600 miles since my ownership. This is my weekend car and I barely drive it. This car is something that I have always wanted to own and now I am ready to move on to the next one. The Laguna Seca Blue turns heads and there are not that many left for sale in the US in this condition, miles and in the highly sought after 6 speed manual. Interior is fitted with dove grey interior and is in good condition with minor wear. The car also has a Harmon Kardon sound system. This M3 is fitted with the 19″ OEM CSL M3 rims wrapped with plenty of tread depth. This car has a 6 Speed Manual transmission does NOT have the clunky SMG which is notorious for having issues. Car was inspected for VANOS and subframe issues by previous owner and showed no signs of any issue. All service was done by previous owner less than 5000 miles ago. All manuals and key included. Clean title in hand! Car is in overall excellent condition but does have minor imperfections considering its a 15 year old car. The DSC light is on and was diagnosed and will need DSC pressure sensor which I have but did not have time to replace. Feel free to reach out to me for any questions or additional picture requests.

OWNERSHIP HISTORY:

4 Owners

VEHICLE INFORMATION:

333hp 3.2 liter inline 6 cylinder engine
6 speed manual transmission – not SMG
Exterior color: Laguna Seca Blue
Interior color: Dove Grey
Heated seats
Harmon Kardon sounds system
19″ OEM CSL M3 rims

SERVICE HISTORY:

Water pump recently replaced
AC belt recently replaced
New valve cover gasket
New window trims
New upper radiator hose

CONDITION:

Exterior is in excellent condition with minimal imperfections. Few rock chips on hood.
Interior is in excellent condition with minimal imperfections. No tears in the leather seats. Driver side seat bolster and arm rest shows slight wear otherwise seats are in good condition, no rips.
DSC light is on – will need to replace the DSC pressure sensor. I have the sensors and will be included.
Exhaust hanger – will require an exhaust hanger which is missing

MODIFICATIONS:

CSL trunk
CSL 19″ wheels (not replicas)
CSL rotors and Cool Carbon brakes
BC Race Coilovers
AFE intake
OEM 04+ LED taillights

DETAILS:

Car is located in Massachusetts
Clean title in hand
Sold AS-IS – no expressed or implied warranty
Deposit due within 48 hour of auction end

SHIPPING & PICKUP:

Payment will need to be made prior to pickup.
Buyer is responsible for all pickup/shipping costs

Modifications on M3s are always a bit hit or miss. This car generally ticks the “hit” box, though. It’s not clear if the CSL trunk is an original (unlikely) or aftermarket bit. The same goes for the darkened BBS “CSL” wheels. It’s hard to see without the part numbers if the fronts really are CSL spec; I’ll say from scrutiny of the photos that they appear to stick out more than my set which would be indicative of the wider, lower offset CSLs, but the same look can be achieved with spacers. The rear wheels are the same between the ZCP and CSL. The BC coilovers have a pretty good reputation from what I can see, the LED tailights are a nice OEM+ option and the AFE intake is well regarded. It would be nice, though, from a posterity aspect, if the car came with the original pieces. Popular, and not disclosed in the listing, are the unoriginal black kidneys and rear diffuser.

The maintenance disclosed is nice, but the big dollar items like the VANOS rebuild and subframe strengthening haven’t been done. It’s also not entirely clear from the listing when the last major services were done, and as the seller hasn’t owned this car long you’d have to hope that paper records came along with the car. The miles are where most would would want them and the look is certainly good, with the bright Laguna Seca exterior being the big draw. Options are also pretty standard overall; Xenons, power seats, Harman Kardon, sunroof, rain sensing wipers. This seller has been trying to sell this car locally for $21,000, almost $5,000 above where the no reserve auction has gotten to so far. Is this a $20,000 example? Probably, which means someone will get a deal if a PPI checks out.

-Carter