2004 BMW M3 Coupe

Update: This car sold for an impressive $48,500 on May 30, 2021.

Okay, I know it hasn’t been very long since I took a look at a few M3 coupes in Phoenix Yellow Metallic:

Double Take: 2004 BMW M3 Coupes

But today I had to come back with another. Late PYM coupes are a rare thing, and this one is spec’d in a pretty interesting configuration. Unlike a majority of the PYM cars that were more or less fully loaded, this one has no sunroof, gray leather upholstery, no Park Distance Control, and manual seats. Unlike the last pair it’s a manual, and it has under 60,000 miles. You can guess what all of these factors add up to in today’s market…

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2004 BMW M3 Coupe on eBay

Year: 2004
Model: M3 Coupe
VIN: WBSBL93414PN57251
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 57,500 mi
Location: Plymouth Meeting, Pennsylvania
Price: No Reserve Auction

I am listing this 2004 BMW M3 for my friend who purchased the car four years ago. As a long-time owner of BMWs, when he told me he wanted an E46 M3 in Phoenix Yellow, I wanted to make sure I found him an unmodified, post-2003 car with no deferred maintenance. My friend was also looking for a six-speed coupe, which made the task even more difficult since fewer than 250 Phoenix Yellow 6-speed coupes were built for the U.S. market during the model’s six-year production run with fewer than 100 built after the E46’s mid-cycle refresh in 2004. After spending over a year looking for the right car, I finally located this two-owner car in Virginia. In addition to the rare color, the car was unusually spec’d with no sunroof, manual seats and rear-spoiler delete (My friend added an original BMW rear spoiler during his ownership, but that could easily be removed). During his ownership, he has used the car sparingly.

Originally a California car, it has always been maintained properly through the years. During my friend’s ownership, the car has required only routine maintenance, the majority of which was completed at West German BMW in Fort Washington, PA. He has spared no expense in its maintenance and upkeep. Prior to his ownership, the car was extensively serviced at BMW of San Diego and BMW of Fairfax. The car has never been in any accidents or had any bodywork. The paint is in remarkably good shape and still has a wonderful shine.

This car is remarkably original and complete, showing only minimal wear. All original equipment and accessories are with the car, including owner’s and service manuals, jack, tire inflator and toolkit. Other than the addition of the factory rear spoiler and darkened window tint, the exterior is in stock condition. The interior, like the exterior, is all original, including the seats, carpets, headliner, floormats and radio. The overall condition of the interior is excellent apart from some minor wear to the driver’s seat bolster and center armrest. The only non-original item in the interior is the addition of a bluetooth adapter for the factory radio. The engine has had absolutely no modifications.

The M3 currently has 57,593 original miles. This is a very pleasurable car to drive and a very nice example of the legendary E46 M3. All switches, gauges and systems function properly and as designed. Whenever replacement parts were necessary, the car has received only original BMW. This car has always been garaged and properly stored when not in use. Looking at this M3, it is evident that it has always been treated with the respect and care it deserves. I will be happy to put an interested buyer in touch with the owner and would welcome any inspections. The car is located outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Please copy and paste the following link to view high-resolution photos of the vehicle: https://flic.kr/s/aHsmVGrXb6

So, respectfully, I believe the seller’s numbers are off on production of PYM coupes. There were just over 500 coupes imported in the color, and I don’t recall ever seeing an LCI breakdown before – though the seller is correct that the bulk of the PYM coupes were early cars. This one has interesting specs; xenon headlights and rain-sensing wipers were standard by ’04, but optional bits include the aluminum trim and Harman Kardon sound. That means a pretty lightweight (by E46 standards) example with manual seats, no sunroof, and even a factory spoiler delete (which has been since reversed). Also surprising is the combination of gray leather; very unusual to see in one of these. The condition appears to be really top overall; though there’s a claim of a lot of maintenance, none is disclosed. That won’t stop bidding; a similar manual with fewer miles sold for over $55,000 a few months ago, and bidding here is already at 40k. If you want a manual slicktop in Phoenix Yellow that’s all original and with lower miles, here’s your chance; this set of options, condition, and colors will continue to be very elusive and valuable.

-Carter