2004 BMW M3 Individual – REVISIT

The search for what I’d consider to be the ideal M3 continues; my bank account may not reflect it, but I’m one year closer to E46 ownership – at least, in theory. And for those of you who follow my posts, that means my pool of candidates is reduced to something in a shouty color. So when this BMW Individual Dakar Yellow M3 popped up, it seemed to fit the criteria of cars I’d drool over – but at the same time, it looked familiar. Sure enough, last May I wrote this very car up. It’s pretty unique outside of the special shade, as a “slicktop” with no sunroof and with very low miles (less than 500 accrued since last May), this is a neat package. I like, too, that the seller has lowered the price to $28,500 and fitted some ZCP BBS wheels instead of the expensive but ugly (in my opinion) HRE wheels featured last time around. There are even better photos showing how vibrant the color is. The drawback? For me, still the SMG transmission is the one item that is the deal-breaker. Otherwise, though, this is one cool package!

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2004 BMW M3 on eBay

The below post originally appeared on our site May 21, 2014:

I’ve been on a bit of a tear recently regarding rarity. There seem to be far too many unusual color combinations that were seldom ordered and sellers pick that “1 of x” point as their badge of honor regarding the specialness of the car. Okay, so some of those combinations are pretty neat, and indeed some of the cars are quite rare – like last week’s Pre-Production Evergreen and Kayalami M Roadster. It was a car custom ordered to someone’s taste from the available options, and as a result it’s neat as an oddity but not the most attractive color combination. I understand the point – if I was going to go buy a brand new car from any manufacturer, I’d want to assure that my example of a mass produced car was just a bit different than what everyone else had. What better way than to custom-order a color out of specification, such as today’s 2004 E46 M3 finished in Dakar Yellow by BMW Individual:

Year: 2004
Model: M3
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed semi-automatic SMG
Mileage: 31,500 mi
Price: $28,500 Buy It Now

2004 E46 M3

Dakar yellow / Black nappa leather / cloth seats

Factory Sunroof delete / M cloth and manual seats / Bi – xenon / PDC / Home Link / Aluminum Trim / Harmon Kardon

Sequential 6 Speed Gearbox ( new SMG pump installed less then 500 miles ago)

Original Paint Very rare and clean M3

All Matching vin tags and OG stickers

Bilstein Pss9 front coilover set up / Rear H&R springs / H&R sway bars

D Zone 3 piece wheels originally made by H.R.E.

This Combination of options and color was only available upon request through BMW Individual Program.

Dakar Yellow is a very sought after color considering there where only around 44 produced according to M3 aficionado.

Stock OEM 19’s available if the price is right!

$31,000 negotiable — looking to sell outright but may entertain the right trade.

If there are any questions on this UNICORN don’t hesitate to call or text me at (786) 291 3622

I have no problems in arranging shipping, The M is for-sale locally so I reserve the right to end this auction at any time. Sold as-is.

Thanks Danny

Minus the SMG transmission, this is pretty much exactly how I’d choose to spec an E4 M3. I probably wouldn’t have chosen Dakar Yellow as the color as I prefer the Phoenix Yellow that was in the regular production run, but it’s surely a standout in this shade. Optioned with the cloth and manual sport seats, it’s truly a unique ride. While the black HRE wheels are all the rage, I’d probably opt for the original 19″ wheels that were much better looking than the stock 18″ in my opinion even if they are slightly heavier – the best would be to pick up some CSL wheels though. Otherwise, enjoy the lower miles on one of the best M3s produced; E46s aren’t likely to approach E30 pricing anytime soon, but I’d imagine in another few years we’ll be watching them climb too – and an example like this, if miles are kept in check and condition excellent as it appears now – will be one of the most valuable and sought after.

-Carter