Modded Blues – E46 M3 Double Take

The E46 BMW M3 is at a tipping point where examples are getting inexpensive enough that the second, third or fourth generation of owners is able to pick them up and modify them. Buying a modified car cuts a tremendous amount of labor and money off the price if you like the mods, but you’re also buying a car that you know has been used – perhaps hard – by what’s likely a non-original owner in a car with no more warranty. There are a lot of modified E46s out there to choose from, so today I took two blue examples that modded in different directions for a comparison. Which is the one to buy?

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2002 BMW M3 on eBay

Year: 2002
Model: M3
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 102,877 mi
Price: $19,950 Buy It Now

Clean CarFax – No Accidents – CSL Style – Excellent Condition – Only 102,877 Easy Original Miles!

Here is an absolutely gorgeous Laguna Seca Blue 2002 BMW M3 Coupe with Only 102k Easy Original Miles! This 3 Series is in excellent condition both inside and out! Pictures don’t do this gorgeous BMW justice! This car is Fully Loaded including the 6 Speed Manual Transmission, Dinan Exhaust, Leather Interior, Heated Seats, Power Seats, Harman Kardon Sound, Xenon Headlights, Coil Over Suspension, Carbon Fiber Exterior Pieces, CSL Style Carbon Fiber Trunk, 19″ Staggered Wheels, OEM BMW Roof Rack, 1 Set of Keys, Books, Floor Mats, and so much more! This M3 has a Certified Clean CarFax Report and is 100% ready to go for its new lucky owner! Please check my feedback and buy this car with confidence. Don’t miss out on this incredible car! Call or Text JAKE at (602) 908-6111

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I suppose that there’s a chance that this particular car’s 102,000 original (not aftermarket) miles were easy, but I’d have to say that judging by the modifications and the way that M3 are typically driven, from what I’ve seen their definition of “easy” varies greatly from my definition. Condition on the car overall looks to be very good; the color combination is striking albeit polarizing but I love it. It would be nice to know the brand of the coilover suspension that has been fitted, but the Dinan exhaust is a nice addition and the Competition Package wheels look good on this application. I’m not sure I can share the same enthusiasm for the other exterior modifications; the trunk and front splitters look overdone and out of place to me. Considering the 5 previous owners, this car is priced fairly high in the market for a 2002 but is probably aimed at the group that’s now able to afford them and is looking for a slick looking modded car. It’s clean, but I’d prefer a more original example.

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2001 BMW M3 on eBay

Year: 2001
Model: M3
Engine: 3.2 liter supercharged inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 41,331 mi
Price: Reserve Auction

Low Mileage BMW M3, SuperCharged and Lowered, Beautiful Condition

The legendary BMW M3. Perhaps the most sought-after version of the “Ultimate Driving Machine”. Fine German engineering and uncompromised performance elevate the M3 to “super car” performance right off the showroom floor.

As if that’s not enough, the previous owner of this beautiful BMW has taken the factory M3 package to a new level. Tastefully modified in both aesthetics and performance, this car presents an opportunity to own a truly special driving machine.

With less than 42,000 miles, this M3 has been beautifully maintained. Finished in its factory Carbon Metallic color, the body has been tastefully upgraded with a lightweight carbon fiber hood with four louvered vents, adding an even more aggressive look to the car. Although there is a stress crack in the paint of this hood, the original BMW hood comes along with the car and can easily be returned to original if desired.

Under that racing-inspired hood lies the factory 3.2L inline six mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. Performance has been upgraded with an Active Autowerke Supercharger and Methanol Injection System. Exhaust gases are handled through a deep-toned Supersprint dual exhaust system.

Performance springs and suspension give the M3 an aggressive stance, while Dinan brushed aluminum tower braces with carbon fiber inserts stabilize both front struts and rear shocks. Dronnell 19 inch seven spoke brushed aluminum wheels accentuate the M3’s performance attitude and are wrapped with Toyo Proxes T1R tires to maximize the already phenomenal grip.

Inside the M3, a luxurious but business-like interior accommodates the most discerning driver. Heated leather performance seats and Harmon Kardon audio provide the comfort, performance and luxury one would expect from this premium sports sedan, while custom billet shifter and other accessories remind the driver of its more sporting nature.

To reserve this one-of-a-kind M3 for your collection, call Art & Speed at (901) 850-0507.

Carbon Black is a dynamic color – it’s not really until you see it in full sun do you realize it’s not black metallic, but really midnight blue metallic. Properly cared for, it’s wonderful and unique but most will pass it off as just another black car. The interior matches the dark tone and the condition overall is really great – well above average and in keeping with the below average mileage. The suspension has been upgraded to deal with the additional power from the Active Autowerke supercharger channeled through a Supersprint exhaust. That supercharger kit alone runs nearly $8,000 for parts; partially due to the fact that it puts out a reported 525 horsepower. That’s some serious increases in motivation for the E46, though it would have me a bit concerned about the longevity of the S54 at those power levels. Outside, the modifications are subtle; the hood isn’t to my taste but the original is included and the wheels mimic the Dinan design. They’re not my favorite but could be easily sold and swapped for some more original looking wheels. Considering the price of the engine upgrade, the condition and lower mileage, I’d expect the reserve on this car is set above $25,000 but that amount gives you an impressive amount of performance. Overall, to me the modifications to this car seem more “grown up” than the mods to the Laguna Seca Blue car.

Which is the winner? I’d probably choose the Carbon car even though I’d rather have a more original S54. The lower miles, subtle color and good condition have me longing for the time when I’ll be able to get into one of these great machines. Truth told, I wish I combine the two – there are aspects of each that I like, and that’s the difficulty with buying someone else’s vision.

-Carter