Emola Red and Stick: 2003 BMW M3 E46

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The E46 generation of BMW’s M3 stands a top the podium of M3 goodness — the earlier generations have de-tuned US spec motors that are an embarrassment compared to the Euro good stuff and the later cars are over digitized things with roaring V8s and turbomulators — nobody needs that. An M3 should have an inline-6 that purrs at idle and sounds like a maraca filled with ball bearings when pushed to the 8000 rpm redline. And it should have a clutch pedal and be red. Find this 2003 BMW M3 offered for $18,950 in Los Altos, CA via craigslist.

From the seller:

Have you been itching to have the ultimate driving machine? This incredibly well-maintained car could be yours.

Single owner, always garaged, no accidents, regularly maintained Imola Red BMW M3, grey leather interiors, stick-shift, sunroof, runs perfectly, all original components! It was broken in according to manufacturer specifications and has always been maintained according to the regular maintenance schedule. Very clean interiors and body. There aren’t many of these out there in this good shape.

With 127,445 miles and high-quality maintenance, it likely has many years of joy ahead for whoever drives it next. These machines are built to last when treated right and this machine has been treated right. California’s mild climate plus being garaged means it doesn’t have the kind of wear and tear that many older cars have, with near mint condition paint (a few very minor chips from on-road gravel but nothing serious as you can see in the photos), original components, and lots of life for the next driver.

With covid keeping us at home, it hasn’t been getting as much driving as before, however, it’s been turned on at least weekly to keep the engine in tip-top shape. We also have a Tesla so don’t need the additional car and want to ensure it goes to someone who really enjoys a fun car as this kind of stick shift is great for sports car lovers and drivers who enjoy the road.

Specifications
Make: BMW

Manufacturer Name: BMW M GMBH

Model: M3

Model Year: 2003

Plant City: REGENSBURG

Vehicle Type: PASSENGER CAR

Plant Country: GERMANY

Model Code: 0337,

Shipping Weight Std.=3415
GVWR Std. = 4453
GAWR Rear = 2535
Service Load = 1038
Length w/ bumpers = 176.9
Width = 70.1
Height = 54
Track Front = 59.4
Track Rear = 60

Body Class:
Coupe
2 Doors

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From
Class 1C: 4,001 – 5,000 lb (1,814 – 2,268 kg)

Wheel Base (inches) From
107.5

Engine Number of Cylinders
6

Displacement (CC)
3200.0

Displacement (CI)
195.27598110314

Displacement (L)
3.2

Engine Power (kW)
248.3181

Fuel Type – Primary
Gasoline

Engine Configuration
In-Line

Engine Brake (hp) From
333

NCSA Body Type
2-door sedan,hardtop,coupe

NCSA Make
BMW

NCSA Model
3-series

See a better way to beat the autumn blues with something red? tips@dailyturismo.com