What we’ve got on sale here is not just another E46 3-Series from BMW, but the range-topper, known as the M3. Since 1986, the M3 has been the best 3-Series that one can buy, fettled by BMW’s famed M Division. In fact, it’s won many accolades along the way, and is renowned for being one of the best driver’s cars out there. That’s why you will find many clamoring after this 2002 BMW M3 Coupe, despite its healthy 109,500 mile odometer reading. The typical M3 formula is a near-perfect blend of ample horsepower, coupled with superb handling, old-school driver feedback, and a dose of practicality as well. These are cars that could be enjoyed at the limit on a Sunday track session, and then used to drop the kids at school on your way to work on Monday. That’s why you really should give this car a second look…and a third…and buy it.

Exterior and Interior

Compared with the E36 M3 that it replaced, and the E92 that followed after it, the E46 tends to be sandwiched in an era where it’s somewhat hidden by these two. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, as this 2002 BMW M3 Coupe shows off in a clean BMW Alpina White paint shade. If you park it next to a non-M3 E46, you’ll notice the different alloys that are reportedly wrapped in new tires, as well as the slightly more aggressive body kit. The quad tailpipes at the rear hint at the performance credentials, and the M3 badge is present too, although some owners like to de-badge for added anonymity and sleeper-esque mien, so that’s up to you. The interior of this 2002 BMW M3 Coupe features a gray color theme, and seats four occupants. Driver and front passenger sit on electrically adjustable seats, with 3 memory presets available for the driver to customize. As we mentioned before, the M3 retains practicality despite its performance persona, and this one sports a Harman/Kardon sound system, single-zone climate control, power windows, and factory BMW Business radio with CD player. There’s a decently sized trunk for your luggage too. However, hints of the performance persona are present, such as the rev counter redlined at 8,000rpm, the 180mph speedometer and of course, the M badging on the side sills, instrument cluster and gear knob.

Engine

Current generation M3s pack a turbocharged powerplant that can kick out upwards of 500hp, but this 2002 BMW M3 Coupe hails from a simpler and less emissions-concerned generation, and uses a fine 3.2L straight-six. Known as the S54, it sings a glorious song as the driver presses on, and delivers 333hp at 7,900rpm and 262lb-ft at 4,900rpm. New for the E46 M3 included electronic throttles for each individual throttle body per cylinder. Drive goes to the rear wheels via a slick-shifting six-speed Getrag manual transmission. The performance figures are 4.8 seconds to sixty from rest, and top speed is electronically limited at 155mph. New brakes and a recent oil change are reported.