Models · BMW
BMW M3 E46 buying guide
The third M3, built from 2000 to 2006 as a coupé and, from 2001, a convertible, with the S54 3.2-litre straight six revving to 8,000rpm. The lightweight CSL arrived in 2003 and the CS in 2005.
The versions
- 3.2 straight six (S54), 343PS
- 6-speed Getrag manual or 6-speed SMG II automated manual, with the same ratios
- CSL (2003 to 2004): 360PS, carbon roof, SMG only, 1,383 built
- CS (2005, UK name for the Competition Package): CSL wheels, brakes and steering on a standard coupé, available with the manual
- Coupé and convertible, rear-wheel drive with the Variable M Differential
What to check on a E46 M3
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Crank bearing upgrade paperwork
What to look for: Ask the seller for the engine's build date and look in the history for evidence of the bearing and oil supply upgrade on an early car. Ask for the 1,200-mile running-in service and oil change too.
Why it matters: Engines built before June 2003 were prone to crankshaft big-end bearing failure, and BMW carried out upgrades and replacements under warranty at the time. On an early car, proof that this was done is important. The running-in service record is a good sign the car was looked after from new.
VANOS bolts
What to look for: Look in the history for an invoice showing the VANOS bolts have been replaced with the stronger BMW parts. On a cold start, listen at the front of the engine for a rattle, and on the drive note any loss of power at the top end.
Why it matters: The bolts in the VANOS valve timing unit can work loose from around 70,000 miles, and if they break the engine can be ruined. Stronger replacement bolts are available from BMW, and an invoice for them is one of the most reassuring things in an E46 M3 file.
Rear subframe and boot floor cracks
What to look for: Lift the boot floor and look at the metal for cracks. From underneath, look at the floor around the rear subframe mountings for cracks or welded reinforcement plates. On the drive, listen for clicks from the back when accelerating and braking.
Why it matters: Cracking around the rear subframe mountings and in the boot floor is a well-known E46 M3 problem. It's repairable if caught early, but an untreated crack becomes a much bigger job. A specialist repair with reinforcement plates, with the invoice, is a good sign.
Also in the full guide
- SMG: pump, relay and clutch
- Grumbling from the differential
- Rear arch corrosion
- Suspension bushes and ball joints
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the E46 M3
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
BMW M3 E30 · BMW M3 E36 · BMW M3 E90/E92/E93 · BMW M3 F80 · BMW M3 G80/G81
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.