Alpine White E46 M3

prt71 · 01-13-2010, 12:01 PM

It's interesting because I would say that car dates from a time when white wasn't remotely desirable as a colour, can't remember seeing another white E46, yet it's perfect for now when it's back all the rage.

markymark34 · 01-13-2010, 12:03 PM

Nice! I loved my 02 M3, only the awful smg box made me sell it.

Needs some 19"s but would leave it pretty much standard. People say they lack poke low down but i found the engine had great character and was usable from very low down the rev range. An extra 30bhp or so would make it perfect. Never seen one in white before.

Keep us updated.

Hoops · 01-13-2010, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by markymark34

People say they lack poke low down but i found the engine had great character and was usable from very low down the rev range. An extra 30bhp or so would make it perfect.

I know what you mean about the extra 30bhp. Funnily enough ive had an E46 M3 before and i genuinely think this one ive just bought is slightly faster. It seems to pull like a train and im amazed how quickly 140mph comes around. Ive not really pushed it yet but it does seem very strong and tight for a 10yr old car!!! I actually also think the E46 M3 lacks low down grunt - this one is no different and neither was my last E46 M3. But as soon as you get into 3rd it just goes and goes and goes. Both times ive booted it ive run out of road before the car ran out of steam!! It really did put a smile on my face yesterday and reminded me just how damn good these cars are and such fantastic value for money. Oh and the alloys are now sorted - bought a set of genuine CSL 19" alloys - just need to sort a set of PS2's now and get them all fitted! Thanks again for feedback and comments guys. Keep you posted.

peterg1965 · 01-13-2010, 12:54 PM

I reckon the choice of CSLs is spot on and will make the M3 look even more awesome! Looking forward to seeing some pics with the alloys on.

beemerbird · 01-13-2010, 02:48 PM

Don't know how you managed to source a white one Steve but have to say the E46 M3 imo has such road presence and for me there aren't many cars that have a nice looking front and rear. As soon as I see one on the road, I spot it straight away. Think they sound bloody good too.

+1 on the CSL alloys btw.

Hoops · 01-14-2010, 04:44 AM

Thanks Helen, much appreciated. I was very fortunate to find it. I was told by a friend yesterday that the amount of AW E46 M3's in the UK currently could be as low as single figures, which is amazing if its true. Anyway, thank you for the comment and i hope all is well with you.

chrisbin · 01-14-2010, 04:53 AM

Lovely, just lovely...

jke11y · 01-14-2010, 05:24 AM

I looked at an Alpine White E46 M3 a couple of years ago that was for sale up here. It was, apparently, one of 6.

As said above it was from a time when white was a major no-no (like 2012 will be

) so few about.
There are at least 3 E46s up here that have been sprayed white recently. Sticking CSL bits on it will make it look more like a build-up if that makes sense rather than the mega clean looking original car it is. But its your car at the end of the day (just keep all the original bits in the garage for the future!)

MattOz · 01-14-2010, 09:11 AM

Steve,

There's a white 06 plate M3 near me, and I saw one at Silverstone on a 52 plate with laguna seca leather!

They're definitely a rare beast in the UK. I'll keep my ear to the ground for any CSL bits that pop up.

Matt

Steve A · 01-14-2010, 10:49 AM

That is simply ace.

when you come to sell it Steve i want first dibs..

Hoops · 01-14-2010, 01:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattOz

They're definitely a rare beast in the UK. I'll keep my ear to the ground for any CSL bits that pop up.

Thanks Matt - let me know if you hear of anything.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve A

That is simply ace.

when you come to sell it Steve i want first dibs..

Many thanks Stevie - and yes of course you can have first dibs - either as a stock M3 or a modded one!! Im definitely going to be dry storing every nut and bolt etc that comes off the car so it can be easily reverted back to original standard. Hope all is ok with you Steve - hope to catch up soon.

Hoops · 01-15-2010, 12:39 PM

Im going over to East Sheen tyres tomorrow morning to have the PS2's fitted to the CSL rims. Dropped by Mstyle today to see me old mate Raj and had them fit matt black kidney grills, projector front indicator lenses and silvertec bulbs to front and side indicators. I also ordered some rear facelift LED lenses which should arrive by thursday (didnt realise how pricey they were!!!) Also ordered a set of new number plates with a smaller front plate, which should arrive next week. Then finally i spoke to my very good friend Imran at Evolve this afternoon and ordered my Bilstein PSS10 fully adjustable coilovers, which should arrive early next week. Just wanted to say a big thank you to Evolve for a great service and highly competitive price too!!! Im booked into Simpson Motorsport next Thursday to have the Bilsteins fitted plus the Turner Motorsport RTAB Limiter kit fitted at same time. So fingers crossed the car should start taking some shape next week. Im currently also speaking with Teddy at SSDD about some CSL bits and bobs too. Will take some pics next week once the Bilsteins are fitted.

a1reader · 01-15-2010, 12:45 PM

Congratulations mate, great find. Of course the E46 M3 is one of BMW's all time greats, but what's really amazing is that you managed to find one in such staggeringly clean condition, congratulations again, and I hope you enjoy it.

E902717 · 01-15-2010, 01:02 PM

looks great mate! looking forward to seeing it finished!!

Tunna_uk · 01-15-2010, 03:27 PM

Steve. You Lucky Lucky Bar stool.......love that car

Steve A · 01-15-2010, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STEVIEHOOPS

Thanks Matt - let me know if you hear of anything.

Many thanks Stevie - and yes of course you can have first dibs - either as a stock M3 or a modded one!! Im definitely going to be dry storing every nut and bolt etc that comes off the car so it can be easily reverted back to original standard. Hope all is ok with you Steve - hope to catch up soon.

Steve ill have it Standard + CSL wheels ta very much....

mikem · 01-15-2010, 04:32 PM

Say Hello to my car for me while your there Stevie. I`m picking it up at some point next week, so may even see you there.

lolololol · 01-15-2010, 05:31 PM

Lovely car - I wouldnt touch her personally. I would of bought something a little more used and then modded the hell out of it. It just seems a shame to tamper with something that looks that nice and straight.

Enjoy !

neo871 · 01-16-2010, 03:31 AM

Congrats Steve! It really looks it will turn into a true masterpiece (not that it currently isn't

).
Have you also thought about this: http://www.activeautowerke.com/viewp...x?id=Product91 ?

Rushall · 01-16-2010, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omaragha

Lovely car - I wouldnt touch her personally. I would of bought something a little more used and then modded the hell out of it. It just seems a shame to tamper with something that looks that nice and straight.

Enjoy !

Agree with this - some CSLs then leave as stock! It's unique and looks the dogs unmolested!

- Paul - · 01-16-2010, 05:03 AM

Wow - that car looks mint!

dxb335d · 01-16-2010, 06:18 AM

What you Guys Are
forgetting is that steve can mod a car very tastefully. I'm sure it will look the nuts when finished. Let's face it Steve, It ain't gonna be standard
for long !!

01-13-2010, 12:01 PM	#23
prt71 First Lieutenant 8 Rep 328 Posts Drives: f30 Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: leics iTrader: (0)	It's interesting because I would say that car dates from a time when white wasn't remotely desirable as a colour, can't remember seeing another white E46, yet it's perfect for now when it's back all the rage.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2010, 12:03 PM	#24
markymark34 First Lieutenant 20 Rep 319 Posts Drives: 2007 325d M Sport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: NI iTrader: (0)	Nice! I loved my 02 M3, only the awful smg box made me sell it. Needs some 19"s but would leave it pretty much standard. People say they lack poke low down but i found the engine had great character and was usable from very low down the rev range. An extra 30bhp or so would make it perfect. Never seen one in white before. Keep us updated.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-13-2010, 12:54 PM	#26
peterg1965 Brigadier General 176 Rep 4,190 Posts Drives: F30 335d M Sport, F15 X5 40d Join Date: May 2007 Location: The place of dark satanic mills, UK iTrader: (0)	I reckon the choice of CSLs is spot on and will make the M3 look even more awesome! Looking forward to seeing some pics with the alloys on.
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01-13-2010, 02:48 PM	#27
beemerbird Major General 179 Rep 7,953 Posts Drives: Merc diesel Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Yorkshire iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 TTRS [9.00] 2007 Audi S5 [0.00] May 2007 Porsche 99 ... [0.00] March 2007 Porsche ... [0.00] Sep. 2007 E92 335d SE [0.00] July 2006 E90 330i ... [0.00]	Don't know how you managed to source a white one Steve but have to say the E46 M3 imo has such road presence and for me there aren't many cars that have a nice looking front and rear. As soon as I see one on the road, I spot it straight away. Think they sound bloody good too. +1 on the CSL alloys btw.
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01-14-2010, 04:44 AM	#28
Hoops Brigadier General 292 Rep 3,658 Posts Drives: E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chigwell, Essex iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW S1000RR Sport [10.00] 2009 E92 M3 DCT [0.00] 2010 Range Rover Sport [0.00] 54 Plate E46 M3 CSL [0.00]	Thanks Helen, much appreciated. I was very fortunate to find it. I was told by a friend yesterday that the amount of AW E46 M3's in the UK currently could be as low as single figures, which is amazing if its true. Anyway, thank you for the comment and i hope all is well with you. __________________ E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport - Carbon Black - Panoramic Roof - 21" BMW Alloys - BMW Performance Gloss Black Grilles - LCi Rear Light Upgrade - BMW 4.8i Exhaust Trims
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01-14-2010, 04:53 AM	#29
chrisbin Colonel 123 Rep 2,333 Posts Drives: 640i MSport Coupe Join Date: May 2005 Location: S.Wales, UK iTrader: (1)	Lovely, just lovely... __________________ Current: F13 640i MSport, e85 Z4 3.0i Previous - Alpina D3 BiTurbo E90 LCI Manual, 320d M Sport E92 Auto, 330i M Sport E92 courtesy of BMW UK....320i M Sport E92 Auto, 320d SE E90 Manual.
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01-14-2010, 05:24 AM	#30
jke11y Private First Class 5 Rep 124 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: London iTrader: (0)	I looked at an Alpine White E46 M3 a couple of years ago that was for sale up here. It was, apparently, one of 6. As said above it was from a time when white was a major no-no (like 2012 will be ) so few about. There are at least 3 E46s up here that have been sprayed white recently. Sticking CSL bits on it will make it look more like a build-up if that makes sense rather than the mega clean looking original car it is. But its your car at the end of the day (just keep all the original bits in the garage for the future!)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-14-2010, 09:11 AM	#31
MattOz Lieutenant Colonel 345 Rep 1,830 Posts Drives: Alpina G21 D3S Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Midlands iTrader: (1) Garage List 2011 E90 M3 [0.00]	Steve, There's a white 06 plate M3 near me, and I saw one at Silverstone on a 52 plate with laguna seca leather! They're definitely a rare beast in the UK. I'll keep my ear to the ground for any CSL bits that pop up. Matt
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01-14-2010, 10:49 AM	#32
Steve A Brigadier General 104 Rep 3,465 Posts Drives: too much Join Date: May 2007 Location: Manchester UK iTrader: (0)	That is simply ace. when you come to sell it Steve i want first dibs.. __________________ C350 cdi sport estate facelift 457lbft 130i M SportMercedes C350 CDI Sport Estate AutoMini Cooper Auto.Mercedes E250 CGI,Lexus IS-F,R36, RS4 Saloon,ML 420 CDI SPORT,M6, 335d, C55, C32, M3, M5, S3, ALL SOLD but fondly remembered
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01-15-2010, 12:39 PM	#34
Hoops Brigadier General 292 Rep 3,658 Posts Drives: E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport Join Date: May 2008 Location: Chigwell, Essex iTrader: (5) Garage List 2011 BMW S1000RR Sport [10.00] 2009 E92 M3 DCT [0.00] 2010 Range Rover Sport [0.00] 54 Plate E46 M3 CSL [0.00]	Im going over to East Sheen tyres tomorrow morning to have the PS2's fitted to the CSL rims. Dropped by Mstyle today to see me old mate Raj and had them fit matt black kidney grills, projector front indicator lenses and silvertec bulbs to front and side indicators. I also ordered some rear facelift LED lenses which should arrive by thursday (didnt realise how pricey they were!!!) Also ordered a set of new number plates with a smaller front plate, which should arrive next week. Then finally i spoke to my very good friend Imran at Evolve this afternoon and ordered my Bilstein PSS10 fully adjustable coilovers, which should arrive early next week. Just wanted to say a big thank you to Evolve for a great service and highly competitive price too!!! Im booked into Simpson Motorsport next Thursday to have the Bilsteins fitted plus the Turner Motorsport RTAB Limiter kit fitted at same time. So fingers crossed the car should start taking some shape next week. Im currently also speaking with Teddy at SSDD about some CSL bits and bobs too. Will take some pics next week once the Bilsteins are fitted. __________________ E70 X5 xDrive35d M Sport - Carbon Black - Panoramic Roof - 21" BMW Alloys - BMW Performance Gloss Black Grilles - LCi Rear Light Upgrade - BMW 4.8i Exhaust Trims
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01-15-2010, 12:45 PM	#35
a1reader Evolve tuned... 9 Rep 291 Posts Drives: E93 335i M-Sport Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Wilts, England iTrader: (-1)	Congratulations mate, great find. Of course the E46 M3 is one of BMW's all time greats, but what's really amazing is that you managed to find one in such staggeringly clean condition, congratulations again, and I hope you enjoy it.
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01-15-2010, 01:02 PM	#36
E902717 Colonel 62 Rep 2,402 Posts Drives: E91 335d M-Sport Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: uk iTrader: (0)	looks great mate! looking forward to seeing it finished!! __________________ Car: 2011 BMW E91 335D M-Sport Previous: 2010 BMW E70 X5 3.0D M-Sport - last seen going backwards in a hedge
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01-15-2010, 03:27 PM	#37
Tunna_uk Captain 75 Rep 797 Posts Drives: BMW 320d Le Mans Blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Teesside UK iTrader: (0) Garage List E90 BMW 325i M Sport [0.00]	Steve. You Lucky Lucky Bar stool.......love that car
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01-15-2010, 04:32 PM	#39
mikem Lieutenant Colonel 91 Rep 1,557 Posts Drives: Z4M Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Somewhere iTrader: (0)	Say Hello to my car for me while your there Stevie. I`m picking it up at some point next week, so may even see you there.
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01-15-2010, 05:31 PM	#40
lolololol Colonel 105 Rep 2,204 Posts Drives: M4 F83 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: The world iTrader: (4)	Lovely car - I wouldnt touch her personally. I would of bought something a little more used and then modded the hell out of it. It just seems a shame to tamper with something that looks that nice and straight. Enjoy ! __________________ Engine Mods: VF HEX Stage 2, ER Charge Pipes, VRSF Catless Downpipes, BMS Intakes and PCW Exhaust Mod Running Gear Mods: HRE Flow Form F01, Yellow Stuff pads. Cosmetic: Performance Grill, Lip Spoiler, Splitters, Side Skirt Extensions, Diffuser and BMS Tips
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01-16-2010, 03:31 AM	#41
neo871 Major 144 Rep 1,399 Posts Drives: 340i xDrive MPPSK Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Bucharest, Romania iTrader: (0)	Congrats Steve! It really looks it will turn into a true masterpiece (not that it currently isn't ). Have you also thought about this: http://www.activeautowerke.com/viewp...x?id=Product91 ?
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01-16-2010, 05:03 AM	#43
- Paul - Major General 785 Rep 7,308 Posts Drives: see above. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Yorkshire, UK iTrader: (5) Garage List 2005 320D SE [10.00] 2005 645 [9.00]	Wow - that car looks mint! __________________ My Photos
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01-16-2010, 06:18 AM	#44
dxb335d The Tarmac Terrorist 1035 Rep 29,344 Posts Drives: 997.2 GT3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: ''Fandango Towers'' iTrader: (3) Garage List 2010 Porsche 997.2 GT3 [9.50] 2003 BMW E46 M3 [6.00] 2007 BMW E92 335D [5.50]	What you Guys Are forgetting is that steve can mod a car very tastefully. I'm sure it will look the nuts when finished. Let's face it Steve, It ain't gonna be standard for long !! __________________ 997.2 GT3
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