2005 BMW M3 CS (E46) - Manual

Background:

BMW’s E46 generation M3, produced between September 2000 and August 2006, quickly cemented its reputation as one of the brand’s most celebrated performance cars. Under the hood sat the now iconic 3.2-litre S54 straight-six, a high-revving engine that delivered the coupé from 0-62mph in just 5.2 seconds - regardless of whether buyers opted for the traditional 6-speed manual or the SMG-II automated manual gearbox.

Over its six year production run, BMW built 56,133 M3 coupés, all assembled at the company’s Regensburg plant in Germany. In total, 85,766 examples of the E46 M3 rolled off the line - each carrying the weight of one of BMW M Division’s most enduring legacies.

In 2005, BMW introduced a special edition of the M3 that borrowed several elements from the celebrated CSL, aimed at delivering a sharper, more focused driving experience. In the US and mainland Europe, it was marketed as the M3 Competition Package, or ZCP, while in the UK it carried the M3 CS badge.

Compared with the standard M3, this edition offered a series of subtle but impactful enhancements. It featured larger 19" BBS alloy wheels, stiffer springs that were later carried over to the regular M3 and a quicker steering rack with a 14.5:1 ratio, matching the setup of the CSL. The steering wheel was also sourced from the CSL, while the electronic stability control system gained an M track mode for a more dynamic handling experience.

Braking performance was improved with larger front discs borrowed from the CSL, complemented by rear calipers with larger pistons. Inside, the car benefited from Alcantara covers on the steering wheel and handbrake, adding a touch of sportscar refinement. Under the skin however, the engine, gearbox and other drivetrain components remained identical to the standard M3, ensuring the familiar balance of performance and reliability that enthusiasts had come to expect.

The Car:

Delivered in November 2005 to Barons Hindhead BMW, where it was unveiled to its first owner. Finished in elegant Silver Grey Metallic with the SMG gearbox, the car was cherished throughout its life.

Originally delivered with BMW’s SMG automated gearbox, this example has since been professionally converted to a manual by respected specialists Everything M3s. The work was carried out using genuine factory components, ensuring the result is indistinguishable from a factory built manual car. The original SMG gearbox has been carefully stored in a wooden crate and accompanying the car with the sale. This conversion is no easy job, with invoices exceeding £5,500.

This 2005 BMW E46 M3 CS has clearly been cherished, with careful maintenance and thoughtful investment throughout its life. It presents beautifully, fresh from a professional three stage polish. Its distinctive CS alloy wheels have recently been refurbished and are now shod with four brand new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tyres, underscoring the attention to detail lavished on the car. Showing 89,808 miles, it comes with a great service history supported by previous MOT Certificates and a comprehensive folder of documentation. A fresh MOT, valid until 26th August 2026, was issued with a completely clean sheet and no advisories.

In 2022 the underside received a sympathetic restoration at Maidstone Sports Cars, with two pages of new parts fitted. Highlights include new brake pipes and bolts, fresh handbrake cables, pads, discs and springs, among many other items, giving further peace of mind for the years ahead. With the works above totalling in over £4,500 spent to complete the overhaul.

On the road, this M3 CS is everything an enthusiast could hope for. The exhaust note is rich and characterful, the steering razor sharp and the chassis as composed as its reputation suggests. As a CS, it benefits from a host of CSL derived upgrades, including lightweight alloy wheels, a quicker steering rack, Alcantara trimmed steering wheel with M Track mode, uprated brakes, and exclusive aluminium interior trim. This particular car was also specified with nearly every available option, including black Nappa leather heated seats, Harman Kardon audio, satellite navigation and a glass sunroof, missing only the electric rear blind.

A true driver’s car, this E46 M3 CS combines rarity, provenance and performance in a package that has been exceptionally well cared for.

Service History:

• Service – 28/12/2005 – 1,127 miles – Barons Hindhead
• Service – 18/02/2008 – 12,981 miles – Barons Hindhead
• Service – 27/05/2009 – 26,940 miles – Automotive Solutions BMW Specialist
• Service – 11/08/2010 – 41,524 miles – Automotive Solutions BMW Specialist
• Service – 23/05/2012 – 55,587 miles – Autohaus BMW
• Service – 22/01/2014 – 67,079 miles – BMW Specialist
• Service – 26/03/2015 – 72,172 miles – ETA BMW Specialist
• Service – 28/07/2017 – 80,321 miles – Maidstone Sports Cars
• Service – 04/03/2022 – 83,616 miles – EverythingM3s

Location: Kent

Seller: Private

Photography: Professional