Few cars distil the joy of driving quite like the BMW E46 M3, and seeing this Phoenix Yellow example in the metal at the Essen Motor Show only reinforced its legend. Surrounded by wild show cars and modern exotica, it stood out by doing something far more difficult: being tasteful. This is OEM+ philosophy executed with restraint, confidence and a deep understanding of what made the E46 so special in the first place.
Under the bonnet sits BMW’s revered S54 straight-six, producing 333hp and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. It remains one of the greatest naturally aspirated engines ever fitted to a road car, delivering its performance with razor-sharp throttle response and a spine-tingling soundtrack that modern turbo units can only dream of replicating. This is the beating heart of the car, and it needs no reinvention.
The stance has been subtly modernised with an Airlift Performance air suspension system using 3P management. Crucially, it’s set up with predefined pressure limits rather than extreme lowering, preserving drivability and protecting the chassis. Beneath the skin, Powerflex bushings and adjustable rear arms sharpen the handling, while a Supersprint stainless steel race system with twin 80mm tips ensures the car sounds every bit as serious as it looks.
Visually, the M3 is pure theatre. Three-piece BBS E88 wheels in gold with polished lips fill the arches perfectly, complementing the Phoenix Yellow paintwork beautifully. CSL DNA runs throughout, with an original CSL boot lid and rear diffuser, gloss-black grilles and vents, and a host of shaved and cleaned details that give the car an ultra-clean, almost factory-plus finish.
Inside, the cabin remains firmly driver-focused. Black leather trim, Alcantara details and Recaro Sportster CS seats strike the right balance between motorsport intent and premium comfort. In an era dominated by digital trickery and forced induction, this E46 M3 is a reminder of when performance cars were about feel, sound and connection, and why, even today, the legend still looms so large.