Although we never received the famed BMW E46 M3 CSL stateside, as a consolation, BMW developed the Competition Package which was sold for just the 2005 and 2006 model years. BMW kept the mechanicals of the car the same as the standard M3 of the time, but numerous little tweaks were carried out that made the car far better to drive, which has led to the M3 Competition becoming the most sought-after model for US-based collectors. The most instantly noticeable change is the addition of a beautiful set of 19” BBS split spoke alloy wheels from the CSL- these wheels are a common upgrade for the standard car but were only officially available on the Competition specification examples.

Built in May of 2006, this E46 M3 Competition is finished in Alpine White- one of BMW's most legendary colors. At the time of cataloging, this car shows just 65,696 miles and is in stunning, largely original condition throughout. The exterior of the car presents very well with straight panels and only minor signs of use. As a final year build for the E46 M3, this car benefits from all of the desirable LCI modifications like LED rear lights and updated shape Xenon headlamps. Although the car has not been altered much from the factory, a stock-look Eisenman sport exhaust is installed at the back that helps the car breathe a bit easier and sounds great.

The interior of the car is finished in black leather with a brushed stainless steel dash, door, and center console trim. One of the things that differentiates the Competition package M3s on the interior is the steering wheel- wrapped in Alcantara, the buttons that typically exist on the left and right spokes have been replaced by just a singular “M” button that engages faster throttle response and altered stability control limits. This car is optioned with the high-end Harman Kardon stereo system, navigation stereo head unit, heated seats, and an automatic rear sunshade, controlled by a center console button.

Under the hood, this car is powered by BMW's legendary S54 inline-6 which produces 333 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque. In this example, the engine is paired to a 6-speed SMG II gearbox with paddle shifters on the rear of the steering wheel. Based on the same Getrag 420G transmission found in the manual, the SMG utilizes a hydraulically actuated clutch and allows for lightning-fast shifting shifts up and down every time. Under the car, the Competition Package gives the car stiffer springs, larger front brake discs, and most importantly, a quicker steering rack that livens up the handling and makes the drive even more involving.

With BMW Motorsports building its name on the inline-6 engine, the E46 M3 stands as the pinnacle of naturally aspirated Inline-6 development from the brand. The powerful, smooth engine, paired with a timeless shape and sublime driving characteristics has already shown its potential as a collector car with values rapidly on the rise. In the US, the Competition Package cars sit atop the desirability ladder and finding one with low miles, in such original condition is no small task. All it takes is feeling the steering weight up into the first turn to understand why these cars are so special and why their ascent to collectible status has only just begun.