At the turn of the millennium, BMW M GmbH produced what many still regard as the definitive expression of the sports saloon — the E46 M3. Hand-assembled in Munich, it arrived with a purpose-built engine, a chassis tuned obsessively for balance, and a driver's brief that left nothing to compromise. More than two decades on, its reputation has only grown.

This 2002 example is a Japan-specification car, finished in Oxford Green, a colour that sits beautifully against the M3's muscular wide-body proportions, and one that has become increasingly sought after as the E46 matures into collectible status. The sunroof delete option, paired with BBS RE forged wheels and rear carbon fibre diffuser adds the finishing visual note.

Inside, the cabin is trimmed in black Nappa leather, lending a sense of dark, focused refinement befitting an M car. The interior remains driver-centric by design, every surface, every control positioned to serve the person behind the wheel above all else.

At its heart sits the legendary S54B32, a 3.2-litre naturally aspirated inline-six revving to 8,000rpm, paired with a 6-speed Getrag manual. This example has been thoughtfully enhanced with a Gruppe M cold air intake and a custom exhaust, sharpening throttle response and amplifying the engine's already distinctive character. While a set of Öhlins DFV suspension, AP Racing brakes and more provides the backbone of a setup built for both road and track.

The E46 M3 is no longer simply a used sports car, it is a modern classic in full appreciation. Clean examples in desirable specifications are becoming genuinely difficult to source, and Japan-spec cars represent some of the finest-kept, tastefully modified examples the market has to offer. If you've been waiting for the right one, this may be it.