2003 BMW (E46) M3 CONVERTIBLE - MANUAL

This BMW (E46) M3 Convertible is a thrilling open-top performance car, which is presented in excellent condition and in a rare colour scheme. It is powered by the 338bhp 3.2-litre S54 straight-six engine, which drives the rear wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The odometer indicates 62,001 miles from new, which is fully supported by the car’s comprehensive history.

First registered on 1 March 2003, this original UK-market M3’s log book lists four previous registered keepers. The seller has owned it for the last 10 years, during which time he has kept it in dry garage storage, only unleashing it during the warm summer months.

Thanks to the seller protecting it from the elements during their ownership, the car’s bodywork is in great shape. Believed to be free of any accident damage, it features tight panel gaps and shows no signs of corrosion.

The Titanium Silver paintwork has previously been resprayed in places, and presents very well indeed, with a bright sheen across the entire body. The current owner notes that there are some stone chips around the front end, but they do little to detract from the car’s overall impressive appearance.

Adding ‘wind in the hair’ thrills to the M3’s list of attributes, the black convertible hood is described as being in immaculate condition and fits snugly over its frame, without any rips or scuffs to its fabric. When greater refinement is called for, the colour-matched factory hardtop is also included and can be fitted to make it even more usable all year round.

The car rides on a correct set of 19-inch M Double Spoke alloy wheels, which were a factory option over the standard 18-inch items. All four are in very good order, having been recently refurbished with a diamond-cut finish.

Moving inside, the interior is entirely original and described as being in excellent condition. Vibrant Imola Red leather covers the inner door panels and seats and remains in great shape. Retaining its rich colour, it shows only minor signs of wear including slight creasing to the driver’s seat bolsters. The rest of the interior trim also presents superbly.

The factory specification includes the BMW Professional media unit with Harman Kardon sound system, cruise control, climate control, rear parking sensors and the multifunction M Sport steering wheel with signature tri-colour stitching. All of the cabin’s buttons, switches and electrical items work as they should.

Well-maintained by its current and previous owners, this E46 M3 is reported to be in great mechanical health. Its last general service was carried out in September 2019 at 60,161 miles by Thurlby Motors, Louth, when the gearbox oil was also replaced. It has also received the airbag recall work by a BMW main dealer. Within the last month, the seller has also had the rear trailing arm bushes replaced, new windscreen wipers, and has had the tracking re-aligned. It has also recently been fitted with a new battery and refurbished starter motor.

Prior to this, in September 2017, Thurlby Motors performed a major service and Inspection I, including replacement of the spark plugs and air filters, as well as checking the boot floor for corrosion.

This M3’s last MOT test was conducted on 6 August 2020 at 62,001 miles, resulting in a first time pass with only a handful of advisories, which the seller states were all attended to. There is light rusting on the rear subframe, but this appears to be very minor, and the seller welcomes any inspection. The front wheels are fitted with new 225/40 R19 Pirelli P Zero tyres, while the rears are shod with Continental tyres in size 255/45 R19, which have approximately 4.5mm of remaining tread.

Accompanying the car are its original brochure, service booklet and owner’s handbook, as well as the radio instructions, tracker booklet and BMW Technical Lexicon guide. Also included is the BMW first aid kit, full tool kit, factory hard top and the stand.

This E46-generation BMW M3 is a coveted open-top performance car, which is presented in excellent, unmodified condition. Finished in a handsome factory colour scheme and fitted with the six-speed manual gearbox, it is a defining modern classic, and is sure to delight its next owner.

Summary of service history:

• 19 Mar 2003 – 1,038 miles (running-in)
• 28 Jan 2004 – 12,885 miles (Oil service)
• 4 Feb 2005 – 26,477 miles (Inspection I)
• 21 Sep 2006 – 37,385 miles (Oil service)
• 24 Sep 2009 – 48,032 miles (Inspection I)
• 24 Apr 2010 – 49,812 miles (Oil service)
• 7 May 2011 – 53,203 miles (Inspection II)
• 1 Mar 2013 – 56,008 miles (Oil service)
• 15 Apr 2015 – 57,504 miles (Oil service)
• 3 May 2017 – 58,879 miles (Inspection I)
• 13 Aug 2019 – 60,161 miles (Oil service)

All cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.

Please note: the cherished plate shown on the car is not included in the sale. It will be switched back to an age-related registration plate in the event of a successful auction.