2004 BMW M3 Convertible

Highlights

• 338hp and 0-60 in 5.5 seconds
• SMG II gearbox
• Presents very well
• Lovely CSL-style wheels
• Investment potential

Overview

With the days getting longer and the temperature finally starting to lift, what better time to consider a bit of drop-top motoring? Now, naturally, being PHers we’d like something a bit spicy and so may we present an E46 M3 convertible. Good for 0-60 in 5.5 seconds, it offers a thrilling drive and also unfiltered access to the S54 engine’s enviable soundtrack.

Voted International Engine of the Year for six years in a row in its capacity category, the S54 produces one of the all time great straight six noises, aided by its quad exhausts. Lowering the roof doesn’t just give you a closer relationship with the world around you, it also induces an insatiable appetite for tunnels and routes with hard reflective surfaces.

Sporting Carbon Black paintwork and 19 inch CSL-style wheels, with subtly blistered arches and bulging bonnet, this one is quite the looker. A black leather interior with wood trim provides a touch of luxury and the SMG gearbox allows for a range of shift speeds from mooch to manic. It has four usable seats, too. In many man-maths ways, it’s very versatile and, with the fondness for the E46 M3 only increasing over the years, we can see some investment potential here. For unfortunate reasons outlined below, the more recent service history has gone unrecorded but the seller outlines a range of work that has been carried out that should mean this car is fit and ready for the summer sunshine.

History and documentation

• Registered 16 Mar 2004
• In current ownership over 10 years
• Stamped service book with services as follows: Sep 2004 @ 1,696 miles (the all-important running in service), Jun 2005 @ 9.251 miles, Dec 2006 @ 18,905 miles, Oct 2008 @ 27,909 miles, Oct 2010 @ 36,290 miles, Oct 2013 @ 49,047 miles
• In the meantime, the seller tells us that it’s been serviced by a local garage though unfortunately there are no records and the garage owner is sadly deceased
• Currently showing 88,609 miles
• Full document pack
• Two keys
• The seller informs us that it has a recent MOT
• V5 present in owner’s name
• HPI clear
• The private plate will be removed prior to sale

Interior

• Black leather and wood inserts to the dashboard and doors combine to give the cabin a luxury feel
• The seats are in good overall condition, though do show some patina on the outer bolsters of both front seats
• In the pictures, the rears have some indentations but the owner informs us that they have sprung back into place
• Otherwise, the cabin looks very tidy although the steering wheel does have some wear to the plastic lower spoke
• We’re told that the TV has been converted so that it receives Freeview channels and that a reverse camera has been installed
• The owner tells us that everything works just as it should aside from the auto-dimming rear view mirror which has failed but a replacement is provided with the car
• In the back, the boot looks to be in reasonable order
• Overall, then, it’s very inviting and in nice, usable condition

Exterior

• Finished in metallic Carbon Black, with smoked indicator lenses and a black grille, it looks suitably menacing
• Silver 19 inch CSL-style wheels provide a great contrast and, as a result, it’s a real head-turner
• The hood looks to be in good order and has the advantage of a glass rear window
• Both paintwork and bodywork look to be in very good order and the the seller tells us that paintwork benefits from a recent full ceramic coating
• The wheels are in great condition and look very smart with no obvious kerbing or marks
• The tyres, however, will need replacement shortly as they were flagged up on the recent MOT
• In all, it presents very well and will surely make its next owner very proud

Mechanical

• 3,246 cc S54 straight six (winner of the International Engine of the Year award for the 3-4 litre category, six years in a row 2001-2006, no less)
• SMG automated manual gearbox
• Rear wheel drive with limited slip differential
• The seller tells us that it has received the following during his ownership: poly bushed all round, new discs, new water pump, oil pump at garage’s recommendation, fully refurbished SMG pump for gearbox 1000 miles ago, new gear position sensor, new detent springs and a new clutch
• Said by the owner to drive well and pull strongly in all gears
• Amazing soundtrack, easily enjoyed with the roof down

Summary

A four seat convertible with an award-winning engine and the pedigree of an M3? What more could you ask for? Versatile, fast and with a noise to die for, this must be high on the list for anyone looking for a summer whip. (Though, it has to be said, a well-insulated hood and glass rear window give it all year round usability).

With CSL-style wheels, this one looks the business and the list of recent maintenance items means for the new owner it should be ready to go.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Treharris, South Wales.