2005 BMW M3 Convertible (E46) Manual

Highlights

• Desirable Imola Red paintwork

• Well-specified example from new

• Documented history

• Manual transmission

• Late production, facelift example

Overview

Widely regarded as being ‘peak’ M3, the E46-era arrived in 1997, and remained in production for almost 10 years, eventually bowing out in 2006. With an addictive intake noise and raspy exhaust note from the naturally aspirated S54 engine with BMW’s proprietary VANOS system, responsive handling and snappy manual transmission, the latter of which was complemented by a factory-fit limited-slip differential, this era of M3 was a true driver’s car, and it remains a firm favourite with PHers to this day.

Whilst Estoril Blau might be the most typically thought-of colour when the E46 is mentioned, arguably Imola Red - as seen here - is the most desirable colour of the lot, not to mention one of the rarest in both coupe and convertible form.

This Imola Red, manual ‘vert was in the care of the previous owner for 15 years, and has only 4 recorded keepers from new, including the seller. With a comprehensive history and recent ‘Inspection II’ service last year including valve clearances, this E46 is reportedly in excellent mechanical health, and presents very well indeed for a vehicle of this age. 

That’s not to say it’s perfect, with the usual signs of age and light blemishes to the bodywork being visible up-close, which makes this a compelling example for those who are looking for an E46 to use and enjoy without worrying about ruining a concours example, or perhaps for someone looking for an already great example to take to the next level. Whatever your plans are, just make sure you give it a jolly good drive and make the most of that wonderful S54 noise…

History and documentation

• Registered 15 Dec 2005

• Just 4 registered keepers from new

• Previous owner for 15 years

• Stamped service book with services as follows: Dec 2005 (PDI), Jan 2006 @ 1,222 miles, Oct 2006 @ 11,617 miles, Nov 2007 @ 22,388 miles, Dec 2008 @ 33,347 miles, Mar 2012 @ 45,238 miles, Apr 2014 @ 51,184 miles, May 2016 @ 56,180 miles, Nov 2019 @ 60,126 miles, Jan 2024 @ 62,450 miles

• Brake fluid changes stamped as follows: Nov 2007 @ 22,388 miles, Dec 2009 @ 37,403 miles, Mar 2012 @ 45,238 miles, Apr 2014 @ 51,184 miles, Jan 2024 @ 62,450 miles

• Two ignition keys plus the valet key

• Copies of BMW magazine

• Specification brochures

• Handbook/manuals

• Numerous invoices for servicing, MOTs and maintenance work

• Current MOT with no advisories expires 04 Sep 2025

• V5 present in owner’s name

• Air conditioning recharge in Jul 2025

• Front airbag recall works carried out by BMW in June 2015 

• Numerous service invoices and maintenance paperwork

• HPI clear

• ULEZ compliant

Interior

• Black leather interior in excellent condition

• Light patination to high-traffic areas such as the shifter, door cards and steering wheel

• Minor scratches to soft-touch covering on ash tray

• OE BMW headunit with navigation

• Heated seats

• Harmon/Kardon sound system

• Memory function on driver’s seat

• Small chips on the inner door sill area

• Minor wear to the outer bolster on the driver’s seat, but otherwise all four seats are in impressive condition for their age

• There are a number of small chips/scratches on the rear plastic panel of both front seats

• We note a small rip in the carpet on the nearside edge of the transmission tunnel, just ahead of the shifter

• In the rear, the fold-down tool kit is present and complete - an increasingly rare sight

• Wind deflector present

• No reported faults or issues

Exterior

• Imola Red bodywork with a contrasting black folding roof

• The paintwork looks to be in good condition throughout, showing generally commensurate wear for the car’s age and mileage

• Optional extra 19” alloy wheels

• The front end has the usual smattering of stone chips, and there are a number of other small blemishes dotted around the bodywork such as around the door handles and exposed edges

• Looking closely, there is an area of flaking paintwork around the offside fog light

• The paintwork on the nearside front arch looks flat with an orange peel-like effect

• We note some scratches on the folding roof cover on the offside edge

• At the rear, the nearside rear arch (on the bumper) exhibits some light scuffing

• The rear bumper exhibits a few scratches, most notably on the centre-nearside inwards of the reversing sensor

• Up above, the folding roof looks to be in great condition, with only some typical storage/folding marks to note, along with what appears to be a mis-aligned seal above the nearside windows

• All four wheels are in generally presentable condition, with some more noticeable kerb rash on the offside front wheel

• Matching set of Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres

• Overall, a smart example of the E46-era M3 convertible in a desirable colour combination

Mechanical

• 3,246cc, 333bhp, inline-six naturally aspirated S54 engine, sending power to the rear wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox and a limited-slip differential

• Under the bonnet, the engine bay is tidy and with no signs of any issues visible

• A fastidious owner may wish to spend a few afternoons detailing the engine bay to take it to the next level

• No modifications from factory specification

• Reported to be in excellent mechanical condition, starting, stopping and driving as it should

• The most recent service in 2024 was a major or ‘Inspection II’ service, including valve clearances, gasket and differential service

Summary

Fully loaded from the factory with numerous desirable options and finished in arguably the best colour for an E46 M3, this late-production, facelift example has a lot going for it, not to mention a well-documented service history, low ownership and relatively low mileage for an M3 of this era. 

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Wembley, Greater London.