2004 BMW M3 Convertible (E46) SMG

Highlights 

• Iconic 343bhp, straight-six engine

• Comprehensive service history

• Fastidiously maintained and subtly enhanced

• Recognised as one of the best M cars ever made

• Low miles

Overview

Since its inception back in 1986 the BMW M3 has consistently been a driver-focussed barrel of laughs. Perhaps due to the German manufacturer's best efforts to over-complicate matters with more modern iterations of the perennially popular sports coupe, the older generations remain some of the best driver's cars to ever grace tarmac , with the E46 perhaps striking the perfect balance between analogue engagement and tech-driven augmentation.

Breaking cover in 2000, the M3's third go round, available in both coupe and convertible form, was designed by Ulf Weidhase and retains those classic BMW looks whilst featuring much more modern underpinnings than its predecessor, imbuing the E46 with a lot more power as a result.

The newly-developed 3.2-litre S54 six-cylinder engine nestled under the bonnet is generally recognised as an absolute peach, even today, and with 343bhp on tap – as well as gobs of torque available early doors – can still put a huge smile on the face that's difficult to remove. All of that beautiful power is sent to the rear wheels via a trick variable M differential, and a choice of six-speed manual or SMG automated manual gearbox completes the package.

With a squat stance and minimal body roll the E46 M3 handles like a dream and never feels heavy or cumbersome despite not being particularly light, adding to the inherent drive-ability that these cars are renowned for. 

The example we have available is a well-presented and fastidiously maintained post-facelift 2004 convertible that according to the vendor wants for nothing. Its superb overall condition is backed up by full service history and the car has covered just 74K miles from new. 

Subtly enhanced with a cat back stainless exhaust system and a CSL software-flashed gearbox the current owner informs us that there are no issues with any aspect of the car and that it has been dry stored during the winter months and kept under cover in the summer for protection. 

So, if you're after a very tidy example of what many consider to be peak M then this could very well be the car for you.

History and documentation

• 2004 model year

• V5C present and correct

• First registered 06 Sep 2004

• Mega spec list from factory; see gallery for full spec sheet

• Two keys

• Original book pack

• Comprehensive service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: pre-delivery check (2004 – main dealer), the all-important running in check at 1,069 miles (2004 – main dealer), oil service+micro-filter+brake fluid at 10,113 miles (2006 – main dealer), oil service+inspection I at 19,507 miles (2007), oil service+inspection II at 30,210 miles (specialist), inspection I+micro-filter at 42,294 miles (2010 – specialist), oil service at 46,476 miles (2013 – specialist), inspection II+micro-filter at 47,228 miles (2013 – specialist), oil service at 54,067 miles (2016), oil service at 65,981 miles (2019), inspection II+micro-filter at 71,606 miles (2021), oil service+brake fluid at 72,932 miles (2022 – specialist), oil service+inspection I+micro-filter at 73,363 miles (2024 – specialist)

• Receipts and invoices corroborating the service history

• Stainless steel cat back exhaust has a documented lifetime warranty

• Wind deflector and hard top stand included

• MOT until 18 Apr 2026

• HPI Clear

• ULEZ compliant

• 74,758 miles

Interior

• The Nappa black leather interior is in fantastic condition for its age

• Minimal signs of wear with only the driver's seat bolster and rubber door seal showing some light patina

• Electric heated memory seats 

• Leather floor mats look to be in good shape

• The vendor informs us that all electrics, gauges and switchgear work perfectly, including the air conditioning

• Wholly original aside from a Pioneer stereo head unit which includes a reversing camera and sensors

• Steering wheel and gear knob look great

• The carpets and door cards appear to be in superb condition

• The vendor tells us that the boot floor has been reinforced

• The boot space is clean and tidy and comes complete with warning triangle, partial factory tool kit and convertible wind deflectors

• The engine bay presents well

Exterior

• The Silver Grey metallic paint looks to be in fine condition and free from damage

• The vendor believes that the exterior paint is completely original and tells us that the car has received a recent full body detail

• Some touched up stone chips to the front end

• The car appears to not suffer from any major corrosion but there are some small areas of bubbling paint to the offside wheel arches

• Some slight patina to the offside wing mirror glass

• All shut lines appear straight

• The wheels look to be in great shape overall and free from damage but they do carry some light marks here and there, and the paint is starting to flake in places around the centre caps

• Goodyear Eagle F1 tyres on the front and Bridgestone Potenzas on the rear with the vendor informing us that all four have plenty of tread

• Both hard and soft tops look to be in great condition and appear to fit well

• Some light scratches to the rear bumper 

• The underside appears to be in excellent condition

• Overall, a very smart and well-kept example of an E46 M3

Mechanical

• 343bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine

• Six-speed SMG-II gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• 0-60mph in 5.2seconds

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• Stainless steel cat back exhaust system which the vendor states enhances the sound of the engine

• Inspection I service carried out at 73,363 miles in Apr 2024 and the car is said to be in excellent mechanical health

• The vendor informs us that the gearbox has been flashed to the CSL model's software for smoother changes and more aggressive rev-matching

• The vendor states that the car starts first time, comes up to temperature absolutely fine and there are no symptoms of a weak Vanos system

Summary

A true icon worthy of its modern classic status, the BMW E46 M3 is a stunning entry in the German giant's legendary line-up of the high-performance 3 Series. From its handsome looks to its wonderfully capable performance credentials the E46 M3 got it all bang on. If you're after 911 levels of performance but with a touch more practicality and an arguably more dynamic powerplant then the BMW E46 M3 is for you. 

This example is in great shape, has been subtly enhanced and carries that all important full service history, plus it has the versatility of being a convertible for those top down, wind in the hair moments. An alluring proposition we're sure you'll agree.

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 Leeds, West Yorkshire.