2003 BMW M3 Convertible (E46) SMG II

Highlights 

• Award-winning 343bhp, straight-six engine

• Impressive service history

• Low mileage

• Long, advisory-free MOT

• Distinctive M3 private plate included in the sale

• Multi-stage paint correction and ceramic coated exterior

• Scorpion stainless steel exhaust and cold induction air filter 

Overview

Blessed with one of the finest naturally aspirated six-cylinder engines ever produced, the third generation of BMW's venerable M3 series of sporty coupes was a worthy successor to the previous E36 M3 and a felicitous continuation of the incredible success story that started in 1986 with the original E30 M3. 

Collecting multiple awards throughout its tenure under the bonnet of the E46 M3, the S54 3.2-litre straight-six engine will go down in history as one of the best but it wasn't just the sweet, sweet power plant that made the third M3 iteration so damn good. Far from it. Yes, with 343bhp it was fast, but it also looked the part with its subtle, yet muscular styling and handled impeccably thanks to a cracking chassis and a limited slip differential, and was all wrapped up in a wonderfully analogue package that is sadly a bit of a lost art nowadays.

Debuting in 2000 and enjoying six years in the spotlight before making way for the E90 M3, the E46 was available as both a standard coupe and a convertible, with the drop top appearing in 2001 – the latter being produced in far fewer numbers making it the rarer of the two body styles, which is exactly what we have available here.

This 2003 BMW E46 M3 convertible is in fantastic condition throughout with the black exterior bodywork benefiting from multi-stage paint correction as well as a ceramic coating, ensuring it will continue to dazzle long into the future. Regularly serviced throughout its life and reportedly running perfectly the car has been upgraded with a stainless steel Scorpion exhaust as well as a cold induction air intake which both allow the engine to breathe more freely (and no, doubt, sound even better). 

Being a 2003 facelift example the car comes with the requisite styling tweaks and upgrades such as LED rear lights and presents as an excellent example of one of BMW's finest M cars in an attractive colour scheme and with the six-speed SMG-II gearbox.

History and documentation

• 2003 model year

• Original document wallet

• V5C present and correct in the vendor’s name

• First registered 02 Oct 2003

• In current ownership since 02 Apr 2016

• Two registered former keepers

• Service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: pre-delivery check (2003 - main dealer), running-in check at 1,402 miles (2003 - main dealer), oil service+micro filter at 9,697 miles (2006 - main dealer), inspection I+micro filter at 17,512 miles (2008 - main dealer), oil service+micro filter at 23,552 miles (2010 - main dealer), inspection II+micro filter at 30,623 miles (2012), oil service+micro filter at 32,885 miles (2013), inspection II+micro filter at 37,126 miles (2015 - specialist), oil service at 41,678 miles (2017 - specialist), oil service at 44,858 miles (2018 - specialist), oil service+micro filter at 48,921 miles (2020), oil service+micro filter at 50,744 miles (2022), oil service+inspection II+micro filter at 52,422 miles (2024)

• Advisory-free MOT until 17 Nov 2026

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• Personalised number plate M300PSS included in the sale

• 52,947 indicated miles

Interior

• Grey leather interior in very good condition throughout

• Minimal wear and tear

• No signs of any significant damage

• Small amount of usual wear to the driver's seat bolster

• All working correctly as reported by the vendor 

• Some light marks and scratches here and there commensurate with age and mileage as well as some delamination to the driver's door handle/arm rest

• No evidence of any missing pixels on the dash display

• No signs of any water ingress

• Floor mats to both driver and passenger foot wells

• Harman Kardon audio

• Boot space is clean and tidy and comes complete with factory tool kit

• Engine bay presents well with only some minor surface rust to the bonnet latches to note

Exterior

• Bodywork is in excellent condition across all panels

• No evidence of any rust or dents

• Paintwork presents well but there appears to be an issue with the finish on the nearside wing mirror arm

• Recent multi-stage paint correction

• Ceramic coating applied

• All panel gaps appear uniform

• Window glass and light lenses are free from any cracks or marks

• The convertible fabric roof looks to be free from damage, operates correctly and fits well but is dirty in places

• Hard top also included

• No visible damage but the vendor reports that the centre left reversing sensor is not working and the offside front height sensor bracket is broken, both diagnosed by BMW

• The 19” alloy wheels are in superb shape, including the centre caps and M badges, and show no evidence of any damage or kerb rash

• Michelin Pilot Sport 4 tyres all round reportedly in A1 condition 

• Underneath presents well with only the usual light surface corrosion to some of the suspension components to note

Mechanical

• 343bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine

• Six-speed  SMG-II gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Limited slip differential

• 0-60mph in 5.2seconds

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• Stainless steel scorpion exhaust

• Cold induction air filter (original air box will be supplied)

• No mechanical issues to report

• The vendor informs us that the car starts perfectly and stops in a straight line with no deviation

Summary

Presenting beautifully throughout and with some tasteful, choice upgrades this low mileage BMW E46 M3 convertible is a bit of a peach. Reportedly in rude health, a claim that is admirably backed up by an impressive service record and long, advisory-free MOT, it's a car well worthy of consideration if you're in the market for an iconic drop top German mile muncher that's fast, stylish and incredibly well-engineered.

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 Alcester, Warwickshire.