2004 BMW M3 Convertible (E46) Manual

Highlights 

• Wholly original example

• Desirable spec

• Award-winning 343bhp, straight-six engine

• Manual gearbox

• Impressive service history

• Well-maintained

• Recent oil service

• Low mileage

• In great condition inside and out

Overview

With summer edging ever closer our minds now naturally turn to warmer, sunnier days and, as is habitually the case, road trips in a convertible. It's a perpetually evocative image – blasting to the coast along B-roads with the roof down, usually accompanied by the roar of a finely tuned engine and not a care in the world except which flavour of ice cream to opt for upon arrival at the beach. Bliss. 

But what car should you choose? Which top-notch drop-top is the preferred steed for such adventures? Well, for many it would be the BMW E46 M3 and it would certainly be rather difficult to argue against such an inspired choice. Handsome, muscular looks? Check. Brilliant, award-winning engine? Check. Impressive, usable performance? Check. Engaging, rear-wheel drive handling? You betcha. Actually, the more we think about it the more we reckon the E46 M3 convertible could be the perfect conveyance for summer outings. Or any outings for that matter.

With less than 30,000 examples of the convertible body style ever built it's actually a rather rare beast, too, which only adds to the car's allure and that 343bhp S54 inline six-cylinder remains one of the best to ever play the game. 

Coming in at just over 70K this low-mileage example looks gorgeous in its desirable Titan Silver Metallic paint over classic black leather interior colour combo. Equipped with a six-speed manual gearbox for maximum driver engagement alongside an impressive service record this 2004 model is a fine representation of one of BMW's finest and is ready and raring to go.

History and documentation

• 2004 model year

• V5C present and correct in the vendor's name

• First registered 27 Sep 2024

• In current ownership since 22 Dec 2025

• Four registered former keepers

• Original book pack and document wallet

• Two keys

• Factory satellite navigation DVD and software CD

• Impressive service history with original service book showing inspections at the following intervals: pre-delivery check (2004 – main dealer), running-in check at 1,243 miles (2005 – main dealer), oil change at 8,133 miles (2006), inspection I+micro-filter+brake fluid at 11,883 miles (2008), inspection II+micro-filter+brake fluid at 17,800 miles (2009), inspection I+micro-filter at 22,614 miles (2012), oil service at 32,796 miles (2015 – main dealer), inspection I+micro-filter at 44,242 miles (2017 – specialist), oil service+micro-filter at 54,105 miles (2021 – specialist), inspection II+micro-filter at 54,268 miles (2022 – specialist), oil service at 56,420 miles (2023), oil service+inspection I at 68,598 miles (2026 – no accompanying stamp)

• Recent oil service 08 Feb 2026

• Please note that the government database shows an outstanding recall

• Some invoices for servicing, parts and maintenance

• Various old MOT certificates

• MOT until 25 Sep 2026

• HPI clear

• London ULEZ compliant

• 70,055 indicated miles

Interior

• Black leather interior in very good condition overall

• No major damage to note

• Light signs of wear and tear, including a small tear to the driver's seat bolster and some minor centre console arm rest degradation

• No reports of any electrical issues

• Door cards and carpets present well

• No signs of any water ingress

• Dashboard appears to be free from any issues, including any missing pixels from the display

• Kick plates are in good shape

• Boot space is clean and tidy and the warning triangle and factory toolkit is present but incomplete

• Wind deflector and storage case included

• Engine bay presents well overall, if a little dusty in places

Exterior

• Bodywork is in excellent condition for its age

• No evidence of any corrosion or major damage

• Titan Silver Metallic paintwork presents well with just the usual minor stone chips on the front bumper to note

• The black convertible roof looks to be in great shape and fits well, although is a little discoloured in places

• Good panel gaps

• Light lenses and windows appear to be free from issue

• Factory 19” alloy wheels are in decent shape but do carry some minor marks here and there

• Michelin Pilot Super Sport tyres all round with a decent amount of tread as reported by the vendor

• Looks to be in good condition underneath

• Some superficial scrape marks to the underside of the front valance

Mechanical

• 343bhp, 3.2-litre straight-six engine

• Six-speed manual gearbox

• Rear-wheel drive

• Limited slip differential

• 0-60mph in 5.2seconds

• 155mph top speed (limited)

• No mechanical issues to report

• New brake discs and pads all round that still need bedding in as reported by the vendor

• The vendor informs us that the car starts first time, sounds amazing and there are no unusual sounds or knocks

Summary

With a desirable spec this original BMW E46 M3 convertible certainly ticks a lot of boxes and comes to market in great overall condition. Well-maintained and reportedly in rude health with a fresh oil service under its belt it's a low-mileage, turn-key example that's ready to be enjoyed. So break out the shades, get the roof down and hit the road.

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 Camberley, Surrey.