2003 BMW M3 Cabriolet (E46) SMG

Highlights

• Desirable Titan Silver over black Nappa leather with SMG II gearbox

• Just 56,375 miles from new

• In current ownership for over 11 years

• Full SMG system rebuild with new clutch and flywheel @ 52,000 miles

• Long MOT

Overview

The E46 M3 needs no introduction on PistonHeads. BMW's naturally aspirated 3.2-litre inline-six remains one of the great modern performance engines, and in Convertible form it offers something genuinely special: that S54 soundtrack with the roof stowed and nothing but sky above you.

This particular car was built in February 2003 at BMW M GmbH's Regensburg plant and first registered the following June. It's finished in Titan Silver metallic over black Nappa leather, a clean and understated combination that suits the car's lines well. The SMG gearbox gives it a distinct character all of its own, and this example comes with documented proof that the SMG-specific components have been properly looked after, including a comprehensive SMG system overhaul by marque specialist Motortechnik.

The current owner has had the car for over 11 years, covering remarkably few miles in that time (roughly 350 a year in recent use). That speaks to a car that's been used as a high days and holidays car, backed up by a folder of invoices and a fresh MOT to May 2027.

It's a lovely looking example with an honest presentation. If you've been waiting for a well-documented E46 M3 drop-top, this one deserves your attention.

History and Documentation

• First registered 19 June 2003

• Five former keepers, in current ownership since October 2014

• Service history comprising BMW dealer and independent garages: 2007 @ 17,839 miles (BMW dealer, Blackpool – oil service/inspection), 2008 @ 36,208 miles (BMW dealer, Blackpool – oil service/inspection), Mar 2008 @ 33,837 miles (Hypertech – rear springs replaced), Aug 2012 @ 47,876 miles (Stirling Auto Centre – rear coil springs replaced with genuine BMW parts), Mar 2013 @ 49,248 miles (Motortechnik – soft top pump replaced), Apr 2013 @ 49,818 miles (rear trailing arm bushes and differential seal), May 2013 @ 50,294 miles (engine service with filters), May 2014 @ approx. 52,000 miles (Motortechnik – clutch, flywheel, SMG hydraulic unit, pump motor, relay, and coding), 2015 (service stamp), 2016 (service stamp), 2026 (service stamp), Apr 2026 @ 56,316 miles (ABS sensor and wheel bearing), May 2026 @ 56,374 miles (front discs and pads, brake pipe repair, and handbrake adjustment at MOT)

• MOT passed 12 May 2026 at 56,375 miles, valid until 11 May 2027

• HPI clear: no outstanding finance, no write-off history, no incident history recorded; earlier safety recall noted

• V5C present in owner’s name

• BMW service book, owner's manuals, and document wallet present

• Folder of invoices accompanies the car

Interior

• Black Nappa leather M sport seats with M badge on backrests, driver's outer bolster showing age-appropriate wear

• SMG gear selector with leather gaiter

• M three-spoke steering wheel in good condition

• Grey-faced M-specific instrument cluster, functional with no pixel dropout

• BMW 16:9 widescreen display

• Climate control with air conditioning functioning

• Dashboard in good condition with no cracking

• Door cards and trim in good overall order, rear bench showing minimal wear

• Carpets and pedals showing general use consistent with mileage

• Rollover protection bars in excellent condition

• Original BMW toolkit present in boot

Exterior

• Titan Silver metallic in good overall condition with age-appropriate stone chips on leading edges

• The vendor notes some very minor bodywork damage; a small dent on the bonnet, minor scuffing on the rear bumper a scratch on the lower part of the driver's door and a scratch on the lower nearside rear sill area

• Black electric soft top in good order

• 19-inch M double-spoke alloy wheels in excellent condition, fitted with Nexen 235/35ZR19 tyres on the rear and Bridgetones on the front

• Nearside door mirror arm showing stone chips and micro-blistering

• Nearside front bumper corner carrying a minor scuff

• Panel gaps and shut lines consistent

• Headlights clear, kidney grilles and chromed side vents intact

Mechanical

• 3.2-litre S54 inline-six producing 343 bhp at 7,900 rpm and 269 lb ft at 4,900 rpm

• SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox), rear-wheel drive

• 0-62 mph in approximately 5.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph (limited)

• SMG hydraulic unit, temperature sensor, pump motor, and relay all replaced (May 2014, Motortechnik)

• Clutch and flywheel replaced at approximately 52,000 miles

• Rear springs replaced twice (2008 and 2012, the latter with genuine BMW parts)

• Rear trailing arm bushes and differential seal addressed at 49,818 miles

• Front discs and pads replaced May 2026

• ABS sensor and wheel bearing replaced April 2026

• Offside rear brake pipe repaired and handbrake adjusted at last MOT

• MOT valid until May 2027

Summary

This Titan Silver E46 M3 Convertible with SMG brings together 56,375 miles and comes most recently from 11 years of single ownership with plenty of invoices to show for it. The SMG-specific work alone (hydraulic unit, pump, relay, and coding all replaced by a marque specialist) is a big attraction. Add in a recent clutch and flywheel, fresh front brakes, and a clean MOT to May 2027, and you've got a car that's ready to enjoy.

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 Carluke, Lanarkshire.