2003 BMW M3 Convertible (E46) |

Closed Auction- Unsold

2003 BMW M3 Convertible (E46)

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Mileage~98,000
TransmissionManual
Engine3.2L
LocationTorquay

AUCTION CLOSED

2003 BMW M3 Convertible (E46)

Introduction

Jacob Boodrie

Professional Consigner

One incredible soundtrack created by the naturally aspirated straight-six, some say the E46 M3 is the pick of the bunch.

The M3 is a high-performance variant of the 3 Series developed by BMW's in-house Motorsport division. The original E30 3 Series was intended to be built to satisfy the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft and Group A Touring rules so BMW could compete within the races. Ever since the E30, BMW M Division has always rolled out a new 'M' variant with each new model release of the 3 series. The E46 generation featured a naturally aspirated S54 straight-six engine with an acceleration time to ~60MPH of 5.1 seconds and limited to a top speed of 155MPH. The car remained in production for 6 years between 2000 - 2006.

This lovely example is finished in "Titansilber Metallic" and comes with a matching hard-top to compliment the convertible body. It comes to market from ~2 year ownership, where after some extensive work carried out to maintain and increase the car's performance, it's been used regularly. The car has some choice upgrades in the form of CSL wheels, carbon fibre air intake and Super Sprint exhaust, HSD adjustable coil-overs. In addition to this, some key work actioned includes the Vanos seals replaced in current ownership, and the rear subframe strengthened.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Ross the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

I'll really miss the pure naturally aspirated performance from the straight six and the soundtrack from the exhaust with the roof down.

Ross has owned this E46 BMW M3 for the previous ~2 years and has really enjoyed driving the car since. Serviced by a local specialist “German Auto Services” (most recently in November), over Ross’ ownership he's had the important boot repair kit fitted for the rear subframe, 8 new piece bushes handling upgrade kit fitted, new front brake callipers, a new exhaust gasket, and downpipe, along with a carbon Eventuri air intake system.

He tells us "For me the E46 M3 is the best M car ever, I have loved them since they were launched and always wanted one, but I am moving to Portugal in the New Year and can’t really take it with me". Ross will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

Ross

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The E46 M3 subtly stands out from the crowd - flared wheel arches, sporting grills and quad exhaust pipes.

Wheels and Tyres

The M3 is fitted with larger 19" CSL alloys, which really suit the car's sleek lines. The wheels appear in excellent condition all round. Ross also has two additional sets of Style 67M in grey and silver, if new owner would preferred the original look rather than the CSL wheels.

Importantly, the tires are Michelin Pilot Sport 4's all around and appear in excellent condition with lots of tread, and are dated 2021 and can be seen in more detail in the media pack below.

Bodywork

The bodywork of this mighty M3 looks in great condition, with all the panel gaps around the car look to align well. During our visit we didn't spot any obvious dents down the flanks of the car, everything looking crisp and sharp. Both the doors, boot, and bonnet open and close with ease, and door shuts/sills.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view at what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in "Titansilber Metallic" paint, it is a classic colour that really gives the M3 a lovely look. The finish of the paint is great, even in colour and finish across all the panels as you'd expect, and there are only a handful of very small stone chips to the front.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these hi-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass on this example and the hard-top/soft-top looks great and seems in line with the mileage and ownership, we didn't notice any major chips, cracks, or discolouration on our visit.

The window seals look great too and in line with the rest of the condition of the car. This car comes with a hard top in matching colour as pictured, perfect for when using the car in the colder months.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

With everything positioned for the drivers conveience, the M3 is a delight to drive, finished with a luxurious full leather interior.

Seats and Carpets

Fitted with M-Sport Black leather seats, these are fully electric adjustable and offer comfort and support; the deep bolsters help to keep you in place when putting the car through its paces. The rear seats present in great condition. Black M-Sport carpets have been fitted throughout.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look at the seats, carpets, and door cards.

Dashboard

The dashboard is wrapped in black leather, with carbon trim pieces installed by Ross. The classic BMW dials appear in great condition and are easily legible.

Please see the interior gallery for more detailed photos of the dashboard up close.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Fitted with a black M-sport Alcantara steering wheel with light blue stitching, the wheel presents in line with the rest of the condition of the car. The manual M-sport gear lever is also in good order with no noticeable marks to mention.

Please take a look at the interior photos and videos to appreciate this interior.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

One of the best naturally aspirated engines of it's time, the S54 delivers some serious performance to the rear wheels.

Engine and Gearbox

The main centrepiece, the S54 that delivers ~338BHP to the rear wheels and is praised for being one of the best naturally aspirated engines of its time. As mentioned earlier, this car has had some choice upgrades installed; Vanos seals replaced, Eventuri carbon fibre air intake and Super Sprint exhaust, aluminium expansion tank. The car has just had a service in November 2022 at Ross' local specialist.

Please watch the "On the Road" video to see the car being started from cold, then run when up to temperature. On our short trip out, Ross operated the gears with ease.

Suspension and Brakes

Over Ross' ownership he has new brake discs, pads, sensors replaced. The car is fitted with HSD adjustable coil-over suspension, and Ross reports the suspension setup offers a great amount of performance.

Importantly, as mentioned before, the car has had the rear subframe/boot floor strengthening work carried out, a key thing most people look for when looking at E46 M3s. Please view the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

With elegant good looks, a performance-focused interior and the mighty S54 under the bonnet, the E46 M3 is a real delight to drive and be a passenger in. With the option to remove the roof on those sunny days it makes for a great all-year-round modern performance classic.

Electrics and Other

Ross has reported that the electrical system is in line with the rest of the condition of the car, i.e. in full working order to his knowledge.

He has also fitted a custom carbon trim inside the car along with a large touchscreen Android/Apple style car play entertainment system.

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History and Paperwork

Tastefully upgraded, this E46 M3 convertible comes to market from ~2 year ownership, important work like Vanos maintenance and boot floor strengthening actioned.

The car is coming out of 2 years of ownership with Ross. The car is packs a punch with is S54 engine under the hood, and has uprated modifications to take the performance a little higher. The Eventuri air intake system is said to increase the power by ~10-15bhp. Take a look at the media to see all the history included within the sale of the car. Ross will be happy to answer any questions below.

The custom numberplate 'RK53 BMW' is included within the sale. As mentioned, the car is currently wearing 19" CSL wheels, but these can be swapped for original Style 67M wheels if the new owner would prefer.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a HPi check on the vehicle.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
10.11.2022	Service	98,055
28.03.2022	MOT	95,531
20.04.2021	MOT	92,695
20.04.2021	Service	92,695
07.07.2020	Service + MOT	88,644
17.04.2020	MOT	88,288
03.05.2018	MOT	88,048
13.03.2017	MOT	87,935
18.01.2016	MOT	86,658
15.12.2015	Service	85,601
08.09.2014	Service + MOT	82,718
12.09.2013	MOT	77,294
04.10.2012	MOT	76,364
23.09.2011	MOT	74,530
01.04.2011	Service	74,397
10.06.2010	MOT	70,826
10.06.2009	Service	61,267
21.01.2009	MOT	57,294
20.06.2008	Service	49,310
31.05.2006	Service	36,264
20.07.2007	MOT	31,449
11.09.2006	MOT	27,809
12.10.2004	Service	12,432