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2005 BMW M3 Convertible (E46)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£20,900

  • Mileage~52,000
  • TransmissionManual
  • Engine3.2L
  • LocationBodmin

SOLD

2005 BMW M3 Convertible (E46)

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Introduction

Jacob Boodrie
Professional Consigner

One of the best sounding M-cars, the naturally aspirated straight six coupled with gorgeous M-Sport performance styling has made the E46 M3 a modern classic.

The BMW 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.

Finished in Imola red and only covering ~52,000 miles, this car really caught our attention. It's been owned by Amanda since 2018, she's covered little miles since and always had it serviced at her local BMW specialist.

This auction listing was written from information supplied by Jacob after meeting Amanda 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

What a beautiful car, and a quick one! I'll miss putting the roof down and listening to the straight-six during the summer.

Amanda has owned this E46 BMW M3 for ~3 years, and has really enjoyed driving the car since.

Serviced by a local specialist "BMW Autotechnics", in Amanda's ownership the convertible roof was fixed, the rear suspension springs and inner and outer tie rods were replaced.

Amanda will be happy to answer any questions you may have in the comments below.

Amanda
Vehicle Owner

Amanda saved £3,600* when they
sold their BMW with us.

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Exterior

Inspired by the iconic 70s CSL, the BMW M3 subtly stands out as the flagship model with its 3.2L S54 bulge and sleek M-Sport arches, gills, and quad pipes.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with the distinctive 67M alloys, these alloys with their low profile tyres look perfect on the M3. The wheels appear in excellent condition as they have all been refurbished in the past and subsequently driven with care.

The tyres look great too, the front tyres are Pirelli P-Zero's and dated 2020, and 2018 premium Goodyear/Eagle tyres can be found on the rear of the car. Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look at the wheels and tires.

Bodywork

The bodywork looks to be in great condition all around, with no signs of corrosion or rust observed.

The panel fit of the doors and panels looks good across the car, and open and shut with ease and a satisfying quality BMW *clunk*.

Paint

Finished in vibrant 'Imola' red, the finish of the paint is of a very high standard as you would expect. The colour really suits the shape of the car and reflected nicely showing a deep lustre on our visit.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer look at the paintwork.

Glass and Trim

The glass looks in great condition throughout, the rubber seals appear tight around the windows and not perished. There is some very light humidity in the front offside headlight.

The soft top looks in great condition with no obvious signs of wear to point out. Genuine BMW soft-top cleaner is included within the sale.

Interior

A delightfully ergonomic and luxurious full leather interior, these cars just feel right when you're in the drivers seat.

Seats and Carpets

Quality black leather seats are fitted in this example with matching carpets and door cards. The seats appear to be in very good condition and in line with the age and mileage of the car.

The carpets, headlining, wind guard, and door cards present very well, we haven't spotted any excessive wear.

Please take a look at the photos and videos for a closer view.

Dashboard

A clean and simple affair that BMW drivers will find very familiar - with the added 'M-Badge' and light-up rev limiter at 8,000-9,000 revs.

The black leather dashboard appears in great condition throughout and is free from any major cracks or wear.

Amanda reports the instruments and controls are in good working order. The airbag warning light was on during our visit.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The original M-sport steering wheel and 6-speed manual gearstick are present and appear in great condition.

Please take a look at the photos for a closer look.

Mechanics

One of the best naturally aspirated engines of the noughties - the S54 delivers a mind-blowing 338BHP to the rear wheels.

Engine and Gearbox

The main star of the show, the S54, which delivers 338BHP to the rear wheels and was praised for being one of the best naturally aspirated engines of its time.

Amanda stores the car with the battery disconnected to save it from draining. She reports that the car would benefit from a new battery, we captured the car starting and raising to temperature without fault in the mechanical video, along with a short on the road journey with Amanda's husband Steve.

Suspension and Brakes

The M3's suspension and responsive brakes enable a great sense of connection with the car on both, road and track.

Amanda and Steve report the M3 drives very well. It has benefitted from new rear springs last year, which is all documented in the history file.

The Drive

The naturally aspirated 3.2L S54 soundtrack is sensational, especially as you work your way up the rev range with the roof down. The manual gearbox, rear wheel drive set-up and weight distribution of the chassis make this a real drivers car.

Electrics and Other

Amanda reports that the electrics are in good working order, and the dashboard features its original BMW head unit.

The electric windows operate smoothly along with the convertible soft top, please see a video of the convertible roof in action in the mechanical video.

History and Paperwork

An appreciating modern classic, this BMW E46 M3 has been given the love it deserves finished in Imola red, and showing relatively low mileage it's a very attractive example.

The car comes with a good amount of provenance, with regular BMW specialist services and any required work previous carried out making it a very attractive package.

We have listed the services that have been stamped in the book, however, please review all the paperwork to see other services / work carried out on the car.

The car is currently registered on a private registration plate, this is not included with the sale and will be amended back to its original registration - 'AE55 XGR'. Official BMW soft-top cleaner and impregnating agent with UV protection will also be included within the sale.

The airbag light is currently showing on the dashboard warning lights.

We have actioned our usual checks on; Seller ID, V5, HPi.

Service History
Date Type Mileage
11.08.2021 MOT 52,043
26.08.2020 MOT 51,515
18.07.2019 MOT 49,827
18.07.2019 Service 49,823
28.07.2018 MOT 45,310
28.07.2018 Service 45,301
20.04.2018 MOT 45,008
08.04.2017 MOT 43,810
07.11.2016 Service 42,856
09.04.2016 MOT 41,808
04.04.2015 MOT 39,187
04.04.2014 MOT 36,010
23.01.2014 Service 35,267
04.04.2013 MOT 32,506
02.04.2012 MOT 32,506
10.10.2011 Service 27,583
01.03.2011 MOT 21,653
08.06.2010 MOT 18,642
17.05.2010 Service n/a
07.12.2009 MOT 18,528
25.11.2008 MOT 15,754
06.03.2007 Service 8,476
09.02.2006 Service 1,261
Key Details
  • ModelM3 (E46) Convertible
  • TransmissionManual
  • Reg. Date16.12.2005
  • CC3,246
  • Mileage~52,000
  • HistoryGood
  • ColourImola Red
  • Interior ColourBlack
  • Interior TrimLeather
  • Chassis #WBSBR92010PM97818
  • Engine #61233667
  • MOTYes. Exp - 10.08.2022
  • MOT ExemptNo
  • Road Tax ExemptNo
  • HPi ClearYes - clear
  • Former Keepers5
  • Tyre TreadGood
  • Tyre BrandGoodyear/Pirelli/Eagle
  • Tyre Age2018/20
  • Security SysStandard
  • LHD or RHDRHD
  • VisitedYes
  • Sale TypePrivate
  • Owned3 years
  • Key FeatureCondition and mileage







Vehicle Sold

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Ask Questions
Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.
10 Comments
Pete
Pete
3 years ago

Hi has sub frame and vanos been looked at? Also how’s the rear diff?

Pete48
Pete48
  Amanda K
3 years ago

hi Amanda thanks

rod bearings?

what is the underneath of the car like?

any dents/scratches anywhere on the bodywork?

thank you

Pete48
Pete48
  Amanda K
3 years ago

Hi Amanda

yes could I talk to them please

Pete48
Pete48
  Amanda K
3 years ago

hi amanada

thanks I called them

are the wing mirrors electric folding or manual?

is there a reserve price?

Kulraj Salh
Admin
  Pete48
3 years ago

Hi Pete48, all cars on auction have a reserve, unless stated as a “No Reserve” auction. Good luck with the bidding. Best, Kulraj – Trade Classics

Nad
Nad
3 years ago

Hi there, any idea why the airbag light is on? Also when was the subframe and vanos inspected last? Thank you in advance

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Vehicle Location

Bodmin, Cornwall

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