2004 BMW M3 Convertible (E46) SMG

Highlights

• E46 M3: is there a better-looking M3?
• 3.2-litre straight-six
• SMG Gearbox
• Black Nappa leather
• Well-presented example

Overview

Arguably the best-looking M3 ever produced, at least in cabriolet form, the M-Division styling team achieved the perfect balance of aggression and elegance with the E46. This evolution of the M3 boasts a muscular stance and signature M-specific details, including quad exhaust tailpipes, flared wheel arches, and distinctive front and rear bumpers. For those who enjoy open-top motoring, the convertible model does not disappoint. With the touch of a button, the roof can be lowered, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the sound of the high-revving straight-six engine.

Powered by a 3.2-litre inline-six engine (S54) producing 343 horsepower, the E46 M3 delivers smooth performance and an exhilarating exhaust note. The SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) offers paddle-shift gear changes and the shift speed can be tailored to your mood, from mooch to manic.

This beautiful 2004 E46 M3 is now available after an impressive 17 years with its current owner. As evidenced by its well-maintained service book, it has been meticulously cared for over the past 40,000 miles. Prior to this, only two individuals have had the privilege of owning this iconic modern classic M3 convertible.

History and Documentation

• UK registered 18th June 2004
• V5C is present and in the owner's name
• Two previous keepers
• In current ownership 17 years
• Private registration M3 XJF included with the car
• The current MOT is valid until 19th July 2025
• Two keys and the valet key are included
• Original sales brochure
• The owner's manuals and wallet are present
• Previous service history dates are as follows: Running-in check: Jul 2004 @ 1,341 miles, Mar 2005 @ 10,728 miles, Aug 2005 @ 17,087 miles, date unspecified but presumed 2006 @ 26,538 miles, Jun 2007 @ 34,143 miles, Aug 2009 @ 43,433 miles, Jun 2014 @ 52,880 miles, Oct 2017 @ 61,800 miles, Sep 2022 @ 72,190 miles
• Some previous invoices are included for parts and work carried out
• HPI clear

Interior

• Black Nappa leather seats and door cards with embossed M logo on the front headrests
• Electric and heated front seats with memory function on each
• The seats are in excellent condition, with just a tiny amount of creasing on the front seats, in keeping with the M3's age
• The rear seats are excellent and don’t appear to have been used a lot
• The black dashboard is finished with brushed aluminium trim and is free from any damage
• No warning lights are displayed when the car is running
• The leather ‘M’ steering wheel is in good order, with the ‘M’ coloured stitching clearly visible
• All the switchgear appears to be in good condition with no signs of wear on the buttons, and is all reported to work correctly
• The factory head unit is in place and includes satellite navigation
• Harmon Kardon speaker system
• There are a few minor scuffs to the trim just in front of the gear lever
• Inside, the boot is clean and tidy
• Always a sign of a well-cared-for vehicle: the original tool kit is complete

Exterior

• Fantastic M3 convertible body with its aggressive looks and purposeful stance
• Finished in Carbon Metallic Black
• The exterior is in good order, with equal panel gaps
• There is a very small ding approximately 100mm onto the nearside rear quarter panel; a paintless dent removal specialist could possibly remove this
• The paintwork presents very well
• There are a couple of minor scratches and a small amount of lacquer peel around a parking sensor on the offside rear bumper, as well as a small scuff on the nearside front bumper
• Rear parking sensors
• The headlights and fog lights are free from any splits or cracks in the lenses
• LED rear lights are in good order with no damage
• The fabric convertible roof is in excellent condition and operates as it should
• The 19-inch polished wheels have tarnished a little, and there are a couple of minor kerb marks, but these wouldn’t take a tremendous amount of work to restore by a local wheel refurbisher
• Continental tyres on each corner have a good amount of tread remaining

Mechanical

• 3,246 cc S54 straight-six engine
• Produces approximately 343 bhp and 269 lb-ft of torque
• Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)
• Rear-wheel drive
• Four stainless steel tailpipes allow the 3.2-litre to emit its finest tune
• The engine bay shows no signs of any leaks
• Cross-drilled discs on each corner bring the car to a stop in a straight line
• No knocks or bangs are reported to come from either end of the car
• The car starts up without hesitation, and the vendor reports that the car is running as it should with no issues

Summary

It won’t be long before the warmer months are here, and what better way to start them than with an E46 BMW M3 convertible!

Capable of seating the whole family with a decent-sized boot, fantastic styling, a superb luxury Nappa leather interior and the icing on the cake: the tremendous S54 3.2-litre straight-six. This makes the M3 convertible a very usable modern-day classic, which, if kept in proper condition, is surely an ideal investment opportunity.

To arrange a viewing, please request this in the Q&A section. You can click through to the seller's profile and use the 'Email Me' function to arrange a viewing privately. This seller is located in Maidstone, Kent.