2013 BMW 335i (E93) Convertible Auto

Highlights 

• Gorgeous low mileage example

• Twin Scroll-turbo 335i N55

• 304bhp and 0-60mph in 5.8 secs

• BMW Individual interior features

• Full main-dealer service history

 

Overview

Neat, unfussy and undeniably elegant, the ‘E93’ version of the BMW 3-Series convertible was the brand’s first folding hardtop model, following in the path of Mercedes-Benz, which had pioneered the sector with the SLK. 

It was a leap of faith for BMW, as the ragtop had been a staple of the brand’s model range since the E30 convertible arrived in 1986, though when it debuted, a standard hardtop coupe remained in the form of the E92 for those who didn’t want the expense or complexity of the folding hardtop.

Those who did, though, bagged themselves what was arguably the best-ever BMW four-seater convertible from a driver’s perspective, especially with the roof up. It’s tighter, more agile and more refined – and in the case of this example, devilishly quick thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharged 3.0-litre straight six. 

First, let’s focus on the style. Not only is the E93 a great-looking car – arguably the best-looking iteration of the 5th generation 3-Series – but it’s also beautifully engineered. It’s an ingenious piece of kit, too. The three-piece hard top convertible roof folds away into the rear deck in just 30 seconds and can also be operated from the key fob as well as the internal controls. The roof stows itself away inside a rear deck and is far smaller than the canvas roof on previous 3-Series cabriolets, leaving decent luggage space, as well.

Yet with the roof up, the E93 looks like a coupe with a smooth and perfectly curved roofline. The aesthetics of the hardtop aren’t marred with any bumps or obvious joints, either — it’s a beautiful design that truly compliments the appearance of the vehicle, as well as adding to its refinement when used with the roof up. It’s genuinely the best of both worlds.

With prices of good ones holding firm, it's a car that’s rapidly coming of age, with BMW enthusiasts going out of their way to find immaculate well-maintained examples that are guaranteed to become collectors’ items in the future given the car’s stylishness and its historical importance to BMW as a whole.

This example is probably one of the best there is out there. One of the last E93s made – a 2013 Model Year – it was a factory order with a number of BMW Individual options including a black Alcantara headlining and Piano Black interior highlights, along with special order Azurite Black pearlescent paint, Dakota leather, a wind deflector and a Harman-Kardon surround sound system. It has had two keepers prior to the vendor and has been maintained by the BMW main dealer in Bury St Edmunds for all of its life, with a recorded genuine mileage of just over 22,600 from new.

The current keeper has owned it for two years, but now retired, he’s looking to slim down his car collection, having used the BMW sparingly and only in summer months during his ownership. It’s a beguiling and lovely example, the likes of which are rarely seen.

 

History and documentation

• UK V5C in the name of the vendor

• MOT to May 2025

• BMW digital service record printout showing inspections at the following intervals: 7,038 miles (2015 – main dealer), 10,525 miles (2017 - main dealer), 12,657 miles (2018 – main dealer), 14,968 miles (2019 – main dealer), 17,014 miles (2020 – main dealer), 18,852 miles (2021 – main dealer), 19,938 (2022 – main dealer), 22,252 miles (2024 – main dealer) 

• London ULEZ compliant

• Two keys

• HPI Clear

• Original handbook and book pack

Interior

• Dakota leather upholstery in lovely condition

• The only issue of note is a small break in the stitching in the driver’s side adjustable knee-rest (see photos)

• Very minor rubbing to driver’s side seat bolster

• Black Alcantara headlining

• Factory infotainment system with iDrive, nav, on board maintenance and condition monitor, BMW Media Package and Harman-Kardon surround sound audio

• M steering wheel and gear selector

• Genuine BMW floor mats

• Dual zone climate control 

• Cruise control

• Electric folding hardtop roof – retracts in 30 seconds

• Original tool kit 

• Factory option rear wind deflector

• Genuine four-seater with ISOFIX car seat mounts, ideal for families

Exterior

• Special order Azurite Black pearlescent – black, but with a deep blue sparkle

• No dents or damage, nor previous accident history

• One small mark on right-hand front lower bumper corner

• Some minor stone chips, but very hard to spot

• Some very minor paint delamination alongside roof bars

• 19-inch factory alloys in superb order with no kerb marks

• Matching Bridgestone Potenza tyres all-round, in good order

• Underside appears in good order

 

Mechanical

• 3.0-litre straight-six

• Twin-scroll turbocharger

• 304bhp

• 0-60mph in 5.8 secs

• Six-speed sports auto transmission with paddle-shift function

• Well-serviced, main dealer maintained, low-mileage car in seemingly excellent mechanical order and with no known faults

 

Summary

When BMW 3-Series convertibles get to a certain age, they can fall into the wrong hands, ending up abused, modified or simply run into the ground. The remaining (nice) examples quite rightly become classics – you only have to look at the rapidly increasing values of E36 and E46 examples to see how sought-after the best ones can quickly become. 

At 12 years old, this car is right at the point where the wheat gets sorted from the chaff. And if you’re in the market for an E93, then – put simply – you’re unlikely to find better. A genuine, lovely, unspoilt and pretty much immaculate example with the mileage of a two-year old car and the best engine this side of an M-badged model, it has ‘Future Classic’ written all over it. It is in excellent condition (although as previously detailed, there are some signs of minor age-related wear and tear). Simply look after it in the way in which it has become accustomed, and you’ve got a rather special asset as well as a delightful summer fun car that fits all the family. There’s a lot here to like! 

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 Clare, Suffolk.