2013 BMW M3 Cabriolet Limited Edition 500 (E93) Manual

[Joe Reid]

https://www.pistonheads.com/buy/listing/17997828

[cuda]

Blue Black pain - you mean BMW's Carbon Black?

[Richard Austen]

This has been the subject of much debate in the office, with members of our team competing for the title of 'biggest BMW nerd'. While we agree that it looks like Carbon Black, the paint code on the door suggests that it's an individual colour, which would point to Frozen Black. However, the lack of Individual door sills calls this into question, hence the non-specific description of the colour. Whatever the name of the paint colour, we're sure you'll agree that it looks fabulous!

[dilshan86]

Can someone confirm whether any remedial work has been done to the rod bearings and throttle actuators?

[Joe Reid]

I can confirm that 2 actuators were replaced in January 2025. One was showing an intermittent issue but I decided to replace both. Invoice is available.
No issues have ever arisen with rod bearings.

[JJ77]

Thanks. So the Rod Bearings have never been changed in your ownership?

[Joe Reid]

I have just spoken with the garage that maintains the car and the mechanic has confirmed that the rod bearings have never been replaced. He said that there has never been any problem or indication of anything untoward in that area.

[E9xM3]

This is a 1 of 22 LE500 E93 M3s finished in Individual Carbon Black.

It is the only one of the 22 to come paired with a Manual transmission.

Whilst BMW set out to make 'up to' 500 LE500s, they ended up making only 484:-

- 279 x E92
- 205 x E93

The LE500s were available in the following colours:

- Mineral White
- Imola Red 2
- Santorini Blue 2
- Carbon Black
- Tanzanite Blue
- Stratus Grey

1 E92 LE500 came erroneously finished in Alpine White.

[E9xM3]

Richard Austen said:

This has been the subject of much debate in the office, with members of our team competing for the title of 'biggest BMW nerd'. While we agree that it looks like Carbon Black, the paint code on the door suggests that it's an individual colour, which would point to Frozen Black. However, the lack of Individual door sills calls this into question, hence the non-specific description of the colour. Whatever the name of the paint colour, we're sure you'll agree that it looks fabulous!

It is Individual Carbon Black, one of 6 colours available on the LE500 special edition. 22 E93 and 11 E92 LE500 buyers chose this colour.

Strangely, I've never seen an Individual E9x M3 with factory fitted 'Individual' door sills, though I've subsequently fitted some to my own.

[maura]

Yes it’s Carbon Black, says so on the under bonnet sticker photo, Carbon Schwarz, Code 416, might need to go to Spec Savers though! Yes not many made but wrong gearbox for the E90 range, DCT is made for this engine, and Convertible E93 are 200 kg heavier than Coupe E92 with its hard top, defeats the purpose of this car. E92 Coupe with DCT in Carbon or Tanzanite yes please, but Manual E93 Convertible no thanks..

[Rob Slom]

Hi,

I am the consignor of this car and I wanted to just make a point following a few questions regarding if it has had its running in service. We all know how vital they are on this era of M car.

The current owner ordered this car new and with a five year service plan, so I can 100% confirm that it had the running in service. It was carried out at 1145 miles on the 09/09/2013. We have uploaded additional documentation to the listing as of now showing all the BMW service records from carried out over the five year plan.

If you have any further questions do get in touch.

Warm regards,
Robert Slomczynski

[JJ77]

Hi Maura, know you from the Ferrari threads! Yeah that’s fair comment on the gearbox but wasn’t aware of the 200kg difference between Coupe & Cabriolet, wow that’s some penalty! Did the Coupe come with Carbon Fibre roof option?

[E9xM3]

JJ77 said:

Hi Maura, know you from the Ferrari threads! Yeah that’s fair comment on the gearbox but wasn’t aware of the 200kg difference between Coupe & Cabriolet, wow that’s some penalty! Did the Coupe come with Carbon Fibre roof option?

A Carbon Roof was standard fit on UK E92 M3s. In fact, just 4 UK E92 M3s chose a sunroof, meaning they came without the Carbon Roof.

As the E93 has the metal folding roof, that's where the extra weight comes from. That said, it still shifts.

[JJ77]

E9x.. thanks for info.. so all LE 500 Coupes have the Carbon Roof then..

[E9xM3]

JJ77 said:

E9x.. thanks for info.. so all LE 500 Coupes have the Carbon Roof then..

Yes, all 279 LE500 Coupes came with a Carbon Roof, although one drawback of the LE500 special edition is that none came fitted with the Competition Pack.


As a footnote, the 4 UK E92 Coupes to come with a Sunroof were all Pre-LCI, one being a Space Grey 2006 pre-series car, the other 3 were Alpine White, including one special edition car, a 2009 'Edition' (KA335). One of these was an accidental order by Stephen James BMW, Bromley. When it arrived, they had to re-order the correctly spec'd car again for the buyer.

As of today, only the sunroof equipped Alpine Edition has a current MOT, though one of the others expired just a few weeks back, so may reappear.

[Ian Morrison]

Had an E93 M3 LCI manual for four years from 2019 to 2023 and really miss it. I know they are heavy but when you put the roof down the weight is low down and towards the rear which actually meant it handled really well with good traction. You also could properly hear the V8 exhaust, which you can't in the E90 and E92. I've still not found anything to replace it, even a Boxster S doesn't compare. And when it rains or you need to blast down the motorway, just raise the roof and enjoy the same refinement as the coupe or saloon, unlike a canvas roof. Only 18 MPG though!