BMW E46 M3 Cabriolet

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About this Collectable

A Dutch delivered E46 M3 Cabriolet in Carbonschwarz with Cognac interior with full service history. Full stop.

In fact, the first sentence should be enough to give a complete recommendation for this four-seater convertible. Of all the recent 3-Series models, the E46 resembles the original the most. That is probably why this model has the best chance of becoming a future classic. It is a model that was still designed with a ruler and a pencil. From whichever side you look at the car, no one will doubt that it is a BMW.

The connoisseur recognises this car immediately as an M3, a glance at the small grilles on the front wings says it all. At the back, the four exhaust pipes indicate the special six-in-line that is found under the bonnet. Although this is one of the most subtle versions of the M3, it is still a special car. And perhaps for that very reason. Compare it to its contemporary, the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG or the current version of the M3 and you'll immediately see why.

The award-winning (several years, in several countries 'Engine of the Year') three-litre six-in-line (S54) of this M3 Cabriolet is coupled to the rear wheels via the SMG-II gearbox. When the E46 M3 came on the market, this was the fastest shifting robotised gearbox on the market. 

This M3 was delivered new by BMW dealer Kalfsbeek in 2002 in Carbon black, with cognac colored leather upholstery and the original wheels. Rod bearings and VANOS were replaced and overhauled in recent years and the full service history including invoices are present. 

Our opinion

This is a BMW as tradition dictates: six-in-line, lots of power, rear-wheel drive and not too big or too heavy. With a fabric convertible roof, which in our eyes is still the most beautiful design for a convertible. Add to this the fact that this is an unmodified model, which is becoming increasingly rare for older M3s. 

The colour Carbonschwarz gets a bluish glow in the sun, which is perfect for a convertible. The E46 M3 is starting to become an appreciated modern classic.

Equipment 

This car is factory equipped with, among other things: 

• S210A Dynamic stability control
• S431A Inside mirror, automatically dimming
• S459A Electrically adjustable seats with memory
• S481A Sports seat
• S534A Automatic air conditioning
• S710A M Sport steering wheel multifunction
• S302A Alarm system
• S380A Hardtop preperation (hardtop + trolley present)
• S388A Black convertible top
• S441A Smoker kit
• S473A Front armrest
• S494A Heated seats driver/passenger
• S502A Headlight cleaning system
• S508A Park Distance Control (PDC)
• S521A Rain sensor
• S522A Xenon light
• S661A BMW Business radio (C43)
• S760A High-gloss Shadow line
• S792A BMW LM wheel M 19" forged
• S793A M-Series sequential transmission Drivelogic

Modifications

None, besides a Nokia carkit this E46 M3 is still in its original condition.

Remarks

This M is in very good overall condition. There are signs of use, belonging to a car of 20 years old and shown on the photos:

• Light stone chipping at the front
• In 2010, during a holiday in Italy, an Italian lady in her Yaris came down the mountain a little too enthusiastically and (under)steered her Yaris into the flank of the M3. This damage was professionally addressed by BMW dealer Kalfsbeek (see extensive documentation in the invoices). The chassis was not damaged and the airbags did not deploy. The damage report and photos of the incident are available on request.

Service history

The first owner had all maintenance done by BMW dealer Kalfsbeek. The current owner switched the maintenance to First Stop Flakkee, because the owner of that company is an E46 M3 specialist. The most important points of the recent maintenance history are:

• MOT - 30 May 2022
• Major service, MOT inspection, changing filters and oil - May 2021 - € 1.738,01
• Major maintenance, including rod bearings  - May 2020 - € 3,796.73
• VANOS replaced - 2020 

See photos for the complete maintenance history with invoices. 

Included with sale

• Two keys
• Hardtop
• Hardtop trolley
• BMW cover

About the seller

An M3 was also high on Frank's 'to have at some point in the future' list. In 2010, he found this car, which came from the first owner. Since then he has driven about 55,000 kilometres with it, but now it is time for him to change the owner.

Frank is facing retirement, and a relocation to a foreign country. As a true car enthusiast, he still has a few cars left in his collection, including a 1981 Triumph Spitfire TC 1500, an Abarth 595 La Pista and a BMW M140i for more everyday driving. 

Frank is quoted on his E46 M3 Cabriolet: 'A unique car and a unique experience. A car you never get tired of. The lines of the car are so stylish and recognisable that the enthusiasts (even in Italy) give you the thumbs up when you drive by'.

Summary

Seller - Frank
Seller type - Private
Location - Barendrecht
VIN - WBSBR91000EX11520
Registration number - 76-JK-FV
Year/date of production - 2002
First registration - 07-05-2002
Mileage - 139.594
Verifiable - Yes, NAP and invoices
Warranty - No
Body type - Cabriolet
Engine - 3,246 cm3 six cylinder
Lay-out - Rear wheels
Transmission - 6 speed SMG-II
Exterior colour - Carbon black
Interior colour - Cognac brown
Upholstery - Leather
Smoker's car - No
Owners - Two
In possession since - 2010
Tyres - Michelin Super Sport 6,5mm - 2020

The description of this Collectable has been created with the utmost care, based on information from and validated by the seller. The Collectables performs a (pre) selection based on the information provided and consults public sources for any irregularities. However, bidders themselves must ascertain the correctness of the description and can, if desired, have a personal investigation carried out. All Collectables on our platform can be subjected to any possible inspection, investigation or valuation by buyers in advance, of course in consultation with the seller. Please refer to our Terms and Conditions for more details.