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 thecollectables.nl:
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 thecollectables.nl for the complete maintenance history with invoices.

Included with sale

Two keys
Hardtop
Hardtop trolley
BMW cover

For over 150 photos and the complete description, please visit www.thecollectables.com