• A rarely seen colourway of Phoenix Yellow paintwork and Taupe interior

• Very low original mileage of under 30,000

• The purist’s choice of manual transmission

The E46 BMW M3 Convertible was the third iteration of M3 Convertible launched in 2001. The E46 M3 followed BMW’s then current “high-rev concept” meaning that the S54 inline six engines delivered it’s impressive 343bhp just shy of the 8,000 rpm red line. Peak torque arrived at 5,000 rpm making rapid progress in the E46 M3 a visceral and thrilling experience.

Interestingly the side gills on the E46 M3 were introduced during testing. Despite it being found that they weren’t needed the gills remained becoming a much-loved design element of the car.

This pristine M3 Convertible has been in the possession of the current owner for the last two years. During that time, he has added a modest 3,000 miles of so to the incredibly low original mileage of this car.

The car was originally supplied via Dick Lovett in Bristol where it spent its first 15 years or so. During that period the car was fastidiously maintained and cared for, so the car today remains in a virtually factory-fresh condition. The current owner is only looking for an enthusiastic new owner for this car due to health issues.

The car comes with a significant amount of paperwork detailing its maintenance history. Included are the original book pack, the V5 in the name of the current owner and numerous MOT’s and invoices. There is also an interesting specification sheet detailing all the optional extras fitted to this car. Numbering some 26, the key highlights include the Harman Kardon premium stereo, heated seats, Xenon lights and 19” “LA” alloy wheels.

The all-important service book shows a full BMW dealer or specialist service history with the last entry being in 2007 at 27,003 miles – 2, 672 miles ago. This was undertaken by Dick Lovett in Bristol.

The private reg plate however, will not be sold with the car.

The interior trim is in a rarely seen Kiwi leather and contrasting black carpets and fine wood veneer dash trim. It is believed that only around 200 cars were supplied in this particular colourway which is very striking even on the dull December day of our shoot.

As our photographs show the interior appears to be in excellent condition throughout with no noted areas of wear or imperfection.

The black fabric hood retracts and erects very effectively and quickly as can been seen in the photographic package.

The Phoenix Yellow paintwork of this M3 really turns heads and combined with the taupe interior makes a real statement of intent for such a sport orientated convertible.

As you would expect from a sub 30,000 miles car the exterior appears to be in pristine condition in terms of both paintwork and bodywork. No areas of imperfection were noted during our visit.

The sparkling 19” M-Sport “LA” forged alloy wheels present immaculately and are clad in Continental Conti Sport Contact tyres all round in a 244/35 configuration.

In many ways the awesome S54 inline six engine is the party piece of the E46 M3. Offering huge power at impressively high revs, the S54 always provides drama in both sound and kinetic energy delivery.

As you would expect from such a well maintained, low-mileage car, there are no issues reported with any of the highly impressive mechanical systems of this iconic millennial sports convertible.

The E46 M3 Convertible is already considered as a high watermark for M3 evolution by those in the know. The amazing S54 engine delivered sub 5 second 0-60 mph times and 150+ mph top speeds all wrapped in a practical and sublimely comfortable coupe body.

In this case that body provides added wow-factor thanks to its immaculate Phoenix Yellow over Taupe colourway. A perfect accompaniment to an already head-turning BMW hero-car. 

Consider the above and the fact that this is a sub-30,000 miles car with a full BMW service history and the sought after manual gearbox and you surely have one of the most appealing M3 Convertibles available on the market today. Don’t miss out.