The E46 BMW M3 Convertible combines real-world practicality with near supercar performance. The styling is relatively understated yet noticeably more muscular than the standard 3 series. It is noticeably bigger and more refined than the E36 that it replaced but keeps the ingredients the same.
The greatest feature of this car is the engine which has smooth and substantial power delivery, but the chassis is equally impressive providing sharp handling. As a whole, the M3 is a very well thought out package and the convertible loses little of the coupe’s abilities. Some still prefer this car to the later E90 BMW M3 as it has a more immediate appeal and the classic normally aspirated straight-six cylinder engine.
The iconic engine was created with a steel block rather than the aluminium of the rest of the range. This was done in order to fit the capacity and withstand the high compression while fitting into a normal-sized engine bay. The same engine was used in the E36 M3 and Z4M but saw its highest power output in the E46 BMW M3.
Just got an 04 E46 M3 convertible. My third BMW Convertible. Each one I buy with low miles and sell before they hit 99k miles. I’ve had 325 – 328- and now M3. I looked close at Jag. Porshe, Mercedes, and some vintage. I also drive a mini van for work. The convertible is my “fun car”. For me I need the space of a 4 seat car with a trunk to haul guitars to gigs. The M3 is fantastic, quick, great looking, and so fun to drive it’s therapy. I always take the long way home. My last 328iC was cheapest car I ever owned because of it’s resale and reliablity. Now the gas mileage on the 333 bhp is really pretty good. M3s look is less “dig me” than the Jag or Merc. It’s really sexy yet subtle. (Look at those “gills” and wheels) my advice is skip the SMG and get the 6 speed. My humble opinion is blue and grey are best colors. Get one and just try to stop smirking.