The Driveway: 2005 BMW E46 M3 (manual) convertible

BMWBLOG’s “The Driveway” series returns this week with another fan’s favorite. This week, “The Driveway” features a 2005 BMW E46 M3 in the convertible guise and with a six-speed manual transmissions. The E46 M3 needs almost no introduction. It is often regarded as one of the best M3s ever made and especially most fun to drive.

Its looks are sort of timeless and its engine is legendary. The E46 M3 came with a 3.2 liter inline-six engine developing 333 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. It could hit 0-60 in 5.1 seconds and had an electronically controlled top speed of 155 mph. The I6 in the E46 M3 is one of the better one’s BMW ever made. With its Double VANOS variable valve timing and 7,900 rpm redline, the 3.2 liter screams through the rev range with smooth and linear power. It also makes a fantastic sound doing it.

Let’s have a look.

Your Name:
Robbie Khan

Your Car (year/make/model):
2005 BMW E46 M3 (manual) convertible

Time of Ownership:
2 years

What made you buy it?:

From the first time I saw and heard one many years ago on TV, I knew I wanted one. The styling is classic yet still modern, and the engine makes a superb noise.

Things you like:

The climb from 3000rpm to 8300rpm with the carbon airbox induction noise bellowing throughout. It’s a noise that never gets old and puts a smile on the faces of all passengers.

I like how the cabin is laid out. The centre console and dash are styled more like a sloped cockpit than a flat wall dash like on newer cars. I like that everything has a good quality feel to it and with weight. No scratchy cheap plastic trim bits in sight.

Nursing! The S54 requires gentle footing until the oil temp reaches optimum temperature. Before this the engine will grumble like its been forced out of a slumber. I like this kind of character. It’s not an ideal car to just get up and go, and certainly isn’t suited to short journeys. It wants to be driven on the motorway at speed, or around the sweeps of winding A and B roads.

I love the sound of the engine when manually blipping the throttle on downshifts. Coupled with the Eventuri,m, it’s more like a bark.

Things you’d change:

The 19″ alloys are nice, but they stone chip too easily and corrode too quickly. I’d rather get CSL wheels, but they’re very expensive…

Modifications Done:

– Evolve stage 1 remap (+20BHP, +15Nm)
– Evolve Eventuri carbon air intake

– Android double din OEM style head unit with 3G data for apps/streaming/Waze etc

– LED turn signal bulbs for front repeaters

– CSL rear diffuser body coloured

– PFC Z-Rated brake pads

– Goodridge braided stainless steel brake lines

– Full detail, wheel refurb and ceramic paint protection, as well as cosmetic replacements for common wear parts, steering wheel, gear knobs etc.

Any Adventures?:

North Coast 500 completed a few months back. almost exactly 2000 miles return from coast to coast. I don’t use the car for daily commuting, but have done over 20,000 miles on it so far, so long trips away are fairly regular!

Costs:

£13k ($16k) with hardtop at 61k mileage.

What’s Next (Next car, next adventure, etc.)?:
A track day coming up at Bedford Autodrome, and potential European road trip for 2017.
In terms of  replacing the M3, I have no plans to ever replace it, and am more likely to get an electric car to sit alongside it when the time comes for a daily driver!

The Driveway Template:

Your Name:
Your Car (year/make/model):
Time of Ownership:
What made you buy it?:
Things you like:
Things you’d change:
Modifications Done:
Any Adventures?:
Costs:
What’s Next (Next car, next adventure, etc.)?:
Any Pictures:

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