2004 BMW M3 Convertible

As a fan of older Audis and Volkswagens, I’m envious of the BMW market – but not for the reason that probably many BMW enthusiasts believe other people are envious of them. I’m envious simply because, like with the Porsche 911 market, any day of the week you can select the model you like – right through the 1970s – and you’ll have multiple excellent or very good examples to choose from. That’s something that simply doesn’t occur in the VAG market; indeed, even finding really excellent examples of 10-15 year old Audis is now a feat. But if you’re a fan of the M3, you can be assured that you won’t have to wait long for a really great example to pop up. Recent posts about the E36 have brought up that the North American model wasn’t really up to M snuff in many ways, and to solve that problem BMW upped the ante with the E46 M3; a snarling, 330 horsepower naturally aspirated inline-6 in its ultimate S54 form lay under the hood and, while track addicts rejoiced in the quick-shifting SMG transmission, today most people in the market are looking for the 6-speed manual that offers a closer connection to the driving experience and arguably lower repair bills. And while, as a New England resident, I’m on the hunt for a coupe, were I in a warmer climate I can certainly see the appeal of a convertible:

CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2004 BMW M3 Convertible on TradeNetAuto

Year: 2004
Model: M3 Convertible
Engine: 3.2 liter inline-6
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 83,000 mi
Price: $23,499 Buy It Now

2004 BMW M3

For sale is my babied 2004 M3 Convertible. Vehicle is in mint condition, always maintained in quality shops in South Florida, always taken to the dealer for inspections. Car is mechanically stock, except for a Rogue Engineering short shift kit, drives great, feels great. Never abused. Always maintained with OEM parts. Highlights are new front control arms, control arm bushings, sway bars, rear trailing arm bushings and OEM shocks and struts. Inspection 2 (valve adjustment, major maintenance) performed at 74,000 miles. Tires were replaced recently, good tread on all four Michelin Super Sports. Extra goodies are Umnitza Angel Eyes on the front headlights and a BavSound bluetooth USB port for the factory radio. Harman Kardon sound and Sirius XM are also there. With sale comes a pair of never used CSL front splitters that I never got to install. Reason for sale is I now need a bigger vehicle.

Features

AC Front
Airbag Driver
Airbag Passenger
Airbag Side
Alarm
Alloy Wheels
AM FM Radio
Anti-Lock Brakes
Bucket Seats
CD Single Disc
Cruise Control
Fog Lights
Leather Interior
Memory Seats
Power Locks
Power Seats
Power Windows
Premium Sound
Rear Window Defroster
Tinted Glass

A good friend of mine has a M3 convertible, and it’s always enjoyable to go for a ride or drive it. for a car that’s capable of delivering what was close to supercar performance in the 1980s, it’s remarkably easy to drive and live with. He describes it as one of the last BMWs that you really can work on yourself, something that in a digital age has a reassuring ring to it. When discussing buying one with him, he’s quick to say “don’t worry about the color, look for the car that’s been maintained properly”. And when perusing the used M3 market, there certainly are a plethora of poor quality, heavily modified examples out there. It’s refreshing to see one with under 100,000 miles and in nearly all-original condition, but also with the recommended maintenance performed. That continues down to the road through the not-cheap Michelin tires; too many I’ve seen on the market have mis-matched budget brands. I particularly love the 19″ option wheels as they really make the M3 stand out even if they’re heavier than some other alloys. Condition appears to be very good overall, and though the color is listed just as black in one photo it looks closer to Carbon Black; a tough color to fully appreciate from photos, it’s truly dynamic in light and if polished up is staggeringly beautiful in person. Can you get an M3 convertible cheaper than this example? Sure, you absolutely can – but you may end up paying the same or more after undoing modifications and doing all the repairs to get it right. While the flood of used M3s has depressed the values of the E46 model, it’s still an amazing bit of machinery that will seldom fail to leave you with a smile.

-Carter