BMW E46 Convertible Manual Gearbox

I had an SMG one. Was my gateway drug to a Ferrari. Loved it but would definitely go for a 6-speed.

Personally I liked the blue, silver, and grey colors they offered best. Not sure I have ever seen a white one. Black seemed dull. The yellow they offered was obnoxious. And the red just never worked for me on that model.

Get one with 19" wheels - they really make the car.

If your wife likes audio, I would also highly recommend the subwoofer upgrade from Bavsound. I did it in mine and it was insane.

 

I always liked the competition package... not sure if that's available on the convo.

When you said no white, it made me think how nice white would be on that car... makes it look classic.

gt1995, how was the car compared to your ferrari? seriously though...

 

I owned one for two years and overall I didn't enjoy the driving experience. The issues were 1) flex and 2) the extra weight really muted (blunted?) the throttle response compared with the coupe. It was fast enough if you really beat on it, but in general around town cruising it felt slow--throttle tip in just wasn't great. There is a sport mode (or button, I don' quit recall) which changes the mapping for the electronic throttle--I really didn't like it as it just made over-slipping the clutch much more likely, and the programming felt artificial (and the car still felt slow). I have a manual 911 with the same sort of sport e-throttle calibration, and I love it on that car.

Make sure the lower end bearing repair was done, if you consider a car within the years effected. Otherwise it was a great cruiser--well screwed together, luxurious, etc.

 

I fully agree with Scotty's comments. You'd be better off with a convertible 330ci if you went for an E46. I'd suggest a e92/3 335 though. It's a much better car, more power, more low down and less "M" trade off's.

 

We love the e46 (although we have a slushbox for my wife).

I bought an M5 from these guys- check out this 330- automatic, but red and ZHP package- I wouldn't pick red for this car when it was new, but now in 2017 I think it looks great! Such classic designs before Bangel. EAG cars are pricy but they start with the best cars and do EVERYTHING to make them turnkey/as new.

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I sought out a white 330CI convertible when looking for my wife- to each his own of course, but I think the 330CI looks great in white!

 

In the fall I backed into a spot with my wife's 330 one day- someone else with a newer gen white 3 did the same so I snapped this picture. A good comparison- I just love the lines of the E46...

It's a fun car to zip around with (personally I'd love a drop top E46 stick M3 convertible, but my wife doesn't drive a 3 pedal and I was not interested in SMG). She says it's plenty quick for her though
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Check bringatrailer.com. I think there might be couple on there.

 

No line, but I own a 98 M3 Sedan manual tranny. You can see how I felt about the E46 above. Mine has 38K miles--becoming a Unicorn, for sure. I looked for 3 years, finally found one. Unmolested one are becoming very rare.

 

Get ready for a shocker, the e36 prices are going to aggravate you even worse than the e46. e36s prices have been going up slow and steady for a couple years now.

KBB is disconnected from reality on decent e36 examples. Use the Hagerty valuation tool for the e36 if you want more realistic numbers. Yep, they added the e36 to their tool in the past few months.

You might still find a bargain e46 "with needs" out there in your specification but let's be honest, you're not looking for "regular dime a dozen car" - your wish-list and how difficult the search is prove that.

Good luck!

 

Congratulations! That sounds like a lovely car.

 

Looks great, just in time for spring.

 

It's my twin! Well, except mine is '98 with Contours (wheels). Other than that, same color combo, etc. Congrats! How many miles? Did it come with the hard-top?

I put the amber turn signals/markers back on it (instead of the Euro clears) and I think it gives it a bit more character.

Let me know if you run into any problems, might be able to help. I've been lovingly restoring mine to factory-fresh for the past 2-3 years since I bought it.

I hope your wife enjoys it. Mine calls it "the clunker". B!tch. lol.

 

I adore cute women who enjoy a manual! My Jen is the same - X3 (daughter's cello won't fit in much else that's fun), searched for a good manual.
Well done, all around, Sir.

 

How does a car seat fit in the back?
I'm thinking about a convertible that will fit a car seat in the back.

 

Bro , how cute is that. Congrats. All the best Kenny.