BMW E46 Convertible Manual Gearbox

So, I'm pretty set on buying one of these soon (actually for my wife)

Does anyone have any good/bad/indifferent info, other than the norm from the web?

I'm very interested in a 1 or 2 owner, lots of records and maintenance to prove that.

If anyone knows of one floating about that is not online, please let me know.

Specs:

Convertible

No white (only color stipulation really)

Absolutely no SMG gearboxes

100K miles max

Clean title and CARFAX

That's really about it. I'd like to budget $10-15K range.

Thanks for a heads up if you're out there!

 

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.

 

Hmmmm. All good comments thus far. Thank you guys.

The above comment has me thinking, maybe I step up and buy her a 996 Turbo (which is really what I want lol)

 

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.

3 Series - Enthusiast Auto Group Performance BMW?s For Sale for sale at Enthusiast Auto

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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I knew this would happen....


Thinking I might move to an E36, and include coupes in my search.

Harder than I thought to find a clean, reasonably priced one (KBB based)

Anyone have a line?

 

Check bringatrailer.com. I think there might be couple on there.

 

Joe I appreciate the heads up.

BaT has some awesome cars, but I'm not about paying some of the crazy bidding prices I see trickling through there

Some of the final bids are mind blowing for regular dime a dozen cars

 

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!

 

I pulled the trigger


Bought a beautiful 1999 E36 M3 Silver on Dove Convertible, manual gearbox

I'm excited. Great maintenance and lots of new parts.

I can't wait for it to be picked up!

 

Congratulations! That sounds like a lovely car.

 

Thanks! Excited. And my wife has no clue. It's a surprise for her and I told her I bought an Audi Avant wagon, because, you know, kids and stuff lol. Little does she know...
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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.

 

^^^^^^^^^

We shall be talking! Today was the day. She had no clue and absolutely LOVES it
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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.

 

Thanks Kurt! Thank you for the kind words!

It is the best!

 

It fits well.

I'll snap a pic this week. I put a blanket down to not mar the leather.

 

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