New Ytest
Sign out
Bimmerpost
Login
BMW E39 5-Series Forum | 5Post.com
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Today's Posts  
Go Back   BMW E39 5-Series Forum | 5Post.com > BIMMERPOST Universal Forums > Classic BMW (Pre-2005 Models)

Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      06-02-2022, 09:23 AM   #1
bese60
Lieutenant
238
Rep
519
Posts

 
Drives: 2021 M340i
Join Date: May 2018
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Considering a E46 M3 Convertible - Anyone Owned One?

Has anyone owned one in the past? Considering buying a convertible as they're cheaper....
Appreciate 0
      06-03-2022, 01:44 AM   #2
petediddie
Enlisted Member
17
Rep
30
Posts

 
Drives: 2012 E92
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (0)

I owned a MT e46 for about 3 years and sold it last year for an e92. It was my daily driver and it was such a great car. I can honestly say that I enjoyed that car more than my current e92, granted, I’m still getting used to my e92 as I don’t drive it very often (work from home now). It was perfectly sized and the power was just the right amount to enjoy without getting into trouble. I don’t track the car so it being a convertible never bothered me. Also, it being a convertible was a plus since I live in SoCal, although I tend to drive it with the top down more often when it’s cold out than when it’s hot. So I guess it depends on what purpose you’re going to use it for. Daily driver? Go for it. Weekend trip? Yes. Weekend enthusiast? Might not live up to your expectations.
Appreciate 1
bese60237.50
      06-10-2022, 09:46 AM   #3
BimaXking
Coast Guard
11
Rep
7
Posts

 
Drives: M5
Join Date: Jun 2022
Location: United States Of America

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by bese60 View Post
Has anyone owned one in the past? Considering buying a convertible as they're cheaper....
Quote:
Originally Posted by bese60 View Post
Has anyone owned one in the past? Considering buying a convertible as they're cheaper....
Never owned a convertible before
Appreciate 1
      06-10-2022, 11:18 AM   #4
Razkal
Private
Canada
37
Rep
82
Posts

 
Drives: '16 435i cabrio & '09 E90 328i
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Toronto

iTrader: (0)

I have owned an E46 M3 coupe and a convertible. Absolutely amazing cars providing a raw experience and you feel very connected to the car - especially in manuals... They are great and you would definitely remember the experience of owning one. Here are the ones I had...
Attached Images
  
__________________


2016 F33 ///Msport 435 Cabrio - Sapphire Black / Fox Red

2009 E90 ///Msport 328i LCI Sedan - Space Grey / Saddle Brown
Appreciate 2
GERMAN M34222.50
Lucky1698.50
      06-10-2022, 10:26 PM   #5
NickyC
Lieutenant General
NickyC's Avatar
19163
Rep
11,173
Posts

 
Drives: M4 CS. Former G82, x2 F82, F80
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Jacked out of my mind

iTrader: (23)

Out of all the many ///M cars I've ever owned, it was the only one that didn't feel special to me and I sold it within 2 months of ownership (01 6MT Imola Red). Just my personal opinion, maybe I was expecting more at the time I don't know.
Appreciate 1
      06-11-2022, 05:51 AM   #6
MJBO
Lieutenant Colonel
MJBO's Avatar
Australia
3374
Rep
1,732
Posts

 
Drives: 2023 G81 M3 Touring
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Melbourne, Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
I had a manual E46 M3 convertible for two years and about 15,000km, and absolutely loved it! Had zero issues with it in that time, bought it with just under 100,000km on the odo.

Convertible sports cars are awesome, and I occasionally regret not buying an F83, but just loved the F82 design too much.
Attached Images
  
Appreciate 5
Cos270608.50
GERMAN M34222.50
Mani5915703.00
      06-11-2022, 02:41 PM   #7
M3WC
Brigadier General
3838
Rep
3,310
Posts

 
Drives: BMW
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: ...location...location

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by NickyC View Post
Out of all the many ///M cars I've ever owned, it was the only one that didn't feel special to me and I sold it within 2 months of ownership (01 6MT Imola Red). Just my personal opinion, maybe I was expecting more at the time I don't know.
That's funny, out of all my BMW's owned my E46 M3 is literally the only one I regret selling.
Appreciate 1
      06-11-2022, 02:42 PM   #8
KevinC
your average JAMF
KevinC's Avatar
United_States
3477
Rep
4,177
Posts

 
Drives: '21 M2 Comp, '19 Golf R
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Cochise County, AZ

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Other possible alternative: E46 ZHP convertible. Also cheaper than the coupe versions. Much more comfortable for daily-type use or relaxed weekend cruising. I had a ZHP coupe for 5 years as my daily and it was one of the best cars I've ever owned, on many levels.

https://www.classic.com/m/bmw/3-seri...rtible-manual/
__________________
'21 M2 Comp
'19 Golf R
Appreciate 1
Cos270608.50
      06-11-2022, 07:19 PM   #9
MJBO
Lieutenant Colonel
MJBO's Avatar
Australia
3374
Rep
1,732
Posts

 
Drives: 2023 G81 M3 Touring
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Melbourne, Australia

iTrader: (0)

Garage List
Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinC View Post
Other possible alternative: E46 ZHP convertible. Also cheaper than the coupe versions. Much more comfortable for daily-type use or relaxed weekend cruising. I had a ZHP coupe for 5 years as my daily and it was one of the best cars I've ever owned, on many levels.

https://www.classic.com/m/bmw/3-seri...rtible-manual/
Sorry mate, but a 330ci doesn’t remotely compare to the screaming S54 in the M3, nor does it look as awesome.
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2022, 09:56 AM   #10
Efthreeoh
General
United_States
18940
Rep
19,588
Posts

 
Drives: The E90 + Z4 Coupe & Z3 R'ster
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinC View Post
Other possible alternative: E46 ZHP convertible. Also cheaper than the coupe versions. Much more comfortable for daily-type use or relaxed weekend cruising. I had a ZHP coupe for 5 years as my daily and it was one of the best cars I've ever owned, on many levels.

https://www.classic.com/m/bmw/3-seri...rtible-manual/
I had a E46 330i Cabrio with the sport package (not much distance from the ZHP). I just sold the car after 2 years and 8 months and 35,000 miles of ownership. I agree its a nice car with the top down for casual cruising. Top up, mine was annoying because the windows needed adjustment and they rattled against the top.

Maybe the M version helps a bit with the big gain in HP, but I found the E46 convertible chassis uninspiring. It's a lot heavier than the coupe and you can feel the weight because it takes away from the 3-series driving dynamics. It flexes too much to get a decent suspension in it, so I would think the same effect would be on the M version; cutting the roof off and adding the weight of the vert top and additional bracing probably detracts from the M experience.

OP, if you get one, I have the genuine BMW wind blocker for sale. It's practically new, I bought it in May 2020.
__________________
A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission."
Appreciate 0
      06-12-2022, 10:56 AM   #11
Chick Webb
Private First Class
United_States
1316
Rep
135
Posts

 
Drives: '10 E92, '17 540i, '21 X6 M50i
Join Date: Sep 2021
Location: CA

iTrader: (0)

You might consider going with something a little newer. One nice thing about the next-gen E92 is that it's a hard-top. Not only does that help with the body flex (with the top up, of course), but it's a heck of a lot more secure (no worrying about somebody slashing your top open). Plus it comes with the happiest V-8 engine on the planet.

Looks good, too!
Attached Images
 

Last edited by Chick Webb; 06-16-2022 at 04:01 PM..
Appreciate 3
Mani5915703.00
Mosaud19984121.00
      06-15-2022, 05:15 PM   #12
Peertwelve
Captain
Peertwelve's Avatar
No_Country
782
Rep
914
Posts

 
Drives: Silverstone E92 M3
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Seattle

iTrader: (2)

Garage List
2008 BMW M3  [3.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by BimaXking View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by bese60 View Post
Has anyone owned one in the past? Considering buying a convertible as they're cheaper....
Quote:
Originally Posted by bese60 View Post
Has anyone owned one in the past? Considering buying a convertible as they're cheaper....
Never owned a convertible before
Then why answer? 😂
__________________
2008 SSII E92 M3 | LCI CIC, Apps, Tails| MPE | BBS Ch-R
1990 325i

Sold- 2011 335i Sedan | 6MT | Wavetrac | Eibach Pro | CDV delete | Cobb | BSW
Sudden death - 1970 BMW 2002
Appreciate 0
      06-16-2022, 03:13 PM   #13
StuKatz
Private First Class
StuKatz's Avatar
251
Rep
172
Posts

 
Drives: M Roadster, E46, E91, F30
Join Date: Nov 2021
Location: Balzac

iTrader: (0)

I have a M roadster (S54) same engine. It's been fairly relaible to 110,000 miles other than the usual items, water pump, vanos, power steering pump etc.

If you don't need the back seat, the roadster may be a better alternative.
__________________
2001 M Roadster Imola Red
2002 E46 Sedan Sapphire Black Metallic
2012 E91 xDrive Sapphire Black Metallic
Appreciate 0
      06-16-2022, 06:00 PM   #14
to_riffic
Lieutenant General
to_riffic's Avatar
United_States
3070
Rep
13,775
Posts

 
Drives: rwd
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (38)

Idk about verts....I couldn't do it. But she'll be on BaT in a couple of months...

__________________
~loud noises~

Appreciate 1
GERMAN M34222.50
      08-25-2022, 02:48 AM   #15
dreadnet
New Member
3
Rep
16
Posts

 
Drives: F30 BMW 330E
Join Date: Aug 2022
Location: London

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by MJBO View Post
I had a manual E46 M3 convertible for two years and about 15,000km, and absolutely loved it! Had zero issues with it in that time, bought it with just under 100,000km on the odo.

Convertible sports cars are awesome, and I occasionally regret not buying an F83, but just loved the F82 design too much.
Love the colour on yours, my M3 vert is in titanium silver. Thinking about selling mine next year. Mileage 92k
Appreciate 2
MJBO3373.50
to_riffic3069.50
      08-25-2022, 07:08 AM   #16
W///
Lieutenant General
W///'s Avatar
7771
Rep
12,418
Posts

 
Drives: F82GTS, E36/E92M3, Z4M
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SC

iTrader: (13)

Quote:
Originally Posted by to_riffic View Post
Idk about verts....I couldn't do it. But she'll be on BaT in a couple of months...

No kidding? Wow, I've seen pics of it in other threads and wouldn't have thought you'd be selling it. Figured it sits perfectly next to the M2CS. May I ask why? That's about my dream spec E46 M3 right there, exactly how it sits.

As for E46 M3 Convertible, I ended up going with a Z4M Roadster and thoroughly enjoy it. Unless you really need 4 seats or are set on the E46 looks, I prefer to enjoy the S54 top down this way.
__________________
Current:
16 F82 M4 GTS, Black Sapphire/Black, DCT
08 E92 M3, Sparkling Graphite/Bamboo Beige, 6MT
07 E85 Z4M Roadster, Alpine White/Red, 6MT
99 E36 M3, Techno Violet/Dove Grey, 6MT
Appreciate 1
chris7197578.50
      08-25-2022, 02:08 PM   #17
to_riffic
Lieutenant General
to_riffic's Avatar
United_States
3070
Rep
13,775
Posts

 
Drives: rwd
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: SoCal

iTrader: (38)

Quote:
Originally Posted by W/// View Post
No kidding? Wow, I've seen pics of it in other threads and wouldn't have thought you'd be selling it. Figured it sits perfectly next to the M2CS. May I ask why? That's about my dream spec E46 M3 right there, exactly how it sits.

As for E46 M3 Convertible, I ended up going with a Z4M Roadster and thoroughly enjoy it. Unless you really need 4 seats or are set on the E46 looks, I prefer to enjoy the S54 top down this way.
Congrats on the pick up!

I feel a bit guilty driving it. I kind of want to do a E46 M3 sedan as my next project. I've had my fun with this one and hopefully the next person can appreciate all that I've done to it.

Many will likely blast me for wanting to sell it as is and tell me to "de-mod it and you'll get more money out of it", but it was modded when I first bought it off of BaT and I didn't have any qualms carrying that over into my build, which ultimately I redid nearly everything because there were some mods that I thought were not up to par with my own standards.

Eitherway, I have been mulling it over for months now and just have to pay the fee to relist it on BaT, but I enjoy staring at it in the garage so still haven't officially pulled the trigger to list it yet...
__________________
~loud noises~

Appreciate 1
W///7770.50
      08-25-2022, 04:53 PM   #18
Darth Maul
OG
43
Rep
136
Posts

 
Drives: E46 M3 & E92 M3
Join Date: Nov 2015
Location: Scottsdale, AZ

iTrader: (0)

I own an E46 M3 and absolutely love it! I recently traded my E36 M3 for an E92 M3 and although the E92 is great to drive, I love my E46. It's a big plus it's an LSB and 6 speed. I also owned an E36 S54 6 speed M3 and it was nice but not as comfortable as the E92 lol.
Attached Images
 
Appreciate 1
GERMAN M34222.50
      08-26-2022, 11:28 AM   #19
bese60
Lieutenant
238
Rep
519
Posts

 
Drives: 2021 M340i
Join Date: May 2018
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by to_riffic View Post
Idk about verts....I couldn't do it. But she'll be on BaT in a couple of months...

can you let me know what youre looking for? LSB has been the dream color. Willing to wait
Appreciate 0
      08-26-2022, 12:41 PM   #20
..Rush..
Captain
..Rush..'s Avatar
United_States
981
Rep
928
Posts

 
Drives: AW E88
Join Date: Mar 2019
Location: USA

iTrader: (0)

For some reason, convertible cars are frowned upon, and not popular on this forum. Go for the M3 convertible, dude.
Appreciate 0
      11-03-2022, 07:00 AM   #21
jo1311
New Member
6
Rep
7
Posts

 
Drives: BMW 220D
Join Date: Jul 2022
Location: UK

iTrader: (0)

I got a E46 M3 convertible but with the hardtop. It sort of gives you the best of both worlds of the soft top and coupe. Love the look of the hardtop, honestly I feel it's a must have for every convertible. Though taking off the hardtop is a 2 person job and storage can be a pain.

I haven't really driven many performance cars before this. My car before this was an 2015 f22 220d. The M3 is definitely the best car I've ever driven, there's something about not having as many electronics dampening the true essence of a car. Also being a manual helps greatly and the sound of the screaming S54 engine at 7k+ rpm is something else.

I usually have my hardtop on most of the time since it rains here in the UK. Some common problem with convertibles is that the drains in compartment where the soft top hides Gets blocked sometimes and thus water leaks into the boot. I used hot water from a kettle to unblock mine but it's worth checking in there for rust and the boot floor.
Appreciate 0
      11-10-2022, 02:23 PM   #22
Mani59
Moderator
United Kingdom
15703
Rep
8,127
Posts

 
Drives: F32 435i Luxury & G26 i4 35
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Leicestershire

iTrader: (1)

Quote:
Originally Posted by jo1311 View Post
I got a E46 M3 convertible but with the hardtop. It sort of gives you the best of both worlds of the soft top and coupe. Love the look of the hardtop, honestly I feel it's a must have for every convertible. Though taking off the hardtop is a 2 person job and storage can be a pain.

I haven't really driven many performance cars before this. My car before this was an 2015 f22 220d. The M3 is definitely the best car I've ever driven, there's something about not having as many electronics dampening the true essence of a car. Also being a manual helps greatly and the sound of the screaming S54 engine at 7k+ rpm is something else.

I usually have my hardtop on most of the time since it rains here in the UK. Some common problem with convertibles is that the drains in compartment where the soft top hides Gets blocked sometimes and thus water leaks into the boot. I used hot water from a kettle to unblock mine but it's worth checking in there for rust and the boot floor.
In case you have not done so already, please share some pics of your E46 in the below thread if you can

https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1851354
__________________


Visit my (mainly) BMW gallery http://jetone.co.uk and BMW miniature model collection http://bmw-miniatures.co.uk
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks


Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:26 AM.




5post
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST