FOR SALE: 2003 BMW E46 M3 Convertible — 6-Speed Manual — Silver Grey / Imola Red
Asking Price: $23,900 OBO
Mileage: 145,910 miles
Location: Santa Rosa, Northern California
Title: Clean
VIN: WBSBR93423PK03350
Overview
Up for sale is my 2003 BMW E46 M3 Convertible, finished in Silver Grey Metallic over Imola Red leather with a black convertible top.
Powered by the legendary 3.2L S54 inline-six, this M3 features a six-speed manual conversion, extensive preventative maintenance, rear subframe reinforcement, upgraded VANOS components, and a Porsche 996 big brake kit.
I am the fourth owner and purchased the car in March 2017 with approximately 115k miles. During nearly nine years of ownership, I have added only about 32k miles, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year.
The car has been used primarily as a weekend cruiser, has never been tracked during my ownership, and has always been garaged.
It has been carefully maintained, with detailed service records documenting work performed over the years. The engine remains internally stock and untuned.
The car runs well, with no known mechanical issues or illuminated warning lights.
I am selling simply because I no longer drive it as often as I should, preferring to take my motorcycle out on weekends.
Highlights
Originally equipped with BMW's SMG transmission, the car was converted to a conventional six-speed manual in 2022 at approximately 136k miles.
The conversion included:
Major E46 M3 Maintenance
Rear Subframe / Rear Axle Carrier Panel
The rear subframe mounting area was reinforced by welding under previous ownership in 2015.
VANOS System — 2019
The VANOS system underwent extensive service using Beisan components, including:
A Blackstone Laboratories oil analysis was performed in 2024 at approximately 145k miles.
The analysis reported lead at 6 ppm, consistent with the laboratory's universal average for the S54 engine.
Blackstone noted no evidence of abnormal mechanical or bearing wear in the analyzed sample. No excessive fuel, water, or coolant contamination was detected.
The full report is available to prospective buyers.
Rod-bearing replacement is not documented in my records.
Recent Maintenance and Repairs
2026
A detailed chronological maintenance spreadsheet is available.
Exterior and Interior
The car received a complete single-stage repaint in Silver Grey in 2025, retaining its original factory color. The work was performed by a body shop, and the receipt is available for prospective buyers.
The front seats and center console received replacement Imola Red leather in 2024, and the leather steering wheel was professionally rewrapped in 2019.
The car retains its original interior color combination and factory-style appearance.
Equipment includes:
The car rides on 18-inch VMR CSL-style wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
Braking has been upgraded with a Porsche 996 four-corner big brake kit.
The brake system received new front and rear rotors and pads in August 2024, including 345 mm front and 328 mm rear rotors.
Additional Parts Included
The sale includes:
I have owned this M3 since 2017 and maintained it with the intention of keeping it long-term.
It has been a weekend car rather than a daily driver and has not been tracked during my ownership.
The car has a clean California title, no known accident damage, and no known mechanical issues.
I would like it to go to another BMW enthusiast who appreciates the E46 M3 and the maintenance that goes into keeping one in good condition.
Asking $23,900 OBO.
Serious inquiries are welcome. Additional photographs, maintenance records, and the Blackstone oil analysis are available upon request.
Asking Price: $23,900 OBO
Mileage: 145,910 miles
Location: Santa Rosa, Northern California
Title: Clean
VIN: WBSBR93423PK03350
Overview
Up for sale is my 2003 BMW E46 M3 Convertible, finished in Silver Grey Metallic over Imola Red leather with a black convertible top.
Powered by the legendary 3.2L S54 inline-six, this M3 features a six-speed manual conversion, extensive preventative maintenance, rear subframe reinforcement, upgraded VANOS components, and a Porsche 996 big brake kit.
I am the fourth owner and purchased the car in March 2017 with approximately 115k miles. During nearly nine years of ownership, I have added only about 32k miles, averaging approximately 3,500 miles per year.
The car has been used primarily as a weekend cruiser, has never been tracked during my ownership, and has always been garaged.
It has been carefully maintained, with detailed service records documenting work performed over the years. The engine remains internally stock and untuned.
The car runs well, with no known mechanical issues or illuminated warning lights.
I am selling simply because I no longer drive it as often as I should, preferring to take my motorcycle out on weekends.
Highlights
- Silver Grey Metallic exterior over Imola Red leather
- Six-speed manual conversion completed in 2022
- Original 3.2L S54 engine, stock engine management
- Rear subframe reinforcement completed
- VANOS rebuilt with Beisan components and upgraded exhaust hub
- Blackstone oil analysis showing normal engine wear
- Complete single-stage Silver Grey repaint in 2025, retaining the original factory color
- Refreshed Imola Red leather front-seats
- Porsche 996 four-corner big brake kit
- 18-inch CSL-style wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires
- EONON head unit with Bluetooth
- Extensive maintenance documentation
- Clean California title and no known accident damage
Originally equipped with BMW's SMG transmission, the car was converted to a conventional six-speed manual in 2022 at approximately 136k miles.
The conversion included:
- OEM-style manual clutch and dual-mass flywheel
- Manual clutch pedal assembly and hydraulic components
- Manual shifter assembly and associated hardware
- New transmission mounts and related components
- Manual-specific wiring and electronic coding
Major E46 M3 Maintenance
Rear Subframe / Rear Axle Carrier Panel
The rear subframe mounting area was reinforced by welding under previous ownership in 2015.
VANOS System — 2019
The VANOS system underwent extensive service using Beisan components, including:
- Replacement solenoid coil pack
- VANOS seals and sealing plate repair
- Anti-rattle repair
- Replacement of the damaged exhaust camshaft hub with an upgraded TurboToy V3 hub featuring larger, wider tabs
- Replacement of the damaged upper chain guide and chain tensioner
- VANOS oil pump disc modification
A Blackstone Laboratories oil analysis was performed in 2024 at approximately 145k miles.
The analysis reported lead at 6 ppm, consistent with the laboratory's universal average for the S54 engine.
Blackstone noted no evidence of abnormal mechanical or bearing wear in the analyzed sample. No excessive fuel, water, or coolant contamination was detected.
The full report is available to prospective buyers.
Rod-bearing replacement is not documented in my records.
Recent Maintenance and Repairs
2026
- New Interstate AGM battery at 147k miles.
- Complete exterior repaint in Silver Grey Metallic.
- Valve-clearance inspection; all clearances within specification.
- New valve-cover gasket.
- Engine oil and filter service using Liqui Moly 10W-60.
- Blackstone engine oil analysis.
- New front and rear brake rotors and pads.
- Refreshed Imola Red leather on front seats and center console.
- Front-seat heating elements installed.
- Cooling-system fluid service.
- New front control arms and bushings.
- New OEM differential mounts.
- Differential oil, seals, and O-rings replaced.
- New Sachs rear shocks and Lemförder upper mounts.
- New Denso A/C compressor and refrigerant service.
- Manual-transmission electronic coding completed.
- California smog inspection passed.
- SMG-to-manual conversion.
- New clutch and dual-mass flywheel.
- Bosch alternator replacement.
- Convertible-top motor mechanism repaired/replaced.
- BMW airbag recall completed.
A detailed chronological maintenance spreadsheet is available.
Exterior and Interior
The car received a complete single-stage repaint in Silver Grey in 2025, retaining its original factory color. The work was performed by a body shop, and the receipt is available for prospective buyers.
The front seats and center console received replacement Imola Red leather in 2024, and the leather steering wheel was professionally rewrapped in 2019.
The car retains its original interior color combination and factory-style appearance.
Equipment includes:
- Fully automatic black convertible soft top
- Heated, power-adjustable front sport seats
- Xenon headlights
- Harman Kardon sound system
- Automatic climate control
- Rear Park Distance Control
- Rain-sensing windshield wipers
- Multifunction M steering wheel
The car rides on 18-inch VMR CSL-style wheels fitted with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires.
Braking has been upgraded with a Porsche 996 four-corner big brake kit.
The brake system received new front and rear rotors and pads in August 2024, including 345 mm front and 328 mm rear rotors.
Additional Parts Included
The sale includes:
- Four additional 18-inch wheels and tires, with approximately 50% tread remaining
- S54 valve-adjustment tools and shims
- Available maintenance records and documentation
- Blackstone Laboratories oil analysis report
I have owned this M3 since 2017 and maintained it with the intention of keeping it long-term.
It has been a weekend car rather than a daily driver and has not been tracked during my ownership.
The car has a clean California title, no known accident damage, and no known mechanical issues.
I would like it to go to another BMW enthusiast who appreciates the E46 M3 and the maintenance that goes into keeping one in good condition.
Asking $23,900 OBO.
Serious inquiries are welcome. Additional photographs, maintenance records, and the Blackstone oil analysis are available upon request.