27,524 Actual Mile M3 Convertible 3.2L I6 SMG 6 Speed

One consistently cliché term thrown around the automotive sales industry is 'slightly used'; especially when applied to a car like this eight year old BMW. But with only 27,524 miles on its stylish orange odometer, this pristine 2004 M3 defines that term in virtually every way. That's because, logging only 3,440 miles of blacktop annually, this slick convertible's operation equates to roughly one third of an average new vehicle's road time. And when you take a good look at our high resolution pictures and see the car's excellent condition, you'll be surprised it's even seen that much use! Are you looking for a sunny day toy that combines top notch luxury with world class performance? This unbeatable BMW drop-top is the perfect platform for anyone who wants a fantastic modern luxury car without the sticker shock, or depreciation, of a showroom fresh model!

There's just something about a tuned BMW that conveys the perfect combination of aggressive performance and excellent driving dynamics. And this buckled down E46 convertible, dressed in a smooth coat of original Silver Gray Metallic, puts a fresh twist on a traditional favorite. Looking more akin to classy luxury car than a modern Bavarian curve carver, this M3's rich urethane has been meticulously pampered and protected since it rolled off BMW's Regensburg assembly line. And today, with a clean history that displays nothing more than a dogged dedication to excellent maintenance, this awesome M convertible is one of the nicest low mileage sports cars on the planet!

Since the base 3 Series is meant to appeal to a large part of the market, it carries a pretty conservative design. Naturally, BMW knew a more dramatic appearance would be needed when they dusted off their legendary Motorsport badge. And according, the M3 you see here is equipped with a host of visual upgrades that flow extremely well with its already impressive design. At the front of the car, a deeper valence hangs M-oval design fog lights below HID head lamps and characteristic chrome 'kidney grilles'. Behind those fog lights, a lightweight aluminum hood flows toward pristine factory glass which is cleared by rain-sensing wipers, flanked by M-specific mirrors and capped by an electronic, fully-lined top that's complete with a glass rear window. Below that hood, flared M-specific fenders wrap tightly around massive tires while M-specific “gills” combine with clear marker lights to give the car a finished, detailed look. And at the back of those fenders, bright LED tail lights illuminate an M-specific bumper which incorporates four pristine stainless exhaust tips into a subtle air diffuser.

Fortunately, for red-blooded car guys everywhere, popping this convertible's hood is all it takes to throw the 'all business' subtlety of that sleek exterior right out the driver's window. Perfectly wedged between the car's clean silver fenders is BMW's vaunted 3.2 liter S54 inline six cylinder which utilizes a cast iron block, a free flowing intake, an aluminum cylinder head, heavy duty valve springs, finely balanced camshafts and variable valve timing to crank out 333 horsepower and 262 lb./ft. of torque. Designed as a high-revving sprinter that runs up a wide power band to create big horsepower with smooth driving characteristics, the S54 3.2 is widely regarded as one of the best BMW powertrains ever created. It features a host of race proven technology which seamlessly complements traditional BMW silk and smoothness to create a well-mannered roadster with excellent track capability. And, based on appearance, the mill in this E46 drop-top has been meticulously maintained with everything from its “///M” branded engine cover to its fresh hoses and spotless battery terminals showing no signs of heat damage or any weathering at all.

Naturally, a powerhouse like this car's hot S54 needs a whole lot of top notch hardware to back it up. And accordingly, this M3 is equipped with a sophisticated sequential 6-speed that operates as either a paddle-shifted manual gear grinder or a traditional automatic slushbox. That slick-shifting 6-speed sends power to an M-specific limited slip differential which combines hardy 3.64 gears with M-specific suspension geometry to create confident launches and quick acceleration. The car's excellent weight distribution combines with a Nurburgring-worthy aluminum front strut and widened rear trailing arm suspension, speed-sensitive power steering, M-specific springs, M-specific stabilizers, factory traction control and Dynamic Stability Control to create one curve-carving track monster. Stops are supplied by four ventilated discs that make good use of traditional power assist, performance-tuned anti-lock brake software and Dynamic Brake Control. Exhaust is handled by an aggressive, free-flowing system which optimizes both power and sound. And the final piece of BMW's performance upgrade package is a set of positively gorgeous 19 inch “M” branded alloy wheels which spin 225/45 front and 255/40 rear Continental Conti Sport Contacts.

Inside this awesome 3 Series it's all about traditional 'old world' luxury, with supple buckets, acres of Titan Shadow trim and virtually every electronic option BMW could think of, thrown in for good measure. Those power motivated and leather-wrapped memory seats show hardly any wear at all, and small details like “M3” branded sills and heated door locks are still as fresh as when the car left the factory. Inside the dash, crisp M-design gauges allow the driver to keep an eye on vitals while a centered, 10-speaker sound system keeps beats bumping via Harmon Kardon technology. Below that sound system, a chrome-trimmed shifter just misses buttons for the car's one-touch power windows. In front of the driver, a leather-wrapped and reverse-stitched steering wheel carries a bright BMW propeller and an array of cruise and audio controls above both a coveted “M” logo and a tilt and telescoping column. Behind the passengers, a super clean trunk carries BMW's familiar drop down tool kit. And the usual assortment of luxury appointments and convenience features are all present and accounted for including: a remote keyless entry system that features built in anti-theft technology, automatic climate control that's complete with micro filter ventilation, a radio data system, vehicle and tire pressure monitoring systems, a service interval indicator, an auto-dimming mirror and a rechargeable, glove box-mounted flash light.

The sale of this slick little convertible includes the standard fare of BMW books and manuals, and a high quality wind screen.

Highly civilized and extremely potent, this BMW M3 is a no-compromises exercise in high-end German performance. Still luxurious where it matters, with serious performance upgrades underneath, it will surprise almost any exotic car on the road without degrading ride quality or driver comfort. Reliable, streetable and poised to become a future classic, this awesome silver BMW truly is The Ultimate Driving Machine!