2003 BMW M3 Individual

This very smart and well-preserved manual 2003 M3 convertible has had a great deal of money spent on things that will (i) help it drive better (ii) make it go faster and, vitally, (iii) allow it to live longer.

The current vendor has owned the car since February 2023 and he has spent much of the intervening time put his hand ever more deeply into his pocket.

The engine was rebuilt last year by Redish Motorsport, a job that included replacing the con-rod bearings and bolts, and carrying out a Stage 2 Vanos overhaul. 

He also had the car fully resprayed and, in order to extend the car’s longevity as far as possible, addressed the elephant-in-the-room issue with these cars – cracking in the sub-frame.

To this end, he had the car thoroughly inspected and discovered that there was, in fact, no cracking whatsoever. 

Being a responsible and diligent sort of chap, he pressed on with his initial plan and had the requisite reinforcing plates welded into place on the rear sub-frame.

The previous vendor had a 6-branch velocity stack kit fitted and the engine re-mapped to accommodate it. The vendor has been told that the result of all this work is an engine that’s good for 375-385bhp.

He has had new poly-bushes fitted, front and rear, and had the differential serviced, adding new seals and upgraded oil, too.

The car sits on Eibach springs.

The blue (a rare colour option) mohair hood has been given a fresh waterproofing treatment, and the vendor has upgraded the head unit to Android Auto/CarPlay spec (the original head unit comes with the car).

 The car was serviced last November.

We have driven the car and can attest to its grin-inducing capability and levels of performance that remain undimmed by the passage of time. 

It feels like a very well screwed-together car and presses on with all the urgency and sure-footedness we’ve come to expect of the best examples of the E46 M3 breed.

The fact that the velocity stack kit allows it to emit a very satisfying roar much like its more exotic CSL cousin is no bad thing, either. 

The bodywork is straight and there are no dinks, dents, scrapes, creases or folds of any significance anywhere that we can see.

The panel gaps and shut-lines are as crisp and consistent as we’ve come to expect and demand of Bavaria’s finest.

The car’s Estoril Blue paintwork is exceptional all-round, as you would hope of a vehicle that’s recently been resprayed, and the finish really pops and sings in the sunshine.

The 19" polished wheels are unmarked and entirely beyond reproach. 

The matching Michelin PS4S tyres have plenty of life in them. 

The car’s badging, lights, trim and other exterior fixtures and fittings are all fine. 

The blue mohair hood is following the same script in terms of condition and quality. 

Some of the black paint has rubbed away along the edges of the roof storage recess.

Even entirely standard stone chips are more notable for their absence than their presence and, to all intents and purposes, this looks like a factory fresh car.

The interior is really very good, too, although it is showing its age a little more than the Dorian Gray-esque exterior.

The black leather upholstery has held up very well in general.

The only real signs of wear to speak of are on the driver’s seat, where there’s some light creasing around the bolsters. 

The back of the driver’s seat is also coming away from the rest of it and will need re-affixing.

There are a couple of small scuffs on the rear seats.

The door cards are pretty decent, although there is small patch of scuffed and lifting leather on the driver’s side.

The roof lining is untroubled by use or abuse.

So, too are the black carpets and mats, which seem to have resisted the vicissitudes of time with commendable stoicism. 

We didn’t press every button, flick every switch or twiddle every knob, but those we did press, flick and twiddle responded in a timely, faithful and predictable fashion.

That said, the air-con seemed a little anaemic and might need re-gassing.

The plastics around the dashboard, centre console and under the handbrake have the usual number and distribution of light scratches and scuffs.

Some of the rubber trim above the driver’s side kick plate is worn away.

The boot is in very good order and contains the original head unit and a wind deflector. 

The engine bay is dry and tidy, and everything seems to be in its right and proper place. 

The undersides look to be possessed of plenty of structural integrity throughout.

This car comes with plenty of history. 

There are bills, receipts and invoices for all the work described above and other work carried out before and after.

The service book contains main dealer stamps up to 56,000 miles and, mainly, BMW specialist stamps thereafter. 

It comes with a V5C, a full pack of manuals, books and guides, and an MoT that’s valid until 9.5.25.

The vendor and his immediate predecessor have done a great deal of heavy (and expensive) lifting so that you won’t have to.

The principal Achille’s heel with these fabulous cars is the sub-frame issue – and that’s been addressed in full (even though there was nothing wrong with it in the first place). 

The car is aesthetically stunning and, externally at least, in time-warp condition.

It is also mechanically sorted and drives superbly.

Oh, and did we mention the noise it makes?

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £17,000 - £22,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at the Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment. To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions'.