2002 BMW M3

This particular 2002 BMW M3 Convertible was first registered on the 28th March 2002. It was ordered in classic Titan Silver with a black leather interior and a matching silver hardtop.

Being an M3, it was packed with the latest technology, with stand out features such as electric front seats (with 3 position memory for the driver), satellite navigation and an enhanced stereo system. 

Plus it had an electric convertible top which could be raised or lowered at a moment's notice. And for the winter months it had the added benefit of the factory hardtop.

This M3 was ordered new in Norfolk by the current owner's late father. He used the BMW for a number of years in the UK before moving to France, where the car lived for many years. 

Unfortunately the current owner's father passed away, which meant the M3 was put into dry storage for approximately 4 years. It was then repatriated to the UK last year. It is estimated that the M3 has not been on the road in the past 5 years, so it is being offered as a restoration project that requires recommissioning prior to being returned to the road.

The BMW E46 has aged superbly and this M3 looks the real deal in classic Titan Silver. The exterior of the M3 Convertible is starting to show its age with some marks, with scuffs and dings evident on the body. One small dent is noted on the right rear wing and another on the rear boot lid. These are shown in the photos.

The headlights are cloudy and will require polishing or replacing. And there is evidence of some corrosion on the bottoms of the front wings.

Some bubbling is noted on the driver's side wing mirror.

The M3 Cabriolet's signature alloy wheels will require a full refurbishment but they are present and have not been swapped for aftermarket or later type BMW alloys.

It is nice to see the factory hardtop on the car and this one is in good shape. It is an added bonus that it comes with the car and can be used when the weather gets that bit cooler.

The convertible hood is also in nice shape with some small signs of wear on the edges where it folds. But overall it is intact with no rips or tears evident and would benefit from a good clean and fabric treatment. The rear glass panel is also in good condition with no cracks or clouding evident.

The M3 still wears its original dealer plates from Lind BMW in Norwich.

While the exterior of this 2002 BMW M3 is starting to show its age, it is all there and has not been modified or messed with.

The interior of the M3 is finished in black leather and the seats present in good shape. There are some scuffs on the driver's bolster and signs of use but the seat leather is not cracked and should respond well to a leather treatment.

Some light wear is noted on the steering wheel and slightly heavier wear on the gear knob, with some cracking noted on the badge.

The back seats are in decent shape with some marks noted on the left side where are tyre was stored. There are also some nicks and rubs on the passenger door cards.

The hardtop headliner has started to drop, however the headliner for the convertible top is in decent shape.

Basically the interior could use some love and attention but it should respond very well to a spruce up and a good detailing.

Under the bonnet resides the silky smooth BMW 3.2 litre straight six engine. The engine bay looks to be all original and it should come up very nicely with some detailing.

The speedometer is showing a total of 90,956 miles which is believed to be accurate.

The car's MOT records shows that its last certificate expired on the 7th April 2014.

As the M3 has not been on the road for some time, it will require a full recommissioning before it is used. Its battery is also quite old and it will require a new one.

The owner adds that two Michelin 225/40ZR19 winter tyres come with the car.

The M3 has the V5C in the owners name which shows just 3 owners from new. All have been from the same family; the vendor's brother inherited it from their father, and and then transferred it to him after around a month, having not done anything with the car. It is therefore effectively a single-family 2-owner car. It comes with its original Owners Book Pack and two keys. 

Also in the book pack is the original Service Book which shows a total of 7 stamps up to 36,529 miles, which was recorded in October 2008.

In the history file are a number of expired MOT certificates, plus a large number of invoices for servicing and maintenance while the car was in France. The owner states that his late father had the car in Norfolk for about 10 years, before spending approximately 7 years in France.

The BMW E46 is a timeless piece of automotive design, one that has aged superbly like a fine wine. For many petrolheads the E46 is the perfect iteration of the M3 lineage and demand remains very high for this modern classic. While this 2002 M3 Cabriolet is a restoration project, it is a fantastic opportunity to acquire what presents as a highly original example. We believe it will be an exciting and rewarding project to return this M3 manual convertible back to its former glory.

We estimate that this car will sell for £7,000-£9,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located with the vendor in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. 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’.