Regardless the year, I would buy the well cared car in better condition.

 

Read these to see the options and when they arrived.

E46 BUYER GUIDE

In the chance that you are on this forum to research the BMW E46 prior to purchase, I wanted to provide you a buyers guide to help you in this decision, for or against. I am no expert and don't claim to be, however I have put many hours in searching for the three E46s (so far) that I have bought...

www.e46fanatics.com

BMW E46

Contents 1 About this Wiki 2 E46 Summary 2.1 What is an E46? 2.2 Changes throughout the E46 run 3 Buying an E46 3.1 How durable or reliable is the E46? Is it expensive to own? 3.1.1 What should I look out for? 3.1.2 Is the 330/328 worth the price premium over the 325/323? 3.1.3 Should I buy...

www.bimmerfest.com

 

Get a PPI and buy the better car. The year doesn't really matter at this age.

 

Thanks for the thoughtful responses - much appreciated.

Perhaps one other question, if you don't mind...

Finding a low mile, manual convertible in a preferred color is proving to be a fairly daunting task. I'm planning to widen my gaze by looking for an SMG car that I can convert. Any major objections or concerns about that? Seems like a straightforward swap, and it doesn't look like it kills the value of the car.

Thanks again for your insights.

 

Thanks for the thoughtful responses - much appreciated.

Perhaps one other question, if you don't mind...

Finding a low mile, manual convertible in a preferred color is proving to be a fairly daunting task. I'm planning to widen my gaze by looking for an SMG car that I can convert. Any major objections or concerns about that? Seems like a straightforward swap, and it doesn't look like it kills the value of the car.

Thanks again for your insights.

Which color are you looking for? I'm in a similar boat as you, but I have collected a bunch of links of various low mileage manual verts out there. Perhaps I might have a link for whatever color you're looking for? One thing is for sure, there are a bunch of Carbon Black exterior ones out there.

 

BMW never fixed the rod bearings. They are a wear item. Granted a ~100k miles wear item.

BMW never fixed the subframe. It is something you must fix yourself. There was a limited time recall that BMW checked for and fixed cracks.

01-02 had the older ABS module. 03+ have the newer module. Functionality is the same.

05/06 have the Competition option. It's the only signficant difference. A non-CS model 05/06 is basically the same as a 01-04.

 

BMW never fixed the rod bearings. They are a wear item. Granted a ~100k miles wear item.

BMW replaced the defective rod bearings on a Recall of M3 builds 2/12/01-5/22/03.

01-02 had the older ABS module. 03+ have the newer module. Functionality is the same.

Mk60 ABS has a better feel than early model Mk20.

05/06 have the Competition option. It's the only signficant difference. A non-CS model 05/06 is basically the same as a 01-04.

Competition Package, known as “ZCP” was never on the convertible like the OP said he’s looking for.
03-06 get MK60. which can be coded for M-track mode and quicker 14.5:1 steering rack ratio. 2003.5 also get the updated LED tail lights with brake force display, along with longer trunk handle.

 

Well-maintained is more important than "low miles".

If it isn't on paper, it never happened.

 

well as far as waiting for a later M3 convertible that’s up to you. as I pointed out the early 2001-2002 had the early version ABS. it also had the early Mk20 that can’t be coded for things like M-track Mode. which allows more slip before DCS kicks in (less obtrusive). nor for coding for a quicker replacement steering rack if desired. but one of the more noticeable things on 2003.5 model years are stock LED tail lights. (*trunk handle is longer on coupes). the OEM LEDs have a nice two-stage “brake force display” for safety. besides just looking more updated.

all in all the later 2003.5 have some nicer functionality. but a well maintained 2002 as others have said, is worth more than a beat 2005/2006 to most.

 

BMW did change the RACP design in late 05s and 06s. Whether it "fixed" the problem is a subjective question.

 

Me: [runs to check build date on '05 Cabrio]

BTW, this for me is the reason to buy the latest car you can find all the time. OEMs learn things along the way, too numerous to catalog and often not disclosed, but they learn. You ALWAYS want the benefit of that learning.

Yes it costs more up front but at least you know the number vs learning it as you go along the way.

maw

 

the subframe((RACP) plastic block was a really weak “fix”. may have helped to some little degree but certainly not a fix by any means. why BMW didnt reinforce the metal instead of this cheap plastic block is the real kicker.

we know this was a half-assed attempt. BMW’s own SIB for inspection and repair says models with small cracks can get the epoxy foam to help repair. but if the same length cracks if present in these ‘05-‘06 models with that plastic block had to have the whole rear floor replaced. so that means they were getting plenty of these ‘05-‘06 with cracks during the Voluntary inspection repair in ‘09.

 

I hear you. It’s still a 3-series + they made tons of them so it’s tricky. You‘re always price constrained and you can’t recall 40k cars and replace rear floors. You question the plastic blocks. I question why the metal was so thin to begin with. The answer to both is what I said, as far as I’m concerned — 3 series. But… because they made so many of them there are plenty of aftermarket vendors to help. And the cars are still relatively cheap, so good value for the money. If 911 floors were splitting I’d raise eyebrows, but these? It’s fine. Unless you’re driving it at 8/10+ you’re probably OK.

Now watch my next service they’ll be talking to me about cracks in the floor…😒

maw