Vehicle Description
2006 BMW M3 Convertible 6-Speed
The "M" in BMW stands for Munich, the Bavarian hometown for the
legendary brand. The other "M" in this car's moniker is just as
legendary: It identifies a high-performance "Motorsport" model. But
unlike lesser brands, BMW's use of the "M" is not some superficial
marketing gimmick. These M-cars receive engineering upgrades in
engine power, suspension and braking systems, aerodynamics,
light-weight componentry, all in addition to styling cues inside
the car as well as exterior badging. Enthusiasts-even those loyal
to some other brand-readily acknowledge that the M3 is one of the
finest sports cars of all time. "The ultimate driving machine,"
isn't marketing hype when applied to these motorcars. And as to the
2006 model year, in a write-up of their 2013 test of the four
M3-series models since 1991-the E30, E36, E46, and E92-Motor Trend
proclaimed the E46 (2006) model "the most desirable of the
group."
The 2006 M3 convertible offered here wears a truly classic visual
combination: Titanium Silver Metallic paint over premium
black-leather upholstery, under a black fabric convertible roof.
Beneath the hood, the iron-block 3.2-liter S54 engine holds true to
BMW's history of smooth, powerful inline-6s. Beneath its
M-identified cover, the power plant delivers 333 horsepower at
7,900 rpm (just shy of its 8,000 rpm redline), with 269 ft-lbs of
torque at 4,900 rpm. (Nice feature: On the tachometer, the redline
indication changes as the engine warms up.) This impressive output
makes its way to the rear wheels through a short-throw, six-speed
Getrag manual transmission. Reported zero-to-60 time is just 5.4
seconds. Included on the long list of options (36 option-codes in
all) on this car are dynamic stability control, multi-function
leather-wrapped M steering wheel, automatic electro-mechanical roof
operation, green-tinted windows, ski bag, electric sport seat
operation with memory, fog lights, headlight cleaning system, air
conditioning, on-board computer, CD player with Hi-Fi speaker
system, aluminum shadow-brushed interior appointments and more. As
to condition, about the only patina you'll notice in the 150+
photos of the car is the leather-covered shifter's slight wear
indications, which M3 owners routinely display as a proud mark of
sporting use. (And in a nod to continuity, the factory shifter is
of the same design as that used on the first M3, the E30.) In
virtually every other aspect, this M3 shows the loving care
bestowed on it over time, befitting a modern European classic.
Further bearing that out is the CarFax history documenting regular
maintenance at the selling BMW dealer in Illinois, as well as later
services at the Kalamazoo, Michigan BMW dealer. At well under 2,000
miles per-year, this M3 convertible is a true, very-low-mileage
example. The car's next owner can expect years of "ultimate driving
machine" joy yet to come.