2001 BMW 330ci Convertible FULLY LOADED mechanically perfect!

  • Make: BMW
  • Model: 3-Series
  • SubModel: Cabriolet
  • Type: Convertible
  • Trim: M-Sport
  • Year: 2001
  • Mileage: 198,000
  • VIN: WBABS53461EV86588
  • Color: Steel Grey Metallic
  • Engine size: 3.0 In-line Six Cylinder
  • Number of cylinders: Six
  • Power options: Power Mirrors, Power Soft Top, Air Conditioning, Cruise Control, Power Locks, Power Windows, Power Seats
  • Fuel: Gasoline
  • Transmission: 5sp Manual
  • Drive type: RWD
  • Interior color: Tannin Red
  • Drive side: Left-hand drive
  • Safety options: Roll Over Protection System, Anti-Lock Brakes, Driver Airbag, Passenger Airbag, Side Airbags
  • Options: Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, M-Sport Package, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, CD Changer, Harman Kardon Audio
  • Vehicle Title: Clear
  • Interested? Contact seller!

2001 BMW 3-Series M-Sport Description

Hello everyone. I have decided to sell my awesome BMW 330ci Cabriolet. I bought this with the intention of making it flawless, installing some Dinan components and making it a weekend fun car. I decided to go in a different direction and purchased a new Porsche instead. I also have an 05’ 3-Series Convertible, so keeping two doesn’t make a lot of sense for me. This is the E46 body-style (00-06 for the convertible), which is in my opinion the finest 3-Series ever made. It has most of the modern niceties but is still from an era where BMWs were simple to maintain and fundamentally bulletproof.

The automobile that I’m selling here is a 2001 330ci Convertible. It is finished in Steel Grey Metallic (factory name) over Tannin Red and Black interior (also the factory name). This is a very, very rare color combination and it is speculated that it was a very low production. Aside from the exceedingly uncommon color palate, it is very well loaded and has every-single option package on it as well as several freestanding options. Here are some of the big ones that you should know of.

Premium Package

(Myrtle Wood Interior Trim, Auto Diming Mirror, Rain Sensing Windshield Wipers, fully Automatic Soft Top, Dual 4-way Power Adjustable Lumbar Support)

Cold Weather Package

(Dual 3-Level Heated Front Seats, Retractable Headlight Washers, Rear Seat Ski Bag)

M-Sport Package

(Sport Suspension, Sport Seats, 17” Alloy Wheels)

Harman Kardon Sound System

(Upgraded Speakers, Amplifier, Subwoofer & Speed Sensitive Equalization)

Adaptive Xenon Headlights

(Headlights self level)

CD Changer

(allows for the playing of six CDs, in addition to the in-dash AM/FM Cassette)

Another item that makes this 330 a rare find is the fact it is a manual transmission! So many of these were automatic. This one makes for a more sporting driving experience to say the least!

Aside from the very comprehensive options list, this car has an impressive menu of standard features. Some of these include:

Power Windows

Power Locks

Power Mirrors

Power Seats

Power Convertible Top


Roll Over Protection System

Remote Keyless Entry

Leather Interior

4-Way Adjustable Lumbar Support

Automatic Climate Control

Air Conditioning

Cruise Control

Fog Lights

And SO much more!!!!!

The car itself has just over 198K miles on it. Yes, I know that seems high. However, it had a new engine and transmission installed by BMW approximately 40K miles ago. This beauty runs perfectly, pulls strong and shifts as smooth as can be. There are zero mechanical issues that I am aware of. It really does drive like a new one! Speaking of operational condition, every-single feature works perfectly! Some highlights include: Air Conditioning, Power Convertible Top, Power Windows, Power Locks, Power Mirrors, Keyless Entry, Cruise Control, etc. Again EVERYTHING works perfectly!

As for cosmetics, it looks very, very nice. The body is straight and true, no dents or wreck damage. It looks far better then most sixteen year old automobiles. The only real complaint I have with it is that the front bumper is chipped from being driven daily for the last sixteen years. I bought a bra for it temporarily until I got around to having it painted. I also have the hood part of the bra and it will be included, I never installed it and it is brand new. The interior is just as nice. There are no rips, holes, stains or tears in the leather. It is rich in color and still feels soft and supple. The headliner and convertible top are flawless as well!

Lets talk about the handful of tasteful custom touches I did for this car. I always thought the wood trim looked out of place in this interior color, so I bought a set of perfect, genuine M3 Shadow-Line Interior trim components. It looks SO much better then the wood and even matches the outside color beautifully! I also got rid of the ugly orange plastic side markers (fender and bumper) and replaced them with the much more sporty/modern clear versions. I personally don’t like chrome emblems stuck all over the rears of cars. So, I de-badged the ‘330ci’ emblem and it made for a much cleaner look! Lastly, I replaced the interior, trunk and license plate lights with LED bulbs for a more modern appearance.

I haven’t owned this little gem all that long but I have done some nice maintenance and updates for it. To make it an overall better car, I have done the following, all within the last three months (some of these will be repeated from above):

Installed a set of four brand new tires

Complete oil service

Replaced the driver’s side sun visor (the original was a little loose)

Replaced the Xenon Bulbs

Replaced the Light Control module

Replaced the Shift Knob

Replaced trim cap on passenger side interior door panel

Replaced all wheel emblems with new factory BMW units

Replaced trunk emblem with new factory BMW unit

Upgraded to the M3 interior trim

Upgraded to all clear side marker lights

Purchased an MP3/Smartphone Aux Port Kit (included but not yet installed)

Purchased a brand new, full 2-piece bra

I suppose that’s about it. There is probably more but that is all I can think of for now. I have every record for what I have done to it. I also have the paperwork for the new engine and transmission. I also have all of the original Owners Manual Books, booklets, pamphlets and leather case. In addition, I even still have the original 2001 Sales Brochure book!! Bottom line, this is a nice car to drive and enjoy. It’s loaded, looks nice and drives beautifully. I have the clean title in my name and ready to sign over.

As far as payment goes, I will ONLY accept a Cashier's Check drawn on a major, well know bank (Bank of America, Wells Fargo, Union Bank, Navy Federal, etc) or actual cash. I will absolutely not accept apersonal check or a cashier's check drawn on a small, unknown bank.

If shipping is needed, I will be happy to meet shippers but getting quotes, making arrangements and paying for it is all up to the buyer.

I am not looking for trades of any kind. I need to downsize my car collection.


There is a reserve but it is tiny,guaranteed!!


I welcome any and all questions you may have! Thanks so much for looking!!