Shortly after the turn of the millennium, a third generation BMW M3 entered the automotive world: the BMW M3 E46. What followed was the continuation of an unprecedented success story that started in 1986 with the purist M3 E30 and was reinforced in 1992 by the progressive M3 E36. M3 enthusiasts associate three characteristics with the E46 factory code: pure driving pleasure, beguiling sound and a legendary special model. The BMW M3 E46 Coupé took the hearts of real sports car fans by storm when it launched in 2000. With a low weight construction and the high-rev concept of its inline 6-cylinder engine, for many it embodied a return to the virtues of the iconic BMW M3 E30. The following year, a convertible followed, combining a sporty experience and the luxury of open-top driving in an unprecedented way.