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BMW 3 Series Cabriolet Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

Generations: 6
First production year: 1986
Engines: Gasoline, Diesel
Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E93) photo gallery

After unveiling the facelifted versions of the 3 Series Sedan and Touring (E90 and E91), the German automaker moved forward and refreshed the coupe and the convertible versions of its famous lineup.

In 2009, BMW had to introduce new Euro 5 vehicles on the market to comply with European rules. Since it already had to work on some changes, it went further and changed more than just some engines and some badges. The open-top version also was affected but in a good way.

At the front, the carmaker added a new set of headlights, with an even angrier design, and new daytime running lights with two circles around the headlamps instead of encircling only the high-beam ones. Moreover, the front fascia got a new bumper with a wide lower grille. Previously, that was split in three, and it didn't look bad at all. At the back, the 2010 model year sported new taillights with smaller reversing lights.

The interior was almost the same, but there were quite a few essential updates that enhanced the driver's experience. For vehicles fitted with an automatic transmission, the gear selector was like a joystick, with back-and-forth movement instead of the classic "slider" movement offered by its predecessor. In addition, the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel were much smaller.

Under the hood, the biggest novelty was the 335i version, which featured a 3.0-liter, turbocharged engine.

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BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E93) photo gallery

The BMW E93 represents the cabriolet version of the best-sold model from the German automaker, the 3 Series. It is the last 3 Series model to come as a convertible, as the next generations of coupes and convertibles sell under the 4 Series name.

The innovation of the model comes from the fact that it is the first 3 Series to have a turbocharged gasoline engine under the hood. The most powerful version, the 335i, has a 3.0-liter straight-six engine paired with a twin-turbo that totals a power output of 306 hp (310 Ps).

For a more authentic feeling, the engine is complemented with a six-speed manual transmission that can optionally be upgraded to a seven-speed automatic transmission to provide smoother shifting for increased comfort.

The model marks not only the beginning of the turbocharged BMW era but also ends the natural aspiration period on BMW vehicles as it provides the last non-turbocharged engine of the brand.

One of the most distinctive features of the E93 is the retractable hardtop, as it represents the brand's first. The folding metal roof is preferred instead of the cloth roof to provide increased vehicle safety and show a complete look.

The redesigned lines of the BMW look good both with the top on and off, as the vehicle has a versatile character and looks immaculate in both states. To help the customers convince themselves that the car is equally beautiful, covered, or uncovered, the German automaker provides the "Comfort Access" feature that allows the driver to remotely lower or raise the roof through the car's key.

The Dark Burl Walnut wood trim is a standard feature for the BMW 3 Series Convertible. Customers can also select from Bamboo Anthracite wood, Light Burl Walnut wood, and Aluminum trims. These optional elements can be found on the dashboard, front and rear consoles, doors, and back side panels, just like the standard Dark Burl Walnut trim.

BMW holds the distinction of being the pioneer among car manufacturers in utilizing sun-reflective technology to combat high temperatures affecting various components such as leather seating, armrest surfaces, headrests, and the gear shifter. This innovative approach involves the incorporation of modified color pigments directly into the leather during the production process. By doing so, these pigments can reflect the sun's infrared radiation.

Through the application of this leather treatment, dark interior colors can experience a remarkable decrease in surface temperatures of up to 36 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). Moreover, this treatment also delivers notable benefits for light-colored upholstery, where the impact of sunlight is less intense. In such cases, the treatment effectively reduces the surface temperature by an impressive 27 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius).

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BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E46) photo gallery

BMW introduced an LCI for the E46 series in 2003, and the drop-top version was also affected by the new upgrades, which added not only a slightly different look but also better drivetrains and technologies.

The Bavarian carmaker was on top of its game with the 3 Series convertible. It was, basically, alone in the segment. It had a weak competitor in the Volvo C70 and the Merc's CLK. The latter was a mixture of the C-Class platform, which was the rightful opponent for the 3 Series, and the E-Class look, which aimed at the 5 Series.

At the front, the headlights received a new treatment with smoother lines and redesigned lower bumper. The versions with foglamps sported them in separate, triangular-shaped clusters on the outer side of the lower apron. At the back, the car got new taillights that sported a white area on their upper side for the turn signals. In addition, the bumper was restyled and featured a lower apron. Moreover, the carmaker offered an M-Packet that gave the car an aggressive look.

The cabin was as spacious as before since the carmaker was limited to the same wheelbase. But it enhanced the front seats with an option for high-bolstered ones. A navigation system became available on the options list. Also, in the tech department, the car got parking sensors.

Under the hood, BMW dropped the 2.0-liter inline-six powerplant and replaced it with a new, 2.2-liter unit. The base model, on the other hand, sported a 2.0-liter unit from an inline-four. In those years, the turbo-diesel engines were praised for their performance and fuel efficiency, so BMW included two oil-burners on the convertible, and they were fast enough to convince people to buy it.

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BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E46) photo gallery

After successfully launching the fourth generation of the 3 Series in 1998 as a sedan, customers started to ask about the rest of the range, so the automaker introduced the coupe and the station wagon in 1999, and finally, the convertible in 2000.

Since it was already in its third generation of the 3 Series Cabriolet, the German automaker had already learned what its customers asked for. Thus, unlike its predecessor, the E36 Cabriolet, the E46 came with an improved design and more room in the back for passengers. Last but not least, the car was offered with a wide range of engines, either economical or sporty.

Its front fascia was carried over from the coupe version, with organic-shaped headlights that followed the bio-design era. These featured a double curvature on their lower side and corner-mounted blinkers. Between them, incorporated into the hood, the carmaker installed the kidney grille. To help cool the engine, BMW installed a lower grille in the air dam. From its profile, the raked windshield was supported by thick A-pillars, which also served as safety arches, and there were no other posts.

The cabin featured a pair of bolstered bucket seats at the front and a bench profiled for two in the back. Since the canopy was housed in a special compartment between the cabin and the trunk area, the rear seats had to be moved forward. That affected the legroom, but there was enough left for average-sized occupants.

Under the hood, the automaker installed a wide range of engines paired with either manual or automatic transmissions.

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BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E36) photo gallery

BMW introduced the third generation of the 3 Series in 1990 and made it available in more shapes and sizes than before, but it delayed the introduction of the drop-top version until 1993.

It might be said that BMW was somehow surprised by customers' demands for a premium convertible, and that's why it delayed it. Whatever the reasons, in 1993, the German carmaker brought it to the market, and the result was far beyond expectations.

The drop-top version was clearly inspired by the E36's coupe, with which it shared the front fascia and part of the body panels. Its squared-looking headlights were in total opposition with the quad-round headlamp design of its predecessor, the E30. At the back, the carmaker extended the taillights on the trunk lid but took care to keep the brake lights only on the quarter panel. From its sides, the lack of the B-pillar made the car look more like a roadster than a four-door convertible.

Unlike its predecessor, the E30 cabriolet, the E36 offered more room in the back for a couple of passengers, even though they had to be careful with their feet since the legroom was not that ample. For short trips, though, it was fine. At the front, depending on the options, the carmaker placed regular bucket seats or high-bolstered ones for sportier versions. But still, the carmaker didn't offer the option of a power-operated roof.

Under the hood, the carmaker installed a sluggish 1.8-liter powerplant for the base version but compensated with the rest of the range. Moreover, a five-speed automatic was available and contributed to the sports factor.

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BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E30) photo gallery

BMW unveiled an open-top version for its successful 3-Series in 1986, four years after the model's second generation.

The German carmaker was not at its first open-top 3-Series, but unlike the E21 3-Series, it was fully convertible. Its predecessor was only a top-cabriolet produced by Karroserie Baur had the side windows, B-pillars, and C-pillars kept in place. With the 3-Series Cabriolet, BMW entered the world of accessible, daily-driver convertibles.

Its front fascia was similar to the rest of the range, featuring double headlights and a black grille at the front. Its wrapped-around, front plastic bumper featured a lower apron for the fog lights, offered as an option, and a small lip underneath. Its straight lines and slightly flared wheel-arches made it a timeless classic, proving the value of its minimalist design.

Inside, the car carried over the interior from a 3-series coupe. Its driver-oriented dashboard featured a tilted center stack and the angular-shaped instrument cluster. On the base trim level, the car sported a cloth interior, but BMW offered a leather upholstery. Despite its short wheelbase, its rear seats were usable but with limited legroom. The tall transmission tunnel prevented a third person in the back, and the carmaker advertised the car as a four-seat vehicle. The 3-Series Cabriolet offered a decent trunk size for a long journey or a short holiday, even with the top down.

Under the hood, BMW installed a choice of three engines ranged between a four-banger 1.8-liter and a 2.5-liter inline-six. All versions were available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.

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