Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003
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.
ENGINE SPECS - 318Ci 5AT RWD (143 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1995 cm3 |
Power: | 105 KW @ 6000 RPM 143 HP @ 6000 RPM 141 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 148 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM 200 Nm @ 3750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 128 mph (206 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 11.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 VR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.3 in (1,471/1,481 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3241 lbs (1470 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4222 lbs (1915 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 20.3 mpg US (11.6 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 35.6 mpg US (6.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 28 mpg US (8.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 203 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 318Ci 5MT RWD (143 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1995 cm3 |
Power: | 105 KW @ 6000 RPM 143 HP @ 6000 RPM 141 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 148 lb-ft @ 3750 RPM 200 Nm @ 3750 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 128 mph (206 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 10.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 VR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.3 in (1,471/1,481 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3174.7 lbs (1440 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4155.7 lbs (1885 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 39.2 mpg US (6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 187 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 320Ci 5AT RWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2171 cm3 |
Power: | 125 KW @ 6100 RPM 170 HP @ 6100 RPM 168 BHP @ 6100 RPM |
Torque: | 155 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 210 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 136 mph (219 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 VR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.3 in (1,471/1,481 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3340 lbs (1515 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4321 lbs (1960 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 17.4 mpg US (13.5 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.5 mpg US (7.7 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24 mpg US (9.8 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 219 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 320Ci 5MT RWD (170 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2171 cm3 |
Power: | 125 KW @ 6100 RPM 170 HP @ 6100 RPM 168 BHP @ 6100 RPM |
Torque: | 155 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 210 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 137.9 mph (222 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 VR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.3 in (1,471/1,481 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.35 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3295.9 lbs (1495 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4277 lbs (1940 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.4 mpg US (12.8 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.8 mpg US (7.4 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 25 mpg US (9.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 225 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 323Ci 5AT RWD (170 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 125 KW @ 5500 RPM 170 HP @ 5500 RPM 168 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 245 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 WR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.3 in (1,471/1,481 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3109 lbs (1410 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4211 lbs (1910 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 15.8 mpg US (14.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.7 mpg US (7.2 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 239 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 323Ci 5MT RWD (170 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 125 KW @ 5500 RPM 170 HP @ 5500 RPM 168 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 245 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 144.8 mph (233 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 WR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.3 in (1,471/1,481 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3020.3 lbs (1370 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4122.6 lbs (1870 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18.5 mpg US (12.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 34.1 mpg US (6.9 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 26.1 mpg US (9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 215 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 325Ci 5AT RWD (192 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 141 KW @ 6000 RPM 192 HP @ 6000 RPM 189 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 245 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 WR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.4 in (1,471/1,483 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3428 lbs (1555 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4409 lbs (2000 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 16.9 mpg US (13.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 30.9 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 23.8 mpg US (9.9 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 239 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 325Ci 5MT RWD (192 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2494 cm3 |
Power: | 141 KW @ 6000 RPM 192 HP @ 6000 RPM 189 BHP @ 6000 RPM |
Torque: | 181 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 245 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 145.4 mph (234 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.7 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 WR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.4 in (1,471/1,483 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3340 lbs (1515 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4321 lbs (1960 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 17.8 mpg US (13.2 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.4 mpg US (7.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 234 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 330Ci 5AT RWD (231 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2979 cm3 |
Power: | 170 KW @ 5900 RPM 231 HP @ 5900 RPM 228 BHP @ 5900 RPM |
Torque: | 221 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 300 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 149 mph (240 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 7.5 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/50 YR17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.3 in (1,471/1,481 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3516 lbs (1595 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4497 lbs (2040 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 15.8 mpg US (14.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31.4 mpg US (7.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 23.1 mpg US (10.2 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 240 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 330Ci 5MT RWD (231 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L6 |
Displacement: | 2979 cm3 |
Power: | 170 KW @ 5900 RPM 231 HP @ 5900 RPM 228 BHP @ 5900 RPM |
Torque: | 221 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM 300 Nm @ 3500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
---|---|
Top Speed: | 153.5 mph (247 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 6.9 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
---|---|
Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Ventilated Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/50 YR17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 176.8 in (4491 mm) |
Width: | 69.3 in (1760 mm) |
Height: | 53.9 in (1369 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 57.9/58.3 in (1,471/1,481 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 107.1 in (2720 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.1 in (130 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 14.5 cuFT (411 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.29 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
---|---|
Unladen Weight: | 3439.2 lbs (1560 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4420.3 lbs (2005 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
---|---|
City: | 17.5 mpg US (13.4 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 24.5 mpg US (9.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 229 g/km |