BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E46) 2003-2007 Photos, engines & full specs

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.