- Refined and free-revving six-cylinder petrol engines
- Impressive ride/handling balance
- Excellent steering feel
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- M54 engines susceptible to VANOS failure
- Convertible body lacks rigidity of BMW E46 3-Series Coupe , shakes over bumps
- Jerky gearshifts from Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG)
Review: BMW E46.I 3-Series convertible (2000-03)
Overview
Released in August 2000, the BMW E46 Mk.I (E46.I) 3-Series convertible was a four-seat convertible with a power-operated, soft-top roof. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive E46 3-Series convertible range initially consisted of the 330Ci. The range underwent a minor update in October 2003 with the introduction of six-speed manual and semi-automatic transmissions, the latter referred to as BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox or SMG.
Please note that the E46 M3 Convertible has been reviewed separately.
Dimensions and body
Compared to the E36 3-Series convertible , the E46 3-Series convertible was 55 mm longer (at 4488 mm), 47 mm wider (1757 mm), 24 mm taller (1372 mm) and had a 25 mm longer wheelbase (2725 mm). Furthermore, the E46 bodyshell was significantly stiffer and included pre-programmed deformation zones and interlocking side intrusion bars.
Suspension
The E46 3-Series convertible had a single-joint spring strut front axle and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
| Engine | Trans. | Years | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330Ci | 3.0-litre petrol I6 (M54 B30) | 5sp man., 5sp auto |
2000-03 | 170 kW at 5900 rpm | 300 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the E46 3-Series Convertible included dual front airbags, door-mounted front and rear side (thorax) airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
The 3-Series Convertible also had rollbars integrated into the rear headrests which would automatically deploy if a rollover was anticipated.
Features
Standard features for the 330Ci included 17-inch double-spoke M-style alloy wheels with 225/45 R17 front and 245/40 R17 rear tyres, a ten speaker Hi-Fi sound system with an six-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, leather seats, power adjustable and heated front seats, cruise control, xenon headlights with washers, front fog lamps, rear parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power mirrors and windows, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, driver’s seat memory settings, a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Furthermore, the 330Ci’s thermally-lined and padded soft-top roof was also fitted with a heated and scratch-proof rear glass window. The roof was also designed to fit an optional light alloy BMW factory hardtop.
November 2001 update
From November 2001, the 330Ci was also fitted with bi-xenon headlights and automatic (i.e. light-sensitive) headlights.
Review: BMW E46.II 3-Series convertible (2003-06)
Overview
Released in Australia in May 2003, the E46 Mk.II (E46.II) 3-Series convertible range could be identified by its larger front grille, revised lower bumpers, new head- and tail-lights (including clear front indicator lenses and LED tail-lights) and repositioned side indicator lights.
For the 330Ci, six-speed manual and semi-automatic (BMW’s Sequential Manual Gearbox or SMG) transmissions were also introduced.
In June 2004, the 3-Series Convertible range was expanded with the release of the 325Ci.
| Years | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 325Ci | 2004-06 | 2.5-litre petrol I6 (M54 B25) | 5sp man., 5sp auto, 6sp SMG |
141 kW at 6000 rpm | 245 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| 330Ci | 2003-06 | 3.0-litre petrol I6 (M54 B30) | 6sp man., 5sp auto, 6sp SMG |
170 kW at 5900 rpm | 300 Nm at 3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
For the E46.II 3-Series Convertible, BMW’s upgraded electronic stability control system (‘Dynamic Stability Control II’) was introduced.
Features
For the E46.II 330Ci, standard features were extended to include an in-dash CD player (in addition to the boot-mounted CD stacker). In October 2003, Bluetooth telephone preparation kits were introduced.
Upon its release in June 2004, the 325Ci omitted the 330Ci’s contoured sports seats, bi-xenon headlights and rear parking sensors.
May 2004 and April 2006 updates
In May 2004, standard features for the 330Ci Convertible were extended to include a TV which had an analogue tuner and was positioned in the centre stack. Furthermore, the M3 Convertible gained BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system.
The 325Ci was fitted with a TV from April 2006.
325Ci and 330Ci High-line
In May 2004, standard features for the 330Ci Convertible were extended to include a TV which had an analogue tuner and was positioned in the centre stack. Furthermore, the M3 Convertible gained BMW’s ‘Professional’ satellite navigation system.
The 325Ci was fitted with a TV from April 2006.
M Sports Package II
Introduced in May 2004, the optional M Sports Package II included 17-inch ‘M’ light alloy wheels with mixed tyres, Sport suspension, ‘M Sport’ leather-wrapped steering wheel, oval-shaped of lights, aluminium black cube interior trim, satin chrome interior finishes, Anthracite roof lining, ‘M’ door sills, and an M Aerodynamics Package II (bodykit with bootlid spoiler). For models with manual transmissions, the M Sports Package also included a shortened gearshift lever.
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