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

After five years on the market, the fourth generation of the 3 Series, known as the E46, was ready for an update, and BMW refreshed it with a well-deserved facelift.

The German automaker didn’t want to follow the trend and call its updated models facelifted. Instead, it named them LCI (Life Cycle Impulse). In 2003, the 3 Series was the most important product of the German car manufacturer since it had the highest sales. Furthermore, the open-top version was essential since it had to compete against other significant premium vehicles, such as the Volvo C70 and the Mercedes-Benz CLK. Besides some aesthetical updates, the E46 Convertible LCI received new engines and improved cabins, making its customers feel better. In addition, there were new features available that had never been seen before on a 3 Series.

BMW knew that one of the things it had to change to make the car look fresh again was its headlights. As a result, it installed new ones featuring a single curved line on their lower outer sides instead of a double curvature as on the pre-facelifted version. That change also led to a redesigned front bumper that sported a broader lower air intake flanked by two scoops, which could be fitted with fog lamps. The main grille was surrounded by a chromed trim and was integrated into the hood.

From its profile, the 2003 BMW 3 Series Cabriolet (E46) had the same smooth lines with slightly flared wheel arches. Thanks to the longitudinally mounted engine, the entire nose of the vehicle was low, which led to improved visibility for the one behind the wheel. Since the car didn’t have any additional roll-over arches, the A-pillars that supported the panoramic windshield also played that role as a safety system. Behind them, there was nothing above the vehicle’s waistline, bar the seats’ seatbacks. As an option, the power retractable roof could be raised and lowered by pushing a button on the key fob. This was stored behind the cabin, in a designated area between the rear seats and the trunk, under a flip-up lid.

Inside, the automaker installed a redesigned dashboard and made more options available. Fronting the driver was a slightly redesigned instrument panel featuring the classic BMW dials. Unlike its predecessor, these featured flatter lower areas for the speedometer and tachometer. At the same time, the LCD below them showed data from the car’s onboard computer and the odometer. On the center stack, the car manufacturer offered an option for a sat-nav system, which was new for the 3 Series. The center console between the high-bolstered front seats housed the buttons for the power windows and the gear stick (or the gear selector, depending on the transmission). In the back, the bench seat was profiled for two and provided minimal legroom. As an option, customers could fit the vehicle with a net that played the role of a wind-stopper.

Under the hood, there was a new choice of gasoline and turbodiesel engines, with four or six cylinders. Depending on the options, these were paired with either a five-speed manual or automatic or a six-speed manual. Power went to the rear wheels only.