BMW 3 series 2000 E46 Cabrio
Very pleasant to drive
Even an old car looks visually appealing
Comfortable interior
Powerful also with 2.0l diesel engine
I like the equipment - multi steering, climate control, sunroof, etc.
Comfortable, easy to park
Does not require large investments, repairs are not expensive
Popular model, many spare parts available, both new and used
read all BMW 3 series reviews
This generation of BMW 3 series E46 has been produced from April, 2000 to March, 2003. We can provide information about 10 modifications of this generation. The car has been produced only with classical rear wheel drive.
This BMW is available with five petrol engines with displacement from 2.0 to 3.0 litres and power of from 143 to 231 horsepower. All engines feature a timing chain-driven camshaft, which is considered a more reliable and less maintenance-intensive solution (What is an engine chain and belt?).
The car is available with both manual (5 versions), as well as automatic (5 versions) gearbox.
BMW 3 series 2000 E46 cabrio average fuel consumption in combined cycle is from 7.7 to 10 litres per 100km. The most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2000 E46 cabrio version is BMW 318Ci Cabrio, consuming 7.7 litres of petrol per 100km.
According to user reviews, BMW 3 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 5 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy. For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 3 series modification.
BMW 3 series 2000 E46 cabrio CO2 emissions are from 187 to 240 grams per kilometer. BMW 3 series version with the lowest CO2 emissions is BMW 318Ci Cabrio, which produces 187 grams of CO2 per one kilometer.
The best acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h - 6.9 seconds has BMW 330Ci Cabrio version, conversely the tardiest one is BMW 318Ci Cabrio reaching this speed only in 11 seconds. The maximum top speed is 247 km/h for the 3.0 petrol 6-cylinder 231 hp version (BMW 330Ci Cabrio).
Lenght of BMW 3 series is 449 cm, it is decent size car. For comparison - BMW 3 series is about 3 cm longer than Honda Civic sedan, but 3 cm shorter than Toyota Avensis hatchback. BMW 3 series gross weight is from 1870 to 2040 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 11 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles. BMW 3 series trunk space is 300 litres, by folding down all rear seats boot capacity can be increased to 300 litres.
This BMW is in average price group - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 4600 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 290 € per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series 2000 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 3300 € cost per year and 0.27 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 62%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 20% from total. We have an excellent car cost calculator, calculate ownership costs of BMW 3 series for your situation and driving habits here! Our review authors managed to sell their BMW 3 series in average time of 1 weeks. Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 3 series prices and costs.
In user reviews BMW 3 series received average grade 7.8 (from 10) it corresponds to average rate for cars of this age. Ratings are quite controversial, both positive and not so good, read more in the reviews below. 94% of reviewers would recommend this car to the friend.
BMW 3 series modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
BMW 318Ci Cabrio
Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 Most fuel efficient version |
2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 7.7 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 318Ci Cabrio Sep 2001 — Mar 2003 | 2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 8.4 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 320Ci Cabrio Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.4 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 320Ci Cabrio Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 | 2.2 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.8 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 323Ci Cabrio Apr 2000 — Sep 2000 | 2.5 Petrol | 170 HP | 9.0 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 323Ci Cabrio Apr 2000 — Sep 2000 | 2.5 Petrol | 170 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
| BMW 325Ci Cabrio Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Manual (5) |
| BMW 325Ci Cabrio Sep 2000 — Mar 2003 | 2.5 Petrol | 192 HP | 9.9 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
|
BMW 330Ci Cabrio
Jun 2000 — Mar 2003 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Manual (5) |
|
BMW 330Ci Cabrio
Jun 2000 — Mar 2003 Most powerfull version (231 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 10.0 l/100km | Automatic (5) |
BMW 3 series safety
During safety testing BMW 3 series has obtained 4 stars from five, which means good safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 3 series is evaluated with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 3 series got one star.
BMW 3 series prices
BMW 3 series 2000 - 2003 cabrio price in Latvia is from 3100 € to 7500 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is above average - BMW 3 series is approximately for 12 percents more expensive then average cabrios of this age (compare cabrios 2000 - 2003 prices). Despite of price above average BMW 3 series quality is not so good (see below), so this BMW may not be the best choice for this price.
| Year | Lowest | Average | Highest | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 series 2002 price | 3300 € | 4400 € | 6000 € | |
| BMW 3 series 2001 price | 3600 € | 5500 € | 7500 € | |
| BMW 3 series 2000 price | 3100 € | 4000 € | 5000 € |
BMW 3 series total costs of ownership
How much really costs to own BMW 3 series? Users calculated BMW 3 series 2000 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 3300 € cost per year and 0.27 € cost per one kilometer.
BMW 3 series 2000 total costs of ownership calculator
Calculate total cost of ownership of the BMW 3 series, including purchase, insurance, maintenance, taxes and other costs based on how you use your vehicle.
BMW 3 series reliability and quality
According to yearly reports of vehicle inspection service BMW 3 series reliability is below average. In the roadworthiness tests in 2014 defects were detected in an average of 36.5 percent of BMW 3 series of this generation (on average 13 years old at the time of inspection). The average failure rate for a vehicles of the same age was 33.3%.
BMW 3 series 2000 E46 cabrio features (options)
Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)
71% Climate control
69% Metallic paint
69% Leather upholstery
58% Electrically adjustable seats
58% Adjustable steering wheel
54% Cruise control
45% Rear parking sensors
42% Heated seats
41% Rain sensor
34% Xenon headlights
34% Dimming mirrors
22% Navigation
13%
BMW 3 series 2000 E46 cabrio photo images
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- fewer faults
- petrol and diesel engines available
- available with 4x4 drive
- lower price
- fewer faults
- petrol and diesel engines available
- lower fuel consumption for diesel engines
- roomier boot
- lower price
- roomier boot
- available with 4x4 drive
BMW 3 series reviews
Total 78 BMW 3 series owner reviews
| Purchase year: | 2015 (age of car 13 years) | Owned for: | 40`000 kilometers (3 years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average fuel consumption: | 10.0 litres per 100km (90% urban driving) | ||
| Total cost of repairs: | 1860 € (~ 620 € per year) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Very pleasant to drive
Even an old car looks visually appealing
Comfortable interior
Powerful also with 2.0l diesel engine
I like the equipment - multi steering, climate control, sunroof, etc.
Comfortable, easy to park
Does not require large investments, repairs are not expensive
Popular model, many spare parts available, both new and used
Cons: Fuel-inefficient
Very brittle rolling stock, suspension. If driven over potholes, rolling and suspension must be repaired for sure.
Be aware of the car's weak points: radiator is sensitive to shocks and air conditioning may not work, boot lid rusts, so number plate illumination is affected