BMW 3 series 2003 E46 Cabrio

This generation of BMW 3 series E46 has been produced from March, 2003 to March, 2007. 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 four petrol engines with displacement from 2.0 to 3.0 litres and power of from 143 to 231 horsepower un one diesel engine with displacement 2.0 litres and power of 150 HP.
The car is available with both manual (5 versions), as well as automatic (5 versions) gearbox.

Compare BMW 3 series to other cars

BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio average fuel consumption in combined cycle for petrol engine is from 7.8 to 10 litres per 100km, but for diesel engine - approximately 6.3 litres per 100km. The most economical BMW 3 series petrol engine version is BMW 318Ci Cabrio, consuming 7.8 litres per 100km. While the most economical BMW 3 series diesel - BMW 320Cd Cabrio for 100 kilometers consumes 6.3 liters of diesel.
According to user reviews, BMW 3 series real-world fuel consumption is on average about approximately for 8 percents higher as the manufacturer's claimed fuel economy (on average +5% for petrol engines and +11% for diesel engines). For a more detailed actual fuel economy of each model, select a specific BMW 3 series modification.

BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio CO2 emissions for petrol engine are from 190 to 240 grams per kilometer, but for diesel engine - approximately 167 grams per kilometer. From BMW 3 series with petrol engines the lowest CO2 emissions has BMW 318Ci Cabrio which produces an average of 190 grams of CO2 per 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 11.3 seconds.

Lenght of BMW 3 series is 449 cm, it is decent size car. For comparison - BMW 3 series is about 1 cm longer than Ford Focus sedan, but 3 cm shorter than Toyota Avensis hatchback. BMW 3 series gross weight is from 1925 to 2050 kg (depending on modification), this car is about 15 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles.

This BMW is in average price group - it can be purchased (in Latvia) for around 6000 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 250 € per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series cost of ownership for this generation, got average 3000 € cost per year and 0.23 € cost per one kilometer. Fuel costs were estimated at around 54%, while repair and maintenance costs - around 24% from total. We have an excellent car cost calculator, calculate ownership costs of BMW 3 series for your situation and driving habits here! Below you will find more detailed information about BMW 3 series prices and costs.

In user reviews BMW 3 series received average grade 7.9 (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. 86% of reviewers would recommend this car to the friend.

BMW 3 series modifications

Modification Engine Power Consumption Gearbox
BMW 318Ci Cabrio 2.0 Petrol 143 HP 7.8 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 318Ci Cabrio 2.0 Petrol 143 HP 8.4 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 320Cd Cabrio Oct 2004 — Sep 2005 2.0 Diesel 150 HP 6.3 l/100km Manual (6)
BMW 320Cd Cabrio Oct 2004 — Sep 2005 2.0 Diesel 150 HP 6.3 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 320Ci Cabrio 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 9.4 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 320Ci Cabrio 2.2 Petrol 170 HP 9.8 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 325Ci Cabrio 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.6 l/100km Manual (5)
BMW 325Ci Cabrio 2.5 Petrol 192 HP 9.9 l/100km Automatic (5)
BMW 330Ci Cabrio 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 9.6 l/100km Manual (6)
BMW 330Ci Cabrio 3.0 Petrol 231 HP 10 l/100km Automatic (5)

BMW 3 series safety

During safety testing BMW 3 series has obtained 5 stars from five, which means very high safety level.
Adults (driver and passenger) safety of BMW 3 series is evaluated with five stars, children safety - with four stars, and for pedestrian protection BMW 3 series got one star.

BMW 3 series prices

BMW 3 series 2003 - 2007 cabrio price in Latvia is from 3100 € to 10500 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is above average (compare cabrios 2003 - 2007 prices).

YearLowestAverageHighestAvailability
BMW 3 series 2007 price 6000 € 8500 € 10 500 €
BMW 3 series 2006 price 4500 € 5500 € 6000 €
BMW 3 series 2005 price 4400 € 5500 € 6500 €
BMW 3 series 2003 price 3100 € 4300 € 5500 €

BMW 3 series total costs of ownership

BMW 3 series mileage

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BMW 3 series reliability and quality

According to yearly reports of German vehicle inspection service (TÜV) BMW 3 series quality is above average. In the roadworthiness tests carried out in 2019, defects were detected in an average of 26.8 percent of BMW 3 series of this generation (the average failure rate for a vehicles of the same age was 28.4%).

BMW 3 series reliability and quality

BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio features (options)

Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)

Climate control
79%
Metallic paint
78%
Conditioning
70%
Electrically adjustable seats
65%
Leather upholstery
63%
Adjustable steering wheel
62%
Cruise control
59%
Rain sensor
54%
Rear parking sensors
50%
Xenon headlights
49%
Heated seats
44%
Tire pressure control
33%
Dimming mirrors
21%
Navigation
20%
Bi-xenon lights
16%

BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio photo images

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BMW 3 series reviews

Total 74 BMW 3 series owner reviews

BMW 3 series 2003 Estate car/wagon Petrol 1.9 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2016 (age of car 13 years) Owned for:15`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 8.0 litres per 100km (30% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 780 € (~ 780 € per year)
Total car rating:
4/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 25
BMW 3 series 2006 Estate car/wagon Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2016 (age of car 10 years) Owned for:76`000 kilometers (4 years)
Average fuel consumption: 11.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total car rating:
8/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 30
BMW 3 series 2006 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2014 (age of car 8 years) Owned for:215`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 8.3 litres per 100km (80% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 700 € (~ 350 € per year)
Total car rating:
10/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   female, age 29
BMW 3 series 2003 Sedan Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2014 (age of car 11 years) Owned for:45`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.4 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 640 € (~ 320 € per year)
Total car rating:
9/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 51
BMW 3 series 2004 Hatchback Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2018 (age of car 14 years) Owned for:15`000 kilometers (0 years)
Average fuel consumption: 6.5 litres per 100km (80% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 300 €
Total car rating:
9/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 57
BMW 3 series 2006 Estate car/wagon Diesel, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2016 (age of car 10 years) Owned for:10`000 kilometers (0 years)
Average fuel consumption: 6.0 litres per 100km (30% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 700 €
Total car rating:
8/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 30
BMW 3 series 2006 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2014 (age of car 8 years) Owned for:50`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.5 litres per 100km (80% urban driving)
Total car rating:
9/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   female, age 29
BMW 3 series 2007 Sedan Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2016 (age of car 9 years) Owned for:8`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 10.0 litres per 100km (80% urban driving)
Total car rating:
8/10
Review - positive and negative sides
 
BMW 3 series 2003 Sedan Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2017 (age of car 14 years) Owned for:40`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 8.0 litres per 100km (90% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 120 € (~ 60 € per year)
Total car rating:
9/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 24
BMW 3 series 2007 Estate car/wagon Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2018 (age of car 11 years) Owned for:50`000 kilometers (4 years)
Average fuel consumption: 8.0 litres per 100km (40% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 1400 € (~ 350 € per year)
Total car rating:
10/10
Review - positive and negative sides
   female, age 37
BMW 3 series 2003 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2008 (age of car 5 years) Owned for:150`000 kilometers (7 years)
Average fuel consumption: 6.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 2360 € (~ 337 € per year)
Total car rating:
10/10
 
BMW 3 series 2003 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2015 (age of car 12 years) Owned for:15`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 6.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 75 € (~ 75 € per year)
Total car rating:
7/10
   male, age 21
BMW 3 series 2004 Sedan Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2016 (age of car 12 years) Owned for:3`000 kilometers (0 years)
Average fuel consumption: 5.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 840 €
Total car rating:
8/10
   male, age 49
BMW 3 series 2006 Estate car/wagon Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2017 (age of car 11 years) Owned for:1`000 kilometers (0 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total car rating:
8/10
   female, age 23
BMW 3 series 2004 Hatchback Diesel 3.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2014 (age of car 10 years) Owned for:30`000 kilometers (3 years)
Average fuel consumption: 10.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total car rating:
9/10
 
BMW 3 series 2004 Sedan Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2013 (age of car 9 years) Owned for:100`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 5.8 litres per 100km (20% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 460 € (~ 230 € per year)
Total car rating:
8/10
   female, age 56
BMW 3 series 2004 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2014 (age of car 10 years) Owned for:30`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 6.5 litres per 100km (30% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 185 € (~ 185 € per year)
Total car rating:
8/10
 
BMW 3 series 2006 Sedan Petrol 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2015 (age of car 9 years) Owned for:15`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 10.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 100 € (~ 100 € per year)
Total car rating:
9/10
   male, age 34
BMW 3 series 2004 Estate car/wagon Petrol 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2015 (age of car 11 years) Owned for:15`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 10.0 litres per 100km (40% urban driving)
Total car rating:
9/10
   male, age 62
BMW 3 series 2006 Sedan Diesel 3.3 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2011 (age of car 5 years) Owned for:40`000 kilometers (6 years)
Average fuel consumption: 9.0 litres per 100km (70% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 500 € (~ 83 € per year)
Total car rating:
10/10
   female, age 44
BMW 3 series 2007 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2017 (age of car 10 years) Owned for:2`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 7.5 litres per 100km (20% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 1370 € (~ 1370 € per year)
Total car rating:
5/10
   male, age 26
BMW 3 series 2003 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2006 (age of car 3 years) Owned for:40`000 kilometers (13 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.5 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 570 € (~ 43 € per year)
Total car rating:
7/10
   male, age 36
BMW 3 series 2004 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2016 (age of car 12 years) Owned for:100`000 kilometers (4 years)
Average fuel consumption: 5.2 litres per 100km (30% urban driving)
Total car rating:
8/10
   male, age 50
BMW 3 series 2003 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2019 (age of car 16 years) Owned for:25`000 kilometers (1 year)
Average fuel consumption: 6.0 litres per 100km (50% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 2190 € (~ 2190 € per year)
Total car rating:
9/10
   male
BMW 3 series 2005 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2016 (age of car 11 years) Owned for:50`000 kilometers (4 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.0 litres per 100km (60% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 1180 € (~ 295 € per year)
Total car rating:
7/10
   male, age 33
BMW 3 series 2006 Estate car/wagon Diesel 3.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2018 (age of car 12 years) Owned for:25`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 9.3 litres per 100km (50% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 1300 € (~ 650 € per year)
Total car rating:
8/10
   male, age 52
BMW 3 series 2003 Sedan Petrol 1.8 litres, Manual gearbox
Purchase year:2019 (age of car 16 years) Owned for:310`000 kilometers (2 years)
Average fuel consumption: 7.0 litres per 100km (20% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 435 € (~ 217 € per year)
Total car rating:
5/10
   female, age 32
BMW 3 series 2007 Estate car/wagon Diesel 2.0 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2010 (age of car 3 years) Owned for:80`000 kilometers (5 years)
Average fuel consumption: 6.5 litres per 100km (40% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 1630 € (~ 326 € per year)
Total car rating:
1/10
   male, age 53
BMW 3 series 2007 Coupe Petrol 2.5 litres, Automatic gearbox
Purchase year:2008 (age of car 1 year) Owned for:130`000 kilometers (7 years)
Average fuel consumption: 12.0 litres per 100km (90% urban driving)
Total cost of repairs: 130 € (~ 18 € per year)
Total car rating:
10/10
   male, age 45
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