BMW 3 series 2003 E46 Cabrio
Solid body, fast, great stability on the bends, comfort seats, very relaxing in long journeys, reliable for fast over taking.
read all BMW 3 series reviews
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. 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 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 fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio petrol engine version is BMW 318Ci Cabrio, consuming 7.8 litres per 100km. While the most fuel efficient BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio 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 +4% 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. 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 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 11 percent heavier than the average for this age and class of vehicles. BMW 3 series trunk space is 260 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 6000 €. According to user reviews, average BMW 3 series repair costs are 250 € per year. Users calculated BMW 3 series 2003 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 3100 € 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
Most fuel efficient petrol version |
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 Most fuel efficient diesel version by real consumption |
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
Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.9 seconds |
3.0 Petrol | 231 HP | 9.6 l/100km | Manual (6) |
|
BMW 330Ci Cabrio
Most powerfull petrol 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 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 3800 € to 9000 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is entirely high - BMW 3 series is approximately for 7 percents more expensive then average cabrios of this age (compare cabrios 2003 - 2007 prices).
| Year | Lowest | Average | Highest | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 series 2007 price | 8000 € | 8500 € | 9000 € | |
| BMW 3 series 2006 price | 4100 € | 5500 € | 6500 € | |
| BMW 3 series 2005 price | 4600 € | 6000 € | 6500 € | |
| BMW 3 series 2003 price | 3800 € | 4300 € | 5000 € |
BMW 3 series total costs of ownership
How much really costs to own BMW 3 series? Users calculated BMW 3 series 2003 cost of ownership for this generation, got average 3100 € cost per year and 0.23 € cost per one kilometer.
BMW 3 series 2003 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 average. In the roadworthiness tests in 2018 defects were detected in an average of 26.5 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 26.9%.
BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio features (options)
Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)
80% Metallic paint
75% Conditioning
70% Electrically adjustable seats
56% Leather upholstery
54% Rain sensor
53% Adjustable steering wheel
53% Cruise control
51% Xenon headlights
49% Rear parking sensors
43% Heated seats
38% Tire pressure control
33% Dimming mirrors
18% Navigation
17% Bi-xenon lights
16%
BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio photo images
Similar cars to BMW 3 series 2003
Cars similar and most compared to BMW 3 series 2003. Click on the image to view the car's specifications or on the "Compare..." link to compare cars.
- lower price
- fewer faults
- only petrol engines available
- fewer faults
- lower fuel consumption for petrol engines
- lower fuel consumption for petrol engines
- roomier boot
- available with 4x4 drive
- roomier boot
- only petrol engines available
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BMW 3 series reviews
Total 77 BMW 3 series owner reviews
| 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) | ||
Would NOT recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Relatively flexible, dynamic, warm, simple
Cons: Engine N42 sucks. Something broke on a regular basis, produces a variety of hitherto unheard of until end of sounds that are not managed to avoid. It is difficult to find fault. Eat oil, a white oil appears. Hard and rattles. Rusts. Glass elevators holds on nothing. In short, away from those engines, more than 100 000km it is not intended.
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Very good and sporty car. The boost is good if everything is working for the machine and the turbine is not damaged.
Cons: Low, hard, regular painting of the front bumper should be considered. Failed xdrive, repair around 1000, - eur
Quite a large consumption in the city of 10-12L
On the highway 7-8
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Good suspension
Cons: The fuel consumption can be economical, but i can say from experience that, driving BMW in 2 years i have been in service 2 times, before I drove a car which has average consumption of 5 l / km, and visited service service at least 3 times per year...
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: If you get cared one, it is ideal. If not, then spend an average of 1500-2000 euro to bring in perfect order.
Cons: Sometimes passengers does not have enough room in back.
| 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 € | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Solid body, fast, great stability on the bends, comfort seats, very relaxing in long journeys, reliable for fast over taking.
Cons: None
| 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 € | ||
Would NOT recomend this car to the friend
Pros: BMW 320d - a 120kw engine with chain, door locks quite easily Gearbox, good acceleration, sporty.
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Safe and reliable car, suitable for families with children
Cons: In city could be more economical
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Good, reliable, secure and fast car
Cons: The relatively high price and maintenance costs
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Dynamic, very enjoyable
Cons: Rusts, unfortunately
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Reliable, powerful.
Cons: Narrow, quite hard and low
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Classic driving car, joy ride
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: Comfort driving
Cons: Shaking at idle speed
| 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 € | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Cons: Audio system could be better.
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Pros: powerful
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
Cons: corrosion
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would NOT recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would NOT recomend this car to the friend
| 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) | ||
Would recomend this car to the friend