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, EU) 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 3900 € to 10500 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is above average (compare cabrios 2003 - 2007 prices).
| Year | Lowest | Average | Highest | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 3 series 2007 price | 6000 € | 8000 € | 10 500 € | |
| BMW 3 series 2005 price | 4600 € | 6000 € | 6500 € | |
| BMW 3 series 2004 price | 4400 € | 5500 € | 6000 € | |
| BMW 3 series 2003 price | 3900 € | 5500 € | 7000 € |
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% Conditioning
71% Metallic paint
71% Rain sensor
54% Electrically adjustable seats
48% Xenon headlights
48% Leather upholstery
47% Adjustable steering wheel
46% Cruise control
44% Rear parking sensors
37% Heated seats
33% Tire pressure control
32% Dimming mirrors
16% Bi-xenon lights
15% Navigation
15%
BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio photo images
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- only petrol engines available
- fewer faults
- roomier boot
- lower fuel consumption for petrol engines
- fewer faults
- lower price
- lower fuel consumption for petrol engines
- roomier boot
- available with 4x4 drive
- fewer faults
- only petrol engines available
- lower price
- available with 4x4 drive
BMW 3 series reviews
Total 78 BMW 3 series owner reviews
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 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