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. 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.

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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 service and maintenanceOil change intervals, capacities and specifications, service information for filters, spark plugs, belts etc.

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 3400 € to 9000 €.
Comparing to analogical vehicles BMW 3 series price is entirely high - BMW 3 series is approximately for 5 percents more expensive then average cabrios of this age (compare cabrios 2003 - 2007 prices).

YearLowestAverageHighestAvailability
BMW 3 series 2007 price 7500 € 8500 € 9000 €
BMW 3 series 2006 price 4200 € 5000 € 6000 €
BMW 3 series 2005 price 4600 € 6000 € 6500 €
BMW 3 series 2003 price 3400 € 4200 € 5000 €

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 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 reliability and quality

BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio features (options)

Percentage of BMW 3 series with corresponding feature (option)

Climate control
81%
Metallic paint
74%
Conditioning
71%
Rain sensor
54%
Electrically adjustable seats
54%
Leather upholstery
53%
Adjustable steering wheel
52%
Cruise control
50%
Xenon headlights
49%
Rear parking sensors
41%
Heated seats
37%
Tire pressure control
33%
Dimming mirrors
18%
Navigation
17%
Bi-xenon lights
16%

BMW 3 series 2003 E46 cabrio photo images

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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.

Mercedes CLK 2003 Mercedes CLK 2003 has
  • fewer faults
  • roomier boot
  • only petrol engines available
Compare BMW 3 series 2003 vs Mercedes CLK 2003
BMW 3 series 2007 BMW 3 series 2007 has
  • lower fuel consumption for petrol engines
  • fewer faults
Compare BMW 3 series 2003 vs BMW 3 series 2007
SAAB 9-3 2003 SAAB 9-3 2003 has
  • lower price
  • fewer faults
Compare BMW 3 series 2003 vs SAAB 9-3 2003
Honda Civic 2006 Honda Civic 2006 has
  • lower price
  • lower fuel consumption
  • higher ratings in user reviews
Compare BMW 3 series 2003 vs Honda Civic 2006
Audi TT 1999 Audi TT 1999 has
  • only petrol engines available
  • lower price
  • available with 4x4 drive
Compare BMW 3 series 2003 vs Audi TT 1999
Volvo XC90 2002 Volvo XC90 2002 has
  • available with 4x4 drive
  • roomier boot
  • higher ratings in user reviews
Compare BMW 3 series 2003 vs Volvo XC90 2002

BMW 3 series reviews

Total 78 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
Review - positive and negative sides
   male, age 25
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