BMW3 Series Cabriolet (E46) 2000 - 2003

　　After successfully launching the fourth generation of the 3 Series in 1998 as a sedan, customers started to ask about the rest of the range, so the automaker introduced the coupe and the station wagon in 1999, and finally, the convertible in 2000.

　　Since it was already in its third generation of the 3 Series Cabriolet, the German automaker had already learned what its customers asked for. Thus, unlike its predecessor, the E36 Cabriolet, the E46 came with an improved design and more room in the back for passengers. Last but not least, the car was offered with a wide range of engines, either economical or sporty.

　　Its front fascia was carried over from the coupe version, with organic-shaped headlights that followed the bio-design era. These featured a double curvature on their lower side and corner-mounted blinkers. Between them, incorporated into the hood, the carmaker installed the kidney grille. To help cool the engine, BMW installed a lower grille in the air dam. From its profile, the raked windshield was supported by thick A-pillars, which also served as safety arches, and there were no other posts.

　　The cabin featured a pair of bolstered bucket seats at the front and a bench profiled for two in the back. Since the canopy was housed in a special compartment between the cabin and the trunk area, the rear seats had to be moved forward. That affected the legroom, but there was enough left for average-sized occupants.

　　Under the hood, the automaker installed a wide range of engines paired with either manual or automatic transmissions.