Segment:
Premium Compact/Mid-size Sports Sedan/Coupe/Convertible segment
Brand Perception:
Synonymous with driving dynamics, luxury, and performance.
Key Rivals:
Audi A4 Cabriolet, Mercedes-Benz CLK Convertible, Lexus IS Convertible (later generations), Infiniti G35 Convertible.
Driving Dynamics:
Renowned for its balanced chassis, rear-wheel-drive bias, and engaging steering.
Convertible Experience:
Offers a refined open-air driving experience with a well-insulated cabin and a smooth power-operated soft top.
Build Quality:
Typical BMW high standards in materials and assembly.
Engine:
Operation, recommended fuel, break-in period, basic checks
Transmission:
Operation (automatic/manual), gear selection, fluid considerations
Brakes:
Brake system overview, parking brake, ABS operation
Electrical System:
Lighting operation, battery, fuses, power windows, central locking
Convertible Top:
Operation, care, maintenance of the power convertible top mechanism
Climate Control:
HVAC system operation, climate control settings, recirculation
Infotainment:
Radio operation, CD player, navigation system (if equipped), speaker layout
Safety Features:
Airbags, seatbelt operation, child seat installation (LATCH/ISOFIX), traction control (ASC+T)
Daily Checks:
Checking fluid levels (oil, coolant, washer fluid), tire pressure, lights
Instrument Cluster:
Understanding warning lights, gauges, and information displays
Refueling:
Fuel type recommendations, fuel filler flap operation
Tire Changes:
Jack points, spare tire location, lug nut torque specifications
Wiper Blade Replacement:
Instructions for replacing front and rear wiper blades
Bulb Replacement:
Basic guidance on replacing exterior and interior bulbs (may vary in complexity)
Convertible Top Care:
Cleaning and conditioning the fabric top, proper storage
Parking:
Parking brake usage, parking on inclines
Emergency Procedures:
Jump starting, changing a flat tire, what to do in case of an accident
Level:
Owner-focused, covering operation, basic checks, and essential maintenance. Does not include in-depth diagnostic procedures or repair instructions typically found in a service manual.
Print Quality:
High-resolution, derived from original factory scans, suitable for printing.
Searchability:
Text-searchable PDF for easy information retrieval.
Applicable:
Not applicable for digital download.
Applicable:
Not applicable for digital download.
Engine Variants:
Commonly featured 2.5L Inline-6 (M54B25) and 3.0L Inline-6 (M54B30) engines.
Displacement 30I:
2.979 cc (3.0 Liters)
Horsepower 30I:
225 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 30I:
214 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Displacement 25I:
2.494 cc (2.5 Liters)
Horsepower 25I:
184 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Torque 25I:
175 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch Motronic)
Ignition:
Distributorless ignition (DIS) with individual coil packs
Coolant Type:
BMW Blue Antifreeze/Coolant (G48 or equivalent)
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission (Getrag GS5-39DZ on some models)
Type:
5-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission (GM A5S390R or similar)
Steptronic:
Allows manual gear selection via shifter or steering wheel paddles (optional).
Fluid Type:
Dexron III or Dexron VI (check specific model/transmission)
Fluid Type:
BMW MTF LT-1 or MTF LT-2 (Manual Transmission Fluid)
Length:
Approx. 172.2 inches (4374 mm)
Width:
Approx. 68.3 inches (1735 mm)
Height:
Approx. 53.6 inches (1362 mm)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 103.2 inches (2620 mm)
Trunk Volume Top Up:
Approx. 13.1 cu ft (370 L)
Trunk Volume Top Down:
Approx. 8.1 cu ft (229 L)
Curb Weight Manual:
Approx. 3500-3700 lbs (1588-1678 kg)
Curb Weight Auto:
Approx. 3550-3750 lbs (1610-1701 kg)
NHTSA Front Impact:
Likely 4 or 5 stars (typical for BMW of this era, but specific convertible ratings can vary)
IIHS Side Impact:
Likely Good (typical for BMW of this era, but specific convertible ratings can vary)
ABS:
Standard Anti-lock Braking System
Traction Control:
Standard Automatic Stability Control + Traction (ASC+T)
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) often optional or standard on higher trims.
Airbags:
Front airbags, side-impact airbags in doors, often rollover protection system (pop-up roll bars)
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners
Latch Isofix:
ISOFIX mounting points for child seats (may require specific adapters)
Head Unit:
BMW Business CD or Professional RDS radio with CD player, often with cassette functionality.
Navigation:
Optional MKIV Navigation system with CD-ROM maps.
Audio System:
Standard 6-speaker system, optional Harman Kardon premium sound system.
Parking Sensors:
Optional Park Distance Control (PDC).
Cruise Control:
Standard cruise control.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth phone integration (via adapter or built-in module).
Automatic Climate Control:
Optional dual-zone automatic climate control.
Oil Change:
Typically every 7,500-15,000 miles or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system, using BMW Longlife-01 approved synthetic oil.
Oil Filter Part Number:
BMW 11 42 7 541 827 (may vary based on exact engine, check compatibility)
Service Intervals Coolant
Coolant Flush:
Recommended every 2-4 years or as per CBS.
Fluid Specifications Brake
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (BMW High Performance Brake Fluid)
Fluid Specifications Power Steering
Power Steering Fluid Type:
BMW ATF Dexron III or equivalent
Cooling System:
Plastic coolant expansion tanks are prone to cracking; water pump and thermostat housing can also leak.
Oil Leaks:
Valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, and oil filter housing gasket are common leak points.
Suspension:
Front control arm bushings (bushings themselves and/or the entire arm) can wear, leading to steering looseness and tire wear.
Convertible Top Mechanism:
Hydraulic cylinders for the top can leak; microswitches and motors can fail.
Window Regulators:
Window regulators can fail, causing windows to drop or operate slowly.
Legacy:
BMW has a long history of producing sporty, driver-focused vehicles, particularly with its '3 Series' line, known for its blend of performance and luxury.
E46 Generation:
The E46 generation (1999-2006) represented a significant evolution in BMW's design and engineering, offering improved dynamics, technology, and refinement over its E36 predecessor.
Convertible Development:
The E46 convertible continued the tradition of offering a stylish and engaging open-top experience, building on the strengths of the coupe platform.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Germany (e.g., Dingolfing plant).
Car And Driver 10 Best:
BMW 3 Series variants (sedan, coupe) were frequent recipients of Car and Driver's 10Best awards during this era, highlighting its overall excellence.
Consumer Reports:
Typically rated well for performance and driving experience, though reliability scores could be mixed depending on specific components and maintenance history.