Segment:
High-performance luxury grand tourer convertible
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and open-air driving experience
Key Competitors:
Mercedes-Benz SLK/SL, Porsche Boxster/911 Carrera Cabriolet, Audi TT Roadster
Performance Focus:
Naturally aspirated inline-six engine, M-tuned chassis, advanced electronic aids
Convertible Functionality:
Power-operated soft top with advanced insulation and automated operation
Driver Experience:
Direct steering feedback, balanced handling, engaging driving dynamics
Powertrain:
Engine, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system
Drivetrain:
Transmission, differential, drive shafts, limited-slip differential (M Variable Lock)
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear), steering, brakes (ABS, DSC, M Servotronic)
Electrical:
Battery, charging system, lighting, instrumentation, power accessories, convertible top system
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, seats, climate control, infotainment system, safety restraints
Operation:
Vehicle start/stop, gear selection, convertible top operation, climate control usage
Maintenance:
Fluid level checks, tire pressure, wiper blade replacement, bulb replacement
Troubleshooting:
Warning lights, basic diagnostics, emergency procedures
Safety:
Seatbelt usage, airbag system information, child seat installation guidance
Depth:
Owner-level operations and basic maintenance; does not cover detailed repair procedures or diagnostics typically found in a workshop manual.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated Inline-6
Displacement:
3.2 Liters (3246 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
87.0 mm x 91.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
11.5:1
Horsepower:
333 hp (248 kW) @ 7900 rpm
Torque:
262 lb-ft (355 Nm) @ 4900 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPI) with individual throttle bodies
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded (91 octane or higher recommended)
Transmission Type:
6-Speed Manual
Transmission Type:
6-Speed SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) with Drivelogic
Clutch Type:
Hydraulically actuated single-plate clutch
Differential:
M Variable Lock differential (0-100% lock-up)
Gear Ratios Manual:
1st: 4.235, 2nd: 2.531, 3rd: 1.670, 4th: 1.232, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.828, Reverse: 3.728
NHTSA Front Impact:
Not specifically rated for M3 Convertible, but E46 Coupe received 4/5 stars for driver/passenger.
IIHS Side Impact:
Not specifically rated for M3 Convertible.
Traction Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with M Dynamic Mode
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Stability Control:
DSC with M Dynamic Mode for enhanced performance driving
Airbags:
Frontal airbags, side airbags (head/thorax)
Rollover Protection:
Pop-up roll bars behind headrests (deploy automatically)
Seatbelts:
3-point inertia-reel seatbelts with pretensioners and force limiters
Audio System:
Harman Kardon premium sound system with CD player, AM/FM stereo
Navigation:
Optional BMW Professional Navigation system with MKIV unit
Parking Assist:
Optional Rear Park Distance Control (PDC)
Phone Integration:
Optional Bluetooth hands-free system
Oil Change:
BMW Condition Based Service (CBS) system; typically around 10,000-15,000 miles or as indicated by the vehicle.
Brake Fluid Flush:
Every 2 years (recommended)
Coolant Change:
First change at 4 years/50,000 miles, then every 2 years/30,000 miles (BMW Blue coolant)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Approx. 60,000 miles (depending on plug type)
Engine Oil:
SAE 10W-60 Synthetic (BMW M TwinPower Turbo Engine Oil recommended, e.g., Castrol EDGE Professional H) | Capacity: 6.9 Liters (7.3 US Quarts)
Coolant:
BMW Blue Long-Life Coolant (G48) | Capacity: Approx. 10 Liters (10.6 US Quarts)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 High Performance Synthetic Brake Fluid
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil (BMW recommends specific fluid, e.g., Pentosin MTF LT-2) | Capacity: Approx. 1.3 Liters (1.4 US Quarts)
Transmission Fluid Smg:
BMW ATF (Dexron III equivalent or specific Pentosin hydraulic fluid for SMG pump)
Differential Fluid:
SAE 75W-140 Synthetic Gear Oil (BMW recommends specific fluid, e.g., Pentosin) | Capacity: Approx. 1.2 Liters (1.3 US Quarts)
Rod Bearings:
S54 engine is known for potential wear of rod bearings, especially in earlier models or with improper maintenance.
Subframe Mounts:
Cracking or separation of rear subframe mounting points can occur due to stress.
Throttle Actuators:
Individual throttle body actuators can fail, leading to rough idle or performance issues.
Vanos System:
The VANOS (Variable Valve Timing) system can develop leaks or solenoid issues.
Convertible Top Hydraulics:
Hydraulic lines and pump for the convertible top can leak or fail over time.
Bmw M Division:
Established in 1972, BMW M GmbH specializes in high-performance versions of BMW vehicles.
E46 M3 Introduction:
Launched in 2000, the E46 M3 replaced the E36 M3 and was celebrated for its return to naturally aspirated performance.
Convertible Variant:
The Convertible variant offered the M3's performance in an open-air package, featuring a power-retractable soft top.
Production Years:
2000-2006 (E46 M3 generation)
Manufacturing Location:
Regensburg, Germany