M3 Convertible
A 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six.
E46 European specification · Factory source
Every figure, in one place.
Performance
- Power
- 343 PS · 338 hp · 252 kW
- Torque
- 365 Nm
- 0–100 km/h
- 5.3 s
- Top speed
- 250 km/h · limited
- Power-to-weight
- 4.83 kg/PS
Engine and drivetrain
- Engine
- S54 · Inline-six
- Displacement
- 3,246 cm³
- Induction
- Naturally aspirated
- Redline
- 8,000 rpm
- Gearbox
- 6-speed manual / 6-speed SMG II
- Drivetrain
- Rear-wheel drive
- Powertrain
- Petrol
Body and dimensions
- Production
- 2001–2006
- Body
- Convertibles
- Length
- 4,488 mm
- Width
- 1,780 mm
- Height
- 1,372 mm
- Wheelbase
- 2,731 mm
- Kerb weight
- 1,655 kg
- Fuel tank
- 63 L
Where this car ranks across all 93 cars in the catalogue.
Why you’d want one
- Open-air driving with a classic M straight-six.
Know before you buy
- Rod bearing wear and VANOS pump/solenoid faults
- Rear subframe mounting cracks on E46 bodies
- SMG hydraulic pump failure (where fitted)
Commonly reported ownership points, not a guarantee of faults. Always get an independent inspection.
Straight-six, sky above.
The E46 M3 Convertible combines the naturally aspirated S54 with an opening roof. Keep its body style in mind when comparing weight and performance with an M3 Coupé or CSL.
Open-air driving with a classic M straight-six.
Roof operation and seals add checks beyond the engine.
The convertible is its own configuration; coupé figures cannot simply be copied across.
S54 · Inline-six
A 3.2-liter naturally aspirated inline-six. Individual throttle butterflies and variable camshaft timing define the S54.
S54B32 naturally aspirated straight-six. Family reference; model-specific intake and engine-bay details differ.
The naturally aspirated six.
The S54B32 uses six cylinders in one row. European output is 252 kW, approximately 343 PS; US ratings differ.
Six individual throttles.
Each cylinder has its own throttle butterfly. An intake plenum supplies air to the individual runners.
Double VANOS.
Variable timing adjusts both intake and exhaust camshafts. This engine does not use Valvetronic.
Breathing without boost.
There is no turbocharger. Exhaust gases flow through the exhaust system, where mufflers reduce sound energy.
The full specification.
Related cars
Photo credits
- BMW M3 E46 Cabrio front.jpg — JanST · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Original
- BMW M3 SMG Convertible - Flickr - The Car Spy (20).jpg — The Car Spy · CC BY 2.0 · Original
- BMW M3 E46 Cabrio side.JPG — Grgo Tran Alpeza · CC BY-SA 2.5 · Original