As an option, there was a 6-speed automated gearbox named SMGII, with a single-clutch system. Under the hood, the M3 Cabriolet was fitted with the same 3.2-liter S54 engine mated to a standard 6-speed manual. The dashboard and the center console were the same as for the coupe version. Turner Motorsport is the 1 source of high performance BMW parts, OEM BMW replacement parts and BMW accessories. The soft-top was completely retractable behind the rear bench. In the back, there was not too much room for long trips. The front bucket seats were fitted as standard. Inside, the M3 Convertible offered room for four occupants. Its 0-60 is 1 second faster and Top Speed is 9 mph more. 5 More Horsepower and 7 more lb-ft of torque. The M3s S54 naturally aspirated engine produces more than 100 horsepower (75 kW) per litre (343 horsepower (256 kW)/3.2 litre).

From there on there was no other visible reinforcement on top of the body. I was looking at the specs of the E46 M3 and this is what I found. The car featured a thicker A-pillar to reinforce the bodywork. On the sides, a pair of vents on the front fenders resembled, in a modern way, those found on the glorious BMW 507. Two scoops on the hood allowed a part of the hot air to escape from the engine bay. The big bumper with a lower apron and wide grille was needed to hide the big radiator and various coolers. The aggressive look of the car was due to its rounded parking lights, named “Angel Eyes” even though they looked from the opposing team. While the E30 M3 was built in a little over 17.000 units, the E46 M3 convertible alone was sold in almost 30.000 units. The 2001 M3 (E46) was the third generation. Its commercial success was so big that the car-maker decided to build offer M3 versions for the following 3-Series vehicles. The first generation of the BMW M3 was a race-purpose car built for streets to receive the FIA approval for racing. The E9X series, E90 and E92 specifically, have a glorious 4.0L V8 S65 engine that screams to a 8600 RPM (tuned) redline, has linear power delivery and weighs less than the S54 in the E46.

The third generation of the M3 was built in a choice of two body styles: coupe and convertible.Įven though the convertible was heavier, its performances were no joke.

Bmw s54 e46 m3 specs