BMW M3 Cabrio SMG II · 343 CV (2000-2006)

1998
Gasolina
RWD
Manual 6v
BMW Serie 3 - Vista 1
BMW Serie 3 - Vista 2
BMW Serie 3 - Vista 3
BMW Serie 3 - Vista 4

Especificaciones y análisis del BMW Serie 3

Power

343HP

Torque

365Nm

Consumption

12.1l/100

Emissions

-g/km

0-100 km/h

5.5s

Top Speed

250km/h

Weight

1655kg

Price

75,556

Technical summary

Fuel

Gasolina

Transmission

Manual 6v

Traction

RWD

Seats

4 / 2 doors

Trunk

300 L

Tank

63 L

Power

252 kW

Status

Current

Technical specifications

Engine

Maximum power343 CV / 252 kW
Maximum torque365 Nm
Fuel typeGasolina
TransmissionManual 6v

Capacities

Tank63 L
Trunk300 L

Detailed analysis of the BMW M3 Cabrio SMG II · 343 CV (2000-2006)

General description

The BMW M3 Cabrio of the E46 generation is not just a car, it's an icon that defines a golden era of motoring. It represents the perfect fusion of BMW M's high-performance engineering and the intoxicating freedom of open-top driving. A dream for any purist, a machine that promised and delivered pure emotions with every kilometer.

Driving experience

Getting behind the wheel is a ritual that awakens the senses. The heart of the beast, a naturally aspirated inline-six engine that screams up to 7900 rpm, is the protagonist. Its metallic and addictive sound, combined with the thrust of its 343 hp to the rear wheels, creates an unforgettable mechanical symphony. The 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 5.5 seconds feels visceral, and the SMG II gearbox, with its fast and forceful shifts, makes you feel like a race driver. With the top down, the wind and the engine's roar unite in a raw, analog, and absolutely glorious driving experience.

Design and aesthetics

The design of the M3 E46 is a masterpiece of perfect proportions and restrained aggression. Its flared wheel arches, the power dome on the hood to accommodate the engine, the four exhaust outlets, and the iconic 18-inch wheels give it an imposing and timeless presence. As a convertible, its silhouette with the soft top is elegant and classic, maintaining a sporty line that has aged with exceptional grace. It's a car that turns heads today as much as it did the day it left the dealership.

Technology and features

In its time, the M3 E46 was a technological showcase focused on performance. The crown jewel was its S54 engine, a marvel of naturally aspirated engineering. The SMG II sequential transmission, derived from Formula 1, offered a radically sporty shifting experience for the era. Although it lacks modern screens and connectivity, its technology was where it mattered: in a perfectly tuned chassis, with a suspension capable of offering a sublime balance between agility and control, and brakes that matched its performance.

Competition

In the Olympus of early 2000s sports convertibles, the M3 Cabrio faced titans. The Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG offered the brute force of its V8, with more of a luxury 'muscle car' character. The Porsche 911 Carrera Cabriolet (996) was the eternal rival, with its rear-engine configuration and undeniable racing pedigree. Another contender was the Audi S4 Cabriolet, which opted for a V8 engine and the security of Quattro all-wheel drive, offering a different and more versatile approach.

Conclusion

The BMW M3 Cabrio E46 is much more than just a car; it's a rolling legend, the zenith of a philosophy that prioritized the connection between man and machine. It offers an analog, intense, and deeply rewarding driving experience that is almost impossible to find in current vehicles. It's an investment in pure automotive happiness, a modern classic that combines performance, sound, and the freedom of the wind in one of the most desired and exciting machines ever created by BMW.