German automaker revealed the 3 Series Coupe and Convertible’s new facelift in January 2010, ahead of its auto show debut from Geneva.
The new 3 Series Cabriolet boasts redesigned front and rear lights, restyled front apron as well as a new and innovative BMW ConnectedDrive entertainment feature. The engine range has been improved to develop more power and torque, while returning Euro 5 level emissions. BMW also introduced with the occasion of the facelift two new units, the 318i petrol and the 320d EfficientDynamics diesel engine. New color schemes and upholstery choices were also released with the facelift.

BMW introduced the fourth generation 3 Series Cabriolet in the spring of 2007.
The biggest novelty about this model was the three-piece electronically-operated retractable hard-top (revolutionary new device within the BMW range) and enlarged rear & side windows for better visibility. Another innovation developed by BMW and fitted into this latest generation Cabriolet consisted of a Sun-Reflective Technology leather upholstery. The 3 Series Cabriolet was based on BMW’s new E93 automobile platform and initially came with a choice of 325i and 335i variants. Later on, the model received several small engines for a wider range to choose from. The top-of-the-range 335i model benefited from a 3.0L twin-turbocharged unit delivering 307 hp that was mated to a standard 6-speed manual transmission (6-speed automatic with steering-wheel-mounted shifting paddles was also available as an optional feature). Car’s on-road performances were very impressive too, with a 5.8-second score on the 0-60 mph sprint and an electronically-limited speed of 155 mph.

Both the Coupe and Convertible versions of the fourth generation BMW 3 Series received minor updates in 2003.
The new 3 Series Convertible kept its E46 automobile platform but featured new headlights, redesigned front wings and revised bumpers, while also updating its tail lights. Also, this was the last time the 3 Series Cabriolet was equipped with a soft top. This model was fitted with a newly-improved BMW On-board Navigation System and Park Distance Control unit. It was replaced by the 5th generation Cabriolet, featuring an innovative electronically-operated hard top.

BMW launched its 4th generation 3 Series in 1999.
Initially available in coupe and station wagon body configurations, the 3 Series received a new convertible body style in 2000. Based on the coupe version, this 3 Series convertible benefited from a wider, longer and lower body structure and a newly-designed windscreen. It was also fitted with plenty of active safety components, including standard Automatic Traction & Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control or rear head restraints. All powerplants were mated with M3-developed SMG gearboxes (featuring steering-wheel-mounted shifting paddles), including top-of-the-range 330Ci and M3 variants.

BMW introduced a new generation Cabriolet version of the 3 Series in 1993, one year after the introduction of both 4-door saloon and 2-door coupe variants.
Based on BMW’s new E36 automobile platform, the new Cabriolet was available on both European and North American markets (it appeared a year later in the US) and featured a longer & wider body compared to the previous generation model. Also, car’s handling was significantly improved thanks its new 50/50 weight distribution construction. The new generation model was equipped with the same soft top from the E30-based version while benefiting from a revised rear suspension and updated engines.

BMW unveiled an open-top version for its successful 3-Series in 1986, four years after the model’s second generation.
The German carmaker was not at its first open-top 3-Series, but unlike the E21 3-Series, it was fully convertible. Its predecessor was only a top-cabriolet produced by Karroserie Baur had the side windows, B-pillars, and C-pillars kept in place. With the 3-Series Cabriolet, BMW entered the world of accessible, daily-driver convertibles.

Its front fascia was similar to the rest of the range, featuring double headlights and a black grille at the front. Its wrapped-around, front plastic bumper featured a lower apron for the fog lights, offered as an option, and a small lip underneath. Its straight lines and slightly flared wheel-arches made it a timeless classic, proving the value of its minimalist design.

Inside, the car carried over the interior from a 3-series coupe. Its driver-oriented dashboard featured a tilted center stack and the angular-shaped instrument cluster. On the base trim level, the car sported a cloth interior, but BMW offered a leather upholstery. Despite its short wheelbase, its rear seats were usable but with limited legroom. The tall transmission tunnel prevented a third person in the back, and the carmaker advertised the car as a four-seat vehicle. The 3-Series Cabriolet offered a decent trunk size for a long journey or a short holiday, even with the top down.

Under the hood, BMW installed a choice of three engines ranged between a four-banger 1.8-liter and a 2.5-liter inline-six. All versions were available with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.