BMW 3 Series Convertible (E46)

The BMW 3 Series (E46) had already been familiar for two years when the four-seater convertible joined the series in 2000. It was based on the sporty, elegant contours of the coupé, and up to the A-pillar the two bodywork profiles were actually identical. However, a rather different rear end combined with the elegant hood to give the convertible a highly individual character. The soft top was made of fabric but it was exceptionally robust and produced to a very high standard of quality. This meant that it did not lose its shape even when the car was being driven at high speeds. Although the roof was extremely well insulated and was indeed snow proof, a hardtop was offered as an option from 2001. From 2003, a fully automatic convertible roof was offered for all models. This mechanism opened and closed the compartment housing the convertible top when it was activated. The driver could operate the mechanism from the cockpit or by using the remote control.