The BMW 3 Series Cabrio is an icon of German motoring – that’s a fact. With a budget of €10,000, we can realistically choose among all five generations: E21, E30, E36, E46, and E93 (a derivative of the E90 sedan version). Interestingly, €10,000 allows consideration of models ranging from 1978 to 2013—spanning 35 years! So check this out.
It’s worth noting that the sixth and seventh generations of the 3 Series don’t come in a Cabrio version, as this role has been taken over by the BMW 4 Series. Before the E21, models like BMW 1600 and 2002 were available in convertible form but aren’t formally considered part of the 3 Series.
Continuing the Series: Convertibles Under €10,000
In the previous article, we looked at the Mini Cooper Cabrio, another characterful car that’s also available within a €10,000 budget (main article). Check out the main article for a full list of 32 cars — each one with its own in-depth review!
BMW E21 Cabrio (Baur) – the beginnings of open-air pleasure
- Production years: 1978-1982
- Available engines: including 315, 316, 318, 320, 323i.
- Features: Rare conversion by Baur, unique Targa design, collector’s value.
Buying your first E21 Cabrio can be challenging at almost any budget—unless the car has undergone a full restoration, it may bring surprises. Prices start around €5,000, but these will be highly demanding restoration projects.
BMW E30 Cabrio – iconic youngtimer
- Production years: 1985-1993
- Available engines: including 318i, 320i, 325i, and M3.
- Features: Timeless design, iconic status, highly appealing to collectors and enthusiasts.
With a €10,000 budget, acquiring a second-generation E30 Cabrio is quite reasonable. Although not perfect specimens, cars offered at this price usually come from informed sellers aware of their value. It’s possible to find E30s starting at half our budget, but like the E21, these will likely incur additional expenses. It’s worth noting that E30 Cabrio prices are quickly rising, so buying now could be a good investment—if you choose wisely. Well-maintained or restored models with under 200,000 km mileage can easily fetch over €25,000, making a €10,000 restoration project a realistic starting point for future profit.
BMW E36 Cabrio – classic of the ’90s
- Production years: 1993-1999
- Available engines: including 318i, 320i, 325i, 328i, and M3.
- Features: Classic ’90s styling, straightforward technology, easy availability of parts.
The third-generation E36 Cabrio remains a great option within a €10,000 budget. At this price, you can find decent examples, though not perfect. Offers can even be as low as €4,000-5,000 but usually require significant investments—particularly in the roof, electronics, and bodywork corrosion. Well-preserved E36 Cabrios are gaining collector interest, making them potentially profitable investments. Perfect examples with low mileage already cost around €15,000-18,000 and continue appreciating. The side profile with the roof down remains uniquely attractive, similar to the later E46.
BMW E46 Cabrio – sporty character with elegance
- Production years: 2000-2006
- Available engines: including 318Ci, 320Ci, 325Ci, 330Ci, and M3 and two diesels
- Features: More contemporary styling, high-quality interiors, excellent driving characteristics.
The fourth-generation E46 is currently one of the best compromises between modernity, driving comfort, and price. €10,000 is an ideal starting point for finding a good example without major surprises. Cheaper models (around €6,000) often have higher mileage, mechanical issues, or require roof service. The E46 Cabrio won’t lose significant value now, and well-maintained examples with appealing color and equipment options will slowly appreciate. Six-cylinder models, which sound great and retain value well, are especially recommended. Although the 143 hp 318Ci isn’t a speed demon, it remains the safest option at this budget. Personally, I consider the E46 Cabrio the most beautiful open-top 3 Series created—the profile with the roof retracted is simply stunning.
BMW E93 Cabrio – modernity with a hardtop
- Production years: 2007-2013
- Available engines: including 320i, 325i, 330i, 335i, and M3 and diesels
- Features: Metal retractable roof, contemporary BMW comfort, and technology.
The fifth-generation E93 Cabrio is the newest model within the €10,000 budget range. Although some examples are available at this price, they usually have higher mileage or questionable service histories. A realistic solid purchase typically requires increasing your budget to €12,000-15,000. The E93 features an electrically operated hardtop, enhancing year-round usability but potentially incurring expensive repairs if issues arise. While it could be a good long-term investment, significant appreciation might still take time. Although offers abound at €10,000, I find this model least appealing due to common roof mechanism problems. For those wanting a practical year-round daily driver, however, the hardtop could be advantageous. Personally, I’d consider the second-generation Volvo C70 (2005 onward) a more interesting choice.
Common issues by generation:
- E21: Body and floor corrosion, roof leaks, carburetor and ignition system issues, suspension wear.
- E30: Advanced corrosion (rear arches, sills, windscreen area), roof leaks and wear, fuel system issues (pumps, injectors), electrical problems, suspension bushings wear.
- E36: Corrosion, roof sealing issues, cooling system failures.
- E46: Roof hydraulic system problems, electronic issues, suspension wear.
- E93: Roof mechanism failures, electronics, engine problems (especially 335i).
Summary
All BMW 3 Series Cabrio generations essentially offer the same essence in progressively updated versions. Each generation includes calmer four-cylinder engines and the renowned inline-six (R6). Each generation’s side profile unmistakably identifies it as a 3 Series Cabrio. As previously mentioned, all generations are attainable within the €10,000 budget. Notable differences include the introduction of diesel engines in the fourth (E46) and fifth (E93) generations, which were not offered in earlier Cabrio generations. Another significant feature is the hardtop introduced in the E93, which has both advantages and disadvantages. Although I haven’t forgotten the V8-powered M3 E93 and other M versions, these remain beyond this budget. Prices for the cheapest M3 Cabrios start from around €20,000, often requiring further investment.
If I were choosing one model specifically, I’d opt for a post-2000 BMW E46 320Ci with a 2.2-liter inline-six—and I might soon begin searching for one myself. It’s the youngest soft-top 3 Series Cabrio featuring a fantastic-sounding, responsive inline-six engine, which also holds value better than four-cylinder models. For me, it strikes the perfect balance between the underwhelming 318Ci and the fantastic 330Ci, the latter often requiring a slightly higher budget to avoid problematic examples. And it’s my winner for today.