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.