The Convertible Automatic version of the BMW E36 M3 was introduced in 1994. As with most performance convertibles, the E36 M3 open top was heavier and less rigid than its coupe and sedan siblings. Like all E36 M3s, European versions had more power than their North American counterparts. The European 3.0L inline six used between 1994 and 1995 produced 286hp, while the later 3.2L inline six produced 316hp. This contrasted with the North American variants, which used a 240hp 3.0L in 1995, which grew in 1996 to 3.2L without any significant increase in power, and only marginal increases in torque. Automatic equipped M3 cars were fitted with a 5 speed automatic gearbox, although an SMG version beame available in Europe starting in 1996. Production of the Manual E36 BMW M3 Convertible ended in 1999, when the next generation E46 BMW M3 was introduced.