The Convertible Manual 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. The E36 M3 Manual convertible was initially offered with a 5 speed manual gearbox, but from the 1996 model year, a 6 speed manual became standard for European models (North American examples retained the 5 speed). Production of the Manual E36 BMW M3 Convertible ended in 1999, when the next generation E46 BMW M3 was introduced.