We've all seen the BMW 3 Series Convertible before. We've also seen the BMW M3 Coupe. A Photoshop novice could have shown us the Convertible M3 even if BMW hadn't already shown it to us in Geneva.
But that failed to prevent BMW from covering the car with a sheet before its official North American debut at a press conference today in New York, or sharing once again a bounty of information on the latest M3...
This hardtop convertible joins the traditional coupe and the new sedan in the M3 lineup. The convertible will have a 4.0-liter V8 capable of 420 horsepower, and a seven-speed SMG, as well as the visual cues that distinguish the other M3s from their (comparatively) lowly brethren.
Scheduled to go on sale this spring, the M3 convertible will start at $65,725. -- Brady Holt, Student Journalist
SubyTrojan says:
06:53 PM, 03/19/08
How much does the car weigh? It has 6 more crank hp than the Coupe?
bradyholt says:
07:12 PM, 03/19/08
It seems that the BMW spokesman was generously rounding or perhaps flat-out mistaken when he quoted 420 horsepower at the press conference. Company literature confirms that the convertible, like the other M3s, has "only" 414 hp.
While weight specifications are not in the supplied booklet, BMW estimates for the 0-60 suggest the hardtop's added mass is not insubstantial. It estimates the convertible at 5.1 seconds to 60, compared to 4.8 and 4.7 for the sedan and coupe, respectively.
SubyTrojan says:
07:32 PM, 03/19/08
Thanks, Brady! Congratulations and keep up the great work! Don't forget to have fun! :o)
I think the sedan should have the slower manufacturer-claimed 4.8 second 0-60 time (although I'm guessing Chris or Josh have already beat that time (without roll-out)).
bradyholt says:
07:43 PM, 03/19/08
At some point, I will get some specification about this car right. I dare someone to try and tell me that it's not $65,725 (including destination). Just try.
Now the facelifted Kia Optima coming tomorrow: that's one I would know inside and out.
SubyTrojan says:
08:26 PM, 03/19/08
It's cool, Brady!
I might as well throw in a shameless plug for IL's news article about the car while I'm here. Interestingly, it says 420 hp, too.
http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=124370
The truth is out there. :cues X-Files theme music:
ateixeira says:
10:03 AM, 03/20/08
$66 grand? That's so high my nose is bleeding.
I guess now that they have the 1 series convertible on the way, for a low low price of about $33-50 grand, the 3 series can skyrocket in price.
Too bad the 1 doesn't have much of a back seat.
blueguydotcom says:
02:37 PM, 03/20/08
Poseur car. It's designed for people who want to say they have a M3 but really don't give a hoot about performance.
hondacura4 says:
08:17 AM, 03/22/08
Ive always been a huge fan of the M3 in terms of all around performance and engineering. My favorite M3 would probably be the E30 version.
In terms of styling I prefer the E46 as it looked athletic and the details were there. The E9X lacks the detail and crisp styling of the E46, its almost as if BMW cheapened the car in some way. The white car above looks a bit plain.
I know every auto manufacturer wants to broaden the appeal of every product they offer but they shouldnt do it at the expense of core values. This is my biggest problem with Honda and BMW of late.