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  #1  
Old 10-23-2006, 07:43 PM
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New 3-series convertible unveiled - (updated with hardtop pics)

BMW today released initial details on the 2007 3-Series convertible, which will go on sale early next year. The car will make its debut at the Detroit auto show in January. Like its coupe counterpart, the cabriolet will be offered in both 328i and 335i editions in North America, and 325i and 335i guises in Europe. BMW says the 306 horsepower 335i model will reach 62 mph in 5.8 seconds.

The model now comes with a three-piece electronically-operated retractable hard-top; a first for BMW. Because the roof features a larger rear glass windscreen and side windows, visibility has improved by 38 per cent compared to the outgoing model

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible

-Innovative folding hard-top roof
-World’s first Sun-Reflective leather upholstery
-All-new petrol engines with High Precision Direct Injection
-World’s first convertible car with through-load luggage storage

Spring 2007 marks the introduction of BMW’s new 3 Series Convertible. Available initially in 325i and 335i guises, but followed closely by smaller engined variants and diesel-powered models, BMW’s new open-top will deliver the ultimate in performance and refinement thanks to a number of innovations. Featuring the first electronically operated folding hard-top roof offered by BMW, the world’s first car to be offered with SunReflective seat cooling leather and a brace of all-new powerplants, the 3 Series Convertible is set to remain the segment leader.

Model---------------Price OTR-------Power (hp)-----Torque Nm------0–62mph (seconds)------Top speed (mph)-----Combined mpg

BMW 325i Convertible----£33,030-------218-----------270-------------7.6--------------------152-------------------35.8

BMW 335i Convertible----£37,895-------306-----------400-------------5.8--------------------155*------------------28.5


* Electronically limited

The fourth generation of BMW’s open-top four-seater heralds a new chapter in the history of the BMW Convertible. While the existing triple-layered fabric roofs currently showcased in the 6 Series Convertible and the Z4 Roadster are unsurpassed in heat and noise insulation, the designers of the new 3 Series Convertible decided to raise the bar again. The model now comes with a three-piece electronically-operated retractable hard-top – a first for BMW.

Stowed or raised in approximately 22 seconds, the new roof has been introduced, not only for added security, but also for better visibility and a greater feeling of space and light for occupants. Because the roof features a larger rear glass windscreen and side windows, visibility has improved by 38 per cent compared to the outgoing 3 Series Convertible.

The unique way in which the roof folds also maximises available boot space. With the roof up 350 litres of storage capacity beckons while with the roof down, the boot can still accommodate up to 210 litres of luggage. In another world first, the rear seat backrests of a 3 Series Convertible can also be folded flat to provide additional storage space. As an option, a through loading system with transport bag can also be specified to allow for longer or bulkier items to be accommodated and it can still be used when the folding metal roof is lowered. For added practicality, a stowed roof can be electronically raised out of the boot area to allow for longer items such as golf clubs to be secured before being folded away again.

SunReflective Technology
The new BMW 3 Series Convertible can also be specified with the world’s first Sun-Reflective Technology leather upholstery. Now owners of BMW’s latest four-seat sun-trap can enjoy the warm weather and leave the roof down for prolonged periods without singeing themselves on the seats or armrests. Special pigments embedded into the leather help reflect infra-red radiation ensuring treated areas that are exposed to sunlight for a prolonged period can remain up to 20 degrees cooler compared to untreated leather.

New High-Precision Direct Injection engines
BMW is renowned for producing some of the most innovative powerplants and the new 3 Series Convertible features a range of engines that set them apart from the competition. A choice of two petrol engines, both with new High-Precision Direct Injection technology, offer the best blend of performance and economy. Further engine variants will follow during the model’s life cycle.

The new High-Precision Direct Injection system on the BMW 3 Series Convertible uses centrally-mounted piezo crystal injectors spraying atomised fuel vapour directly into the combustion chamber. Combined with Bi-VANOS variable valve technology the system delivers the most efficient burn of fuel for maximum power and parsimonious economy.
The fruits of this technology are highlighted by the impressive performance figures posted by all of the petrol-powered 3 Series Convertibles. The 325i Convertible with its all-new 218hp six-cylinder engine develops 270Nm of torque. The open-topped 325i covers the 62mph sprint in 7.6 seconds and can attain a top speed of 152mph. However, it is still capable of a combined consumption figure of 35.8mpg.

Representing the flagship of the range is the 335i Convertible with its twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre engine. Using an aluminium cylinder block rather than the magnesium alloy unit from the 325i Convertible, but with the added benefit of lag-free forced induction, the 335i posts a zero to 62mph time of 5.8 seconds. The 306hp engine, higher than the output of the E36 BMW M3, has been restricted to a 155mph top speed. Fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 28.5mpg. Peak torque of 400Nm from just 1,300rpm through to 5,000rpm gives the driver a real surge of effortless power, acceleration and flexibility.

Both the 325i Convertible and the 335i Convertible come as standard with a six-speed manual gearbox. A new six-speed automatic transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles first shown on the 3 Series Coupé can also be specified.

Future powerplants to be offered
Following the introduction of the 325i Convertible and the 335i Convertible, three further engines will be introduced. The 320i Convertible with its all-new 170hp four-cylinder engine will accelerate from zero to 62mph in 9.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 136mph, yet still manages 42.2mpg on the combined cycle.

The 3.0-litre straight-six powering the 330i Convertible is the world’s lightest production six-cylinder engine and is also one of the highest performing. The 2,996cc 272hp unit is capable of propelling the 330i Convertible from zero to 62mph in 6.7 seconds and is electronically limited to 155mph. The car returns an excellent fuel consumption figure of 34.9mpg on the combined cycle.

For those who prefer the enhanced economy of a diesel engine without wishing to lose any on-road performance the 231hp 330d Convertible is also offered. With a torque curve flatter than a 14th Century map of the world, the 500Nm peak output of the second-generation common rail engined 330d Convertible offers smooth and swift motoring. Zero to 62mph is dispatched in 7.1 seconds and top speed is 152mph. The 330d Convertible posts a combined consumption figure of 40.9mpg.

The BMW 3 Series Convertible will make its debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 7 January, 2007. It will go on sale in the UK in March, 2007.









Last edited by LeMansX5; 10-24-2006 at 07:50 AM.
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  #2  
Old 10-23-2006, 08:28 PM
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any pics with the top up?

Curtis
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Old 10-23-2006, 08:30 PM
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Coming soon!
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Old 10-23-2006, 08:35 PM
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noice, I usually don't like verts but that is nice.
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Old 10-23-2006, 09:19 PM
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I like it a lot with the top down. However, the pics I've seen with the top up looks fugly.
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Old 10-24-2006, 01:30 AM
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I like it alot and am very happy they went with the hardtop instead of the rag top. The rag top is the main reason i never got a convert. But now that they are hardtop i may go with a convert M3. I will have to see how much heavier they are first though. Im willing to take a 200lb increase at most and even that is alot. By the way why is the 6 series still a rag top. I hate that.
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Old 10-24-2006, 07:47 AM
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Hardtop pics






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Old 10-24-2006, 09:34 AM
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LeMans,
You're the best!! Thanks for the posts...........


The front looks way better than the rear.........That rear side shot does not look BMW.........The straight rear shot isn't too bad, but the rear from the side is just plain ugly......
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Old 10-24-2006, 11:28 AM
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The Dealer lots in my area are filled with E46 Cabs, I am going to see what I can get one for. I have had an E90 loaner for a couple days and my impression is mixed. Handling is a 10, exterior look is a 7, and interior function (this one has idrive) is a 3.

The E46 is by far a better car from the interior standpoint, here is why

The E90 window switch placement is lame, you have to lean forward to use them, the dash has everything squished between the 2 main gauges for no reason that I can understand. The gauge font is boring and the 2 main gauges are very uninspired.

The dual climate controls are easy to use but again they have packed all the buttons in the middle of the 2 control knobs making them hard to access and see from some angles. The dash rolls away on the passenger side so you can’t see the entire control face either. The steering wheel is very comfortable but is also very uninspired in it’s design.

The Turn signal has to be the most annoying system I have attempted to use. The arm does not stay when you move it up or down so if you are going to change lanes and accidentally click it on the only way I can figure out to stop the turn signal is to click the opposite way and that activates the other turn signal for a second or so.

Cup holders are a joke, again for the driver to use it you will need to reach for it and if you spill even a drop of your coffee it’s right above the passenger side carpet. They are those stupid fold up things that have been breaking of the 5 ser since 97, but BMW decided to use them anyway.

iDrive is hopeless, I am sure you could get use to it but a car needs to function like an iPod, no instructions needed. If you need to read the manual to understand how a system works, the system is a failure IMHO.

The outside mirrors may look nice but the shape cuts out the top of the outside corner and makes the viewable area much smaller than previous BMW’s.

The Door handles stick out inside in some odd wave look.
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Old 10-24-2006, 11:40 AM
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Prediction - BMW's best selling convertable (with a back seat) ever!
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