Munich,
Germany -The BMW 3 Series convertible is an automobile for
individualists - for people who love open-air driving and want to set
themselves apart from the crowd, but who have no inclination to give up
everyday practicality. Now, there is a new BMW convertible that further
heightens the pleasure of top-down driving and offers even greater
esthetic distinction. It is the BMW convertible as interpreted by BMW M:
the new, unique M3 convertible.
Like
its predecessors, of which some 13,000 examples were built in two
generations, the new 3rd-generation M3 convertible radiates its own
presence like no other automobile in the world. As a new variation on
the already successful E46 3 Series convertible, this sporting four-seater
with fully automatic soft top makes its debut in spring 2001, rounding
out the M3 line. It is the only truly high-performance, full four-seater
convertible in its market segment.
Though
identical with the M3 coupe from front end to A-pillar, this is a car
with its own identity. Its rising beltline and typical BMW convertible
proportions impart am visually lower stance and even stronger esthetic
character than the M3 coupe, whose muscularity is already quite
impressive. The convertible's length and width are identical with those
of the coupe; its height (with the top up) is 0.6 in. lower.
The
M3 convertible shares with its coupe stablemate all the typical M
qualities, from the new high-rpm, 333-hp engine(*) through the
skillfully calibrated M sport suspension and upgraded brakes to the
design elements one expects of a thoroughbred M Car.
In
the convertible's cabin, convertible-specific features add esthetic and
functional appeal. Power front sport seats, for example, are standard in
the convertible (they are optional in the coupe); they incorporate
seat-integrated safety belts and a power easy-entry feature to make
entering and exiting the rear seats especially convenient. The new M
sport seats, with their adjustable backrest side bolsters, are available
optionally. Details like these give the new M3 convertible an even
higher-caliber, more luxurious interior than that of its predecessor.
(The previous M3 convertible was available through 1999.)
Shared
with "regular" 3 Series convertibles is the thoughtful
variable soft top compartment, which accommodates the folded top but
allows increased cargo capacity when the top is raised. Conveniently
positioned for raised or folded top via a lever in the trunk, this
compartment increases trunk space significantly over that available when
the top is folded.
The
M3 convertible's soft top is lined (for interior quietness and weather
insulation), equipped with a heated glass rear window, and fully
automatic. From unlatching at the windshield header, to lowering the
side windows slightly, to raising its rigid magnesium cover and then
closing it, the top lowers completely at the push of a button - quickly
and quietly. It can even be lowered from the remote control. And of
course raising it is just as easy. For top-down driving, a wind
deflector is available. For long winters, BMW offers a removable hardtop
crafted of aluminum, and a roof-rack carrier system for the hardtop is
also available. An available Cold Weather Package includes a
trunk-to-interior ski bag.
An
impressive range of safety features
The
M3 convertible's safety concept and features are impressive. They begin
with a rigid body whose built-in level of occupant protection is
outstanding, and include a standard Rollover Protection System that
automatically deploys bars behind the rear seats in case of a rollover
accident. The seat-integrated front safety belts provide optimum fit on
occupants, and include automatic tensioners and force limiters as well
as a power adjustment for their upper anchor point.
On
the "active safety" side, all the special BMW M chassis
features found in the M3 coupe also apply here - widened tracks front
and rear, unique suspension and underbody components, upgraded brakes. A
new and unique M Variable Differential Lock enhances handling and
traction on both wet and slippery roads, but for BMW M even this is not
enough: BMW's Dynamic Stability Control, appearing for the first time in
M3 models, has been specially calibrated for these ultra-sporty
vehicles. (DSC encompasses traction control and cornering-stability
enhancement.)
M3,
however, means not just a sportier chassis but also an even higher level
of powertrain performance than is offered by the dynamic 3 Series
convertibles. Like its coupe counterpart, the new M3 convertible is
powered by the spectacular new M six-cylinder engine, whose unique
engineering features and high-rpm concept result in fully 333 horsepower
and 262 lb-ft. of torque. These figures represent dramatic progress in
performance - increments of 93 hp and 26 lb-ft. over the predecessor M3
engine, itself known as a brilliant performer.
Thoroughbred
sports-car performance
With
this new engine and the also new 6-speed transmission, the M3
convertible achieves true sports-car performance. Factory data for the
European version indicate acceleration from zero to 100 km/h (62 mph) in
just 5.5 sec.; 80-120 km/h (50-75 mph) in 4th gear takes just 5.9 sec.,
indicating that this engine delivers not just brilliant performance
through the gears, but also usable response at everyday driving speeds.
Top speed is electronically controlled to 155 mph.
Equally
impressive is the fuel economy this brilliant engine delivers. In tests
according to European standards, the M3 convertible achieved 19.4 miles
per U.S. gallon in overall driving, 26.7 in highway operation.
Performance and fuel-economy data for the U.S. model are to be announced
later; the U.S. version meets Low Emissions Vehicle (LEV) standards.
With
this new M3 convertible, BMW M has created a four-seater sports car of
extraordinary character and capabilities - one that is truly without
direct competition. To recap its essential qualities:
-
Dazzling,
ultra-responsive performance and handling
-
Harmonious
all-around concept and design, with true everyday practicality
-
Remarkable
efficiency and environmental friendliness considering the
performance level.
New
M engine also appearing in '01 M coupe and roadster
The
popular M coupe and roadster also get the new M six-cylinder engine for
2001. Here it develops 315 hp and 258 lb-ft. of torque, down slightly
from the M3 figures because these models provide less space for the
exhaust system; yet their lighter weight enables the new engine to
deliver even stronger performance than in the M3 convertible. Again
quoting factory data for the European models, 100 km/h (62 mph) comes up
in just 5.3 sec. from a standing start, and the 80-120-km/h pull is
achieved in the same 5.9-sec. time. Like both M3 models, the two Ms have
an electronically-limited maximum speed of 155 mph.
For
even sportier handling, BMW M engineers have extended the coupe's firmer
suspension calibration to the roadster. Both models now incorporate
Dynamic Stability Control for the first time. Also new is the Tire
Pressure Control monitor system, which informs the driver of any falloff
in tire pressure via an indicator in the instrument cluster. This too is
a standard feature in all M Cars for 2001.
Visually,
the classic design of the roadster and coupe is little changed; as on
the M3s, the M logo appears in updated form and the beefy 17-in. wheels
get the same elegant Satin Chrome finish found on the new M3s and the
top-of-line M5 sport sedan. Two new colors - Laguna Seca Blue and
Phoenix Yellow Metallic - are shared with the M3 models. Inside the
roadster and coupe, new gray dials with backlighted numerals freshen the
instrument cluster's appearance.
All
references to specifications and equipment in this text are for the U.S.
model.
(22.
November 2000 )
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