BMW 3 Series Convertible: Auf Wiedersehen To Cloth

Motoring Channel Staff - 1/Nov/2006

Munich, Germany — The biggest news surrounding the 2007 BMW 3 Series Convertible - traditionally the German car maker's biggest seller - is that it now features a metal folding roof. This improves security in general and also makes it far more acceptable to drive in bad weather.

The northern spring in 2007 will mark the introduction of BMW's new 3 Series Convertible (Cabriolet) in the US and Europe, and it will be available initially in 325i and 335i guises, but followed closely by smaller engined variants and diesel-powered models that will be more affordable.

The new drop top 3 Series range is expect to arrive in Australia about mid-way through 2007, and will make it's first official debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 7 January, 2007.

BMW says that it's new mid-sized open-top cruiser will deliver the ultimate in performance and refinement thanks to a number of innovations. One, it features the first electronically operated folding hard-top roof offered by BMW, and two, is the world's first car to be offered with SunReflective seat cooling leather and a brace of all-new powerplants.

Metal Folding Roof

The fourth generation of BMW's open-top 4-seater heralds a new chapter in the history of the BMW Cabriolet, explains the Bavarian automaker, which at the same tries not to cast too much doubt on its existing triple-layered fabric roofs (currently showcased in the 6 Series Convertible and the Z4 Roadster) by adding that they are allegedly unsurpassed in heat and noise insulation.

But now the new 3 Series model now comes with a 3-piece electronically-operated retractable hard-top, which not only offers better protection from thieves and weather, but also looks a lot smoother and sleeker than a cloth-roofed vehicle.

Stowed or raised in approximately 22 seconds, the new roof has been introduced not only for added security says BMW, 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, which is very large for a convertible, 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 the 3 Series Cabriolet 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 says BMW.

SunReflective Technology

The new BMW 3 Series Convertible can also be specified with the world's first Sun-Reflective Technology leather upholstery. BMW explains that owners of BMW's latest 4-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.

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 like Audi, Mercedes and others. A choice of two petrol engines, both with new High-Precision Direct Injection technology, offer the best blend of performance and economy, and BMW says that other 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 Cabriolet (Convertibles). The 325i Cabriolet (Convertible) with its all-new 2.5-litre 160kW (218hp) 6-cylinder engine develops 270Nm of torque. The open-topped 325i covers the 100km/h sprint in 7.6 seconds and can attain a top speed of 244km/h (152mph). However, it is still capable of a combined consumption figure of 6.8L/100km (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 Cabriolet (Convertible), but with the added benefit of lag-free forced induction, the 335i posts a zero to 100km/h time of 5.8 seconds. The 225kW (306hp) engine has been restricted to a 250km/h (155mph) top speed explains BMW, and fuel consumption on the combined cycle is 8.5L/100km (28.5mpg). Peak torque of 400Nm from just 1300rpm through to 5000rpm gives the driver a real surge of effortless power and acceleration.

Both the 325i Convertible and the 335i Convertible come as standard with a 6-speed manual gearbox and a new 6-speed automatic transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles (first shown on the 3 Series Coupé) can also be specified.

Future Powerplants

Following the introduction of the 325i Cabriolet (Convertible) and the 335i Cabriolet (Convertible), three further engines will be introduced. The 320i Convertible with its all-new 125Kw (170hp) 4-cylinder engine will accelerate from zero to 100KM/H in 9.2 seconds before going on to a top speed of 219km/h (136mph), yet still manages 5.7L/100km (42.2mpg) on the combined cycle.

The 3.0-litre straight-six powering the 330i Convertible is the world's lightest production 6-cylinder engine and is also one of the highest performing. The 200kW (272hp) unit is capable of propelling the 330i Convertible from zero to 100km/h (62mph) in 6.7 seconds and is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155mph).

For those who prefer the enhanced economy of a diesel engine without wishing to lose any on-road performance the 170kW (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 100km/h is dispatched in 7.1 seconds and top speed is 245km/h (152mph).

The BMW 3 Series Convertible will make its official public debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit on 7 January, 2007.

Related articles:

- BMW 3 Series (2006)
- BMW 3 Series Coupé (2006)
- BMW M5