La nouvelle BMW 320Cd Cabriolet (texte en anglais)

Munich. The first BMW Convertible with a diesel engine is making its world
debut at the 2004 Paris Motor Show, opening up a new dimension of all-round
economy, driving dynamics, and the unique experience of motoring in the open
air.

Symbiosis and synergies.
The extra-smooth and refined 4 cylinder diesel power unit is a perfect
match for the BMW 3 Series Convertible, bringing out typical BMW assets such as
efficient dynamics and superior comfort in a particularly impressive manner:
The BMW 320Cd Convertible is a very good example of how
elegance, sporting performance and efficiency can be perfectly combined.
This modern self-ignition power unit is absolutely convincing through its
superior refinement, harmonious power, and muscular acceleration from low
engine speeds. Indeed, it represents the latest state of the art in engine
construction, developing maximum output of 110 kW/150 bhp and maximum torque of
330 Nm/243 lb-ft.
Displacing two litres, this diesel engine has already proven its qualities most
successfully in other models in the BMW 3 Series, featuring in some countries
such as France in 80 per cent of all 3 Series sold in the market.
The drivetrain itself has been taken over from the 320Cd Coupé and modified for
the BMW 3 Series Convertible. The differences lie in the engine management as
well as the drivetrain itself, incorporating a ?shorter? final drive as well as
a special exhaust system modified for the Convertible. The chassis and
suspension has also been modified accordingly, corresponding by and large to
the units and components in the BMW 330Ci Convertible.

Setting the benchmark in engine technology.
The four-valve power unit develops maximum output of 110 kW150 bhp at 4,000
rpm, sufficient for a top speed of 211 km/h or 131 mph. What is at least as
important and crucial to superior driving pleasure, however, is the harmonious
surge of power and the ?beefy? torque of the direct-injection engine: Maximum
torque of 330 Nm or 243 lb-ft comes at just 2,000 rpm, with 295 Nm or 217 lb-ft
being developed at an engine speed just slightly above the idling limit, that
is at 1,500 rpm.
The success of this unique BMW engine is based, inter alia, on its
second-generation common rail fuel injection system with a volume-controlled
fuel pump. Fuel is injected even faster at a pressure of 1,600 bar and is dosed
and atomised even more efficiently, mobilising more power and superior motoring
refinement on even less fuel than before.
Benefitting from internal improvements within the engine such as the subsequent
injection of small amounts of fuel in order to oxidate soot particles,
optimised exhaust gas recirculation, a catalytic converter fitted close to the
engine, as well as tumble flaps in the intake system, the 320Cd Convertible
outperforms the EU4 emission standard even without a particle filter.
Elegant but mean (in terms of fuel consumption).
The dynamic qualities offered by this high-tech power unit in the open-air BMW
3 Series are only one of the car?s many fortes. For despite its remarkable
performance, the new BMW Convertible is definitely a ?mean? car when it comes
to fuel consumption, consuming a mere 6.3 litres of diesel fuel on 100 km
(equal to 44.8 mpg Imp) in the composite EU cycle, and thus being able to cover
a distance of up to 1,000 kilometres or well over 600 miles on one single tank.
This alone makes visits to the gas station not only rare, but also affordable.

The sporting cruiser.
Anybody wishing to drive the new Convertible in dynamic, sporting style will
definitely have a good time, with the 320Cd Convertible accelerating to 100
km/h in a quick 9.7 seconds. An even more impressive exercise is the car?s
acceleration in fourth gear from 80?120 km/h (50?75 mph) in just 7.5 seconds
(and in 9.2 seconds when using fifth gear).
The drivetrain with its six-speed manual gearbox fitted as standard comes with
a short, sporting transmission ratio allowing the driver to move this elegant
convertible in a very dynamic and sporting style or to cruise smoothly and
gently, relaxing and enjoying life at the wheel. Top speed comes in sixth gear.

The comfort diesel.
Benefitting from its two balance shafts, the 4 cylinder diesel combines supreme
smoothness with a high standard of vibration control. Regardless of whether you
are driving the new model open or closed, the typical diesel sound fades away
into the background, creating the acoustic impression of a petrol engine under
nearly all driving conditions. Precisely this makes the
diesel convertible simply ideal for enjoying the benefits of the flexible power
unit not marred in the slightest by the unpleasant diesel noise of days gone
by. Indeed, the diesel is so quiet that ambient noise is now sometimes louder
than the sound of this refined engine even when started cold.

How about a bit more?
Already very well-equipped from the start, the 3 Series Convertible comes with
a wide range of attractive options meeting virtually all wishes and
requirements.
The new diesel convertible is available in the two Exclusive and Sports
Editions offering the customer attractive equipment packages. Inter alia, these
include 17-inch light-alloy wheels, specially selected metallic paintwork and
upholstery, as well as special features such as chrome trim and interior
panels. Additional features and special items of equipment also come for
specific markets over and above these edition packages. In Germany, for
example, the attractively priced Exclusive Edition includes Adaptive
Headlights,
a multifunction steering wheel, xenon lights, seat heating, and a rain sensor.
The world is changing also in the car market.
BMW?s two successful 320Cd and 330Cd Coupés have already proven that the modern
diesel engine can also be successful in segments previously restricted to the
petrol engine. And since demand for dynamic and at the same time very
economical cars has increased in recent times also in the open-air market, BMW
will be introducing the 320CD Convertible in good time for the next open-air
season in spring 2005.

Launching the 320Cd Convertible destined exclusively for European markets, BMW
is concentrating on the largest segment of diesel convertibles.
Apart from ?classic? convertible countries such as Germany and Great Britain,
Western European markets with a large share of diesel vehicles such
as France, Italy, Belgium and Spain will be among the main sales markets.