The new BMW M3 Convertible

Contents 1. Introduction p3 2. Drivetrain p6 3. Chassis p13 4. Market and history p17 5. Design p20 6. Q & A p24 7. Standard and optional equipment - (see separate documents) p27 8. Technical specifications p28 9. BMW Munich Plant p29 10. BMW Welt p33

1. The new BMW M3 Convertible
Introduction

The new BMW M3 Convertible, the third derivative and concluding chapter in the
current M3 line-up, adds a new dimension to the BMW M ownership experience.

Not only is the new open-topped M3 the first M car to feature a Retractable
Hard-Top, it's the first M3 Convertible to be powered by a V8 engine and the
first BMW to feature an all-new seven-speed M Double Clutch Transmission (M
DCT) as an alternative to the standard six-speed manual gearbox.

Although it possesses the same 4.0-litre, 420hp V8 engine as its M3 Coupé and
M3 Saloon siblings, the fourth-generation M3 Convertible is very much a model
in its own right. It has been designed from the ground up to be a four-seat
convertible with supercar performance that showcases market-leading technology.

BMW M3 Convertible (manual gearbox)
Power (Hp) 420 Torque (Nm) 400 Zero to 62mph 5.3 Combined mpg 21.9
Emissions (g/km) 309 Price OTR £54,760

BMW M3 Convertible (with M DCT gearbox)
Power (Hp) 420 Torque (Nm) 400 Zero to 62mph 5.1 Combined mpg 23.0
Emissions (g/km) 293 Price OTR £57,350

The new M3 Convertible produces more than twice the power of the original 1988
model, yet the spirit and design philosophy remains the same. With outputs of
420hp and 400 Nm, and following the precedent set by its forebears, the M3
Convertible engine comfortably breaks the all-important 100hp per litre
barrier. What's more, the new model has a power to weight ratio that is over
10 per cent higher than the outgoing E46 M3 Convertible - itself the previous
benchmark open-top sports convertible.

EfficientDynamics at the performance end of the market
The new M3 Convertible is both more fuel efficient and produces less C02 than
its predecessor, despite this breathtaking performance. The introduction of
BMW's EfficientDynamics programme - which features Brake Energy Regeneration,
Optimum Shift Indicator and lightweight materials - ensures that both running
costs and emissions are kept to a minimum. The M3 Convertible returns 21.9 mpg
on the combined cycle - a five per cent improvement over the previous
generation model.

Transmission champ
A new option for all M3 buyers is BMW's new seven-speed M DCT gearbox.
Offering drivers the chance to enjoy seamless gearshifts with no interruption
in power delivery, this state-of-the-art transmission is so efficient that it
outperforms the manual gearbox car in terms of acceleration, fuel economy and
emissions.

Lifting the lid
The new BMW M3 Convertible is the first M car to feature a Retractable Hard-Top
as standard. The electro-hydraulic roof is fully automatic and can be lowered
in
22 seconds. The M3 Convertible is fitted with SunReflective leather, allowing
owners to leave the top down for extended periods without the risk of the seat
leather overheating. With SunReflective leather, which was initially developed
by BMW Motorrad to keep motorbike riders cool in hot climes, the surface
temperature remains up to 20 degrees Celsius lower than conventional leather.

Chassis
Underneath the M3 Convertible's muscular torso lies a chassis and suspension
system tailor-made for the demanding requirements of an open-top car.
Torsional rigidity has been significantly improved over the previous model,
while the suspension has been fine-tuned to take into account the specific
weight distribution of a convertible.

Safety
The combination of a strong structure and advanced occupant restraint systems
means the BMW M3 Convertible offers the highest possible standards of passive
and active safety for occupants. Like the standard 3-Series Convertible, the
M3 version is equipped with a rollover sensor system that constantly monitors
the vertical and horizontal movement of the car. If the sensors (which are
located in the centre of the car, on the B pillars and in the doors) detect
that a rollover is imminent, roll bars located behind the rear headrests pop
up. At the same time, the front seatbelt pre-tensioners are activated and the
head/thorax airbags are deployed.

Klaus Kibsgaard, the new Managing Director of BMW (UK) Ltd, said: "To be
stepping into BMW's third largest market just as brand shapers such as M3s and
the X6 are launched is a rare treat. Throughout my time at BMW I have been
aware of the strong lure that the M badge has on our UK customers. This latest
car underscores our competitive advantage in the market place. It is the only
performance car of its type to feature innovations such as energy saving
technology and a folding metal roof.

"I believe the M3 Convertible is a sublime product and one of the best from M.
It will be hugely satisfying for both our existing M3 Convertible owners
looking to buy the new generation as well as prospects who, as yet, have not
had the pleasure of hearing an M engine on full song."

Market
The M3 Convertible goes on sale in the UK on 26 April 2008, priced at £54,760
OTR. BMW expects to sell approximately 900 M3 Convertibles in a full year.
This compares to 1,900 M3 Coupés and 400 M3 Saloons.

M3 Convertible key facts:
• First M3 Convertible to feature a Retractable Hard-Top roof.
• The only high-performance convertible in the sector to incorporate
specialist environmental fuel-saving and emissions-reducing technology.
• First M3 Convertible to be powered by a V8 engine.
• The eight-cylinder engine is lighter than the outgoing six-cylinder unit.
• First M3 Convertible to feature M Double Clutch Transmission. Available as
a £2,590 option. And it's cleaner, faster and more frugal than a manual
transmission.
• 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds* makes it the fastest M3 Convertible ever.

*Note: When fitted with M DCT gearbox.